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- What is the
Greater Beckley Ministerial Association?
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- The stated purpose of the Greater
Beckley Ministerial Association is to promote the
spiritual and moral welfare of the greater Beckley area
by cooperative measures and programs within the Judeo-Christian
community. Although there are other ministerial
organizations in Raleigh County, the Greater Beckley
Ministerial Association is the most inclusive. Its
history can be traced back at least to 1881.
Each month, from September through May, area pastors and
Christian leaders meet to fellowship and share. The GBMA
provides a witness to their oneness under God. It
provides an opportunity for spiritual and intellectual
growth. It is a forum where current and relevant issues
can be discussed. The GBMA also provides pastoral support
and community services in times of special need.
One of the most successful projects which the GBMA has
ever adopted in the Helping Hands Community Resource
Center. Under the leadership of Dr. David Carrico, pastor
of the First Baptist Church, Helping Hands ministers to
300-400 clients per month. Helping Hands offers short
term assistance with food and clothing, travel,
prescriptions, and counseling. More than $20,000 annually
is given to help with needs in our community. This
ministry is supported by seventeen local churches which
use Helping Hands as a clearing house. Plans are also
underway to open a free medical clinic in a prime
downtown location.
Recently the GBMA launched a web site, which is
maintained by James P. Hale, director of communications.
The stated purpose of this web site is to prevent the
scheduling of more than one major Christian event in our
community for the same date and time, and to prevent
unintentional duplication of major Christian events. Any
area church can post their special events by sending them
to: gbmawv@usa.net. Churches which are planning events
can check the web site at http://gbma.cjb.net to avoid
scheduling conflicts.
Dr. Gregory Hayes, pastor of the First United Methodist
Church, also heads a committee which is exploring the
possibilities of adapting the covenant marriage concept
and getting area churches to sign on.
The GBMA is known in the community for planning community
Advent services in December which lead up to the
celebration of Christmas, as well as Lenten services in
the spring which lead up to the celebration of Easter.
Rev. John K. Jordan, pastor of Calvary Assembly of God is
the current president. Rev James Reed, pastor of St.
Mary's United Methodist Church is the vice-president. Rev.
Robin Debnam, pastor at Beckley Presbyterian Church,
serves as treasurer, and Patrick Lykens, also on staff at
Beckley Presbyterian, is the secretary.
Membership is open to any person who is a recognized
clergy of a congregation in the greater Beckley area. At
one time most Beckley churches were members of the GBMA,
but in more recent years an attitude of independence and
even isolation has sometimes broken down communication
and fellowship. While the leadership of the GBMA has no
desire to impose their agenda upon any local
congregation, area pastors are coming to realizing that
their congregation cannot singlehandedly meet all the
needs of the growing Beckley community. The agenda of the
GBMA is determined by those who attend and share their
concerns. The next meeting of the GBMA will be on
September 12, 9:30 AM at Beckley Presbyterian Church.
- -- by Dr. Vic. Reasoner, Pastor
of Wesleyan Chapel, Beckley, 2001
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- — Purpose —
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- Through the death and resurrection
of His Son, Jesus Christ, God calls us to:
- Guide all people into
a personal love relationship with Him.
Gather together with other believers, and
care for one another.
Grow as believers into mature disciples.
Give our time and gifts to serve our
community and the world.
Go forth and proclaim the saving love of
Jesus Christ to everyone.
- All of these are for the purpose of
glorifying God.
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- "Seek the welfare of
the city...and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its
welfare you will find your welfare." (Jeremiah
29:7) (English-RSV)
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- Rev. John K.
Jordan, President
- Rev. James "Jim"
Reed, Vice President
- Rev. Robert W. "Robin"
Debnam, Treasurer
- Patrick "Pat"
Lykens, ALP, CCE, Secretary
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- Dr. David L. Carrico, Past
President
- Dr. Vic Reasoner, Resource
Coordinator
- Dr. Gregory Hayes, Human
Services Coordinator
