Pray for Browns Chapel Baptist Church in Bishop, Georgia

Browns Chapel Baptist Church was established in 1898 in Bishop, Georgia, under the leadership of Zach Brown, Jim Well, Robert Brown, Frank Lumpkin, and Sam Braswell. Some of these were deacons from Mount Perry Baptist Church in neighboring Morgan County. Zach Brown lived in what was then known as the Brown Town community. It had a school—but no church. By God’s grace, Zach Brown donated land and the Browns Chapel Baptist Church was constructed!

In May 2012, J. Ricardo Smith began serving as the 16th pastor of Browns Chapel Baptist Church. After ten years under his leadership, the church has grown spiritually and numerically, tripling in size. In addition to his pastoral duties, Pastor Smith is the founder and host of the Classic City Conference. The conference exposes small to midsize church leaders to excellence in ministry through instruction, inspiration, and conversation. Pastor Smith is married to his lifelong friend, Rhondolyn Jones. They are the proud parents of one smart, energetic, and talented son, Jameson Isaiah. 

This month, the church is celebrating 125 years in the Oconee County community and continues to make an impact as a WORD-centered church through Worship, Outreach, Relationships, and Discipleship.

Join us as we pray for these specific prayer needs:

• • That BCBC will continue to transform their community through the Gospel.

• • Financial provision and the eradication of debt through their Grow Beyond Campaign.

• • Their search for the right person to fill the Director of Worship & Arts position.  

• • Consistency in Growth Groups (small groups) as they strengthen disciples through their ministry.

• • That the necessary partnerships are present for the next steps of the church.

• • Wisdom and clarity in addressing crime and gun violence in the Greater Athens Community.

• • Continued presence with young families and college students to ensure intentional intergenerational ministry.

• • That the annual Classic City Conference will continue to provide resources, empower leaders, and build relationships with pastors and church leaders.