Last October, the Baptist Children’s Homes (BCH) of North Carolina named David Melber, a veteran executive leader in Southern Baptist life, as the organization’s next CEO. When he was announced as BCH’s next leader, Melber said, “This is an opportunity to serve, to share the incredible needs, to build relationships and see the body of Christ mobilized so that lives are changed for all eternity.”

Prior to officially beginning his tenure with the Baptist Children’s Homes on Jan. 2, Melber took time to answer some questions from the Biblical Recorder about his new role, his vision for BCH, how God gripped his heart for adoption, foster care and caring for the vulnerable, and more.

The interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.

What attracted you to this role?

For two decades, we have felt a steady calling from the Lord, guiding us toward a role like this. During this time, (my wife) Tera and I have developed a deep awareness of the unique needs of vulnerable children and families. Personally, we have embraced this calling within our own family, gaining firsthand insight into the day-to-day realities of loving and supporting those who have faced early adversity. Having a diverse family has grown us in unimaginable ways. 

Each area of ministry within BCH holds a meaningful place in our hearts. From serving on the board of a maternity home and regularly taking our children to serve senior adults, to engaging in international partnerships and supporting families through adoption, fostering and caring for individuals with intellectual disabilities, these types of ministries have profoundly shaped our lives. The opportunity to contribute professionally to a ministry that aligns so deeply with our personal passions feels like an incredible gift — a tangible reflection of God’s grace and kindness.

You were able to spend some time at the N.C. Baptist annual meeting last November. What was that time like, and what’s been your initial impressions of N.C. Baptists?

Our time at the annual meeting was filled with several meaningful takeaways. Having attended many state annual meetings over the years, I was deeply impressed by the incredible attendance and the spirit of unity throughout. The ongoing emphasis on being “on mission together” was especially inspiring, reminding us of the vital connection between our gospel witness and the unity Jesus prayed for in John 17:20-26.

The warm welcome from everyone was incredible. It is also abundantly clear how deeply North Carolina Baptists value Baptist Children’s Homes. Tera and I are truly humbled by God’s blessing in allowing us to serve in this ministry, which holds such a special partnership with N.C. Baptists.

As you get settled, what are your plans to get to know the state and make sure people here in North Carolina get to know you?

First of all, Tera and I are both thrilled to have the opportunity to live on campus in Thomasville. This will be an exciting new chapter for us as we get to know new faces and integrate our lives into the ministry. We’ve dedicated a lot of time and effort into planning for the critical need to connect with the staff, churches and partners. Over the next couple of years, we will be traveling extensively to build relationships and engage with others. We truly value face-to-face interactions, as we believe they are the best way to foster meaningful connections and really understand people.

Alongside our travels, we are eager to work closely with the network of associations across the state. We also plan to develop online content, which we pray will be a helpful resource for strengthening connections and enhancing engagement with the N.C. Baptist family throughout North Carolina.

What’s your vision for BCH, and maybe some of your short- and longer-term goals?

Our short- and long-term goals will focus on three key themes: reconciliation, relationships and kingdom partnerships.

Reconciliation is a theme I will continually emphasize. One of my favorite passages of Scripture is 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, which reminds us that as believers, we are Christ’s ambassadors — called to help others be reconciled to God and to one another. As we serve families who have experienced brokenness, our ultimate goal will always be to see those relationships restored and renewed.

Building relationships with the staff of BCH is another central priority. I firmly believe that the greatest asset of any organization is its people. My efforts will focus on supporting and serving BCH staff across the organization, encouraging their spiritual growth and helping them develop the skills needed to better serve children and families. Investing in our team is investing in the mission.

Finally, kingdom partnerships will play a vital role in our work. The local church is God’s chosen instrument for expanding His kingdom, and BCH exists to serve the church by inspiring, equipping and mobilizing its members to live on mission for families in need. By fostering these partnerships, we can unite in advancing God’s work and extending His love to those who need it most.

You started your career in the business world and have held executive leadership positions with organizations like the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, the North American Mission Board (NAMB) and Send Relief. Tell us about your call to ministry, and how you believe God has used your experiences to prepare you to lead the ministry of BCH.

My call to ministry was profoundly shaped by the study “Experiencing God.” Tera first participated in the study with a group of ladies, and about a year later, I went through it with a men’s group at our church. At that time, I was deeply involved in a rapidly growing business preparing for an IPO (initial public offering) to become a public company. I was caught between the allure of financial freedom and independence and a growing conviction from the Lord about trusting Him with my finances. God challenged me directly, leading me to step away from secular work and instead pursue ministry.

This step of faith led me to seminary and eventually to 16 years of service with Crossings in Kentucky, 13 years as CEO. That season of working with camps and conferences focused on serving the local church was invaluable. It gave me a firsthand understanding of how an institution of the Kentucky Baptist Convention could partner with churches to reach students and inspire them to engage in missions. This experience further affirmed God’s calling on my life to serve His church and His people through ministry.

You and your wife, Tera, are parents to three biological and three adopted children. Tell us about your family, and how God led you to adopt?

The journey toward adoption began in December of 2003 during a visit to Moldova. I vividly remember entering an orphanage on a bitterly cold day. The building housed hundreds of children, but one moment remains etched in my memory. I walked into a room with 25-30 children, all 3 years old or younger, and the room was completely silent. I remember asking, “Why are none of these kids crying?” The response was heartbreaking: “They’ve learned that no one will come, so crying doesn’t help.” That moment profoundly impacted me, shifting my perspective. Instead of asking, “Why would we adopt?” the question became, “Why wouldn’t we adopt?”

Over the following seven years, our family grew from three children to six through adoption. During that time, my ministry roles at Crossings and NAMB/Send Relief continually exposed us to the deep needs of broken families and individuals in difficult, unheard spaces. Tera and I have felt a clear calling to bring awareness to those whose voices have been silenced and to witness the Lord’s healing in their lives.

Now, as we’ve entered the season of being empty nesters, we see how God has aligned our life circumstances with this opportunity at BCH. It is a privilege to dedicate this season of our lives to serving vulnerable children and families, trusting that God will continue to work through us for His glory.

Faith-based organizations like BCH have played a critical role in the child welfare system for many years, but they have faced increased challenges of late in areas pertaining to funding and pressure to compromise on biblical beliefs, values and convictions. How can BCH navigate these kinds of challenges now and in the future?

I firmly believe that BCH has the opportunity to continue demonstrating its immense value to the child welfare system, becoming an indispensable partner to the state. While some may fear that working with the government could lead to compromising our Christian values, I do not share that view. The child welfare system is inundated with overwhelming needs, and its workers face unimaginable workloads.

As a long-term partner, I am confident that BCH can continue to provide much-needed, high-quality care while remaining steadfast in our Christ-centered mission. By staying true to our values and serving with excellence, we can make a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable children and families while offering hope and support to those who are working tirelessly within the system.

What’s a fun fact about you, or something not a lot of people know?

I thrive on variety and enjoy a wide range of fun activities, including hiking, water sports, fishing, hunting and doing Tough Mudders with my kids. However, one of my favorite activities is playing Pickleball with my wife. We only started playing last year, though she’s quick to remind me that she’s been suggesting it for over 15 years! It’s been a wonderful way to spend time together and stay active.

Finally, you’re a native of Kentucky, where college basketball is big, and you’re now moving to another college hoops hotbed here in North Carolina. So who are you going to cheer for on the hardwood?

This is a bit of a challenging one, given that North Carolina has such deep basketball roots, and Kentucky fans still carry some lingering feelings about a certain Duke player from years ago! Honestly, my approach is simple: I’m happy to attend and enjoy any game, always hoping that it can lead to building relationships where we can discuss Jesus, His Great Commission and the opportunity to faithfully serve through BCH. However, as a proud Kentucky native, we remain loyal to our Cats!

(EDITOR’S NOTE — This Q&A originally appeared in the January/February 2025 issue of the Biblical Recorder magazine.)