Josh Fraley, lead pastor of Euto Baptist Church in Marshville, N.C., will be nominated for president of the 2026 N.C. Baptist Pastors’ Conference during this year’s event.
Jordon Willard, senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Weddington, N.C., plans to make the nomination at this year’s conference, which is scheduled for Nov. 3-4 at the Joseph S. Koury Convention Center in Greensboro, N.C. The conference is being held prior to the N.C. Baptist annual meeting.
“Shepherding God’s people is a unique calling only to be held by men who are fully surrendered to Jesus, are characterized by Christ-likeness, and faithfully preach God’s Word,” Willard said in written remarks to the Biblical Recorder. “When I think of faithful shepherds, Josh Fraley instantly comes to mind. He is exemplary in the way he follows Christ, leads his family, and shepherds Euto Baptist Church through the careful and prayerful ministry of the Word. Not only does he love the Lord, his family, and his church, but he also has a deep and affectionate care for fellow pastors.”
Fraley has served as lead pastor of Euto Baptist Church since 2019, after previously serving as the church’s student pastor. Fraley has served in pastoral roles in N.C. Baptist churches for a total of 21 years, which includes serving as senior pastor of Red Cross Baptist Church in Oakboro, N.C., and as the pastor of pastoral care at Lee Park Baptist Church in Monroe, N.C.
Fraley is currently serving as vice president of the 2025 N.C. Baptist Pastors’ Conference and is actively involved in a variety of leadership activities at different levels of N.C. Baptist life. He currently serves on the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina’s board of directors and on the evangelism committee of the Union Baptist Association, which is based in Monroe, N.C.
In addition, Fraley serves as a directional leader for Union and Anson counties with the Residency Project N.C., which seeks to equip new and aspiring pastors to serve local churches in North Carolina. Fraley also serves on the Institute of Theology and Missions, which offers a variety of theological training options.
If elected, Fraley said he would work to plan a conference that offers encouragement to local church pastors.
“Pastors have the highest and most rewarding calling known to man, yet the calling is grueling, demanding, and constant,” Fraley told the Recorder in written comments. “Pastoring lends itself to isolation, loneliness, and discouragement. A biblically rich Pastors’ Conference offers encouragement and community from pastors and for pastors.
“The annual pastors conference is a corporate opportunity for ‘iron to sharpen iron.’ Pastors often come in on that opening Sunday tired and feeling defeated, and they leave Monday rejuvenated and confident. How? The Word is preached, wisdom is shared, and community happens. We need quality conferences that minister to the minister.”
Fraley is a graduate of Fruitland Baptist Bible College in Hendersonville, N.C., and Southern Evangelical Seminary in Charlotte, N.C.
Fraley and his wife, Maleah, have been married for 18 years, and they have four children.
Fraley is the first announced candidate for the 2026 N.C. Baptist Pastors’ Conference. Elections for pastors’ conference leadership positions are typically held two years in advance to allow adequate time to plan and secure speakers for the event.
