CARY, N.C. – During the September board of directors meeting, The North Carolina Baptist Foundation took a historic step by voting unanimously to change its name to Provision Financial Resources of N.C. Baptists, Inc. This momentous decision was made to better reflect the organization’s comprehensive range of services, align with its core mission and values, and signal a fresh chapter in its distinguished history.
Clay Warf, the current president of Provision, shared his enthusiasm for this new change in the life of the organization, saying, “We have been looking at changing the name of The North Carolina Baptist Foundation since as far as 2008. It’s really exciting to see all the work that has been put in place over the past few months to see this finally come to fruition.”
This significant transition coincides with Clay Warf’s scheduled retirement at the end of the year, as Harry Nelson prepares to take over as the fifth president on Jan. 1, 2024.
Nelson expressed the reasoning behind the change, stating, “We believe this change more accurately reflects the breadth of services we offer, and it also serves as a more fitting representation of our core mission and values.”
The name “Provision” is deeply rooted in the Bible, specifically in Genesis 22, where God is described as Jehovah-Jireh, “the Lord Provides.” Here the Lord provides a ram caught in a thicket, offering it as a substitute sacrifice for Isaac. This name symbolizes God’s faithfulness and commitment to meeting the needs of His people, even in the most challenging circumstances.
Provision will continue to offer a comprehensive array of services to individuals, churches and organizations, including estate planning, scholarships, ministry grants, investments and loans. In addition, Provision will provide free stewardship education resources for individuals and churches.
Nelson explained, “While we recognize that God owns everything and is the provider of all our needs, we also recognize God chooses to work through His people to help make provision for the common good and the advancement of the gospel. That’s why it is our aim at Provision to encourage and enable faithful and wise financial stewardship for the glory of God and the good of the world.”
For those eager to learn more about Provision’s recent rebranding, you are invited to attend one of the many Provision events during the upcoming N.C. Baptist annual meeting in Greensboroon Nov. 5-6.
These events include:
- Breakout Session: “Leave a Great Commission Legacy – For Heaven’s Sake!” by Clay Warf, Monday, Nov. 5 at 3:30 p.m. in Cedar C.
- Event: Provision Meet & Greet, Monday, Nov. 5 at 8:15 p.m. at the Provision exhibit booth.
- Breakout Session: “Redemptive Investing for Churches and Ministries” by Harry Nelson, Tuesday, Nov. 6 at 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. in Oak A.
- Provision Financial Resources Annual Report: Tuesday, Nov. 6 at 6:35 p.m., General Session Hall.
To discover more about Provision’s mission and the services they offer, please visit their website at www.provision.org.
