CARY, N.C. — Provision Financial Resources of N.C. Baptists’ board of directors met March 27-28 for its spring meeting, focusing on organizational growth, expanded ministry impact and key initiatives for the future.

On Thursday, board members toured Provision’s newly renovated building. The renovations, which began last spring and were completed earlier this month, provide additional office space for the growing team and expanded conference rooms for meetings.

“It’s exciting to see how Provision is growing — not just in our impact, but in the infrastructure that allows us to serve churches and ministries even better,” board member Steve Adams said. “This renovation is an investment in the future of kingdom work.”

Provision President and CEO Harry Nelson added, “This renovation brings our facilities up to date, allowing us to better accommodate both our expanding team and the clients we serve. These improvements will help us further our mission by creating a welcoming, functional space that enhances collaboration and service.”

That evening, board members gathered for an appreciation dinner at the Mayton in Cary, where they were recognized for their leadership and service.

Provision’s OneFund surpasses $190,000, expands ministry grants

During Friday’s meeting, board members reviewed the impact of Provision’s OneFund, which launched in November at the N.C. Baptist annual meeting in Greensboro. Since then, the fund has raised $192,672 to support Christian causes, including:

• Disaster relief
• Scholarships
• Missions and ministry
• Adoption and foster care
• Church planting

“When we launched OneFund, our prayer was that it would become a powerful vehicle for generosity,” said Kevin Qualls, executive vice president of ministry impact strategies. “The response has been incredible. These funds are already making a tangible difference in lives and churches.”

To make financial support more accessible for churches, the board approved a new quarterly application process for its ministry grant program. The change will allow churches greater flexibility in applying for funds throughout the year.

“Ministry needs don’t just arise once a year,” Qualls said. “Moving to a quarterly application cycle will help churches receive support when they need it, strengthening ministry efforts statewide.”

Board approvals and service updates

The board voted to rename the Denominational Relations Committee as the Ministry Impact Committee, reflecting its broader role in advancing Provision’s mission.

Additional service updates included:

• Wills and estate planning: Since the launch of Provision’s free online will service last June, 153 wills have been started totaling $5.8 million in total estimated planned giving. The average donor age is 49.
• Church loans: In 2024, 16 loans totaling $9.4 million were closed. Since its inception, Provision’s church loan program has funded 111 loans in 61 North Carolina counties.
• Donor-advised funds (DAFs): Enhancements to Provision’s DAF program, set to launch this month, include:
  • Lower fees
  • A reduced minimum contribution of $1,000
  • A new online donor platform

Introducing the Co-Labor initiative

A key highlight of the meeting was the introduction of Co-Labor, a new initiative under Provision. In partnership with N.C. Baptists, the Center for Faith and Culture at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and other organizations, Co-Labor is dedicated to equipping Baptists to integrate faith and work for the common good.

As part of the initiative, the Co-Labor Conference will take place at Open Door Church in Raleigh on Oct. 11, 2025. Registration is expected to open next week at colaborinitiative.org.

“Work is a calling, and the gospel transforms the method and meaning of our daily work — including our vocations,” Corinne Nelson, director of Co-Labor, said. “This initiative is designed to help believers bridge the gap between faith and work, empowering them to be faithful stewards of their callings.”

Looking ahead

The next meeting of the Provision Financial Resources board of directors is scheduled for Sept. 11-12.

(EDITOR’S NOTE — Brandon Ward serves as vice president and director of marketing & communications for Provision Financial Resources of N.C. Baptists.)