Skip to main content

2024-25 BCA History

Meetings

  • Virtual Board Meetings:
    • Summer: May 22, 2024
    • Fall: October 16-17, 2024
    • Winter: Jan. 10 & 27; Feb. 7 & 28, 2025
    • Spring: March 13; April 4, 2025
  • 11th Annual Fall Forum: October 17, 2024, International Mission Board, Richmond, VA
  • 70th Annual Workshop: April 21-24, 2025, The Menger, San Antonio, TX
  • 61st Annual Awards Ceremony: April 22, 2025, Casa Rio, San Antonio, TX

Officers

  • President: Bobby Puffenburger, Bay Leaf Baptist Church, Raleigh, NC
  • President-Elect: Brandon Elrod, North American Mission Board
  • Past President: Marilyn Stewart, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
  • Program Vice President: Heather Penna, Texas Baptists
  • Program Vice President-Elect: Amanda Smith, First Baptist Church, Montgomery, Ala.
  • Membership Vice President: Sarah Graham, California Southern Baptist Convention
  • Professional Development Coordinator: Sonya Singh, California Baptist University
  • Treasurer: Judy Bates, JSB Business Services
  • Communications Vice President: Macala Mays, Baptist Resource Network of Pennsylvania/South Jersey
  • Awards Chairman: Kathleen Sparks, International Mission Board
  • Awards Chairman-Elect: Lisa Misner, Illinois Baptist State Association
  • Historian: Cam Tracy, Union University
  • Executive Director: Margaret Colson

Lifetime Members Inducted

President's Remarks

Good morning, friends.

As I stand before you today, I am grateful for this community and the opportunity to serve as President of the Baptist Communicators Association. It’s hard to put into words how meaningful this season has been. In a role that carries some responsibility, what I’ve truly come to appreciate the most is the people, you.

During this year as President, I’ve seen firsthand the talent and heart among our members. I’ve watched stories come to life, truth be told, with conviction, and Christ lifted high through every medium imaginable. In all of it, I’ve been reminded of our calling as communicators.

So as this time as your President comes to an end, I’d like to share some thoughts I’ll carry with me—and I hope you’ll carry them, too.

  1. This work matters more than we know.
    The everyday work we do—writing stories, filming videos, taking photos, designing logos, drafting emails—might sometimes seem normal and unimpressive. But every project carries weight because you’re sharing the hope of the Gospel. The Lord uses your efforts, both in the public eye and behind the scenes, to draw people to Himself.
  2. Our excellence is worship.
    So many times this year, I have been repeatedly reminded that our best work doesn’t start with ambition—it starts with worship. When we pursue truth, creativity, and clear messages, we’re not just serving our churches and organizations well—we’re honoring Jesus.
  3. We are better together.
    It's so important that we encourage each other. A great thing about this role has been witnessing your support for each other and seeing how you all share ideas generously. We’re not meant to do this alone, and BCA is proof of that.

So, thank you for your continued commitment to making Jesus known in the world of communications. It has been a great honor to serve you. I’m so excited for what’s ahead, and I’m cheering each of you on as you keep telling and sharing stories that point to Jesus.

Let's keep pressing on — together. Thank you.

Workshop Recap

Communicators reflect on work done 'all in the name of the Lord' at 2025 BCA workshop

By Macala Mays & Alice Hobbs

SAN ANTONIO (BCA) – Baptist communicators from across the nation made their way to Alamo City April 21-24, for the annual Baptist Communicators Association (BCA) spring workshop.

Sitting in the shadow of the mission-turned-battlefield at the historic Menger Hotel, this year’s workshop called attention to the Gospel-driven purpose behind the work Baptist communicators do by considering the theme “All in the Name of the Lord.”

Each keynote and breakout session strived to equip the nearly 70 workshop attendees with tools to add to their professional toolbelts as well as a healthy reminder of why what they do matters, not just for the here and now, but for eternity.

Read Full Story

Awards

  • Arthur S. Davenport Award for Exceptional Achievement in Public Relations:
    California Baptist University for "A CBU Christmas 2024"
  • Diane Reasoner Award for Exceptional Achievement in Interactive Communications:
    Cassidy Higgins of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention for "Disaster Relief Ladies Reel"
  • M.E. Dodd Award for Exceptional Achievement in Audio-Visual Communications:
    William Haun of the International Mission Board for "Making Great iPhone Photos: Part 2"
  • Fon H. Scofield Award for Exceptional Achievement in Publication Photography:
    Philip King of the International Mission Board for "HBCU Students Experience International Missions"
  • Frank Burkhalter Award for Exceptional Achievement in News Writing:
    Kristen Sosebee of the International Mission Board for "IMB Outreach at Paris Olympics"
  • Leonard Holloway Award for Exceptional Achievement in Feature Writing:
    Tim Ellsworth of Union University for "Tristan Kelly: Running Toward Redemption"
  • Albert McClellan Award for Exceptional Achievement in Print Media and Design:
    René Zimny of Zimny Media for "Bogg Springs Baptist Camp Logo"

2025 Professional Awards