By Sharon Mager
Bob and Jennifer Mackey
Reynold and Jocelyn Carr
COLUMBIA, Md.—Local directors of missions, their wives and Network leaders met on Feb. 25 at The Kings Contrivance Restaurant in Columbia, to honor Reynold Carr and Bob Mackey. Both men have retired from their positions as director of missions (DOM), effective the end of Jan. Carr served the Prince George’s Baptist Association for 15 years. Mackey served the the Baltimore Baptist Association for nine years, including three years as executive director of the North American Mission Board’s Embrace Baltimore.
While Mackey smiled, reminding his friends, “This is not a roast,” there were plenty of jabs and laughs.
Blue Ridge Baptist Association Director of Missions Bruce Conley, acting as emcee, shared that only those who have “been there” can understand what DOM’s deal with, visiting with pastors who are struggling with depression, working with church plants and planters, ministering to pastors who have dealt with death in their families and churches, pulpit supply, and, “the list goes on.”
Conley turning to Carr, said, “You’ve taken care of Prince George’s Association so well.”
Conley called Bob Mackey a “stellar leader.” Mackey was the first person he asked to speak at the Blue Ridge Association annual meeting when Conley first became DOM.
Mackey and Carr received plaques from the Mid-Atlantic Baptist Network, recognizing them for their years of service. Network Strategist Doug DuBois presented the plaque to Mackey and Chief Financial Officer Tom Stolle presented a plaque to Carr. Bruce Conley also presented plaques to both men on behalf of a newly formed Regional Network of Baptist Associations.
Others encouraged the men and their wives. Ward Holland said Mackey provided a “steady hand” in Baltimore, bringing together many diverse congregations.
June Holland said to Bob, “You were in the trenches, directing your young apprentices. You never took credit.”
June said Reynold Carr “has always been there.” She complimented him on his “Reynold’s Rap,” a weekly e-newsletter that shared about the local happenings in churches with a touch of Carr’s classic humor. June said Carr was always willing to lend a helping hand in Vacation Bible School.
Tom Stolle said Carr has a “heart the size of Texas.” Stolle said, “Prince George’s Association is better because you served there.”
To Mackey, Stolle said, “I love the way you value unity.” Stolle also commented on Mackey’s leadership, calling him professional, leading with honesty and integrity.
Stolle also recognized Mackey’s wife, Jennifer, and Reynold’s wife, Jocelyn, saying, that neither Bob nor Reynold could have ministered so effectively without the support of their wives.
Other association leaders, including Keith Corrick and Dan Sheffield, said Carr and Mackey are great leaders, friends, and that they will be missed. Those unable to attend send accolades and well wishes.
In addition to the plaques, both men and their wives were given gift bags that included a variety of goodies including gift certificates to local restaurants. Both couples will remain in Maryland.