February 2026 | 5
New SCBO Tech Options Now Available for Ohio Baptists 2025 was a year of updating our technology at SCBO. Director of IT AJ Frasure and his team worked tireless- ly to design new tech and media platforms – building a new user-friendly website, filming and producing our first video series celebrating the Cooperative Program’s 100th anniversary, shooting videos of events and activi - ties, and increasing our social media presence. But wait, there’s more! By Stephanie Heading, managing editor
Forward Together features the SCBO staff sharing their ministry experiences. Soon, Kocher will interview SCBO pastors in their areas of expertise as the content grows to incorporate topics such as the Cooperative Program, International Mission Board, Church Planting, Disaster Relief, and other areas of SBC life. “I think the sky is the limit with this because we just have so many people within our state who have really good insights,” Kocher said. The podcast has a three-fold purpose. “It’s equipping, encouraging, and connecting,” Kocher said. You can find Forward Together on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and at https://scbo.org/god-at-work. But wait, there’s even more! The Updated Ohio Baptist Messenger For almost four years, I have had the privilege of serving as the Managing Editor of the Ohio Baptist Messenger. Since day one, my goal has been to provide Ohio Baptist news in a more user-friendly format. That day has come. The updated Messenger layout is more streamlined than before, but it contains everything that’s in our cur- rent design, including articles by Dr. Jeremy Westbrook, SCBO President Dave Welsch, and SCBO catalysts, in addition to stories about Disaster Relief, Revitalization, Prayer, Pastoral Wellness, and many other ministries. You will still find stories of God’s work in Ohio, and up - dates from our churches about how evangelism grants are impacting their ministries. We will continue to pro- vide classified ads from churches looking for new pas - tors and staff, and graphics for upcoming events that will link you directly to the registration pages. The February issue is available in two versions – our current “Legacy Messenger” and the “Updated Ohio Baptist Messenger,” which can be found at OhioBap- tistMessenger.com But wait, there’s one last thing! Please, share our Forward Together podcast, SCBO App , and updated Messenger with others. Encourage your staff and ministry partners to download the app, listen to the podcast, and read the stories of God’s work in Ohio. Together, we can make Ohio Baptists more connected, encouraged, and equipped to rediscover Gospel Multi- plication!
In late 2025, two new communication tools were launched – the SCBO App and the Forward Together podcast. The SCBO App
Connecting with the state convention is now easier with the new SCBO App! “Over the last year, my team and I have carefully consid- ered what would make an app most valuable to you,” Frasure said. This app was created with you in mind, and I hope that you find the features easy to use and genuinely helpful to your ministry.”
In the app, you’ll find a range of new resources to equip you and your staff. There is a media tab where you can watch videos and listen to podcasts that will encourage you. The SCBO App also enables you to find and register for upcoming events.
“For me, the most exciting part of the app is our new Mobile Messenger, ” Frasure continued. “It has all the same content as our traditional Ohio Baptist Messen- ger, but it’s designed to be read on a mobile device, so you can stay connected wherever you are.” The SCBO App is available at scbo.org/app The Forward Together Podcast Forward Together is a ministry podcast that addresses the practical issues facing pastors, staff members, and churches. It is hosted by Buzz Kocher, SCBO director of strategic initiatives, “We want to have honest conversations,” Kocher said. “We are not trying to skirt around difficult issues.”
Made with FlippingBook Converter PDF to HTML5