February 2026 | 9
Begin New Partnerships at New Pastor and Staff Orientation One of the values of the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio is to “prioritize the pastor,” and it starts the day a pastor begins serving in an Ohio church. By Stephanie Heading, managing editor
New pastors will also learn that ministry in Ohio isn’t meant to be done alone. “It’s a lot of partnering. It’s a lot of trusting,” Kocher not- ed. “We really aren’t a denomination. We are a network, a convention of churches that voluntarily cooperate to- gether for the greater impact of the kingdom.” In addition to gaining information, the event allows for networking with state staff and other pastors. “I think NPSO will benefit pastors. Just knowing who we are, what we do, and why we partner gives us a con- nection,” Kocher said. “We don’t want them just sending their money in, just to send it in. We want to have a con - nection with them.” Kocher believes that pastors and staff should know how SCBO uses Cooperative Program funding in its minis- tries. “Some of these guys have an SBC background, and they are coming in from different states. But I would say, most of these guys are not coming in with Southern Baptist roots,” he noted. “So, it really just gives us the opportu - nity to share what the Southern Baptist Convention does as a whole.” Registration for New Pastor and Staff Orientation is open at go.scbo.org/npso.
On March 10, Dr. Jeremy Westbrook and members of the SCBO staff will welcome all new pastors, church staff members, and church planters at the New Pastor and Staff Orientation (NPSO) at the SCBO Office in Colum - bus. The event will run from 10 am to 2 pm, and lunch will be served. Spouses are welcome to attend. The NPSO allows attendees to get acquainted with SCBO and learn about the partnership between SCBO and the local church. “It’s a time for new pastors and staff to learn about SCBO, what we do, and how we partner with churches,” said Buzz Kocher, SCBO director of strategic initiatives. “And also for them to learn about the wider Southern Baptist Convention – mission boards, seminaries – what we do as a convention as a whole, and how the Coop- erative Program works within our state with the 50/50 approach.” Pastors will also learn about Ohio associations and the relationships between the associations and local churches, as well as SCBO’s regional approach to minis- try through regional catalysts who serve as encouragers, helping local pastors in a myriad of ways.
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