Estrella Baptist Association

More than an Association. . . a Partnership

....But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see-I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people-for unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ, the Lord!" - Luke 2:10-11

Introduction from Dr. Rodney Hammer

Greetings in Christ! I am grateful to be elected to serve the Estrella Baptist Association as your new “Director of Missions”. Separately we will share my resume with you for you to know a little more about my background and passion for mission, ministry and partnering with churches in the expansion of the Kingdom.

The Search Committee and Executive Board of EBA have charged me with leading our Association in three areas:
 Church Planting
 Church Revitalization
 Pastor Encouragement
(please note they are in alphabetical order, and of equal importance)

I am blessed that the Lord has granted me much experience in each of these areas and am excited to work toward these objectives in partnership with you.

My plan for these first few months is the following:

1. Visit as many pastors and churches as possible. Twila in our Association office will be assisting me in scheduling visits with Pastors on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday’s and also some Sunday morning visits. If you would like for me to preach, share in Bible Study, or some other setting please let Twila know.

2. Begin a consultative and planning process with Pastors and leaders in the Association around the pursuit of the above three objectives.

3. Schedule and plan our Administrative Team, Executive Board, and Associational Annual Meetings. I will also seek to plan a Fall 2025 Equipping and Encouragement event on Saturday, September 27. If not possible this Fall 2025, then for sure in 2026.

Here are a few initial dates to get the ball rolling!

April 1 (no it’s not a joke) Administrative Team meeting

April 29 Executive Board meeting

September 28 Proposed Annual Meeting, 4-7pm, location TBD

We will re-envision the nature of the Annual Meeting, and we will hold it on a Sunday afternoon/evening in order to provide an opportunity for all church members, families and leaders to attend.

The Arizona Baptist Mission Network and North American Mission Board now call DOM’s “Associational Mission Strategists.” You will see that title on my business cards, our website, and in other places just to be consistent. I was called the Executive Director in my previous Associational role, but it doesn’t really matter to me what you call me. Just know that I am here to serve the EBA and our Lord and I greatly look forward to meeting many more of you and advancing the Gospel with you!

Dr. Rodney Hammer
EBA Associational Mission Strategist

WHY PREVENTING & RESPONDING TO SEX ABUSE IS ESSENTIAL FOR THE CHURCH?

We have a clear gospel call to care well for children, teenagers, & vulnerable adults. We must not turn a blind eye or deaf ear since it may be difficult or hard. We must respond!

DID YOU KNOW?
1 in 4 girls & 1 in 6 boys are sexually abused before they turn 18. (D2L)

Only 16% of child victims ever tell about their abuse. (NCAC)

A male abuser who molests boys has an average of 150 victims. A male abuser who molests girls has an average of 52 victims. (Emory University)

WHAT CAN MY CHURCH DO?
Every Pastor & church can learn how to Train, Screen, Protect, Report, and Care.

Gateway Seminary and MinistrySafe are working together to prevent children from sexual abuse.

MinistrySafe has a 5-part safety system which provides overlapping layers of protection: Awareness Training, Skillful Screening Process, Policy and Procedures, Background Checks, Monitoring and Oversight.

SBC Abuse Prevention Gateway/MinistrySafe