Local churches unite to serve through BurkeChangers ministry

When the COVID-19 pandemic brought the world and mission trips to a standstill, youth pastors across the Catawba River Baptist Association faced a disappointing reality: their long-cherished summer mission opportunity with World Changers had been canceled.

But in that moment of uncertainty, a new vision began to take shape, one that would turn a global shutdown into a local movement of service.

“We wanted to take everything that made World Changers meaningful for our students and bring that same experience right here to Burke County,” said one CRBA youth leader. From that vision, BurkeChangers was born in 2020.

Over the past several years, BurkeChangers has grown into a powerful example of churches uniting for what organizers describe as true Kingdom Work: believers coming together across congregations to serve their community and share God’s love in tangible ways.

BurkeChangers weaves together the five key functions of the church — Worship, Discipleship, Fellowship, Ministry Service, and Evangelistic Missions — into a weeklong ministry experience.

BurkeChangers this year will run June 7-10.

Each day offers opportunities for spiritual growth and community engagement:

• Worship: Gatherings take place Sunday and Wednesday evenings for corporate praise and teaching.
• Discipleship: Morning and lunchtime devotions help participants reflect and grow in faith.
• Fellowship: Monday evening brings a pizza celebration at the park, fostering connection among local youth.
• Ministry Service: Crews spend Monday through Wednesday on mission worksites throughout the county.
• Evangelism: On Tuesday night, community block parties provide fun, food, and gospel-centered outreach.

Through the combined efforts of many area churches and partnership with Foothills Service Project, BurkeChangers has made a visible impact on Burke County.

Churches contribute in a variety of ways — from sending students and adult volunteers to providing meals, financial support, and materials for community projects. Many also help by donating bicycles that are given away at free block parties following gospel presentations.

“Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God,” reads 1 Peter 4:10, a verse that has become the heartbeat of BurkeChangers’ mission.

Organizers say the ministry continues to grow each year and welcome new churches to join in making a difference. For more information or to get involved, visit BurkeChangers.org.