FROM THE DESK OF BISHOP OLIVER

2026 Church Theme

“Walking by Faith, Not by Fear”
2nd Corinthians 5:17

As New Calvary Baptist Church enters 2026, we do so with a determination to live boldly in the new life we have in Christ. The Apostle Paul reminds us in 2nd Corinthians 5:17 that “…if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” This truth anchors our theme, “Walking by Faith, Not by Fear.”

In a world marked by uncertainty, anxiety, and rapid change, the people of God are called to move forward, not paralyzed by fear, but propelled by faith. This theme challenges us to shift from merely believing in faith to actively walking in it. It is a call to trust God’s promises, embrace our identity as new creations, and live courageously in obedience to His will.

Walking by faith means allowing God’s Word - not circumstances, culture, or fear - to direct our steps. It means believing God even when the path is unclear, standing firm when fear tries to take hold, and moving confidently in the power of the Holy Spirit. Throughout 2026, this theme will serve as a spiritual compass for how we preach, minister, serve, and pray.

“Walking by Faith, Not by Fear” is a call to move New Calvary Baptist Church into a year of continued spiritual maturity, bold obedience, and renewed confidence in God. As new creations in Christ, we are called to leave behind fear, walk forward in faith, and trust that God is leading us into all that He has prepared.

By faith, we will walk.
By faith, we will serve.
By faith, we will pray.

And by faith, we will continue to become all that God has called us to be.

Be encouraged!

Bishop V. P. Oliver, D.Min., Pastor

A Response to the Recent Supreme Court Ruling

Dear Beloved Members of New Calvary Baptist Church,

Grace and peace be unto you from God our Father and from our Lord Jesus Christ.

The recent Supreme Court decision that has seriously weakened longstanding protections of the Voting Rights Act compels me to write to you. It is with a sober heart that I realize a need to speak to my flock concerning this latest attack on the voting power and political representation for people of color. While the Act has not been formally repealed by Congress, this ruling represents a serious setback for voting rights and may allow states to redraw political districts in ways that reduce Black representation.

For our community, this is not merely a political matter. It is a moral matter. It is a justice matter. It is a stewardship matter. The right to vote was not easily granted to our people. It was prayed for, marched for, bled for, jailed for, and in some cases died for. Our ancestors understood that the ballot was not simply a piece of paper. It was a voice. It was dignity. It was protection. It was participation in the shaping of a society that had too often ignored, exploited, and excluded us.

This ruling is a reminder that rights must be guarded in every generation. The immediate consequence is clear: we must become more vigilant, more organized, and more committed to civic responsibility. We cannot afford low voter turnout. We cannot afford political ignorance. We cannot afford to wait until presidential elections to become engaged. Local elections, school board races, city council seats, county offices, judgeships, state legislatures, and congressional districts all matter.

As your spiritual leader my assignment in this matter is very clear: to remind you that we are not a hopeless people. Our hope has never rested solely in the courts, Congress, political parties, or presidents. Our hope is in the Lord. Psalm 146 reminds us, “Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help.” Yet that same faith does not call us to withdraw to the sidelines of the struggle. It calls us to witness in the world. The prophet Micah tells us what the Lord requires: “…to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.”

Therefore, the believer’s response must be faithful and active. Yes, we will pray, but we will not be passive. Yes, we will worship, but we will also work. Yes, we will trust God, but we will also organize. We will love our neighbors, but we will also defend their rights. We will reject hatred, but we will not be silent in the face of injustice.

In the days ahead, I am calling our church family to recommit ourselves to the work of civic discipleship. Let us make sure every eligible member of our congregation and in our families is registered to vote. Let us help our young adults understand the power and responsibility of the ballot. Let us assist our seniors who may need transportation, information, or support. Let us study the issues, attend community meetings, and hold our elected officials accountable.

We must also teach our children that their voices matter. They need to know that they come from a people who survived slavery, Jim Crow, segregation, voter suppression, and every attempt to erase our dignity. They need to know that we are still here because God kept us, and because our mothers, fathers, their parents, and those before them refused to give up.

New Calvary, this is not the time to grow weary. This is the time to stand. This is the time to remember. This is the time to act. The Court may weaken protections, but it cannot weaken our resolve. Political lines may be redrawn, but they cannot erase the image of God in us. Laws may change, but the Lord still requires justice.

So let us move forward together with faith, courage, wisdom, and discipline. Let us be prayerful. Let us be peaceful. Let us be prepared. Let us be persistent.

And let us never forget: the same God Who brought our fore-parents through dangers, toils, and snares is still able to guide us now. So, be encouraged!

In faith and hope,

Bishop V. P. Oliver, D.Min., Pastor

The Distruction of The Mother African Union Church

Grace and peace be unto you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

This week, our hearts were deeply saddened by the devastating fire that destroyed the historic Mother African Union Church — affectionately known throughout our region as “The Motherland.” For generations, that sacred place stood as more than bricks and mortar. Dating back to the dark days of slavery, it has represented faith, freedom, perseverance, worship, and the enduring witness of the Black church in Wilmington and beyond.

Many souls were saved there.  Many prayers were prayed there.  Many sermons were preached there. Many burdens were lifted there.

The loss of such a historic sanctuary is painful not only for its congregation but for the entire Christian community. We grieve alongside our brothers and sisters who now face the daunting task of rebuilding after such a heartbreaking tragedy.

Yet even in moments like these, we are reminded that while fire may consume a building, it cannot destroy the Church of Jesus Christ. The presence of God has never been confined to stained glass, wooden pews, or sanctuary walls. Our hearts are steadied by words of 2 Corinthians 5:1 : “For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.”

The legacy of Mother Union still stands — in the lives transformed there, in the history made there, and in the faith carried forward by its people.

As the family of New Calvary, let us respond with prayer, compassion, encouragement, and unity. We lift up Reverend Dr. Ronald Whitaker, Pastor, the leadership, and congregation of Mother Union during this difficult season. And let this tragedy remind all of us not to take for granted the privilege of gathering together in worship.

Buildings are important, but souls are eternal.  Structures may fall, but faith still stands.  Ashes may remain, but hope still rises.

We believe God will bring beauty from these ashes, strength from this sorrow, and restoration from this loss.

Please continue to pray for the Mother Union Church family and all those impacted by this tragedy. Be encouraged.

With love, prayer, and hope,
Bishop Vincent P. Oliver, D.Min.
Pastor