Honoring 10 Years of Faithful Service
Celebrating Ed Gregory’s Impact on the Baptist Convention of Iowa
This August marks a significant milestone for the Baptist Convention of Iowa (BCI), and for Ed Gregory, a treasured member of the BCI Pastoral Ministry Team. Ed’s current tenure with BCI began in August 2014, and as we celebrate his 10 years of dedicated service, we reflect on the lasting impact he has had on our family of churches and our cooperative mission to fulfill the Great Commission in Iowa.
Watch the Thank You video from many BCI staff & pastors
Ed’s journey on staff with BCI dates back to his earlier role as Associate Executive Director from 1999 to 2004, bringing his total service to the convention to 15 years. During this time, he has been a steady and guiding presence, offering wisdom, encouragement, and support to pastors and churches across the state.
Ed’s extensive pastoral experience has been an essential component of his ministry. Before originally joining BCI in 1999, he served as pastor at Immanuel Baptist Church in Cedar Rapids from 1982 to 1999 and later at First Baptist Church of Anchorage, Alaska, from 2004 to 2014. Alongside his wife, Cynthia, who has been his steadfast wife and ministry partner for over 50 years, Ed has dedicated his life to serving the people of God. Together, they have raised four children and are the proud grandparents of many grandchildren.
When Ed rejoined the BCI staff, his role was clear: to strengthen BCI’s support of churches and pastors across Iowa. His vast ministry experience, coupled with his love for the people of Iowa, has made him an invaluable asset to the BCI team. Ed’s commitment to meeting with pastors, offering prayer, wise counsel, and consistent encouragement, has strengthened the health and vitality of many churches and pastors throughout the years.
Eric Schumacher, BCI Pastoral Ministry Director, and Ed’s team leader since last September, speaks highly of Ed’s contributions. “Ed blesses BCI with a unique and invaluable blend of experience, wisdom, compassion, and gentleness that serves both pastors and convention staff through word and example,” says Eric. “Every memory I have of working with Ed is good. His thorough, thoughtful, and wise thoughts flow effortlessly from his wealth of knowledge and experience. For the over twenty years that I’ve known Ed, he’s been a constant example of patient, gentle, and confident service to pastors.”
Tim Lubinus, BCI Executive Director, who played a key role in bringing Ed back to BCI, echoes these sentiments. “Ed has been our best connector—to BCI pastors and to BCI’s history,” says Tim. “His experience and wisdom have been invaluable. Whether a BCI pastor needed advice, pulpit supply, or encouragement, Ed is always eager to help.”
As we honor Ed Gregory’s 10 years of service, we are reminded of the impact one faithful servant of Christ can have on an individual or church. Ed’s faithful and diligent commitment to gospel ministry, his compassion for pastors, and his deep love for the churches of Iowa have left a unique mark on the BCI. We are grateful for his continued service and look forward to the many ways he will continue to bless our convention.
