Rehearsing Our Story
The story of Continental Baptist Missions begins with a small group of hardy pioneers in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Among them were Rev. and Mrs. Arthur Glen who were burdened by the practical needs of their fellow missionaries, many of whom worked under the most adverse circumstances. God led Arthur Glen to push for the founding of a service agency to meet those needs. In 1942 Hiawatha Land Independent Baptist Missions was born. An office was established in Escanaba, MI and Brother Glen was appointed Executive Director.
As a result, the landscape of Northern Michigan and Wisconsin is literally dotted with healthy, vibrant independent Baptist churches, a tribute to the tenacious pioneers who continued despite the sacrifice, skepticism, and scorn.
As missionary work expanded beyond the North Country, the Mission’s name changed to reflect the outward movement. In 1982, Hiawatha became Continental Baptist Missions.
Passing the Torch
Rev. Arthur Glen served as mission director until 1952, when his life was claimed in an automobile accident. Rev. Guy King then led ably for the next 21 years and the mission grew considerably. Under Rev. Art Cunningham, who served as Executive Director from 1973-1983, the Mission office moved to Grand Rapids, MI and the name was changed to its present form. Brother Cunningham's ministry was cut short by a massive stroke in 1983, and he was succeeded in 1984 by then chairman-of-the-board, Rev. Charles Vermilyea. From 1991-2006, the Mission emerged as a “Partner in Church Planting” under the leadership of Dr. Gerald K. Webber. In May of 2006, the Mission Board extended a call to CBM Church Planter, Rev. Bill Jenkin III, to serve as CBM’s sixth president. A spiritual product of CBM missionary endeavors in the west, Brother Bill brought with him a desire to minister to the needs of the Mission family and local church alike. In 2022, after evaluating the leadership needs of Continental Baptist Missions, the CBM board of directors named a team of three men to provide direction for the mission following the conclusion of Bill Jenkin III’s ministry as president. On June 9, 2022, the CBM board voted unanimously to appoint Brad Hoff as the CBM Administrative Director and Dallas Putnam as the CBM Finance Director, to work closely with the CBM Board Chairman Joshua Putnam.
Staying the Course
Though a great many things have changed since the early days of CBM—the really crucial things have not. Among those is CBM’s desire to assist churches and their missionaries in planting, revitalizing, and building churches in North America. Our Mission’s board, staff, and missionaries are united in their burden to make a difference in the spiritual landscape of the North American continent. We invite your prayers, your support, and your encouragement.