New Georgia Baptist Mission Board facility designed to serve churches, advance gospel

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Pastors, associational missionaries, and city officials gathered Tuesday, Aug. 12, to celebrate the official opening of the Georgia Baptist Mission Board’s new ministry center and administrative offices in Alpharetta.

The event included remarks from local leaders, a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, building tours, and a reception.

“On behalf of 3,400 Georgia Baptist churches—1.1 million or so Georgia Baptists—we welcome you,” said Assistant Executive Director Andy Childs. “We’re so honored to celebrate today.”

Childs pointed to ministry tools already on display outside the facility, including the Disaster Relief command center, dental bus, and Mission Georgia van. “We have building tours available to kind of walk you through and share with you some of what we do across Georgia,” he told guests.

Executive Director Thomas Hammond, Jr., expressed gratitude to the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, GBMB staff, and Georgia Baptists across the state. “Most importantly, I want to say thank you to the Lord because without Him we can do nothing,” Hammond said.

“This building is not the Georgia Baptist headquarters. Every church is the headquarters,” Hammond stated, “and there are 3,400 of them across our state. We are here to serve churches…pastors are our heroes, churches are our priority, and Georgia is our mission field.”

Hammond emphasized that the building is a tool for prayer, planning, and action. “All that we do, we do for His glory,” he said.

Alpharetta Mayor Jim Gilvin welcomed the Mission Board to the community, noting that “government isn’t the solution—it’s you. It’s the people…Georgia Baptists make this community what it is.” Director of Public Safety John Robison echoed that sentiment, telling gathered GBMB staff, “I know the things you do, the light you bring when there's darkness, and struggles, and difficulties in the ministry that's done throughout the state.”

Jay McSwain, whose father built the facility in 2005, recalled that his father and a friend in ministry prayed over the property before construction began, placing Bibles opened to various scriptures in the doorways. “It’s incredible to know that the prayers he prayed and the faith he lived out are now continuing through the ministry that will take place in this building,” McSwain said. “The legacy that our dad gets to leave is all the administrative work that’s going to go on through Georgia Baptists through this campus facility right here.”

Stephen Fountain, chairman of the Georgia Baptist Convention Executive Committee and pastor of First Baptist Church Buford, read Proverbs 24:3–4 and led a prayer of dedication. “Those rare and beautiful treasures," he said, "are the people who have given their lives to serving the mission of the gospel all across our state. We give this space to You…help us to be good stewards of it.”

Chris Humphries, chairman of the Administration Committee and pastor of First Baptist Church Bainbridge, closed the program with a challenge from Colossians 3:23–24. “Whatever you do, do it heartily, as unto the Lord and not to men,” he read, dedicating the staff and ministry to God in prayer.

The new facility was designed to serve as a resource for Georgia Baptist churches. A centerpiece is a large conference room for Executive Committee meetings and statewide gatherings, with additional rooms equipped for ministry training and strategic planning. Dedicated areas are available for pastors and ministry leaders seeking space for study, retreats, or renewal.

“The goal is to make this building available to the churches we serve,” Hammond said. “We want them to know this center is here for them.”

The property also reflects a commitment to stewardship. A rooftop solar panel system, installed in 2021 by the previous owner, helps offset utility costs so more Cooperative Program dollars can go directly to missions. “We didn’t just purchase a building—we acquired a tool for ministry that reflects thoughtful stewardship and long-term value,” Hammond said.

“Every square foot of this building belongs to the Lord,” he added. “And it’s our responsibility to use it well—for the advancement of the gospel, the strengthening of churches, and the glory of God.”