Empowering Faith and Community
Supporting spiritual empowerment and community service at the KEMBA Center in Duplin, Sampson, Pender, & New Hanover County.
Welcome to THE KEMBA CENTER: "New Lenses, New Visions"
Our Mission
KEMBA Center, located in Warsaw, NC, is dedicated to community service aimed at uplifting the lives of those in our forty-six constituent churches. We focus on spiritual empowerment, education, and holistic support to strengthen families and advance the Kingdom of God.
KEMBA'S annual Anniversary Celebrating 55 years
Many of our churches in the association currently have vacant pulpits—some due to transitions from labor to reward, others from pastor resignations, and a few from mutual decisions to terminate leadership. Regardless of the reason, it is essential to have a uniform and clear process for filling these vacant pulpits.
During this joint training at the KEMBA Center, participants will be presented with the necessary processes that will cater to the needs of your congregation, regardless of membership size. This training also emphasizes the importance of community service and spiritual empowerment within the church community.
Handouts will be available.
Invitation from the Moderator
Moderator McDougald
Join us in exploring the new avenues of the Kenansville Eastern Missionary Baptist Association, where we focus on community service, spiritual empowerment, and transformative teaching & preaching. Our KEMBA Center is dedicated to empowering individuals through administration and ministry on another level to meet the challenges faced by our community.
Pulpit Vacancies in KEMBA
First Missionary Baptist Church Warsaw, NC
The church has announced the retirement of their pastor and is now accepting resumes for this important position. As part of our commitment to community service and spiritual empowerment, we invite candidates to apply. Church services are held on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Sundays. For further details on the application process, please contact Deacon Jessie Smith at 901.352.4208 or Ms. Brenda Dobson at 910.289.0984. Additionally, our partnerships with local organizations like the KEMBA Center enhance our outreach efforts.
Mount Gilead Missionary Baptist Church
Mount Gilead Missionary Baptist Church of Mount Olive, NC, is actively seeking a pastor to fill the vacancy of its pulpit. This role is vital for enhancing our community service and fostering spiritual empowerment within our congregation. For inquiries, please contact the Chair of Diaconate, Deacon Harley Carmichael, at 919-658-7230, or mail to the Pulpit Search Committee at P.O Box 761, Mount Olive, NC 28365. Additionally, we encourage involvement with the KEMBA Center as part of our outreach efforts.
Mount Hermon Missionary Baptist Church
Mount Hermon Missionary Baptist Church is currently vacant, and in the near future, a search committee will be formed to find a new leader who can enhance our community service efforts and promote spiritual empowerment. If you are interested in this opportunity or learning more about the KEMBA Center, please contact the church at 910-343-1265 or mail your interest to 504 Evans St., Wilmington, NC 28405.
First Missionary Baptist Church Chinquapin
First Missionary Baptist Church of Chinquapin, NC is seeking to fill their vacant pulpit. They are committed to community service and spiritual empowerment. For inquiries, please contact the church at 910-285-4811 or mail your interest to 3882 S NC 50 Hwy, Chinquapin, NC 28521. Additionally, you can learn more about their partnership with the KEMBA Center for community engagement.
First Missionary Baptist Church Magnolia
First Missionary Baptist Church of Magnolia, NC is seeking to fill their vacant pulpit with a dedicated pastor that will provide spiritual leadership and care for our congregation. The ideal candidate will serve as a minister, preacher, and shepherd guiding our community through Bible study, Sunday school, and worship services. This role involves delivering sermons, offering spiritual guidance, and leading our church with compassion and dedication.
To apply, submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to: Deacon Robert O. Moore at > romoore@gmail.com or by mail to 423 Carroll St. Magnolia, NC 28453.
Moderator's Desk
October Newsletter
From the Desk of the Moderator Michael C. McDougald
Grace and peace from God our Father…
To all pastors, chairpersons, & constituent churches, I pray that this letter finds you continuing in the Faith as we continually await the return of Our Lord and Savior Jesus, the Christ. The mandate is to stay prepared, make disciples and live our lives by supporting faith, family, and community.
The Summer is now behind us and Fall is upon us. The heat did not take us out because of His loving kindness. The season is also upon us to culminate the year for the Association in two pinnacle events, the Moderator's Ball and the Annual Session. Tickets are still available for the Moderator's Ball at $100.00 per person for a night of elegance, food, fellowship and fundraising; so mark your calendar October 11, 2025 Doors open at 4:00pm.
The 155th Annual Session will convene on Wednesday October 15-17, 2025. All churches are asked to be in presence for this your session. Letters have been sent to churches for their responsible financial support and requirement as a member church in good standings. The order of service will be forthcoming through email, regular mail, website, and social media.
Two of our constituent churches have called pastors to fill their vacant pulpits, First Baptist Calypso has called Reverend Willie Smith of Mount Gilead and St John has elected and called Reverend Moses Cannon as their successive pastor. Installation service dates have been been set with First Baptist Calypso November 2, 2025 4:00pm and St John November 8, 2025.
Continue to pray for these newly formed unions of church and pastor, as well as continuing in prayer for those constituent churches still in the search process.
May God Keep you and forever cause His face to shine upon. Prayers for a safe and blessed holiday season.
I pray that you are blessed of the Lord as we enter the '
Be Blessed and continue to pray for KEMBA Leadership.
Rev. Dr. Michael McDougald, Moderator
Campaign 1200 or Campaign 365
The future aspirations of many long-standing members include constructing a main worship sanctuary as their contribution to the KEMBA Center and its mission of spiritual empowerment. To realize this vision, our association must establish a stable financial portfolio that ensures a consistent flow of income over the next 3–5 years.
We are inviting as many churches and members as possible to participate in this community service initiative by committing to either $100 monthly or $1.00 daily, known as Campaign 1200 or 365. Please make checks payable to KEMBA and note the destination in the memo line. Thank you.
Purpose of Joint Usher Sessions
The move to Joint Usher sessions at the KEMBA Center was a vision and guidance given through much prayer and supplication. On the 5th Sunday, our great association is divided in three ways: a Northern session, a Southern session, and churches that engage in community service with 5th Sunday worship. This transition will unify our association into a two-way divide. Ultimately, I would love to see the session convene on the 5th weekend, either Friday or Saturday, thus allowing each church the freedom to set their worship as it sees fit for the 5th Sunday, fostering spiritual empowerment within our community.