Since taking on the role of associational missionary for the Caroline Baptist Association in January, Chris McCarty said his focus has been connecting with the pastors.
“That has been my main push so far – get to know them, find out what they need, fill in for them when I can,” he said, noting pastoral care and support are priorities for him.
McCarty has been in the ministry for roughly 18 years. The Lord called him into the ministry in his late 30s. He began serving at a local church in the Cabot area. While working as a pastor, he completed his education at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. Throughout the years, he has served in a variety of areas at both large and small churches.
Most recently, McCarty served six years as the family and missions pastor at Mount Carmel Baptist Church in Cabot.
Serving at a church within the association, McCarty knew the associational missionary position was vacant and there was a need to fill the role. He said several people he highly respects encouraged him to think about pursuing the position.
“I talked to the chair of the search team and the Lord just really made it clear that this was the path He wanted me to take. So, I stepped out on faith and certainly He has confirmed that all along the way,” McCarty said. “We have a great group of pastors who are doing amazing things to grow their churches and to reach their communities. I want to be a part of that in any way I can to help them and support them. That is what I feel like God has called me to do.”
McCarty grew up in Central Arkansas. He attended Bryant High School and received his undergraduate degree through the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. He and his wife, Heather, have been married 29 years and have three sons.
McCarty enjoys fishing and spending time outdoors with his family.