ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The Rev. Scott Rogers will retire as executive director of Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry at the end of the year, closing out 45 years at the helm of the organization.

ABCCM announced Rogers’ plans during its General Assembly of Churches on Sept. 29. Rogers will remain involved with the ministry after stepping down, focusing on fundraising and helping establish a foundation intended to provide long-term financial support for ABCCM.

“It has been the honor of my life, and still is, to serve others in the name of Christ at ABCCM,” Rogers said in a news release.

Rogers has led ABCCM through decades of growth as well as periods of crisis, including the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene.

Member churches to vote on successor

ABCCM’s board has put forward Chief Operating Officer Brandon Wilson as the candidate to succeed Rogers.

The board formed a search committee earlier this year at Rogers’ request. After interviews over the summer, the committee recommended Wilson, who was introduced as the board’s candidate at Tuesday’s General Assembly.

The appointment is not yet final. Under ABCCM’s bylaws, member churches make the decision on the executive director.

Church representatives are scheduled to vote at the next General Assembly at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 24 at Transformation Village. Dinner begins at 5:45 p.m.

Rogers said he hopes ABCCM’s churches and supporters will continue backing the organization through the leadership transition.

“I hope you will join me in continuing your support of ABCCM under Brandon Wilson’s leadership and the team of dedicated, talented professionals who are working tirelessly to bring us together in unity to love and serve our neighbor(s),” Rogers said.

Listening sessions planned

Ahead of the November vote, Wilson will take part in a series of public listening sessions at churches around Buncombe County.

The hourlong sessions, called “Continuing ABCCM’s Mission,” are intended to give people a chance to talk with Wilson about the ministry and its future. They are free and open to the public, including people who are not members of the host churches.

Sessions are scheduled for Oct. 13 at The Orchard in West Asheville; Oct. 15 at Hominy Baptist Church in Candler; Oct. 20 at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in downtown Asheville; Nov. 5 at Francis Asbury United Methodist Church in Candler; Nov. 10 at St. Eugene Catholic Church in Asheville; Nov. 12 at Covenant Reformed Presbyterian Church and Tried Stone Missionary Baptist Church in Asheville; and Nov. 19 at New Life Community Church in Asheville.

ABCCM said additional dates and updates will be announced as they become available.

The organization said its ministries and services will continue as usual during the leadership transition.