Rev. Scott Rogers Will Retire From ABCCM in 2026

The longtime Asheville leader plans to step down after 45 years of service at the Christian ministry.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Christianity

Bold vector editorial illustration of a wooden cross against mountain silhouettes, representing a community ministry leadership transition in Asheville.
Rev. Scott Rogers will retire from his leadership role at the Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry in 2026 after 45 years. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you trust local faith-based organizations to manage long-term leadership transitions effectively?

Rev. Scott Rogers will retire as the leader of the Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM) at the end of 2026. After 45 years at the helm, Rogers will transition to a focus on fundraising and establishing a sustaining foundation for the organization.

Why it matters

The leadership change marks a significant shift for a major regional nonprofit that coordinates support from over 300 churches. This transition follows a search process initiated by the Board of Directors to ensure the continued stability of the ministry.

Founded in 1969, the ministry currently utilizes a workforce of over 6,000 trained volunteers each year. The organization maintains three facilities with a total capacity of 450 beds to support its programs.

The players

Scott Rogers

He has served as the leader of the Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry for 45 years.

Brandon Wilson

He is the current chief operating officer of ABCCM and the designated successor candidate for the executive director role.

Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry

This faith-based nonprofit organization provides essential services to individuals across the region through support from hundreds of local churches.

The details

The Board of Directors introduced Brandon Wilson, the current chief operating officer, as the candidate for executive director following a search committee's interviews conducted over the summer. This leadership transition aims to maintain the nonprofit's extensive reach within the Asheville area.

Timeline

  1. 1969: ABCCM was founded.

  2. 1981: Scott Rogers started as executive director.

  3. Summer 2026: Search committee conducted interviews.

  4. Sept 29, 2026: Board introduced Brandon Wilson as successor candidate.

  5. End of 2026: Scott Rogers will retire.

Culture Shift

This transition follows the pattern of long-tenured executive departures detailed in the 2024 Nonprofit Leadership Transition report from the National Council of Nonprofits. The move highlights the broader shift in the nonprofit sector toward formal succession planning for foundational leaders.

The leadership change will not alter the daily operations of the ministry, which continues to rely on its network of 6,000 volunteers. Residents and those seeking services can expect consistent support from the three local housing facilities throughout the transition period.

The takeaway

Effective nonprofit leadership transitions often require years of preparation to maintain community trust and institutional stability. Supporters are encouraged to stay engaged as the organization moves toward its new administrative chapter.

Further reading

Learn more about local faith-based initiatives on the Christianity section page.

Source note: This article includes information reported by WLOS.

Live Poll

Do you trust local faith-based organizations to manage long-term leadership transitions effectively?