A Movement Bigger Than Any One Church or Organization.
The Baltimore Antioch Leadership Movement (BALM) brings people, churches, and ministry partners together around a shared vision: seeing disciples make disciples, leaders develop leaders, and new and renewed churches flourish throughout Greater Baltimore.
Who We Are
Rooted in Baltimore. Connected by Mission.
BALM is a relational, Jesus-centered movement committed to helping more people encounter the hope of Jesus through disciple-making communities.
We believe lasting transformation grows through ordinary followers of Jesus who make disciples, leaders who equip others, and churches that participate in God's mission in their neighborhoods.
Our work crosses congregations, traditions, and communities because no single church or organization can accomplish this vision alone.
Our Story
How BALM Began
BALM's story began with a friendship and shared calling. In 1981, pastors Craig Garriott and Stan Long began a partnership in urban ministry that would span four decades. Through church planting, pastoral leadership, and cross-cultural ministry, they developed a shared passion for making disciples and developing leaders.
In 2018, that vision gave birth to the Baltimore Antioch Leadership Movement (BALM). What began as a partnership between two leaders has grown into a network equipping disciple-makers, renewing churches, developing new expressions of church, and bringing the hope of Jesus to communities throughout Greater Baltimore.
How We Work
Connect
Bring together people, churches, and partners who share a vision for making disciples.
Equip
Provide training, theological education, coaching, and practical support.
Multiply
Encourage disciples, leaders, and churches to reproduce beyond any one program.
BALM works through relationships, partnerships, and shared initiatives rather than trying to own or direct every expression of ministry.
Our role is to help create the conditions in which disciple-making communities can take root, grow, and multiply.
Our Story in action
Theological Education
Through its work with Metro Baltimore Seminary, BALM helps prepare emerging leaders through theological study, mentoring, and practical ministry experience.
New Expressions of Church
BALM walks alongside existing congregations through coaching, leadership development, and renewed disciple-making practices, as illustrated by its work with Abbott Memorial Presbyterian Church.
Church Renewal
BALM works alongside leaders and communities exploring simple churches, microchurches, and new approaches to making disciples.
Mercy & Justice
BALM encourages ministry that demonstrates the love of Jesus through tangible care for neighbors, including collaborative neighborhood projects.
The Movement Is Bigger Than Us.
We believe God is at work throughout Greater Baltimore, raising up disciples, developing leaders, and renewing communities. BALM exists to connect, equip, and encourage those who are responding to His call.