Roger Byrd, a longtime member of the California Southern Baptist Convention’s (CSBC) Church Matters team, is retiring after more than 25 years of ministry service, effective December 31, 2026. CSBC Executive Director Pete Ramirez shared the news with the Executive Board at its September 9-10 meeting.
“After more than 25 years of serving in ministry with the California Southern Baptist Convention, I am writing to formally announce my retirement,” Byrd wrote in his letter of resignation to CSBC Executive Director Pete Ramirez. “As I reflect on more than 25 years of serving with the CSBC, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude. What began as an opportunity to serve has become a significant and deeply meaningful part of my life.”
Byrd’s tenure with CSBC dates back to March 2001, when the Executive Board unanimously elected him to lead the Convention’s worship leadership department, succeeding John McGuckin. At the time, Byrd had served as associate pastor of worship and education at Orangeburg Baptist Church in Modesto since 1984. He is a 1981 graduate of California Baptist College (now California Baptist University) and a 1983 graduate of Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, where he later served as a steering council member and chairman for the seminary’s Dixon School of Church Music.
Over the years, Byrd held numerous roles within California Baptist life, including moderator and music director for the Central Valley Baptist Association, music director for the CSBC annual meeting, president of the California Church Music Conference, and president of the California Singing Churchmen. He most recently served as a Consultant-Coach on CSBC’s Church Matters team, offering insight and experience to churches in prayer, discipleship, revitalization, worship, and more.
Reflecting on his time at the state level, Byrd pointed to relationships as the most meaningful part of his ministry.
“I appreciate the working culture of the Baptist Building team,” Byrd said. “Working closely within our group, I found friendships and camaraderie that continue today. The connections with churches through pastors and church leaders are very rewarding in my life. I love to see people discover their gifts, grow in their faith, and flourish in the work God has given them.”
Asked about the state of the church in California and where he sees it headed, Byrd expressed hope for what lies ahead.
“I’m optimistic about church growth in California,” he said. “We know that intensive prayer, bold evangelism, surrender and sacrifice, and dependence on God’s work will lead to statewide renewal in many churches. Revitalization and discipleship pathways will lead and train each believer to disciple the next generation. It’s a God-sized goal, and only the Lord can make it happen. If I have had one consistent hope throughout my years of ministry, it’s to leave people encouraged, strengthened, and better equipped for whatever God has planned for them.”
Byrd also urged California Southern Baptist churches not to overlook the value of cooperative giving.
“The Cooperative Program is the genius of Southern Baptist missions and the ‘secret sauce’ to being an Acts 1:8 church,” he said. “Every CSBC church should participate in CP and Associational Missions Giving.”
Colleagues who worked alongside Byrd for years praised both his professional contributions and his character.
Kathryn Vana, a current member of the Church Matters team, said Byrd’s leadership will leave a lasting mark on those around him.
“Roger’s guidance, wisdom, and commitment have shaped not only this organization, but all of us who have had the pleasure of working with him,” Vana said.
Jason Robertson, CSBC’s Church Matters Team Leader and Byrd’s current supervisor, pointed to Byrd’s character above all.
“Roger is faithful,” Robertson said. “He is faithful to the Lord, to his calling, to his family and friends, and to the work of the Southern Baptist. And because of that, I’ve never met a man more beloved by so many people across the state of California.”
Randy McWhorter, CSBC’s Healthy Church Leader, worked closely with Byrd for many years.
“Roger has consistently demonstrated competence, graciousness, and integrity in everything he does,” McWhorter said. “Highly organized and thoroughly dependable, he could always be trusted to complete every assignment with excellence. He has been a true team player who genuinely loves people and treats everyone with kindness and respect. Just as importantly, Roger has modeled the value of maintaining a healthy balance between professional responsibilities and devotion to family. His character, commitment, and friendship have enriched us all, and while he will be greatly missed, we wish him every happiness in this well-earned new chapter.”
Byrd will continue to work with CSBC on a contractual basis following his formal retirement, which Pete Ramirez was pleased to note.
“There are few in our organization as respected, or who know as much about California churches and church leaders, as Roger Byrd. It has been a tremendous blessing to watch him give so much, so faithfully. Everyone on our team is better for knowing and working with him,” Ramirez continued. “Above all, California Southern Baptists owe Roger a great deal, because much of our ministry success is due to him.
