April 2005
Volume 10, Issue 3 Inside This Issue:
April Directional Focus: Reaching Out to Next Generations
Strategic Plan Directional Focus for April 2005: Reaching Out to Next Generations 1
Welcome Don Horton, Moderator 1 2005 CBF General Assembly
1
Upcoming Events
2
Don Horton, Moderator
2
New Partnering Churches
2
Newly Endorsed Chaplains
2
April Prayer Calendar
2
Update on Missions
3
In Good Hands
5
Healthy Family Makeover
6
Larry Hovis, Coordinator
7
Financial Report
7
The April issue of The Gathering focuses on “Reaching Out to Next Generations,” the second Directional Point in the CBFNC Strategic Plan. To read the complete strategic plan document, visit www.cbfnc.org/strategic.htm.
March May June/July August September
Connecting Our People and Our Churches The Missional Church Communicating More Effectively Enriching Our Fellowship through Prayer Building Our Fellowship
CBFNC Welcomes Horton as Moderator At the General Assembly in March, Don Horton succeeded from moderator-elect to moderator. Don had served on the Coordinating Council with distinction for two years prior to becoming an officer, and he chaired the committee that revised the Bylaws to accommodate the new organizational structure. Don is a member of Zebulon Baptist Church, where he has served as a deacon chairman, church moderator and in many other capacities of leadership and service. He has also been a public servant, in state government and as town manager of Zebulon. He brings significant gifts to the role of moderator.
2005 CBF General Assembly in Grapevine, Texas June 29 - July 2
When Don was asked by the Nominating Committee to consider becoming moderator-elect, he said, “This is an answer to prayer. When I anticipated my upcoming retirement, I asked the Lord what he wanted me to do with my free time. Perhaps he is telling me to serve him even more through CBFNC.” Don is married to Jo Ann, who often accompanies him to Coordinating Council meetings. They have three children and six grandchildren. We welcome Don as our new moderator.
See www.thefellowship.info for details.
Page 2
UPCOMING EVENTS April 4, 2005, 10a.m. - 3p.m. A Culture of Call: The Congregation’s Role in Raising the Next Generation of Leaders, FBC, High Point. Sponsored by CBFNC, The Center for Congregational Health, and the Fund for Theological Education. For information, call Dawn Hall at (336) 716-0459 April 21-22, 2005 CBFNC Council Retreat Caraway Conference Center May 21, 2005 CBFNC/BSCNC co-sponsor a Smyth & Helwys Sunday School Literature Workshop First Baptist, Mebane For details, call 888-822-1944 June 30 - July 2, 2005 CBF General Assembly Grapevine, TX For details, see www.thefellowship.info October 14-15, 2005 CBFNC Pastor/Spouse Retreat led by Chuck Poole Winston-Salem, NC Watch for details to come.
CBF ANNOUNCES NEWLY ENDORSED CHAPLAINS FROM NORTH CAROLINA Posey Lee Branscome Charlotte CMC - University Hospital Donald Robert Lederer Hendersonville NC Department of Corrections
April 2005
NEXT GENERATIONS? - DON HORTON, MODERATOR First, let me thank each member of CBFNC for allowing me to serve you as Moderator. I pledge to use the wisdom and strength that God provides me to fulfill my duties and responsibilities. Second, please remember CBFNC, its staff and elected leadership in your prayers, that we may discern God’s will for this organization and that we may do our best to provide the workers and financial resources to carry out His will. The third directional point of our 20042007 Strategic Plan, Reaching Out to Next Generations, begins, “CBFNC desires to include and encourage next generations in its fellowship and ministries.” We then immediately define the next generation as young adults, teenagers, and children. When we were working on the Strategic Plan, I agreed with that rational thought process. However, as I began thinking about writing an article relating to this directional point, my mind began to expand the thought. The next generation is relational and includes all ages except the very oldest. To Mr. Leon Spencer, who was shown celebrating his 100th birthday in the March 5, 2005, issue of the Biblical Recorder, a 75 to 85 year old is the next generation. To the 80 year old, a 60year-old person is the next generation, etc. A concentrated effort to provide a solid foundation for our children and youth as they begin to develop their spiritual beliefs and values must continue to be a cornerstone of CBFNC activities. Our 2004 General Assembly included workshops entitled Can
WE WELCOME THESE NEW CBFNC PARTNERING CHURCHES First ...................Fairmont Kendalls .............New London
APRIL PRAYER CALENDAR
2 2 3 5 5 13 15 20 22 27 30
Children Worship and Growing Children of Faith. The 2005 General Assembly continued this emphasis with workshops on Building a MissionFocused Youth Program and the Village of Hope in Kiev, a mission project to help street children in that area. Another workshop at the 2005 General Assembly reinforced my belief that we should be intentional in meeting the needs of all ages. Multi-Generations in the Church dealt with the fact that there are now five identifiable generations of adults working together in the church. Yes, the children and youth need the foundations as previously discussed. Nevertheless, the generations of adults need our attention as well. Many young adults drift away from the church when the stress of earning a living, marriage and children become a reality. When the children leave for college or to start their own families, the church may become secondary as new adventures call. Retirement age brings its own challenges. In addition, yes, those wonderful grandchildren bring their own demands that can challenge our commitment to the church. Each generation has its own needs. Our challenge is to inspire the passion in each generation for being a part of the CBF movement, to be involved in CBFNC churches, and to encourage them to enjoy an exciting pilgrimage as followers of Jesus.
Frank Morrow, unevangelized people group, Germany Leonora Newell, Rural Poverty Initiative, Arkansas Benjamin Shaw, 1998, MK, Macedonia __________, unevangelized people group, Asia __________, unevangelized people group, Asia Glenn Herrington, Envoy, China __________, unevangelized people group, Middle East __________, unevangelized people group, North Africa Lucas Newell, 1997, MK, Arkansas Carter Harrell, 1995, MK, Kenya Erika Houser, 2001, MK, South Africa
April 2005
Page 3
Update on Missions - JIM FOWLER, MISSIONS COORDINATOR
The Next Generation of Missionaries
Slavic Ministries in Asheville
Helping our young people have a meaningful mission experience is one of the goals of the ACC (All Church Challenge) in Helena, Arkansas. Last year several families joined together to be a part of the two-week mission blitz in
Our World Without Borders is evident in the Slavic ministry being implemented by First Baptist Church, Asheville. Fran Graham leads a Slavic Ministry Team that reaches out to the growing population of Slavic peoples in the Buncombe County region. Many Ukrainians are coming to this area along with other Slavic peoples, such as Russians and Moldovans. Several years ago Beverly Hills Baptist Church in Asheville helped organize a Slavic church, and pastor Tim Lolley encouraged the congregation to outgrow its space at Beverly Hills. Working to help locate new arrivals and to provide housing and basic necessities has been a growing project for area churches. Helping with legal issues and ESL classes are the two most needed things for those in the Slavic community.
which 200 volunteers participated in various mission projects. Smaller children participated in sports camp, VBS, and family night activities along with children in Helena. Older children and youth assisted with team sports or as workers in VBS. This is one mission opportunity that encourages our next generation to be on mission.
Another way churches and individuals can participate in this ministry is through providing needed items for Slavic families’ apartments. For a list of these items and how you can get connected with this ministry, contact Fran Graham at 828299-7780.
This year’s ACC will be June 12 – 24, 2005. For more information, contact one of the following: • Ben or Leonora Newell at bnewell@thefellowship.info • Jim Fowler at 888-822-1944.
North/South Golf Challenge March 3, 2005 The Legacy Golf Links – Pinehurst, NC
On a chilly but otherwise beautiful day ten Fellowship golfers met to play one of the premiere golf courses in Pinehurst. It was a challenge of the Northern Group (north of Pinehurst) versus the Southern Group (south of Pinehurst). Gathered to face off were Derrill Smith, Wingate, Team leader for the South; Drag Kimrey, Laurinburg; Bill Mason, Wingate; Rob Norman, Leland; David Rushing, Wingate; and Tim Davis, Leland; Jim Fowler, Winston-Salem, Team leader for the North; Terry Farmer, Mebane; Dennis Atwood,
From Left to Right: Derrill Smith, Rob Norman, Tim Davis, Dennis Atwood and Robby Phillips. Mount Olive; and Robby Phillips, Clemmons. In a close game, Derrill Smith clinched the Trophy scoring a low 85 for the day.
Page 4
April 2005
2004 - 2005 CBFNC Scholarship Recipients A major focus of the Leadership Development Task Force is the four partnering seminaries in North Carolina. CBFNC provided $30,875 in scholarships to the schools, and the schools selected the recipients. Allow us to introduce you to this year’s CBFNC Scholarship recipients.
Campbell University Divinity School
Caroline Crume, Raleigh, is pursuing a vocation in connecting people to missions.
Matt Suggs, Fayetteville, is focusing on the emerging culture and pursuing a M.Div. in Christian Education.
Duke Divinity School – Baptist House of Studies
Gloria WinstonHolloway, Raleigh, is pursuing a future as a pastor or youth pastor.
Ben Boswell, Kannapolis, has goals including chaplaincy, parish ministry, and teaching.
Neal Cox, of Cove City, is pursuing vocational goals of pastoring or college teaching.
M. Christopher White School of Divinity – Gardner-Webb University
Josh Hunt, Shelby, has future plans of the pastorate. Stella Perrin – No photo available.
Rebekah King, Winston-Salem, plans to work with Red Cross disaster relief.
Lamont Littlejohn, Kings Mountain, plans to continue as a pastor.
Mary Hays Runyon, Chattanooga, TN, is pursuing a vocation in youth and children’s ministry.
Rick Sewell, Mount Airy, plans to continue his ministry as a pastor.
Wake Forest University Divinity School George “Tripp” Fuller, Buies Creek, has the vocational goal of becoming a minister or professor.
David With, Kinston, is pursuing a vocation in Christian education.
Chad Crawford, Round Rock, TX, is training for the pastorate and biblical scholarship writing.
April 2005
In Good Hands
Page 5
RICK JORDAN, CHURCH RESOURCES COORDINATOR
The buzz in the room stilled as a haunting melody entered the congregation of 264 teenagers. Syllables of the song could be distinguished; the song was clearly not in English. All stopped their jostling and teasing. They focused on the bearded musician standing in front of them who sang unaccompanied by musical instruments. When he finished his song, he asked them, “Why did you stop to listen to me? It is because you were listening to a gift from God. You were enthralled by a human voice. We are created by God. We are made in the image of God. The human voice is a gift from God that reflects the beauty of God. As beautiful as musical instruments can be – and I know they can be – I love to play the piano and the guitar – but as beautiful as those can be, they will never match the beauty of the voice God gives us. Instruments are human technology. That is not bad, but human technology will never match the magnificence of the gift from God. I hope your church doesn’t think that better technology will finally make worship happen in your sanctuaries, as if PowerPoint is what gives your worship power. No, this is what makes our worship powerful, the voice. So use your voice and use it to the best of your ability. Use your gift to glorify God!” That was only one of the theological excursions Clark Sorrells (pictured above right) took our young people on as he led the CBFNC-sponsored youth choir festival. I could not stay for the entire festival, but I left knowing the event was in good hands. Dating, Answering God’s Call, Getting Along with Your Parents. Those were a few topics covered on our two youth retreats last month. Over 300 young people from 25 churches got to hear from 17 divinity school students how to apply their faith to everyday life. Some friendships were made that may last for years. Some insights were shared that will shape lives for the better. Adult leaders were able to meet to share ideas, concerns and resources. I could not attend both retreats, but I knew the events were in good hands. This year, I have had the opportunity to visit with students from six of our CBF partnering divinity schools. A few of these visits happened over retreats. Most of these visits were made on the schools’ campuses as I taught soon-to-graduate students from my leaflet, “Hints and Helps for Hunters of a Holy Hire.” When I have the opportunity to be with these students, I always leave feeling very hopeful. We have some wonderful, intelligent, good-hearted, spiritually-attuned persons about to enter the church’s leadership. I only stay on campus to teach for a few hours, but I leave knowing that we will be in good hands. None of us will be here all that long, but as we raise good, solid, caring young people, we can leave this “event” knowing the church is in good hands.
Impressions of Our Future (continued from page 7) leadership, but we are quickly becoming victims of our success! At some point, coordinating these kinds of events may become too much for volunteer leaders with limited time to handle. I am impressed with the young people who are part of the churches related to CBFNC. Perhaps this is the most significant impression of all. The youth of our fellowship are energetic and passionate about their faith. They love the Lord and their churches. They dress a little differently and appreciate a different style of worship from many older CBFNC’ers, but their devotion to Christ is every bit as real,
perhaps more so. These kids will someday be the pastors, youth ministers and lay leaders of our congregations. They will be the coordinators, moderators and council members of our fellowship. They will be the missions field personnel of CBF who reach out across the globe with the Gospel of Christ. Many years ago, I heard the simplistic adage, “the Christian faith is only one generation away from extinction.” The same could be said of CBFNC. Thankfully, we’re taking seriously the responsibility to reach out to the next generation, not only through the lofty language of our strategic plan, but through actual ministries that are taking place right now.
Sponsored by the North Central Region of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina
FAMILY BREAKOUT SESSIONS Keeping the Communications Line Up (Breaking down the silence; Youth technology concerns) — Garin Hill Worship as a Family without Causing World War III (church worship and family devotions) — Steve Zimmerman Road Trip: Getting the Whole Family on Mission (connecting families to do mission projects together) — Chris Phelps Ethics and Family: Decision Making — Craig McMahan
COME SHARE THE NIGHT WITH US AS WE LOOK AT HEALTHY WAYS TO STRENGTHEN TODAY’S FAMILY! Featuring Dr. Jack Causey from the Center of Congregational Health. Jack was the Pastor for many years at First Baptist Church in Statesville and has been involved in many areas of ministry in North Carolina Baptist life. He is a very gifted speaker and worship leader. He will share with us in the breakout sessions and lead us in a meaningful family worship experience In addition to Dr. Causey, regional leaders and ministers will lead breakout sessions on various family related topics. *Supper and Childcare for children (Nursery-Grade 5) is available!
Survival Stories from Biblical Families (theological study) — Jack Causey Keeping the Family Tree Alive (ways to minister to senior adults in our families) — Jacqueline Allen Faith Under Fire (the college years for parents and students) — Scott Hovey
Youth Breakout Session (Grades 612) — Dating Issues facing the Christian in the 21st Century — Andy Jung
Schedule 5:00-5:30 PM
Supper
5:30-6:25
1st Breakout Session
6:30-7:25
2nd Breakout Session
7:30-8:00
Family Worship
*Supper (Sub Sandwich, Chips, Cookie and Drink) is provided at a cost of $5.00 per person plus a special children’s program is provided for Nursery - Grade 5. Registration for the children’s program is due by April 8. Registration for the Conference and Supper is due by April 13. Please call Chris Phelps (Minister Of Education and Youth at FBC Graham) at (336) 226-7395 or email him at phelps@fbcgraham.org with your registration numbers.
April 2005
Page 7
IMPRESSIONS OF OUR FUTURE - LARRY HOVIS, COORDINATOR Imagine the following: a rustic camp in a remote mountain region; unpaved vehicle and walking paths slippery and muddy from recently melted snow; ten persons sleeping in one room heated by a small space heater on a poor excuse for a mattress; toilet and shower
facilities located in separate buildings from the sleeping quarters; standing in a long line for food; worship “pews” consisting of a cold, hard tile floor. Does this sound like something you’d drive several hours and pay good money to experience? Of course, there’s more. Now imagine this same setting, but with a few additional features: over 150 teenagers from a dozen churches gathered for fellowship, worship and discipleship; dedicated youth leaders, lay and clergy, who love young people and desire to help them grow in the image of Christ; devoted seminary students willing to plan Bible studies and worship services for months and give a weekend to minister to teenagers; servant-hearted
camp staff who patiently cook and clean, plus guide activities like a high ropes course, a climbing wall and horseback riding. I experienced all of that and more March 5-7, the first of two CBFNC weekend youth retreats. Both retreat weekends were full, with church youth groups from all over our state coming together to celebrate our oneness in Jesus Christ and grow closer to God, their youth groups and the CBFNC family. The retreat theme was “Act On What You Hear,” reinforcing the admonition in James 1:22, “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” I came away from the weekend, not only deprived of a little sleep, but more importantly, with several distinct impressions. I am impressed with the youth leaders of our CBFNC churches, both clergy and laity. Anyone willing to spend a weekend with high-energy teenagers in the conditions described in the first paragraph deserves our respect and gratitude! Most of these folks are young in chronological age or at least young at heart. Many of the youth ministers are students at CBFNC-related schools or recent graduates of those schools. They are providing effective leadership now, in their churches and in our fellowship, and will continue to do so in the future. With leaders like these, I am optimistic about the days to come. I am impressed with the model of allowing seminary students to provide significant leadership in our fellowship. This year’s retreats were led by students (one of the two teams is pictured left) at the M. Christopher White School of Divinity at Gardner-
Webb University. Previous retreats have been led by students at Campbell Divinity School and Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond. There is an important connection between the efforts of CBFNC to develop the faith of young people and develop leaders for our churches in partnership with institutions of higher learning. Both enable us to reach out to next generations seriously and sincerely. I am impressed with the volunteer leaders who plan and coordinate youth retreats and similar events. Amazingly, I was the only person receiving a paycheck from CBFNC at the retreat, and I did very little! Everything else was accomplished by volunteer leaders. Rick Jordan, our Church Resources Coordinator, has done a great job of networking with youth ministers. Tim Wilson (pictured above), chair of the Faith Development Task Force of the Coordinating Council, did a tremendous amount of work to make these retreats a reality, including taking two weekends away from his family and church. We are blessed with outstanding volunteer (continues on page 5)
FINANCIAL REPORT FEBRUARY 2005 CONTRIBUTIONS Designated — $48,584 Undesignated — $49,219 Total — $97,803 2004-2005 MONTHLY BUDGET GOAL: $51,418
CBF NORTH CAROLINA 8025 NORTH POINT BLVD., SUITE 205 WINSTON-SALEM, NC 27106
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Strategic Plan Directional Focus April 2005:
Reaching Out to Next Generations
Read about it inside this issue of The Gathering.
CBF North Carolina April 2005 Phone: (888) 822-1944 • (336) 759-3456 Fax: (336) 759-3459 cbfnc@cbfnc.org • www.cbfnc.org Officers Greg Rogers, Greenville Don Horton, Zebulon Recorder Moderator Roger Gilbert, Mount Airy Tonya Vickery, Cullowhee Past-Moderator Moderator-Elect Boyce Wilson, Winston-Salem Treasurer
Coordinating Council Glenda Currin, Wrightsville Beach Carolyn Dickins, Raleigh Kathryn Hamrick, Shelby Larry Harper, Raleigh
David Hood, Hickory Jenny Jeanes, Mount Olive Steve Little, Marion Roy Smith, Raleigh
Faith Development Ministry Council Jennifer Baxley, Henderson Bruce Hartgrove, High Point Crystal Leathers, Hickory Karen Metcalf, Raleigh Kristen Muse, Raleigh
Mickie Norman, Leland Jeff Pethel, Rolesville Anita Sayles, Asheville Blythe Taylor, Charlotte Tim Wilson, Hickory
Leadership Development Ministry Council Kitty Amos, Winston-Salem Ron Glover, Monroe Kheresa Harman, Erwin Burke Holland, Belhaven Randall Lolley, Raleigh
Ken Massey, Greensboro Pam Riley, Durham Wayne Wike, Matthews Larry Williams, Louisburg Steve Zimmerman, Mebane
Missions Development Ministry Council Cecelia Beck, Forest City Kendell Cameron, Whiteville Ron Cava, Clinton Raymond Earp, Beaufort David Hailey, Raleigh
Carolyn Hopkins, Cary Bill Jones, Newland Judy LeCroy, Lexington Steve Martin, Kernersville Layne Smith, Hickory
CBF Council Members From NC Sheri Adams, Boiling Springs Gail Coulter, Hendersonville Mary Anne Croom, Ahoskie Irma Duke, Fuquay-Varina
Jack Glasgow, Zebulon Bill Ireland, Winston-Salem Guy Sayles, Asheville
Staff
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID WINSTON-SALEM, NC PERMIT NO. 162
Larry Hovis ....................... Coordinator Jim Fowler ......................... Missions Coordinator Rick Jordan ....................... Church Resources Coordinator Nancy Parks ...................... Office Manager Gail McAlister .................. Financial Assistant Beth McGinley .................. Office Assistant