2017-2018 Annual Report Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina
“From [Christ] the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work” Ephesians 4:15-16
2017-2018 Annual Report It’s no secret that these are not easy days to be the church. Sociological, cultural, and demographic factors create external challenges, while theological and political strife create internal struggles. Read the religious press, and you’ll find an abundance of negativity and pessimism. In spite of this environment, CBFNC has spent the last year focusing our life together on the theme, “Fit Church.” In our publications, we’ve given attention to various dimensions of church health. We’ve told stories of healthy congregations and partner ministries who are outwardly focused, engaging in ministries that are transforming them and their communities in Jesus’ name for the better. I’m often asked, “How is CBFNC doing these days?” I usually reply, “We are doing as well as our partner churches. They face many challenges, to be sure, but many of them are doing wonderful ministries and growing in important ways.” CBFNC’s ministries exist for two reasons: equipping and extension. We seek to equip the local church and extend the mission of the local church. Some ministries do both at the same time. This report contains numbers, stories, and testimonies of how we are engaging in God’s mission together. As you will see, our collective impact is phenomenal. No single church, not even a very large one, can have the impact of our Fellowship as a whole. Together, we contribute to one another’s spiritual health and, in turn, bring God’s healing to a hurting and broken state and world. Thank you for your partnership. I love this Fellowship – the individuals, churches, and partners who call themselves CBF of North Carolina. May we continue to grow together as Christ’s body, building one another up in love, as each part does its work. Larry Hovis CBFNC Executive Coordinator
embracing neighbors through missions By joining with several CBFNC churches in our area to establish and sustain Welcome House Winston under the guidance of the Wyatts and Linda Jones, our church has grown in understanding and active compassion for asylum seekers and refugees. Hopefully, other church communities will work together to establish a Welcome House, which opens the door for meaningful relationships with internationals as well as with partner churches. - Christa Warise
As a first generation immigrant in this country, I believe inclusion matters, not just because it would enhance my cultural sensitivity and competence in working with other people, but because it is a tremendous opportunity to increase my ability to connect with disadvantaged people on the basis of their identity in our social context. - Santiago Reales
5
Welcome Houses
16
churches working with Welcome House ministries
embracing neighbors through missions Racial Justice is as important now as it ever has been and the work of the Racial Justice Ministry Team must continue to find ways to make a difference in our churches and communities. - Olivia Wakefield
Funding
4 2 3
8
New church starts
Companerismo Cristiano Emanuel (Latino Network):
21 10 38
churches
retreats with 2,000 total attendees
attendees at Dawnings in Spanish
Refugee grants
Hunger Fund grants
Local Mission Engagement grants
22
people attending Racial Equity Institute (REI) Training
embracing neighbors through missions The first thing you notice when you visit Shiloh Restoration, Raleigh, is the music. That was no exception when we visited on a Sunday in November to join in celebration of their first anniversary. You don’t just hear the music; you feel it. You can almost see it emanating from the building in visible waves. It’s louder than any worship you’ve experienced. It’s brighter too, with singing like angels. The church, pastored by Felix and Nicole Iyoko, had a packed house. CBF Global Field Personnel Marc and Kim Wyatt were there enjoying a praise band with strong voices. Women dressed in beautiful African fabrics, teenagers, and babies (some crying) were swaying to the music. Amanda Atkins, Associate Pastor of sponsoring church, Greystone, Raleigh, gave a heartfelt sermon. The day would not have been complete without sharing in the celebratory dinner of authentic Congolese food, with warm hospitality and friendship extended to everyone. The Iyokos have much to teach us about strength, struggle, resilience, and faith. Before he escaped the Congo, Pastor Felix’s parents and siblings were killed, forcing him to run through the wilderness for days without food. He made it to Nigeria and received asylum, staying there 12 years before the U.S. let him resettle here as a refugee. All that hardship and loss, yet he laughs and smiles all the time. Pastors Felix and Nicole were commissioned by CBF Global in June of 2017 in partnership with CBFNC. Shiloh Restoration is steadily growing, with leaders focused on people’s lives and their needs. We celebrate with you, Shiloh Restoration, and look forward to many, many years of partnership for the glory of God! by Linda Jones, CBFNC Missions Coordinator, and Stuart Lamkin, Pastor, Hickory Rock, Louisburg
embracing neighbors through missions
“Hi, I’m Pastor Phil. I’m here with Rest in the Lord to deliver your mattress.” I see clean walls freshly painted Navajo white and brand new laminate floors protected with brown paper strips that give the illusion of a red carpet rolled out for our arrival. “Were you living here when Hurricane Matthew came through?” yes. “And you are just now moving back in?” yes. It’s hard to believe that it’s a year and four months later, and people are still just moving back in. This is the reality for many Princeville residents. First devastated by Hurricane Floyd in 1999, and then hit hard by Hurricane Matthew in 2016, you can see the defeat in their faces. Rest in the Lord is bringing hope in the midst of this storm. Our presence is a reminder that they have not been forgotten. This was house number fifty – our 50th mattress delivery. What a stark reminder that the need for this ministry continues! After a brief prayer, I said, “Do you remember the story in Mark chapter four when the disciples found themselves in a terrible storm? Do you remember where they found Jesus? They found him in the stern of the boat sleeping on a cushion. Jesus was able to find peace and rest, even in the midst of a storm. We wanted to provide you with a cushion so you could find the same peace and rest in the midst of your storm.”
“Thank you, Jesus! God bless you.”
There is no way to exaggerate the good feeling that comes from being a part of such a concrete ministry that is making a real difference.
Rest in the Lord ministry is a recipient of a Hurricane Matthew Response grant from CBFNC. Rest in the Lord: www.dortchesbc.org/rest/ CBFNC Hurricane Matthew Response grant program: www.cbfnc.org/matthewresponse by Phillip Barton, Pastor of Dortches, Rocky Mount
engaging students and young adults Coming from Arkansas to attend divinity school in North Carolina, I was overwhelmed about missing my CBF family back home and making new connections in North Carolina. CBFNC has welcomed me with open arms and helped me form my own ministerial identity by connecting me to great resources and mentoring me through people and opportunities. - Jenna Sullivan
342,857
$
provided by congregations and individuals through the CBFNC Annual Budget and the Mission Resource Plan to support theological education
In 2015, God opened the doors for me
27
leadership with Iglesia Bautista La Roca,
4
divinity students enrolled in CBFNC partner divinity schools as well as out-of-state divinity students received direct scholarship aid
in-state partner divinity schools received significant support to aid specific scholars and to underwrite additional costs of delivering quality theological education
and my family to serve as pastors and in Raleigh, and I have been working with CBFNC ever since. As a CBFNC Scholar, I am also very thankful for the opportunity to continue my theological education through Asbury Seminary. - Alex Rodriguez
engaging students and young adults
375+
I am so honored to have received a divinity students, faculty, and staff participated in CBF Days and Scholar Dinners on the campuses of the four CBFNC partner schools as well as out-of-state seminaries or divinity schools where CBFNC scholars attend
CBFNC scholarship. I have recently been called to full-time ministry and am gently encouraging our church, whose belief systems are closely associated with CBF, to align with Cooperative Baptists. - Ron Hayes
As a new Youth Minister in North Carolina, I was looking to take my students on a trip where we could have fun together and grow in our faith. The CBFNC Ski Retreat provided both of these. Our youth loved spending a day on the slopes. A majority of those who came had never skied before so they bonded during lessons. During worship, our students learned about radical love and hospitality from the Hearnes and got even more excited when they found out that they would see them again this summer at Passport Camp in Danville, Virginia. My adults even came back wanting to know if we would do this trip again next year and if they could sign up now! I know we’ll be back. - Dane Jackson
35
divinity students participated in the Divinity Student Experience at the 2018 CBFNC Annual Gathering
engaging students and young adults Within the leadership of CBF Global, Devita Parnell, Young Baptist Ecosystem Director, is responsible for work with young Baptists. During the past year, Devita organized monthly conference calls with CBF State Directors and Coordinators who are assigned responsibility with young Baptists. The purpose of these monthly meetings is to share program information and brainstorm ideas for providing relationship building and professional networking opportunities for young Baptists. For several months, the Young Baptist Ecosystem team brainstormed what it would look like to host a progressive dinner at the CBF Global General Assembly scheduled in June 2017 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, downtown Atlanta. CBF North Carolina, CBF Georgia, and CBF Alabama volunteered to host specific stations of the progressive dinner at restaurants within walking distance of the hotel. In collaboration with CBF Global, each state organized their respective course (appetizers, main course, or dessert) and contributed financially to the event so that it would be free to young Baptists. On the night of the event, 50-75 young Baptists participated in the dinner. A truly collaborative event in the planning, financing, and follow-through was a win for Cooperative Baptists, young Baptists, the restaurants, and the General Assembly. This event is a success story that demonstrates opportunities to learn a new way of doing things and to celebrate the fact that leaders do not have to lead alone and can be the kind of leader who unleashes resources and leaves a legacy.
by Ka’thy Gore Chappell, CBFNC Leadership Development Coordinator
engaging students and young adults Cooperative Baptist Student Fellowship is a way for me to continue to grow in my relationship with God while away from home and my home church. - Jessica
9
Schools with CBFNC student groups on campus
close to
200
110 20
chance to learn about God with a students involved in local groups
participants in CBFNC’s Midwinter Retreat
students participated in Student.Church, Student.Go, and Passport summer experiences
Campus Ministry gives you a group of other believers who are on campus (I don’t have a car, so I am unable to go off campus). Campus ministry is important because there are other students and campus ministers to learn from and grow with. - Mickey
engaging students and young adults
CBFNC’s ministry to college students is changing lives through leadership opportunities, mission trips, shared worship, and small groups. Our campus ministers are with students as they navigate challenging and exciting times. They are there in heartbreaks, achievements, and life-altering decisions. While students are influenced by their peers, they are also looking for someone with wisdom, experience, and theological knowledge to help them balance out all of the uncertainty and craziness that is their life.
Expressions of collegiate growth and change through CBFNC Collegiate Missions • Western Carolina University history major who experienced a sense of call through conversations with his campus minister and is now attending a CBF-partnering Divinity School. • A local community college student who was looking for a place to belong found her way to the weekly CBFNC collegiate group and went on her first mission trip sponsored by the ministry. • The CBFNC Collegiate Ministry at UNC-Asheville shares their meeting space with other campus ministries and hosts a weekly meal with the whole group.
• Meredith College student with the affirmation and guidance of CBFNC Collegiate Ministry community confidently changed major from education to social work with a narrowing focus toward Advocacy Law. • East Carolina University junior who became a part of CBFNC collegiate ministry as a freshman is now actively involved in state-wide collegiate-ministry leadership in CBFNC. • North Carolina State University junior who was unable to find belonging with other campus ministries gained a renewed sense of community through CBFNC collegiate ministry. The impact of ministry to and with students is one of the most transforming endeavors we engage in at CBFNC. It is our privilege to serve this population.
by Wanda Kidd, CBFNC Collegiate Ministry Coordinator
engaging students and young adults Our church’s kids remember what we talked about at the stations and bring it up over the years after we have gone, so it’s definitely a memorable time for them — being immersed in missions for one day. Thanks! - Jessica Howard
223 70
Children’s Mission Days participants from 20 churches in 3 events
Children’s Choir Festival participants from 6 churches
158
Youth Choir Festival participants from 12 churches
engaging students and young adults
As a part-time staff member, I need events like this to plug into. Everything was taken care of, from the lodging and skiing to the meals and worship. All we had to do was show up. I’d recommend it to anyone! - Jonathan Eicoff
348 381
Youth Beach Retreat participants from 20 churches
Youth Ski Retreat participants from 20 churches
equipping ministers and churches
41
Quick and efficient reference and Annual Gathering workshops with
225
participants
referral system — I like it! Thanks for the good information gleaned from our conversation this morning. - Search Committee Chair
200+ 124 150
members of 26 CBFNC Peer Learning Groups shared encouragement and support
CBF Global-endorsed chaplains
serve in hospitals, military, Hospice, public safety, prisons, businesses, and in industrial chaplaincy
attended the 2017 Elevating Preaching Conference sponsored by Gardner-Webb School of Divinity and CBFNC. Purpose of this annual event is to model good preaching and nurture ministerial excellence.
equipping ministers and churches
Reference and Referral
91 Total congregations assisted • 60 Senior Pastor searches • 33 Associate Pastor searches • 16 Out-of-state requests 77 Job Board listings 173 Total Ministers assisted • 79 Minister-Seeking-Church Forms • 72 Ministerial Consultations
Our recent search and call process exceeded our expectations and, simply put, it happened through the referral of CBFNC. CBFNC’s insight into congregations and candidates was central to the work of the Spirit in what we view as a best possible scenario bringing together minister and church at just the right time. - Alan Sherouse
I was recently invited to speak to a Pastor search team about what a healthy search process might look like in their rural setting. It was my first trip to this part of North Carolina’s landscape. As I drove further beyond the lights of the city, the darkness of the two-lane road was striking. The rain made it even more difficult for me to see, since my headlights could only shine a short distance in front of me on the twisting road. My mind began to ponder the topics of conversation that might arise concerning their sacred task. For many search teams, discerning the leadership of God’s Spirit is a lot like that dark, nighttime drive through the heavy rain on unfamiliar roads. And based on my brief telephone conversations with this committee’s chairperson, this was exactly the viewpoint I anticipated finding when I arrived. This Pastor Search Team had been together for a long time already. The initial stages of their search had been long and difficult. There were personality issues, budget concerns, disagreements about the pastor profile, and even a significant change to the committee’s duties. However, after hiring a new interim pastor recommended by a CBFNC Ministerial Transition Facilitator, things changed dramatically. The search committee intentionally engaged in thoughtful dialogue with each other and the congregation. They did not shy away from difficult conversations or controversial topics. And their labor paid off. By the time my car found its way to the church parking lot, the committee was energized about the future and poised to tackle the task God had called them to. Ministerial Transition roads are not always bright or straight or familiar. This committee’s prayerful efforts and persistent faith reveal that God’s people are equipped to navigate even the sharpest turns. by Seth Hix, CBFNC Church Engagement Coordinator
equipping ministers and churches
equipping ministers and churches
Applying the Growing Young principles at First, Albemarle, has helped us better engage young people in our church and in our community. Our involvement in the cohort process has helped us be more intentional in prioritizing young people in all aspects of church. We are not “there� yet but we are slowly shifting the culture of the church. - Andy Jung
4
Growing Young regional conferences have been planned for 2018
72 2
churches attended the initial Growing Young conference
churches participated in a year-long Growing Young cohort at Fuller Seminary
giving of time and resources 2017-2018 Operating Budget Revenues Total $1,262,669
Financial Report Thank you for your generous support of the mission and ministry of CBFNC. Because of you, the love of Christ has been shown to newcomers, young leaders, struggling congregations, transitioning clergy, and many individuals across our state. Your commitment to serving God and serving others through CBFNC ministries and our ministry partners has been essential in the fulfillment of God’s mission in the world. We rely solely on your financial support and are grateful that you have chosen to partner with us again. CBF of North Carolina, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and does not receive operational support from any denominational group, including CBF Global. As a result, CBFNC is dependent on your financial support.
2017-2018 Designated Funds Revenues Total $2,331,497
giving of time and resources 2017-2018 Budget Expenditures Total $1,225,838
Your financial support is vital CBFNC continues to need your financial support. As we go into churches and communities and serve in Christ’s name, your financial partnership is necessary for our ministry and that of our many ministry partners. Many individuals give through their church budgets. Continue to give through your church but also consider
2017-2018 Partnership Expenditures Total $2,331,497
making an individual contribution directly to CBFNC. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference!
Give online: www.cbfnc.org/give or mail to: CBFNC 2640 Reynolda Road Winston-Salem, NC 27106
giving of time and resources
Several months ago, with no prior notice, CBFNC received a letter from a lawyer’s office in Raleigh. The letter was a “Notice to Beneficiary.” Upon talking with the lawyer, we discovered that Agnes Yost had left CBFNC a sizeable estate gift. The instructions we received from Mrs. Yost were simple: use the gift in accordance with the mission of CBFNC. After speaking with David Hailey, pastor of Hayes Barton, Raleigh, where Agnes was a member, we learned much about her life as a teacher and her legacy of service. Agnes taught English at the high school and university levels. She more than once said, “I love teaching in schools and colleges, and also loved teaching the Bible and religion in church.” Perhaps the greatest tribute a teacher can receive comes from her students. One note she received read, “Your method of teaching is unique, Mrs. Yost, for although you may think you are just teaching English, you are teaching us, in a beautiful way, how to live by setting yourself as an example.”
Build thee more stately mansions, O my soul, As the swift seasons roll! Leave thy low-vaulted past! Let each new temple, nobler than the last, Shut thee from heaven with a dome more vast, Till thou at length art free, Leaving thine outgrown shell by life’s unresting sea!
Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.
Agnes Yost is a wonderful example that few things bring more joy to philanthropic people of faith than making meaningful contributions to their favorite charitable organizations. Like Agnes, many have discovered the added pleasure of knowing they can continue to support our mission beyond their lifetimes by arranging to make gifts to CBFNC in their estate plan. It is our hope that more and more of our constituents will find the same satisfaction that Agnes found in this selfless act of charity.
by Jim Hylton, CBFNC Business Administration Coordinator
Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina 2640 Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27106 www.cbfnc.org (336) 759-3456