Celebrating Eddie Hammet

• Faithful giving – When the pandemic first hit, we assumed that giving would be reduced by half or more.

In most churches, giving has been much stronger than our worst fears. And many folks have learned to give to their church even when they can’t attend their church. • New skills – Most churches had no online worship prior to the pandemic but most have continued online worship even after resuming in-person worship. • New ways of connecting – Like worship, most churches have learned to connect with members and others whether they come to the building or not. Meetings and classes are being conducted more efficiently and effectively than before, in many cases, through virtual platforms. • Missional engagement – Existing community ministries have continued, or new ones launched, outside traditional schedules and structures. The expansion of

Welcome House is a good example.

Planning is vital to us as individuals, churches and ministries. As you “plan your work and work your plan,” be sure to complete every stage of the cycle. Don’t forget to celebrate.

Eddie Hammet

Eddie Hammett, CBFNC’s church and clergy coach since 2009, retired from his role this summer. During Eddie’s tenure with CBFNC, he established a coach training program, offered workshops and webinars on the changing church, led numerous deacon training events and coached many churches and individuals. Eddie often shared that he felt his calling was to “equip the saints for the work of ministry” both inside the walls of the church and beyond. He faithfully lived out his calling through writing, speaking, consulting and coaching as Professional Certified Coach (PCC).

“Eddie’s contribution to CBFNC, its churches and leaders has been phenomenal. He will leave a lasting legacy by imprinting on our fellowship the ‘coach approach.’ I will be forever grateful not only for his ministries to churches and their leaders, but also for the way he served as a thought partner to me personally,” stated Larry Hovis, CBFNC executive coordinator.

Eddie’s final official contribution to CBFNC was in the form of three final webinars – two for deacons and one where he offered reflections on his tenure at CBFNC and his thoughts on the future of the church.

Greg Rogers, pastor of Oakmont, Greenville and CBFNC moderator in 2009 when Eddie was called to this role, offered his praise of Eddie’s ministry. “CBFNC was most fortunate to have Eddie Hammett join the staff of our Fellowship 12 years ago as church and clergy coach while I served as moderator. Eddie pioneered and implemented a coach approach strategy that invited clergy and churches to create a kingdom mindset for ministry. He is always on the cutting edge of helping local congregations make those critical shifts to achieve maximum impact in their communities. A prolific author, his books have touched and guided lay and clergy leaders within and beyond the Baptist family. As a senior pastor, I was trained as a coach by Eddie while also having him coach our congregation and me personally on several occasions. We all are grateful for his faithful ministry that has blessed a generation of Christ-followers across our state and nation.”

“I am grateful to have served as a contract partner with CBFNC over the last decade. Learning from and with you in a variety of deacon, coaching and leadership development settings was my joy,” said Eddie. “I continue to coach and write during my next years as I nurture my aging body, care for my aging parents and grow in faith and impact as church in our rapidly-changing culture and world. I’m convinced God is doing a ‘new thing’ with us these days. I’m hopeful that pioneering leaders and churches will embrace the ‘new’ that God is about and loosen our grip on what is most comfortable and familiar with us now.”

By Jamie Rorrer CBFNC Director of Communications