CBFNC Jan/Feb 2017

The Gathering of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina

January/February 2017 • Vol. 22 Issue 1 Bringing Baptists of North Carolina Together for Christ-Centered Ministry

Hospitality means primarily the creation of free space where the stranger can enter and become a friend instead of an enemy.

Hospitality is not to change people, but to offer them space where change can take place.

It is not to bring men and women over to our side, but to offer freedom not disturbed by dividing lines. Henri Nouwen

the road ahead ... continued

by Larry Hovis, CBFNC Executive Coordinator How can a church or a fellowship of churches remain faithful to its founding principles yet adapt to its rapidly changing context? CBFNC is seeking to address that challenge through the implementation of an eighteen-month discernment process that yielded new ministry priorities and a refined staffing structure.

Ministry Priorities

The discernment process, led by the Coordinating Council, was a natural follow-up to The Road Ahead, the report of the 20th Anniversary Vision Team affirmed by the General Assembly in March 2014.

That report outlined three longer-term Overarching Commitments (Transformation, Engagement, and Community) and four shorter-term Areas of Focus (Clarifying Identity and Covenant; Empowering Laity for Missional Living; Nurturing Healthy Congregations; Showing Mercy and Seeking Justice).

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With thanksgiving for its first two decades yet seeking to be faithful and effective into its third, the Council knew that several factors will shape the focus and scope of our ministries: the successes and challenges of current ministries; declining financial contributions from churches; future ministry and staffing needs; and improving our ability to tell our story effectively to develop new sources of revenue.

Through prayerful analysis of inputs from Coordinators, Ministry Councils, church leaders, thought leaders, and financial trends, the Council discerned that CBFNC should focus on the following ministry priorities in the next chapter of our life together. Support for ministry partners will continue with emphasis placed on partner engagement in these priorities.

Equip Ministers and Churches – Support and strengthen ministry leaders and the churches they serve by focusing on ministerial transitions, ministerial excellence, and church resources. n

Embrace Neighbors – Partner with churches and missional catalysts to embrace neighbors with the love of Christ in our communities, state, and world through culture development, supporting catalysts engaging in ministry to neighbors, Hispanic ministry, and resource connection. n

Engage Students and Young Adults – Engage emerging generations of Cooperative Baptists for discipleship and leadership in congregations and our Fellowship by focusing on faith formation, campus ministry, and theological education.

Annual Gathering – Offer a superior general assembly experience that appeals to clergy, laity, and possibly those outside the CBFNC community that includes meaningful worship, enriching continuing education, engaging fellowship, useful resources, and advances CBFNC’s mission. n

Staffing Plan With these priorities in mind, the Council turned its attention to developing a staffing plan that would balance financial resources with ministry engagement. For most of its history, CBFNC has relied on a combination of part-time and full-time staff in both administrative and ministry positions. Financial realities as well as ministry needs led the Council to develop a staffing plan with the following priorities: Part-Time Focus – Moving forward, most of CBFNC’s staff will be part-time. Full-time ministry coordinators will transition to 60% FTE (full-time equivalent) over an eighteen-month period and will be compensated on a pro rata basis. n

Director of Advancement – To better tell the CBFNC story and secure financial resources to accomplish our mission, the Council established this new part-time position. We were pleased to welcome Vickie Traynum to this role on October 1, 2016. Educated at two historic North Carolina Baptist universities, Vickie brings a wealth of experience in both CBF life and the non-profit world. n

Director of Church and Minister Support – We hope to soon fill a new part-time position that will assume the ministerial transitions responsibilities formerly held by Jack Causey, along with additional responsibilities for church relations. n

CBFNC has been and continues to be one of the strongest organizations in the CBF community, if not the Baptist world. That strength has been and continues to be exhibited in our efforts to be nimble, flexible, and adaptable to changing circumstances. We have always strived not simply to reproduce yesterday’s ministry models and structures, but to anticipate and address tomorrow’s ministry needs. This new plan, with its four ministry priorities and a staffing structure to support those priorities, is based on that strength.

I’m grateful to the Coordinating Council for the foresight to point CBFNC toward a new and exciting future, rooted in the past but not stuck in it. I’m also grateful to our staff for adapting to new ways of working and serving, and ask that you pray for them during this time of transition. May God continue to lead CBFNC to fulfill the vision God has given us as we continue to journey together down the Road Ahead.

2 • The Gathering – January/February 2017

Even though we know we are called to “love our neighbors as As churches like First, Albemarle, looked for ways to help, ourselves,” sometimes it is difficult to know how to reach out and CBFNC was able to connect churches and individuals with where to go. As a part of our Embrace Neighbors new ministry ministry partners and local churches working to make an impact initiative, CBFNC is focusing on equipping and connecting in their communities. With the leadership of Linda Jones, CBFNC Cooperative Baptists for service opportunities across our state Missions Coordinator, local church leaders connected with CBF and beyond. The devastation caused by Hurricane Matthew Global, Baptists on Mission, and other CBFNC ministry partners inspired many of our to aid in the longpartner churches to term recovery of contact CBFNC for these communities. opportunities to help.

“The cleanup and Pastor Andy Jung recovery efforts and a few of the are not going to response Fund members of First, be easy. We face a Albemarle, saw long process,” said the opportunity to Lisa Rust, CBFNC help their brothers Moderator and and sisters in Christ member of First, in eastern North Lumberton.

Carolina. They In order to best joined the cleanup accommodate the efforts in Lumberton recovery efforts,

by Vickie Traynum, CBFNC Director of Advancement that were led by CBFNC established CBFNC ministry the NC Matthew partner, Baptists on Response Fund.

Mission.

Donations received Their first day’s through this fund assignment, removal are distributed of duct work from through a grant underneath a house, process. CBFNC was a big task for churches can apply a team of unskilled for ministry grants to volunteers. help their neighbors.

According to Andy, First, Lumberton, the homeowners was among the said they had helped first recipients. The others many times church initially but now were used their grant to unable to do for purchase gift cards themselves. Andy which enabled said he wanted them flood victims to buy to know that “we necessities. Efforts are all together in then focused on the body of Christ, lifting one another up and helping meet each finding housing, making repairs, and moving families back home. other’s needs. This time they were the recipients and maybe Along with these community recovery efforts, church leaders next time they will be the ones giving.” and volunteers are caring for their own church members affected The devastation Andy saw “did not discriminate between by the flooding. Several of them lost everything. For one church classes, races, or location. The flood hit everyone no matter who member’s home, the first step was a complete electrical overhaul. they were. So many of them did not have flood insurance and are “With the help of an NC Matthew Response Fund grant, we were completely left with nothing.” The team’s goal was twofold: to glad to help her move forward in the recovery process,” said Lisa. help clean up and to help restore hope.

As ongoing recovery efforts continue, CBFNC partner churches At their second work location, the team found an elderly remain faithful to their mission to reach beyond their walls to show couple who had lost nearly everything. Andy greeted the couple, the love of Christ to their communities and throughout the state. who said, “We had begun to lose hope. We did not know where to If your congregation is interested in applying for a grant, go or what to do. Seeing your face helps us know that God is with visit www.cbfnc.org/MatthewResponse. To support the ongoing ministry of CBFNC, visit www.cbfnc.org/give. us and that things are going to be ok.”

NC Matthew

beyond these walls

The Gathering – January/February 2017 • 3

Therefore, as you go, disciple people in all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19 (ISV)

as you g CBFNC Annual Gathering

First Baptist Church Hickory, NC March 30 - April 1, 2017

Leadership Institute | March 30 Laugh in Peace Comedy Tour | March 30 Annual Gathering | March 31 Divinity Student Experience | March 31 - April 1 All Are Called� Forum | April 1

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Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina Registration and information: www.cbfnc.org/asyougo2017

Leadership Institute

Laugh In Peace comedy tour

Brad Griffin, Associate Director of the Fuller Youth Institute and author, will share research presented in his book, Growing Young – Essential Strategies to Help Young People Discover and Love Your Church. Churches are both shrinking and aging as more young people disengage. Is this true in your congregation? All churches grow old, but strategic churches are growing young. How can you help your church become strategic?

A Jewish rabbi (Bob Alper), a Christian minister (Susan Sparks), and a Muslim comedian (Aman Ali) step onto a stage together.

THURSDAY, March 30, 2017 1-5pm First Baptist Church, Hickory

Join Brad as he leads discussions and engages church leaders (not just youth ministers) in thinking about how their church can engage younger generations spiritually, emotionally, missionally, and numerically. Packed with ideas, this event will show ministry leaders how to position their churches to reach younger generations in a way that breathes life into the whole church. Connect with other leaders and hear strategies any church can use to involve and retain young people.

THURSDAY, March 30, 2017 7:30-9:30pm The Crossing at Hollar Mill, Hickory

It sounds like the set-up to a good joke. Instead, it’s the set-up for a great night of entertainment.

The Laugh in Peace Comedy Tour, established by Bob Alper (recently named Honorary Comedic Advisor to the Pope) more than a decade ago, brings together comedians from different faiths to share jokes and break down barriers.

The show will conclude with a Q&A period. The comedians also will mingle with audience members after the show.

Cost: $40 (early bird price), $50 (regular registration)

Cost: $25 (early bird price), $30 (regular registration)

Annual Gathering

“All are Called” forum

Join CBFNC for workshops, worship, and fellowship!

Though we value ordained ministers, we Baptists believe strongly in the Priesthood of ALL Believers.

Every Christian is not only a minister, but a missionary in daily life. Through both largegroup plenary sessions and small-group workshops, we will explore ways to reclaim the need for all of God’s people to live out God’s call in their families, neighborhoods, workplaces, and leisure time.

FRIDAY, March 31, 2017 8:30am-8:15pm First Baptist Church, Hickory

Our keynote speaker and worship leader will be Susan Sparks, an ordained Baptist minister and Senior Pastor at Madison Avenue Baptist Church in NYC. Reverend Sparks is originally from Charlotte and attended UNC Chapel Hill and also received a law degree from Wake Forest University.

We have a diverse group of workshop leaders to teach, discuss, and share ideas with you. Visit our exhibitors and learn more about CBFNC’s partner organizations. Catch up with old friends and make new connections.

All are welcome!

Cost: free!

SATURDAY, April 1, 2017 8:30am-12:15pm First Baptist Church, Hickory

8:30am Registration 9:00am Plenary Session featuring Suzii Paynter, Executive Coordinator of CBF Global 10:00am “Called to Minister” workshop 11:15am Plenary Session featuring

“Commissions of the Laity” Cost: free!

how churches can grow

young

by Andy Jung, Pastor of First, Albemarle Through interviews with church leaders (pastors, associate ministers, and lay leaders) conducted as part of CBFNC’s recent discernment process, a common concern expressed was the aging of our congregations. Like most congregations in the U.S., CBFNC partner churches, on the whole, struggle to reach and retain young people.

The good news is that there is hope for the future of our churches. In a recently released book, Growing Young: 6 Essential Strategies to Help Young People Discover and Love Your Church, the leaders at Fuller Youth Institute share the results of a ground-breaking research.

Based on a study of 250 churches across denominations, ethnicities, and congregational sizes that are effectively reaching the younger generation, the research found six essential qualities churches shared in reaching the young demographic that had little to do with music, church building, or budget. The study showed that churches that were willing to share key leadership, empathize with their struggles, help them take Jesus’ message seriously, create a culture of warmth within its fellowship, prioritize young people and their families, and go outside the walls of the church to be good neighbors excelled at reaching and retaining young people.

On March 30, 2017, Brad Griffin, one of the co-authors of the book, will be the featured speaker at CBFNC’s Leadership Institute. The Leadership Institute is a new feature of CBFNC’s Annual Gathering (General Assembly), which will be held at First, Hickory.

The early-bird registration fee for the Leadership Institute is $40 before March 1 ($50 after March 1). The registration fee includes a copy of the book, Growing Young. Pastors, agegroup ministers, and lay leaders are encouraged to register at www.cbfnc.org/AsYouGo2017.

reclaim your

joy

by Jim Hylton, CBFNC Business Administration Coordinator A trial lawyer turned standup comedian and Baptist minister, Rev. Susan Sparks is America’s only female comedian with a pulpit. A North Carolina native, Susan received a B.A. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she was president of her class and a Juris Doctor from Wake Forest University School of Law. After ten years as a lawyer moonlighting as a standup, she left the practice and spent two years on a solo trip around the world. Upon returning home, she earned a Master of Divinity at Union Theological Seminary in New York City, writing an honors thesis on humor and religion entitled “Laughing Your Way to Grace.”

Currently the Senior Pastor of the historic Madison Avenue Baptist Church in New York City (and the first woman pastor in its 165-year history), Susan is also a professional comedian. She’ll be with us in Hickory alongside a Rabbi and a Muslim comic in the Laugh in Peace Tour on March 30, 2017. Tickets are available at www.cbfnc.org/AsYouGo2017.

As a breast cancer survivor, Susan offers keynotes across the country on humor and healing for hospitals, non-profits, and survivor groups. Susan’s work has been featured in such media outlets as the O (the Oprah Magazine), The New York Times, CBS, CNN, and ABC. A blogger for Huffington Post, Psychology Today, and Baptist News Global, her book, Laugh Your Way to Grace, was named a best spiritual book and featured in USA Today and Good Morning America.

Susan and her husband Toby love riding their Harleys, eating good BBQ, and rooting for Tar Heel basketball. Read more about Susan at www.susansparks.com.

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laugh in peace

waiting children

by Ka’thy Gore Chappell, CBFNC Leadership Development Coordinator

“Waiting” children can be described as children 18 years of age and younger who have been abandoned or orphaned.

“Give justice to the weak and the fatherless.” Psalm 82:3a communicates God’s love and care for these children and directs the Christian community to love, care, and protect them.

CBFNC has invited three families to tell their stories about foster care and adoption. Meet these parents who model love. the Smith family Our call to orphan care began long before we considered adoption. I worked internationally providing medical care for vulnerable mothers and children, while Chris (“Smitty”) worked locally with kids from hard places. Through these experiences, our eyes were opened and our hearts broken for “the least of these,” not knowing that adoption would be the way that God would grow our family!

As a couple desiring children, we encountered infertility and loss. After our second miscarriage and based on our readiness from earlier experiences, we felt our hearts tugging in the direction of adoption. We began the process to adopt from Guatemala and our first son, who was a beautiful gift to our family, came home a short time later. God then gifted us with two biological children and we thought we had completed our family.

Our hearts were stirred to do foster care in North Carolina.

After fostering for a year, we learned of a ministry in Uganda that seeks to restore and preserve families. We sponsored children in the orphanage and prayed for their life-giving ministry. When we learned about twins with special needs who would not be reunited with their biological family, we said “yes” to adoption again!

For the last three years, we have been a family of seven.

God continues to remind us of His extravagant love.” Smitty is a healthcare industry compliance officer. Meredith is a pediatric physician’s assistant. They are members of First, Winston-Salem. the Powers family After eight years of marriage, we came to a place in our lives where we were ready to grow our family. We both realized that adoption, specifically from foster care, was how we felt called to do this. Part of our decision was due to the desperate need for adoptive families. Currently, there are more than 100,000 children who are legally free for adoption in the United States alone. We decided that we had a safe home where a child could find a restorative place in which to grow.

As we continued to discuss our family journey, we decided that we wanted to adopt a child over the age of five. After a year of preparation, we had our 12-year-old son placed with us. Like every other parent, we hope our son will find a place to chase his dreams as he grows into the person God is calling him to be.

One thing we have learned is that you do not have to be perfect to provide a place where children can feel safe, find love, know they are accepted, and, most importantly, have deep familial roots. Lawrence is the Campus Minister with the CBFNC Raleigh area/Duke Collegiate Student Fellowship.

Heather is an athletic trainer with UNC Orthopedics.

The Smith family

the McCosh family “I know the name of this church from somewhere,” said the oldest of our three foster sons. He’s been with us for 2 years now, and 2 of his younger siblings just passed the 18-month mark. Our story is rooted in our own experiences— Paula’s adoption at birth; our work as foster-care social workers while in seminary; a tough pregnancy with our biological daughter; and the desire to open our home to a child in need.

Our church name was familiar to our boys because they had been receiving weekly Backpack Buddy bags for several years from our congregation through our local elementary school. Only God could set the stage for such familiarity in the midst of chaos.

Our daughter is elated to have siblings and our congregation has embraced our growing family that is now “half pink and half brown,” as the youngest informs us. Juggling our schedules is not easy, and we and our congregation have had to adjust to our greater family needs. In the process, new leaders have developed in the congregation and the community has witnessed an incarnational Gospel. An added blessing is having the foster family of our boys’ two youngest siblings begin attending our church recently. Yes, there have been challenges and yet we have learned so very much about God’s grace in the process. We now patiently wait to adopt, making the “McSix” a permanent family unit.” Scot is Pastor and Paula is Family Pastor at Mt. Pisgah, Fayetteville.

The Gathering – January/February 2017 • 7

an authentic welcome

by Wanda Kidd, CBFNC Collegiate Engagement Coordinator Welcoming the stranger is a theme throughout the Old and New Testaments. Yet too often, people who visit our churches feel as if they are intruding on a private party. That sentiment is surprising to those of us within the church because we see ourselves as very friendly. And we are to those we know and see on a regular basis, but that is not the hospitality that is imperative to offering refuge to others who need community.

There are many people who yearn for a place to belong and to invest their God-given gifts. Every congregation I know is seeking a way to attract young people to their church, yet we are reluctant to offer an authentic welcome to those who risk coming our way. So, after years of talking to students about church and observing what provides space for newcomers, here are some tips and insights that could be helpful.

Historically, the culture that pulled us toward church is the culture that keeps us there. It was the norm to have a home church, and the term “home church” spoke to a relationship not only with Christ but family and friends. Assuredly, we went through the doors believing that someone inside would know us and would be glad we came.

The courageous young person who comes to our churches today does not have that assurance. In fact, many of their friends find church attendance a mystery, so they often come alone with a good chance that they will not know anyone when they come through the door and try to find a seat.

As the old adage says, “We only have one chance to make a first impression.” If we fail to make an effort to reach out to those who come our way, we will rarely have another opportunity to connect with them.

So, the rules of engagement go something like this: It could take several times of this type of interaction before they sense that you sincerely want to know them better. Eventually find out things like where they are from, what they are studying in school, or what their plans are for the summer.

Relationships take time, as does building community. Be patient.

It will get easier with practice. People want to know that we are not just trying to fill our pews or fulfill some obligation. They want to be where people know their name and are sincerely glad they came. They want a place at Christ’s table, but they need an authentic invitation to break bread with us. Hospitality must be modeled from the pulpit, but it is lived out in the pews.

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the first meeting Make eye contact with the people you meet.

Have a pleasant expression on your face.

Smile often and sincerely.

Introduce yourself as you look them in the eye, with a pleasant expression and a smile on your face.

Then, ask their name.

Write down their name so that you can remember it and pray for them that week.

Tell them that you are so glad that they came to worship with us today.

Do not assume it is their first visit unless they tell you because they could have been there before.

the next time you meet Do everything you did before, only remember their name this time and be sure to reintroduce yourself.

hospitality how-to

by Rick Jordan, CBFNC Church Resources Coordinator

How are churches extending hospitality to those persons who are not in their church membership?

I asked this question of several ministers who are called to this ministry. Their job titles are out-of-the-ordinary, as the goal of “embracing neighbors” does not fit traditional categories.

How do you encourage your church to extend hospitality in the community?

Cindy Hall

First, Sanford; Minister of Outreach and Activities

Meg Lacy

Emerywood, High Point; Minister of Spiritual Formation and Community Ministries

Ellen Price

Ardmore, Winston-Salem; Minister of Invitation and Hospitality

Jeannie Troutman, First, Wilmington; Minister of Engagement

Tyler Ward

Forest Hills, Raleigh; Minister for Sharing Christ

Cindy: We have over 2,000 visits each month to our Family Life Center. At each event, we give a devotion and prayer.

We also have Bibles available, and we play music with a Christian message.

Meg: The Missions team supports our partnerships with West End Ministries, Northwood Elementary School, and an ESOL class. We developed community outreach events such as Fall Festival, Screen on the Green, and a community garden. Our Project Connect team empowers our members to create avenues for visitors to become integrated into our community life.

Ellen: We have annual emphases.

This year, our initiative was to host a Summer Women’s Bible Study at Panera Bread. Members invited their non-churched friends for dinner and Bible study. By the first week, we had already outgrown the room at Panera.

A diverse group of women attended, many of whom do not consider themselves church-goers.

Jeannie: We are in a two-year missional journey into our community called Love Does. Our areas of intentional focus are education, hunger, refugees, homelessness, and incarceration. We are spending approximately two months in each area by inviting our congregation to Pray, Learn, Do, and Reflect.

Tyler: It’s crucial for capable church members to take the lead in helping guests navigate our community of faith.

There are more people we should want to shower our love and concern on than just young families and the poor. Who else out there in our backyard needs to be impacted by the love of Christ?

How would you describe success?

Cindy: We have an outreach to young African-American men who love basketball and often counsel them about problems they face.

This past May, I received a Mother’s Day card that they all signed.

Meg: One of our woman’s Bible study group heard that we were offering ESOL classes for elementary school parents, so they set up a rotation to provide refreshments and conversation partners.

Ellen: Success is evidenced by our conversations and our actions.

We are successful when our congregation focuses less on the pew they sit in and more on the people who aren’t sitting in the pews.

Jeannie: We want our church to grow in numbers but growth without depth is not the goal. Success is encouraging people to come back until they see and understand God’s power, accept Jesus as savior, and commit to grow to be a devoted follower of Christ.

Tyler: Imagine a swinging door — it opens both ways. As long as I have “church people” going out and have “outsiders” coming in, I feel that I’m successful in my role.

What is the most difficult obstacle?

Cindy: Ministry is often messy. We have several people who make great advances and then fall back into old habits. The other obstacle is that not everyone thinks we should reach out to our community.

Meg: Trying to reshape the culture of a community from a mentality of “the church exists to serve me” to “the church exists to serve the world” is like chipping away at an iceberg. It’s slow work and you have to keep the long view in mind.

Ellen: People, by nature, enjoy the familiar. The most challenging part is helping people see that making time in their life for “the other” is not just welcoming them but allowing them into our circle of friends. Relationships are much more challenging and time-consuming than simply welcoming them.

Jeannie: Belonging means different things to different generations. For today’s generation, belonging means being in relationships. We are finding that success isn’t only defined by church attendance numbers.

Tyler: The most difficult obstacle is our own expectations.

We expect too much, too soon, too many times. We need the flexibility to both succeed and fail. If churches knew how to create successful ministries, there’d only be one book for sale on the topic. Pray, experiment, fail, and keep on trying.

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www.cbfnc.org

Donate to CBFNC today! www.cbfnc.org/give

CBFNC Financial Report October 2016 Contributions Undesignated: $101,708 Designated: $187,096 November 2016 Contributions Undesignated: $93,715 Designated: $189,173 April 2016 - March 2017 Monthly Undesignated Goal: $114,432

Ministers on the Move Our encouragement and support go to the following ministers who have recently moved: Stephanie Bohannon to First, Fayetteville, as Associate Pastor Steven Fuller to First, Gastonia, as Pastor Mark E. Gaskins to Temple, Wilmington, as Pastor Amy Hamilton to First, Kannapolis, as Minister of Preschool and Children Kent Kern to Union Cross, Kernersville, as Pastor Jason Knight to First, Jamestown, as Pastor Elizabeth Maye to First, New Bern, as Associate Pastor of Youth and Family Life Lance Newman to First, Elkin, as Minister of Music Jeremy Shoulta to First, Black Mountain, as Pastor Candy Wilson to Boiling Springs, Boiling Springs, as Associate Pastor of Music and Adults Bert Young to First, North Wilkesboro, as Pastor When you make a move or know of someone who has changed places of ministry, let us know by e-mailing us at cbfnc@cbfnc.org.

For assistance to search committees and ministers seeking vocational discernment, visit our reference and referral page on our website at www.cbfnc.org or call (336) 759-3456 or (888) 822-1944.

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Visit our website, to find a listing of our staff and leadership

CBFNC Honorary and Memorial Gifts Collegiate Ministry fund in memory of Cindy Vestal Natalie Herrmann, Raleigh; Grady and Ora Leigh Shore, Boonville; Mr. and Mrs. Robert Adams, Boonville; Tammy Vestal Poindexter, East Bend; Donald and Mary Lynn Vestal, Boonville; Karen Dillinger, Wake Forest; Holly Andriaschko, Hanahan, SC; Richard and Elaine Poindexter, Winston-Salem; Brian Buros, Plano, TX; Phyllis and Tom Ehardt, Houston, TX; Jason Poindexter, Greensboro; Robin and Kay Vann, Boonville; Jackie and Linda Crissman, Boonville; Bill and Donna Judd, Raleigh; Clyde and Laura Smith, Raleigh; Dorothy Thomason, Raleigh; Dennis and Betsy Herman, Raleigh; Richard Coram, Reidsville; Cathy and Glenn Baldwin, Boonville Wyatt Ministry Congolese family in honor of Teachers and Staff of Mount Moriah Preschool and Homeschool Enrichment Jennifer Hale, Clayton Campus Ministry in honor of Wanda Kidd Stephen and Elaine White, Cullowhee In memory of Geneva E. Howell Henry N. Howell, Garner Lumberton Flood Relief in honor of Lisa Rust Sharon Altman, Myrtle Beach, SC Harry Harden, Pigeon Forge, TN Hurricane Matthew Response in honor of Patti Lingafelt, Durham Glenna Lingafelt, Gretna VA

Coordinators’ Visits October - November 2016 Cornerstone, Valdese

First, Valdese

Connaritsa, Aulander

First, Winston-Salem

First, Bladenboro

Hayes Barton, Raleigh

First, Henderson

Loray, Gastonia

First, Hickory

Millbrook, Raleigh

First, Madison

Mount Carmel, Chapel Hill

CBFNC ministry coordinators are available to visit your church to speak, preach, teach, consult, lead, and minister.

Contact the CBFNC office for more information.

Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters.

Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. Hebrews 13:1-2

meet our neighbors

by Ka’thy Gore Chappell, CBFNC Leadership Development Coordinator Pathways for Life, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization who, just like CBFNC, leases office space at 8025 North Point Boulevard in Winston-Salem. Started in 2010, Pathways for Life relocated their offices down the hall from the CBFNC offices two years ago. It has been a pleasure to get to know these neighbors and discover opportunities to develop friendships, tell our stories, and share resources.

CBFNC often shares our space with them when they need extra meeting capacity.

Pathways for Life is operated by the staff and an executive team of volunteers who seek to achieve specific goals in each of the following three areas: n P athways

for Life To train ministers and laity in personal development, Christian leadership, communication, and time management;

n B usiness

Development Consultants Group To develop professional expertise in business administration, bookkeeping, fundraising, grant writing, and strategic planning;

n P roject

“UP!” To empower homeless women and children as well as women in crisis to become self-sufficient.

Through educational modules, Pathways for Life meets training needs for churches and other Christian organizations as well as small businesses, women’s shelters, prisons, and women’s groups. For more information, visit www.PathwaysForLifeWS.com.

Join CBFNC in getting to know our neighbors!

Dr. Francene Hash, left, is pictured receiving the 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award given by The Winston-Salem Chronicle.

Her friend and colleague, Chandra Stewart, stands with her.

Dr. Fran, CEO and Founder of Pathways for Life, is also an author, trainer, and conference speaker. She is joined in leadership by Chandra Stewart, COO of Pathways for Life.

The Gathering – January/February 2017 • 11

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID WINSTON-SALEM PERMIT NO. 162

Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina Bringing Baptists of North Carolina Together for Christ-Centered Ministry 8025 North Point Blvd., Suite 205 Winston-Salem, NC 27106

888-822-1944 www.cbfnc.org

Return Service Requested

Upcoming Events Youth Ski Retreat January 20-22, 2017 Winterplace, WV Mid-Winter Collegiate Retreat January 28-29, 2017 Camp Mundo Vista, Sophia Youth Choir Festival March 3-4, 2017 Knollwood, Winston-Salem Children’s Choir Festival March 11, 2017 First, Southern Pines Foundations of Christian Coaching (501) March 13-14, 2017 CBFNC offices, Winston-Salem 2017 Congregational Coach Training March 20-21, 2017 Christmount Conference Center, Black Mountain

as you g 2017 CBFNC “As You Go” Events March 30-April 1, 2017

Leadership Institute: March 30 First, Hickory Laugh in Peace comedy tour: March 30 The Crossing at Hollar Mill, Hickory Annual Gathering: March 31 First, Hickory “All Are Called” Forum: April 1 First, Hickory Establishing a Dynamic Coaching Relationship (502) June 8-9, 2017 CBFNC offices, Winston-Salem