The Gathering CBFNC Newsletter - July–August 2015

The Gathering of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina

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July/August 2015 • Vol. 20 Issue 4 Bringing Baptists of North Carolina Together for Christ-Centered Ministry

identity and partnership From the very beginning of the CBF movement, the concept of partnership has been critically important. Partnership is built into CBF’s DNA. In North Carolina, we embrace the values of the larger CBF movement but express them with a unique Tarheel State accent. This is especially true when it comes to partnership.

Types of CBFNC Partners Individuals – The CBFNC Bylaws state that the members of CBFNC are “individual Baptists of North Carolina who either contribute directly as individuals or are members of a church that contributes to the ministries and operations of CBFNC.” C hurches – Churches are at the heart of our Fellowship.

All that we do flows out of our focus on and relationship to churches. CBFNC does not own, control or dictate anything to churches (beliefs or behaviors). But we seek to be sensitive to the needs of churches as we resource congregations and extend their mission in our state and beyond. inistry Partners – For many years, Baptists in North Carolina M have created and supported institutions and agencies to meet needs in the name of Jesus Christ. CBFNC views these ministries as partners in pursuing God’s mission together. The remainder of this article will focus on ministry partners.

Expressions of Partnership Some ministry partners simply perform a service that CBFNC constituents (individuals and churches) find valuable. These partners may not necessarily share all of the elements of Cooperative Baptist identity. Other partners, because of a long historical relationship or the more recent development of free and faithful Baptist convictions, share a very close identity with us. With these partners we have developed formal Missional Collaboration Agreements that spell out the following: Missionally appropriate uses of financial contributions; Avenues for missional collaboration beyond financial; Missional enhancement of congregations and CBFNC; Strategies for mutual public affirmation

Funding Funding is the most tangible expression of the relationship we share with many partners. The vast majority of funding comes from individuals and congregations and flows to ministry partners. These ministry partners sometimes provide funding for shared ministry with CBFNC. CBFNC’s funding for partners is complex and reflects historical relationships and giving patterns.

C BFNC Ministry Budget – Some of the contributions individuals and congregations make to CBFNC fund ministry partners. They are fixed line items in our budget.

2 • The Gathering – July/August 2015

by Larry Hovis, CBFNC Executive Coordinator

ission Resource Plan – CBFNC’s “cooperative giving” plan M for congregations funds CBFNC, CBF Global, and some of our ministry partners. Though the plan suggests percentage allocations, congregations are free to make changes. ther Designated Gifts – These may be to ministry partners O within or beyond the CBFNC budget or the Mission Resource Plan. Some ministry partners receive funding through all three channels, plus CBF Global.

What’s Next?

The vast majority of CBFNC’s ministry partners are older than CBFNC. As CBFNC goes through its third decade, how will its relationships to ministry partners need to grow, develop and change? Several factors will drive this conversation: C hanges in Ministry Partners – Some of our ministry partners are enormous institutions with budgets in the tens or even hundreds of millions. They have large development staffs. They serve very diverse constituents and are sometimes regulated by state and federal agencies. Our funding for them, as a percentage of their total expenditures, is miniscule.

Other partners have remained small, their ministries are more closely related to congregations, and they are dependent on Baptist contributions for their survival.

C hanges in Churches – In a previous era, a significant, perhaps even primary, expression of a Baptist church’s missional commitment was its financial support of the denomination, including ministry partners. Today, most congregations’ missional commitments are much more diverse, both locally and globally. At the same time, most of them have much less to give to causes outside their congregation.

C hanges in CBFNC – From a budget and staffing perspective, CBFNC is smaller (sometimes significantly smaller) than most of our ministry partners. The same financial challenges facing congregations are affecting CBFNC. A majority of the money CBFNC receives goes to partners. Serious conversations need to take place about whether this is a viable model for the future.

Though we say partnership is about more than money, much of our thinking and energy around partnership is focused on money. That needs to change. As brothers and sisters (not parents and children), we need to develop a new model for partnership that is less concerned with money and more concerned with mature relationships in which we dream and work together, each exercising our unique gifts and capacities, to bring about God’s kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. That approach to partnership would be a true expression of our identity as Cooperative Baptists.

united with

CBFNC

by Will Watson, Pastor, United Baptist Church, Winston-Salem

When I think about how CBFNC intersects with our church here at United Baptist in Winston-Salem, I feel simultaneously humbled and honored. In the last year alone, we opened up our relatively new fellowship hall to host two CBFNC events: the first-ever Stewardship Conference with Ruben Swint in August; and a Deacon Leadership conference in October with Eddie Hammett. As a pastor, I was pleased that our church was willing and able to host both of these events; additionally, I was (and am) so proud that our United family made sure that these two events were overwhelmingly successesful. It made me happy that our church was thorough and well-prepared so that others might receive our grace-filled hospitality.

I smile when I think about our privilege in hosting those events because, as a small/medium-sized church, it is satisfying to contribute to our ministry companion who has done so much for so many churches throughout the great state of North Carolina and beyond. For years now, our church members involved in CBFNC events and worship experiences have been the grateful recipients of all the hard work and effort exerted by our CBFNC staff and leadership teams. When we worship, we worship together.

When we serve, we serve together. When we lead our own churches, on our own campuses, in some real and perhaps taken-for-granted way, we lead together. So in 2014, it was a joy to give back to CBFNC and feel the pride and joy of working together, in doing Christ-breathed ministry alongside sibling churches.

We at United love being free and faithful. We adhere to foundational Baptist tenets and are proud to support all who follow the call of God in ministry. For the most part, we are a moderate/mainstream Baptist church which seeks to be Christ-centered, Bible-based and ministry-focused. While we enjoy our specific family journey, we are, whether we realize it or not, part of a much larger, diverse group of Christ-followers which supports our desire to be who God wants us to be. CBFNC is always willing to help us when we need the help, and they stand ready to serve us when we have questions, concerns, needs or praises to share.

About five years ago, our mission team realized that where we spent our money determined our church’s identity. Delma Goforth, head of our missions team, helped us move forward with our missions giving, specifically as we learned about and committed to financially support the CBFNC Mission Resource Plan. “Several years ago we were developing our identity statement,” says Delma.

“Through this process, we became acquainted with CBFNC. Our journey with them has led us to be more engaged in community, state, and global missions.”

We want to make sure our money is focused on children, adults, college students, church plants, missionaries, Baptist periodicals, and so many more worthy Baptist ministries. The CBFNC Mission Resource Plan helps us do just that. We are proud to practice Baptist freedoms in our giving. Though our giving percentages demonstrate our bent towards CBF ministry initiatives (Hunger Fund especially), people are also free to choose to give to Annie Armstrong/Lottie Moon, and do so from time-to-time.

I like to tell people that our church has a unique identity among Baptist churches in the area. Our partnership with CBFNC helps us better share our unique identity with those who have questions about our theology and how we live out the Gospel. CBFNC acts as a loving, supportive older sibling who shares experience and wisdom. CBFNC helps us live out our autonomous mission within our church and community. And it’s the Holy Spirit of our risen Savior who keeps both our church and CBFNC “united.”

Because churches like ours who partner with CBFNC love Jesus and love people, it’s been easy to see how friendships develop both with CBFNC leadership and with other CBFNC-connected churches alike.

We partner with and support CBFNC because, deep down, the Great Commission and the Great Commandment are the sole purposes for our missional connection. Until Jesus comes back, I believe United and CBFNC will continue to joyfully and faithfully live out this fundamental purpose of every Christ-follower: “Man’s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy him forever.” So here’s to greater ministry for God’s Kingdom glory, CBFNC. We at United are proud and honored to partner alongside you!

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partner churches Churches making contributions October 2013 - March 2015

Giving Trends:

Designated

2011 through 2015

2011

2012

Undesignated

2013

2014

2015

In the 2014-2015 budget year, undesignated gifts totaled $1.29 million, a $100,000 decline from the previous year. Designated gifts again exceeded $2.6 million. For the first time in 5 years, total gifts fell below $4 million.

CBFNC continues to be gratified by the trust congregations and individuals are placing in us.

As you form your church budget for next year, we prayerfully and humbly ask that you consider increasing your gifts to CBFNC. We pledge to be good stewards of God’s resources and your trust.

We are taking great care to be good stewards of these resources through the ministries we coordinate and the cultivation of positive relationships with our cherished ministry partners.

To view CBFNC’s 2015-2016 budget, visit www.cbfnc.org/budget.

Churches contributing to CBFNC are listed in bold type. Churches that contribute to CBF Global only are listed in regular type.

Designated in blue are churches that participate in the CBFNC Mission Resource Plan, providing financial support for other Baptist ministries through CBFNC. For additional information about the Mission Resource Plan or for more information on partnering with CBFNC, visit www.cbfnc.org. This list does not include churches who partner with CBFNC or CBF Global in other, non-financial ways.

Earlys............................... Ahoskie First.................................. Ahoskie First.................................. Albemarle Mount Zion...................... Alexis Angier............................... Angier Baptist Fellowship........... Angier Neill’s Creek.................... Angier Iglesia Bautista Hispanoamericana ........................................ Apex Olive Chapel .................. Apex Woodhaven...................... Apex First................................ Arden First.................................. Asheboro Oakwood Park................. Asheboro West Asheboro.................. Asheboro Calvary............................. Asheville First.................................. Asheville Grace................................ Asheville Morningside..................... Asheville Connaritsa....................... Aulander Benson............................ Benson First.................................. Biscoe 4 • The Gathering – July/August 2015

First.................................. Black Mountain First.................................. Bladenboro Lennons Cross Roads..... Bladenboro First.................................. Blowing Rock Boiling Springs............... Boiling Springs First.................................. Boone Boonville.......................... Boonville Mount Moriah Calvert... Brevard First.................................. Bryson City First.................................. Buies Creek Memorial.......................... Buies Creek Bullock............................. Bullock First.................................. Burlington First................................ Burnsville First................................ Butner Calypso............................. Calypso Sawyer’s Creek................ Camden Hominy............................. Candler First.................................. Canton First.................................. Carolina Beach Greenwood Forest........... Cary Westwood......................... Cary

Chadbourn....................... Chadbourn Piney Forest...................... Chadbourn Ephesus........................... Chapel Hill HillSong............................ Chapel Hill Iglesia Bautista Amor de Dias .......................................... Chapel Hill Lystra............................... Chapel Hill Mount Carmel................. Chapel Hill University....................... Chapel Hill Grace Crossing................ Charlotte Iglesia Communidad Evangelica Internacional La Red...... Charlotte Park Road.......................... Charlotte Peace Covenant............... Charlotte Pritchard Memorial........ Charlotte Providence....................... Charlotte St. John’s.......................... Charlotte Sardis................................ Charlotte Together in Christ Intl. Ministries ........................................ Charlotte First................................ Clarkton First................................ Clayton

partner churches

Churches making contributions October 2013 - March 2015

White Oak........................ Clayton Mosaic.............................. Clayton Clemmons First................. Clemmons First................................ Clinton Grove Park...................... Clinton McGill............................... Concord First.................................. Cramerton Open Arms....................... Creedmoor Cullowhee........................ Cullowhee The Summit..................... Cullowhee First .................................. Denton First.................................. Dobson First.................................. Drexel First.................................. Dunn Westfield........................... Dunn Calvary............................. Durham Durham Memorial.......... Durham Iglesia Bautista Valle De Esperanza .......................................... Durham Glenn School Road.......... Durham Hope Valley...................... Durham Lowes Grove.................... Durham Mount Hermon................ Durham Temple.............................. Durham Tobacco Trail Church..... Durham Watts Street..................... Durham Yates................................. Durham First................................ Eden Edenton............................ Edenton Blackwell Memorial.......... Elizabeth City First.................................. Elizabeth City Elizabethtown.................. Elizabethtown First.................................. Elkin First.................................. Elon Emerald Isle..................... Emerald Isle Enfield.............................. Enfield Enka................................. Enka Fair Bluff.......................... Fair Bluff First.................................. Fairmont The Chapel Door............. Fairview First.................................. Farmville Cedar Falls........................ Fayetteville First.................................. Fayetteville Lafayette.......................... Fayetteville Mount Pisgah................... Fayetteville Snyder Memorial............ Fayetteville Unity Christian Center... Fayetteville First.................................. Forest City Florence.......................... Forest City Mount Vernon................. Forest City

First.................................. Four Oaks Pauline............................ Four Oaks Burningtown.................... Franklin Centerpoint...................... Franklin Franklinton...................... Franklinton Fremont Missionary ..... Fremont Garland.......................... Garland Aversboro Road............... Garner Covenant.......................... Gastonia First.................................. Gastonia Loray................................ Gastonia New Hope......................... Gastonia Reynoldson...................... Gates First.................................. Goldsboro Rosewood First................ Goldsboro First ................................. Graham College Park.................... Greensboro First.................................. Greensboro Guilford............................ Greensboro Lindley Park...................... Greensboro Southeast.......................... Greensboro Arlington Boulevard......... Greenville Immanuel....................... Greenville The Memorial.................. Greenville Oakmont.......................... Greenville Pleasant Hill...................... Grover Hallsboro.......................... Hallsboro Flat Rock.......................... Hamptonville First.................................. Henderson Providence....................... Hendersonville First.................................. Hickory Mountain Grove ............. Hickory Viewmont......................... Hickory Hiddenite.......................... Hiddenite Emerywood...................... High Point First................................... High Point Iglesia Bautista Esperanza Viva .......................................... High Point Parkwood......................... High Point Cane Creek........................ Hillsborough First.................................. Hillsborough Hobbsville........................ Hobbsville First.................................. Huntersville First.................................. Jonesville First.................................. Kannapolis New Life Chinese............. Kannapolis First.................................. Kernersville Iglesia Nueva Vision........ Kernersville Main Street...................... Kernersville Union Cross..................... Kernersville

Quaker Gap..................... King Spilman Memorial.......... Kinston Oak Ridge........................ Kittrell Knightdale...................... Knightdale First................................ Laurinburg Goshen.............................. Leland North Brunswick Fellowship .......................................... Leland College Avenue................. Lenoir First.................................. Lenoir Churchland...................... Lexington First.................................. Lexington Jersey................................ Lexington First ............................... Liberty Mount Pleasant.............. Liberty First ............................... Lincolnton Littleton............................ Littleton Mission............................. Locust Hickory Rock................. Louisburg Louisburg......................... Louisburg First.................................. Lumberton First.................................. Madison Antioch............................. Mamers First.................................. Marion Iglesia Bautista Ebenezer. ........................................ Marion Calvary........................... Mars Hill Mars Hill.......................... Mars Hill First.................................. Marshville First.................................. Mayodan New Bessemer.................. McLeansville First.................................. Mebane Mount Adar..................... Mebane Eatons................................ Mocksville First.................................. Mocksville First.................................. Monroe Mill Creek........................ Monroe First................................... Mooresville First................................ Morehead City First.................................. Morganton Calvary............................. Mount Airy First.................................. Mount Airy Mission Uno..................... Mount Airy Piney Grove..................... Mount Airy First.................................. Mount Gilead First................................ Mount Holly First................................ Mount Olive Murfreesboro................... Murfreesboro Rock Creek..................... Nashville First.................................. New Bern The Gathering – July/August 2015

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partner churches

Churches making contributions October 2013 - March 2015

First Chin ........................ New Bern Kendalls........................... New London First.................................. Newland Trinity............................. Newton First.................................. N. Wilkesboro First................................... Oriental Enon................................. Oxford Hester............................... Oxford Oxford.............................. Oxford Roberts Chapel................ Pendleton Pfafftown.......................... Pfafftown Iglesia Bautista Misionera Roca Fuerte .......................................... Pittsboro Mount Gilead................... Pittsboro Pittsboro........................... Pittsboro Athens Drive.................... Raleigh Christ.............................. Raleigh Crabtree Valley.............. Raleigh First.................................. Raleigh Forest Hills....................... Raleigh The Fountain.................. Raleigh Greystone......................... Raleigh Hayes Barton................... Raleigh Iglesia Bautista La Roca .......................................... Raleigh Iglesia Nueva Generacion .......................................... Raleigh Longview.......................... Raleigh Macedonia........................ Raleigh Millbrook......................... Raleigh New Hope......................... Raleigh Pullen Memorial................ Raleigh Ridge Road...................... Raleigh St. John’s ......................... Raleigh Swift Creek..................... Raleigh Tabernacle........................ Raleigh Triangle............................ Raleigh Trinity............................. Raleigh First.................................. Red Springs Calvary............................. Reidsville First................................ Reidsville Richfield........................... Richfield First.................................. Richlands Rosemary......................... Roanoke Rapids Bethel................................ Robbinsville First................................... Rockingham Dortches........................... Rocky Mount Lakeside........................... Rocky Mount Rileys Creek................... Rocky Point Rolesville.......................... Rolesville 6 • The Gathering – July/August 2015

Evergreen......................... Rose Hill Rose Hill........................... Rose Hill First.................................. Roseboro First.................................. Rowland Lamberth Memorial....... Roxboro Roxboro............................ Roxboro First.................................. Rutherfordton First................................... Salisbury Ephesus............................. Sanford First.................................. Sanford Flat Springs..................... Sanford Iglesia Bautista Nueva Comienzo ........................................ Sanford Jonesboro Heights........... Sanford Primera Iglesia Bautista ........................................ Sanford Beaver Dam...................... Shelby Double Shoals.................. Shelby Dover................................. Shelby First................................ Shelby Poplar Springs............... Shelby Ross Grove........................ Shelby Zion................................... Shelby Centro Familiar Cristiano. ........................................ Siler City Rocky River..................... Siler City Nobles Chapel.................. Sims First................................ Smithfield First Christian................... Smithfield Sharon.............................. Smithfield First.................................. Southern Pines Spencer............................. Spindale Ephesus............................ Spring Hope First.................................. Spring Hope Central............................. Spruce Pine First ................................. Spruce Pine First................................ Stanfield First................................ Stantonsburg First.................................. Statesville First.................................. Stoneville Brunswick Islands........... Supply First.................................. Sylva Olyphic........................... Tabor City Tabor City ..................... Tabor City First.................................. Tarboro Antioch........................... Taylorsville First ............................... Taylorsville First................................ Tryon Round Hill....................... Union Mills Cornerstone..................... Valdese

First................................ Valdese First................................... Wadesboro Falls................................ Wake Forest Heritage............................ Wake Forest Wake Forest..................... Wake Forest Woodland......................... Wake Forest First................................ Wallace Warrenton........................ Warrenton First.................................. Washington First................................ Waynesville First................................ Weaverville Crossroads Fellowship...... Weldon Baptist Tabernacle.......... Wendell Wendell............................ Wendell First................................ West Jefferson Fishing Creek.................. Whitakers First................................ Whiteville Mount Zion...................... Whiteville New Hope....................... Whiteville Wilkesboro....................... Wilkesboro First.................................. Wilmington Masonboro....................... Wilmington Ogden................................ Wilmington Temple.............................. Wilmington Winter Park..................... Wilmington First.................................. Wilson Cashie............................... Windsor Wingate............................ Wingate Ardmore........................... Winston-Salem College Park.................... Winston-Salem Fellowship........................ Winston-Salem First.................................. Winston-Salem Iglesia Cristiana Sin Fronteras .......................................... Winston-Salem Knollwood........................ Winston-Salem Mineral Springs................. Winston-Salem Northwest......................... Winston-Salem Peace Haven..................... Winston-Salem United............................... Winston-Salem Via Faith Community..... Winston-Salem Wake Forest................... Winston-Salem West Side ....................... Winston-Salem Winterville...................... Winterville Wise.................................. Wise First.................................. Yadkinville Maplewood...................... Yadkinville Bethlehem........................ Youngsville Youngsville....................... Youngsville Zebulon............................ Zebulon Visit www.cbfnc.org for more information on partnering with CBFNC.

Four years ago, Greenwood Forest Baptist in Cary had a party.

The Geneva Park apartment complex near the church could not have known at the time that the party in their parking lot would soon morph into the huge event it is today. Now called the Wrenn Drive Block Party, the event involves five local churches; the Town of Cary’s Phoenix Project; Dorcas Ministries, a local nonprofit that helps care for those in the community; the Town of Cary Parks and Recreation Department; and countless other community groups. They all join forces to provide a day full of food, games, information, and most importantly an opportunity for community members to meet, learn about each other, and share resources.

Members of Greenwood Forest originally developed the idea as a way to meet more of their neighbors. As Cary has grown and become another example of suburban sprawl, Greenwood Forest realized that it was ideally located at the corner of a busy intersection near the original heart of downtown Cary and within walking distance of Geneva Park and other neighboring apartment complexes. Their desire to become more than just another church with members who drive in from other parts of Cary compelled them to seek ways to become more engaged with the people who live around them.

The second Block Party included the Sondei Vineyard Congregation along with the Phoenix Project and Cary PD, and included four more apartment complexes in the area. In the last two years, the event has become ecumenical, as the congregations of the Kirk of Kildaire Presbyterian Church, Iglesia Christiana of Cary, Christ Church, and the Summit Church have joined in. More than eighteen different vendors come out to distribute information, share resources, or entertain. Habitat for Humanity offers information on how to volunteer or apply for a home; the Cary YMCA provides after school and summer scholarships, and accepts applications; and the Safe Child agency makes sure each child has a current ID. Along with the inflatables, snow cones, popcorn, crafts and games offered by the churches and the Parks and Recreation Department, local groups such as the Carolina Railhawks, a professional soccer team, offer demonstrations throughout the day. Each year has included entertainment from the different churches and their various ministries, highlighting the diversity in the groups present.

Officer Josh Fulbright, who has been a driving force from the Phoenix Project, says the cups that are given out each year at the event with church and sponsor names printed on them are a connection that can be made in the unfortunate event that the

making friends, building relationships b y Robin Hardison, Minister to Children and Missions, Greenwood Forest Baptist Church, Cary From the beginning, the Cary Police’s Phoenix Project has been a driving force and a natural partner.

This division of the local police department partners with apartment complexes to maintain safer neighborhoods through improvements such as better lighting, landscaping, building maintenance, and one-on-one relationships with residents to help cut down on crime in the communities. The officers are excellent partners who prayerfully and willingly join the effort to provide the community with resources to open up channels of communication between the local congregations and residents.

After its first year of hosting the Block Party, Greenwood Forest decided to reach out to churches in the neighborhood so everyone could begin to be better acquainted, cooperative, and willing to share resources for the benefit of the community.

police are called. “If we have to go into a home and we see the cup, which we often do, we can say, ‘Hey were you at the block party? Did you enjoy it? What was your favorite part?’ It gives us a starting point and a way to build a more positive relationship.”

That is exactly how Greenwood Forest sees the Block Party too. It is not enough to go into the surrounding neighborhood once a year and hand out treats, but it is a starting point. It also seems like the right way to do ministry—by joining fellow churches and community leaders to make friends with our neighbors so that through those relationships, the needs in our community can be met.

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witness, mission, and

ministry partners

WE, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina, are in partnership with schools, social ministry agencies, and lay ministries; WE are also in relationship with groups we call our “identity partners.” In addition to financial support and working together, WE seek to collaborate in “witness, mission and ministry” to become the “Beloved Community” that we are called to be.

The theme for the road ahead for CBFNC in 2015-2016 is “Beloved Community” (Clarifying Identity and Covenant). In this article, you will see a list of partners who are connected to CBFNC through the Mission Resources Plan (MRP) and/or budget. Several partners were asked to provide testimonials that describe what “binds us together in perfect harmony” (Col. 3:12, 14). As you read the stories, think about how you identify, and consider how you might participate with CBFNC in this joint effort to become and embrace “Beloved Community.”

Collaborative Ministry: 3 Ingredients John Pierce, Executive Editor, Baptists Today.

“Collaboration carries implications for a deeper relationship, more than an exchange of funds or goodwill. It involves important criteria—or ingredients—for effective, collaborative ministry. Collaboration with CBFNC demonstrates clearly how autonomous ministry organizations can work hand-in-hand to accomplish more than either could do alone.

Baptists Today seeks to partner where three essential ingredients of collaboration are in the mix: 1. Trust is a must; 2. Everyone shares the load; 3. Shared work is mutually beneficial.

These ingredients are apparent in the ongoing collaboration between Baptists Today and CBFNC. Thanks to our relationship, local church congregations are served, and more creative, cooperative plans are unfolding.”

Health: A Chance to Thrive in Community Steven Scoggin, President, CareNet, Inc. “A bundle of sticks is stronger and more resilient than a single twig. Healthy human life is relational, inviting trust and deep partnerships secured by a hearty root system. For it is in community that health has a chance to thrive.

8 • The Gathering – July/August 2015

by Ka’thy Gore Chappell, CBFNC Leadership Development Coordinator

Faith and health walk hand-in-hand as personified by the MRP between CBFNC and CareNet, Inc. (a subsidiary of Wake Forest Baptist Health). Through CareNet’s 37 clinics covering 83 out of 100 NC counties, the resource partnership is a tangible expression of God’s radical love and compassion to our neighbors. This collaborative model of missions widens the net of care across NC to those whose needs are desperate and resources are limited.

CareNet is grateful to live in partnership with CBFNC, whose wise understanding of missions extends to the health of the community as a bio-psycho-social-spiritual reality.”

Educational Ministry & Missions: A Collaborative Effort Lou Ann Gilliam, Director of Church & Community Relations, Chowan University “In preparation for a mission trip to Cape Town, South Africa, Chowan’s Campus Ministry invited students to craft plastic grocery bags into jump ropes. These recycled creations are gifts for children that students will meet on the trip. Jump rope making is an excellent metaphor for the relationship that Chowan University has with CBFNC. Through the MRP, CBFNC collaborates with students and the university to provide theological education scholarships for those who are called to ministry, to create an introduction to hands-on mission experiences, and to fund a mission trip endowment which fosters an environment for students to listen and hear God’s call on their lives.”

Chris Towles, Associate Chaplain & Campus Minister, BSU, Wake Forest University “The Wake Forest University Baptist Student Union is one of the ways that CBFNC ministers with college students. Our group is diverse in ways that are not always readily visible. The BSU students have a reputation on campus of loving everyone regardless of race, sexual orientation, or political views.

Because the BSU creates an environment that is safe for people to question and to grow in faith, students bring friends who are non-religious and from different religions to our worship time, Bible studies, and service events. In fact, our BSU students helped found the new Interfaith Theme House on campus and led the Interfaith Service Trip. They show the campus a view of Baptists who are cooperative and whose way of incarnating Christ’s mission is through loving their neighbors.”

CBFNC Collaborative Partners CBF Global CBFNC Partners (included in CBFNC budget) Baptist History & Heritage Society Baptist Women in Ministry National Baptist Women in Ministry NC Christian Women’s Job Corp North American Baptist Fellowship Young Scholars in the Baptist Academy Theological Education Campbell Divinity School Duke Divinity School, Baptist House of Studies Gardner-Webb School of Divinity Wake Forest School of Divinity Higher Education Campbell University Chowan University Gardner-Webb University Mars Hills University Meredith College Wake Forest University Wingate University

BJC internships

by Wanda Kidd, CBFNC Collegiate Ministry Coordinator North Carolina Baptists have enjoyed a deep, longstanding relationship with the Baptist Joint Committee on Religious Liberty (BJC). CBFNC is the current steward of that relationship. The desire to support this group that vigilantly monitors the issues surrounding religious liberty is vitally important to free and faithful NC Cooperative Baptists.

From CBFNC’s inception, there has been a commitment to continue the relationship with the BJC, and to help in multiple ways to support their mission. Our efforts include promoting the BJC’s work in our publications, inviting people from the BJC to speak in congregations and partner institutions, and providing funding through CBFNC’s Mission Resource Plan and operating budget.

The BJC even has a permanent seat on their board of directors to be filled by a person appointed by CBFNC. One of the more creative and engaging ways we work alongside the BJC is to help fund an internship each summer.

This internship is for students who are interested in public policy and the mission of the BJC. CBFNC has been partnering with the BJC for the past six years to provide this opportunity. All of the interns have gone on to graduate studies in law, theology or public policy. This BJC internship is one more way CBFNC invests and engages in the future of young Baptists and larger work of Christ in our world.

Ivana Hughes - lawyer Social Ministry Baptist Children’s Home Baptist Retirement Homes NC Baptist Hospital Division of Faith & Health Ministries (Care-Net)

My internship with the BJC gave me the opportunity to develop my faith and reassured me that I wanted to go into a legal career to fight for the rights of others. Without CBFNC helping me along the way, this would not have been possible. I thank CBFNC for the work they do in the Baptist community and for helping students in North Carolina broaden their horizon through internships.

Identity Partners Associated Baptist Press Baptist Center for Ethics Baptist Joint Committee Baptist World Alliance Baptists Today NC Baptist Foundation

Lauren Hovis - graduate student in public policy

Lay Ministries Women’s Missionary Union of NC NC Baptist Men

At the BJC, I learned practical skills that will help me further defend the Baptist principle of the separation of church and state. I am so grateful to CBFNC for funding my time there.

Adam McDuffie - seminarian

My internship with the BJC gave me the opportunity to experience the workings of a DC advocacy group while also deepening my commitment to and understanding of the Baptist principle of separation of church and state as I prepare to begin my graduate theological education.

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April 2015 Contributions Undesignated - $132,767 Designated - $234,410

CBFNC Financial Report:

May 2015 Contributions Undesignated - $110,751 Designated - $199,067 April 2015 - March 2016 Monthly Undesignated Goal: $117,447

Coordinator Visits

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

Choose a particular ministry, our Mission & Ministry Offering, or undesignated.

April - May 2015

First, Butler First, Hillsborough First, Winston Salem Forest Hills, Raleigh Loray, Gastonia Oxford, Oxford Rock Creek, Nashville Together in Christ Int’l Ministries, Charlotte CBFNC ministry coordinators are available to visit your church to speak, preach, teach, consult, lead and minister in ways appropriate to your context. Contact the CBFNC office for more information.

CBFNC Honorary and Memorial Gifts Bill and Judy McCall, Mooresville; Global Missions in memory of Ann Melvin Smith Dorothy and J.P. Powers, Lumberton; Cerebal Palsy in China in memory of Katie Dixon

Take a look at CBFNC’s blog,

Thoughts from across our state ... at cbfnc.wordpress.com.

Would you like to contribute?

E-mail smitchell@cbfnc.org.

Ministers on the Move

Compiled by Jack Causey, Ministerial Resources Coordinator

Our encouragement and support go to the following ministers who have recently moved:

Your gifts to a CBFNC endowment fund can plant seeds of blessing, hope, and help.

Designate a gift for scholarships, new church starts, or where it is most needed.

Contact Jim Hylton at jhylton@cbfnc.org or (336) 759-3456 for more information.

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Jill Martin has been called to Mount Carmel Baptist Church in Chapel Hill to serve as Student Minister

The Memorial Baptist Church in Greenville has called Brad Smith as Pastor

Boiling Springs Baptist Church in Boiling Springs has called Keith McKinney as Pastor

Josh Lail has been called to join the staff of First Baptist Church of Valdese as Minister of Family Life 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.

Visit our website, www.cbfnc.org to find a listing of our staff and leadership

I love that as a Baptist, the “priesthood of ALL believers” is fully embraced.... God is equally accessible to all the faithful, and every Christian has EQUAL potential to minister for God.

I love the freedom and blessing to pursue my call – whatever that means!

Tracy Hartman, Professor, BTSR, Richmond, VA

Jillian Martin, Youth & College Minister, Mount Carmel, Chapel Hill

I love the support and the community that we receive from other women in ministry!

Emily Davis, divinity student, Gardner-Webb & Youth Minister, North Wilkesboro, Wilkesboro

I love the affirmation to go and to be whoever God has called me to be and whatever God has called me to do.

Elizabeth Maye, divinity student, Gardner-Webb & Children’s Pastor, Zion, Shelby

supporting, affirming

women in ministry

by Ka’thy Gore Chappell CBFNC Leadership Development Coordinator

I am a Baptist Woman in Ministry and have been almost all my life.

While affirmation and encouragement has ebbed and flowed through the years, today I truly celebrate the opportunities afforded to women in ministry through relationships, organizations and leadership.

In a genuine effort to be supportive and affirming of women in ministry, CBFNC partners with BWIM NC and BWIM National. Through this partnership, both groups receive budget funds from CBFNC. In turn, BWIM NC provides four $1,000 divinity school scholarships annually for women at Campbell, Duke Baptist House, Gardner-Webb, and Wake Forest (CBFNC partner divinity schools). BWIM NC also schedules their annual convocation as an auxiliary event with CBFNC’s General Assembly. Additionally BWIM NC provides network support for women called to ministry, awards women who have made outstanding contributions in affirming women in ministry, and recognizes local church congregations who support women in ministry.

In addition to receiving budget funds from CBFNC, BWIM National and CBFNC enjoy a “gifts in kind” relationship. We look for opportunities to collaborate in events or projects like “call” retreats for college students, panel discussions and social events for new “women in ministry” starts, and advertising support for the annual BWIM National Convocation at CBF Global General Assembly. BWIM National also spotlights women in ministry through “This is a What a Minister Looks Like” weekly updates, assists divinity students and women in ministry with reference and referral through “Finding a Ministry Position” with Pam Durso, and awards divinity students annually for preaching and leadership.

Read why divinity students and women in ministry love being a Baptist Woman in Ministry ...

I always know there is someone there to walk alongside me, companionship of like-minded women.

Jennifer Jones Collins, Director of Pastoral Care, Chippenham & Johnston-Willis Hospitals, Richmond, VA

I love the support we get from Ka’thy Gore Chappell and Pam Durso!

Sarah Miller, Chaplain, SouthernCare Hospice, Waco, TX

I love being able to share with teenage girls that God can and will do great things through them.

For some, that will include vocational ministry.

Michelle Ayers Anderson, Minister of Youth, Westwood, Cary

I love learning from those who have walked this path before me and helping those who are seeking to follow this path now and in the future.

Martha Kate Hall, Associate Coordinator, CBF GA, Macon, GA

The Gathering – July/August 2015

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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

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Upcoming Events ~ JULY/AUGUST EDITION Oasis Church Music and Worship Conference July 13-15, 2015 Campbell University Hispanic Network Children’s Retreat July 25-26, 2015 Hispanic Network Youth Retreat August 14-16, 2015 Baptist Ideals Tour August 23-26, 2015 Williamsburg, VA Hispanic Network Women’s Retreat August 28-30, 2015 Youth Whitewater Rafting Retreat September 5-7, 2015 Blue Ridge Assembly, Black Mountain Stewardship Conference September 11, 2015 First, Shelby Hispanic Network Mother and Daughter Retreat September 26, 2015

Youth Beach Retreat October 2-4, 2015 Caswell 2015 Minister’s Retreat October 5-7, 2015 St. Francis Springs Retreat Center, Stoneville Regional Impacting Tomorrow Eastern NC Teaching Congregation October 10, 2015 Oakmont, Greenville Congregational Coach Certification October 19-20, 2015 Christmount Conference Center, Black Mountain Welcome Event for New Ministers October 22, 2015 CBFNC Offices, Winston-Salem Children’s Missions Day November 14, Zion, Shelby November 14, Zebulon, Zebulon November 21, Oakmont, Greenville

Regional Impacting Tomorrow Central NC Teaching Congregation January 16, 2016 Neill’s Creek, Angier Regional Impacting Tomorrow Churches Teaching Churches February 6, 2016 First, Mocksville Youth Choir Festival March 4-5, 2016 Knollwood, Winston-Salem Children’s Choir Festival March 12, 2016 First, Southern Pines CBFNC 2016 General Assembly March 18, 2016 Hayes Barton, Raleigh Regional Impacting Tomorrow Western NC Teaching Congregation April 16, 2016 First, Waynesville

Growing Generous Givers

A Stewardship Conference for Ministers and Lay Leaders featuring Rubin Swint September 11, 2015, at First Baptist Church in Shelby