The Gathering CBFNC Newsletter - May–June 2009

CBF National General Assembly

July 2-3, 2009 ~ Houston, Texas

C

ome this summer to a city as diverse as Houston, where you can embrace the world by getting to know your new global neighbors.

Hear from them why this fellowship movement called Cooperative Baptist Fellowship matters, and leave the Assembly knowing you are part of this growing movement of God in the world.

Highlights include: • Global Missions Field Personnel Commissioning Service - July 1 • Leadership Institute with Al Winseman, author of Growing and Engaged Church - July 1 • Hands-on missions projects in the Houston area • Resource Fair including a silent auction, missions marketplace and new ministry resources • More than 60 practical ministry workshops • Dynamic worship featuring global music, art and stories that challenge and inspire • The Houston Sessions, a missional experience for college students (see page 3) • Youth and children assemblies • CBFNC State Meeting with fellow North Carolinians - July 2 For more, including registration and hotels, visit www.thefellowship.info.

The Tarheel Scoop on the Lonestar State A visitor’s guide to Houston was compiled by Marie Parks, a native Houstonian who grew up in Winston-Salem. As the daughter of Nancy Parks, CBFNC’s Programs Manager, and a long-time member of CBF churches - Ardmore BC, W-S and South Main BC, Houston - Marie is thrilled to welcome you to her new home.

Find this guide at www.cbfnc.org.

May/June 2009 • Vol. 14, Issue 3 Bringing Baptists of North Carolina Together for Christ-Centered Ministry

In This Edition Page 3

of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina

The Sounds of The Fellowship Gathering

by Linda Brinson

Page 8

CBFNC Statement on Hunger

by Steve Sumerel

Houston Sessions Information Racial Reconciliation Workshops Information

The Gathering

Page 7

Page 4

Identity Partners

by Larry Hovis

Page 5

CBFNC Celebrates 400th Anniversary of Baptists

Page 6

Glimpses of Missional Faithfulness

by Rick Jordan

Have You Heard What is Happening in Belize?

by Brenda Hipp

Page 9

Embracing Authentic Evangelism: Hyaets Ministry

Page 10 It Takes a Village to Find a Pastor

by Lisa Lee Rust

May/June 2009

The Gathering of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina

phone: 336.759.3456 • phone: 888.822.1944 • fax: 336.759.3459 • cbfnc@cbfnc.org • www.cbfnc.org

Larry Hovis .......... Executive Coordinator LHovis@cbfnc.org Rick Jordan ......... Church Resources Coordinator RJordan@cbfnc.org Linda Jones ......... Missions Coordinator LJones@cbfnc.org

Jack Causey ...Ministerial Resources Coordinator JCausey@cbfnc.org Jim Hylton .... Business Administration Coordinator JHylton@cbfnc.org Wanda Kidd ...College Ministry Consultant asyougo5@aol.com Nancy Parks .... Programs Manager NParks@cbfnc.org

Natalie Aho .... Communications Manager NAho@cbfnc.org Laura Barclay ...... Ministry Support Manager LBarclay@cbfnc.org Gail McAlister ..... Financial Assistant GMcalister@cbfnc.org

Coordinating Council Greg Rogers, Greenville, Moderator Gail Coulter, Hendersonville, Past-Moderator Steve Little, Marion, Moderator-Elect Glenda Currin, Wilmington, Recorder Donna Bissette, Winston-Salem, Treasurer Ray Ammons, Gastonia Tommy Bratton, Asheville Don Gordon, Durham Gary Knight, Winston-Salem Martha McDowell, Laurinburg Glenn Phillips, Goldsboro Bert Young, Bladenboro Janice Young, Whiteville

Faith Development Ministry Council John Vestal, Raleigh, Chair Allen Winters, Hillsborough, Chair-Elect Todd Blake, Fayetteville Beth Heffner, Rutherfordton Garin Hill, Burlington Allison Lairmore, Raleigh Rebecca Husband Maynard, Elkin Kathy Naish, Hickory Katie Fam Roscoe, Southern Pines Tony Spencer, Forest City

Missions Ministry Council Kenny Davis, Wise, Chair Kent Cranford, Gastonia, Chair-Elect George Fuller, Raleigh Christopher Ingram, Smithfield Andrea Jones, Raleigh Len Keever, Dunn Alicia Porterfield, Wilmington Susie Reeder, Fayetteville Jose Villasenor, Durham Linda Winslow, Jamestown

Leadership Development Ministry Council Mark Ashworth, Kernersville, Chair Scott Hovey, Durham, Chair-Elect Joseph Alexander, Winston-Salem Ed Beddingfield, Fayetteville Larry Glover-Wetherington, Richlands Rendell Hipps, Hickory Tommy James, Sylva Shane Nixon, Burlington LeAnne Spruill, Durham Mari Wiles, Murfreesboro

CBF National Council Members from NC Lee Canipe, Murfreesboro Jack Glasgow, Zebulon, CBF Moderator Scott Hagaman, Marion Betsy Newton Herman, Raleigh Don Horton, Zebulon Crystal Leathers, Hickory Jim McCoy, Weaverville Mickie Norman, Leland

Endowment Management Board Scott Hudgins, Winston-Salem, Chair Jack Buchanan, Shelby A. G. Bullard, Raleigh Joe Harris, Mocksville John Hewett, Charlotte

Financial Report:

January 2009 February 2009

Contributions Undesignated - $129,469; Designated - $400,326 Contributions Undesignated - $72,195; Designated - $164,994 April 2008 - March 2009 Monthly Budget Goal: $90,746

College Ministry Conversation Reaching Out to College Students: This Summer and Beyond May 2, 2009 First BC, Elon, 10 am - 2 pm CBFNC hosts annual conversations around the issues of ministering to college students, both those who are members of local congregations and those who attend campuses close to our congregations.

We need to equip our churches to confidently, and sometimes courageously, break down barriers between generations. Student Ministry is a mission field, and we need to wade in to the fray. Come join the conversation, and let us be known as the Baptists who love young adults and who offer the gospel at every turn.

Cost: $10 (lunch included). Register at www.cbfnc.org by April 24.

2 • The Gathering – May/June 2009

¡bienvenida!

CBFNC Hispanic Retreat for Families!

Friday evening, June 5 Saturday, June 6, 2009 First Baptist Church, Sanford Jesus Romero, Baptist University of the Americas, will be bringing marriage enrichment for adults while Roberto Rueda will be working with the youth.

Visit www.cbfnc.org to learn more and register.

Please invite your Hispanic friends, neighbors and ministry partners! ¡véale allí!

* Won’t You Be My Neighbor? *

CBFNC Events

For the second year, CBF and CBFNC are working together to provide a missional experience for young adults in conjunction with the CBF General Assembly. We are traveling in vans from North Carolina to Texas and will stay at Willow Meadows BC in Houston for the week.

Activities Include: • Time in Galveston doing manual labor •

Looking at the systemic issues of poverty and the long term goals of ministering to people

•

Informal conversations with HIV positive Christians and dialog about the church’s response to HIV/AIDS

Details: Depart from Raleigh on Sunday, June 28, stay over somewhere in Mississippi, arrive in Houston Monday, June 29.

Cost is $150 for the week (includes lodging, food for Tuesday - Thursday, transportation while in Houston and T-shirt), but CBFNC is offering $100 scholarships for the first 40 NC students to sign up for the event.

•

Looking at ways students might missionally engage their communities through an “asset-based” approach to ministry

•

Attending the CBF General Assembly and helping lead a breakout session where church members can have conversations with young adults about their concerns for the church

•

Meeting with CBF field personnel and looking at opportunities for ministry both short- and long-term

Additional costs will include meals during travel and for the three days of the General Assembly and $50 p/p for travel gas to TX.

Register at www.thefellowship.info.

Come on your own or with a group from your college or church. We hope you and a friend will join us this year.

Racial Reconciliation Workshops An Invitation to Continue the Journey June 8 - Winston-Salem July 13 - Raleigh 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

The Racial Reconciliation Task Force of CBFNC is offering two regional workshops for clergy and congregational leaders. Each gathering is designed to clarify the call to pursue racial reconciliation as the Body of Christ. Questions regarding the biblical and theological foundations for this work will be addressed.

A working definition of racism will be offered as a way to shape our conversation regarding the nature of racism, the ways racism impacts our communities, diminishes our humanity, and impairs the witness of our congregations. Since diagnosis determines treatment, the sessions will conclude with a discussion of concrete strategies and practices to assist ministry engagement in a congregational setting.

The first workshop is scheduled for Monday, June 8 at Peace Haven Baptist Church of Winston-Salem, 3384 York Road, W-S, 27106.

Deadline for registration is May 20. The second workshop is scheduled for Monday, July 13 at Greystone Baptist Church, 7509 Lead Mine Road, Raleigh, 27615. Deadline for registration is June 17.

Registration fee is $15 (lunch included). Register online at www. cbfnc.org. Learn more about the CBFNC Initiative of Racial Reconciliation at www.cbfnc.org.

The Gathering – May/June 2009 • 3

Partners In Ministry

Identity Partners – Supporting and Shaping Baptist Identity

Editor’s Note – This is the third in a series of articles describing the ministries of partners who participate in the CBFNC Mission Resource Plan (MRP). To learn more about the MRP, visit www. cbfnc.org.

When it comes to shared ministries, Baptists are known primarily for missions and education. But Baptists have also banded together for other purposes. The CBFNC Mission Resource Plan includes a category called “Identity Partners” which consists of ministries both inside and outside North Carolina that explicitly carry “Baptist” in their name and which, in various ways, serve to preserve, support and undergird Baptist identity, principles and ministries.

Associated Baptist Press is the nation’s first and only independent news service created by and for Baptists. Working out of bureaus in Washington and Nashville, ABP provides daily coverage of Baptist news, news from the nation’s capital, and other general news and information of concern to Christians in the U.S. and around the world (www.abpnews.com).

Baptist Center for Ethics was founded with the mission of providing proactive, positive and practical ethics resources to churches. BCE held conferences and distributed newsletters, then began publishing curriculum and study guides, then moved into the Internet age by establishing a website in 1999 and distributing an e-newsletter in 2000.

In 2002, BCE launched EthicsDaily.com, posting news, columns, movie and book reviews, features, editorials and other content each weekday. EthicsDaily.com has built a global readership as it challenges people of faith to advance the common good.

In 2006, BCE and EthicsDaily.com again turned to the best of available technology by starting to produce DVDs for use in faith communities. Topics explored in their DVDs include global poverty, Baptist-Jewish relations, faith and politics, the text of Luke 4, and racism. EthicsDaily.com has also posted dozens of free video clips online.

The Baptist Joint Committee began in 1936 as the Committee on Public Relations. In 1946 the committee established offices in Washington, D.C., and became the Baptist Joint Committee on Public Affairs. In 2005, the BJC name changed to the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty to more accurately reflect their singular focus on religious liberty issues.

Serving 15 Baptist bodies, the Baptist Joint Committee is a non-profit 501(c)(3) education and advocacy organization that has worked for more than 70 years promoting religious liberty for all 4 • The Gathering – May/June 2009

by Larry Hovis, Executive Coordinator and upholding the principle of church-state separation. Baptists have always understood that the two must go together (www. bjconline.org).

The Baptist World Alliance is a fellowship of 214 Baptist conventions and unions comprising a membership of more than 37 million baptized believers and a community of 105 million. The Baptist World Alliance began in London, England, in 1905 at the first Baptist World Congress.

The BWA is a global movement of Baptists sharing a common confession of faith in Jesus Christ, bonded together by God’s love to support, encouraging and strengthening one another, while proclaiming and living the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit to a lost world. The mission of the BWA is: “networking the Baptist family to impact the world for Christ” (www.bwanet.org).

Baptists Today is an autonomous, national news journal offering timely news, thoughtful analysis and inspiring features. Each monthly issue focuses on keeping church leaders - clergy and laity - well informed of current issues impacting their ministries.

Freedom of the press is cherished and protected by the board of directors who assure complete editorial freedom. The executive editor is committed to honoring both editorial freedom and the responsibility to provide fair and accurate news coverage.

In 2008, Baptists Today began publishing a special North Carolina edition with news and features unique to North Carolina readers (www.baptiststoday.org).

The North Carolina Baptist Foundation is an agency of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina committed under the guidance of the Holy Spirit to serving North Carolina Baptists and others in generating an increased awareness of Christian estate stewardship principles as a means of financially undergirding churches, institutions, and mission endeavors on a permanent basis.

And further, the Baptist Foundation staff and board of directors are committed to being scrupulously moral, legal, efficient, and accurate in carrying out the intent of each donor and trustor whose funds are placed under management of the Foundation as a means of sustaining a tangible and perpetual involvement in presenting the Gospel, meeting human needs, and strengthening all bodies of Christian fellowship where Christ is the Head (www. ncbaptistfoundation.org).

CBFNC Celebrates 400th Anniversary of Baptists This article was adapted from a news report written by Tony Cartledge of Baptists Today and supplemented with reports from the Biblical Recorder and CBFNC staff.

How can Baptists maintain an effective witness into their fifth century of existence?

More than 400 participants gathered at First BC, Greensboro, on February 9th to mark the 400th anniversary of the Baptist movement and to anticipate what the fifth century of Baptist life might hold.

Sponsored by CBFNC, the “Convocation for a New Baptist Century” drew guests and CBFNC ministry partners from across the state and as far away as Texas and Washington, D.C. CBFNC coordinator Larry Hovis said that if Baptists in the next century are to be faithful, they must preserve and live by bedrock Baptist principles, pursue the mission of God, and work together in missional collaboration.

In pursuing the mission of God, Cooperative Baptists must recognize their need for one another, Hovis said, and “provide an authentic Baptist community where we can celebrate our oneness and respect our differences.”

Past programs of cooperation among Baptists have focused on funding from the churches and governance of funded institutions by the denomination, Hovis said.

He pledged that CBFNC, in contrast, will facilitate mutual collaboration based on conversations between representatives of the churches, the supported ministries, and CBFNC leadership.

Entering the new century, he said, CBFNC is ready to serve as a “robust catalyst” to assist collaborative partners “as we pursue God’s mission together.”

Earlier in the day, Baptist historian Bill Leonard, dean of the Wake Forest University School of Divinity, presented a paper addressing “The New Baptist Century in Historical Context,” and responded to questions in a time of lively discussion.

The second session of the afternoon consisted of a panel discussion featuring four presidents of North Carolina Baptist colleges and universities. The discussion was moderated by Wayne Wike, assistant to the president of Wingate University and former executive director of the Council on Christian Higher Education.

The presidents who participated were Frank Bonner,

Gardner-Webb University; Dan Lunsford, Mars Hill College; Jerry Wallace, Campbell University; and Chris White, Chowan University.

Topics of conversation included the historic connection between these schools and Baptist churches; the future commitment of these schools to Baptist churches; and the value added to Christian higher education over state-supported education.

During a dinner program, national and international ministry partners brought greetings from their respective ministries. These included Neville Callam (BWA), Tony Cartledge (BT), Robert Parham (BCE), Bo Prosser (CBF), Brent Walker (BJC), and David Wilkinson (ABP).

In a closing message, Mike Queen, pastor of First Baptist Church in Wilmington, said Baptists are “tribal people.” Christians have divided themselves into many tribes, he said, and Baptists have developed tribes of their own, but “that’s how it’s always been in the Kingdom of God.” Queen noted how Moses

New Baptist Century Convocation instructed the Israelites to encamp by tribes surrounding the tabernacle, each flying its distinctive banner.

Thus, “both unity and uniqueness were celebrated” in the peoples’ “corporate identity as children of Israel and particular identity as members of their tribes.”

“I spent a long time chasing the wrong things in Baptist life the past 25 years,” Queen told the congregation.

“CBF of North Carolina is my tribe in the Baptist nation,” he said, “but it is not a denomination to be won: it’s all about mission and freedom.”

In a key component of the convocation, representatives from 23 organizations recognized as CBFNC ministry partners joined CBFNC leaders and the congregation in a litany of common mission and mutual support.

A choir composed of students from North Carolina Baptist colleges led participants in worship, concluding with a rousing choral benediction that brought participants to their feet.

Read more, listen to audio of all the sessions and view photos at www.cbfnc.org.

Did you know the year 2009 is the 400th anniversary of Baptists worldwide?

The Baptist History & Heritage Society has created resources to learn about and inform Baptists. Visit them at www.baptisthistory.org.

Is your church also celebrating an anniversary?

Recently, we’ve heard from Northwest Baptist Church, Winston-Salem, about their year-long hundreth anniversary celebrations.

Similarly, First Baptist Church, Greensboro, just profiled their sesquicentennial anniversary celebrations in a fantastic brochure.

Read more about both of these celebrations at www.cbfnc.org.

We’d love to hear what your church has done or is planning for its celebrations. We’ll share these ideas on our website.

Email Natalie Aho at NAho@cbfnc.org and then visit our website www.cbfnc.org to keep up with the congregations you know and love.

The Gathering – May/June 2009

•

5

Missional Churches

Glimpses of Missional Faithfulness

by Rick Jordan, Church Resources Coordinator

No church is perfect. There is no perfect size, no perfect pastor, and no perfect program. If we are looking for perfection as our model, we will be consistently disappointed. What should be our standard, then? One pastor’s office sign reads, “Faithfulness is Success.” Faithfulness is also inspiring. Seeing someone hold fast to their dream, remain stable in spite of struggles and end with integrity gives us hope that we can aspire to be as faithful.

No church is perfectly missional. But we do, on occasion, catch Glimpses of Missional Faithfulness, which is the title of a new resource produced by the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. According

to the 72-page booklet, “The missional church movement asks, ‘What is God wanting us to be, become and do so that we can be the presence of Christ within our community and in the world?’ As churches consider this question, they are being energized with renewed vision and mission.”

Twelve CBF-church profiles are given that illustrate how Christ’s presence can be demonstrated in a wide variety of ways.

These stories are followed by reflection questions and space for writing reflections.

The booklet has a three-page “Introduction to the Missional Church” as well as a dozen pages listing additional resources.

The stories in this book are not programs to be duplicated. They are prompts. They urge an openness to God’s dream for our community and a dependence on the Spirit’s creativity and energy as we join that dream.

Order this booklet for $6.95 from CBF by calling 1-888-801-4223 or online at www. thefellowship.info.

A new, regular column titled “Glimpses of Missional Faithfulness” begins in this issue of The Gathering. These stories of CBF churches in North Carolina will inspire us to open our eyes to the assets and needs in our communities and to join God in the work already in progress.

What’s Expected? Glimpsing Missional Faithfulness at Immanuel Baptist Church, Greenville Recently, Immanuel Baptist Church, Greenville, was very excited to call a new pastor, Dr. Scott Conner. After a two-year interim, this new leader gave the members new hope for their church’s future. At Christmas-time, however, he and they were stunned to hear from a physician that the pastor’s wife, Connie, was diagnosed with breast cancer. For some churches, that would have taken the wind out of their sails. But Immanuel rallied around Connie, helping her out at home and in her new job as the public school librarian. The school, situated in a very poor community, had a library that was in disrepair and was an eyesore for the school. Members of the church joined Connie in cleaning, reshelving and transforming the library to a welcoming place.

They made or purchased hats, gloves and blankets for children to take home. They added money to the lunch account, so no child would have to eat only a partial lunch.

One Sunday morning, Dr. Conner illustrated his sermon with a story from East Carolina University, situated across the street from the church. A college football player (who now plays professionally) ran to his coach panting, “Coach, I just ran my best time ever!” The coach looked at this promising player and

and

said, “You know, you shouldn’t have told me that.” “Why not, coach?” “Because now that I know what your real potential is, I’m going to expect that of you every time we hand you the ball.”

Dr. Conner then said to his congregation, “You have supported my wife and me in her illness, and we have been amazed at what you have done. But you shouldn’t have done that…because now we know your potential, and I’m going to expect this of you any time you’re handed the ball.”

The congregation has taken up the challenge of their “coach.”

The church had its largest Operation InAsMuch with over 100 members (out of an average attendance of about 150) scattering around the community. One member recognized the need at a nursing home for visits to some who are seldom visited. A dozen persons joined him there. They are now making plans for regular visits, including a visit by the children of the church.

This church has found new life, new energy and new church members. Now, although the focus is more on ministry and less on numbers, their decade-long decline in attendance is reversing.

They know what to do when they’re handed the ball.

Do you love working with youth and young adults? Do you also love what it means to be Baptist and want to share that legacy with your church’s young people?

CBFNC has launched two new initiatives to help youth and young adults learn more about the CBF story. The first is a series of youth lessons from Elizabeth Edwards called “Free and Faithful: A Curriculum for Sharing the Story of CBF with Youth and Young Adults.” The second is a YouTube-style contest to encourage youth to express what it means to them to be Baptist.

You can find these initiatives on our website, www.cbfnc.org. Watch for more details in the next edition of The Gathering.

Free Faithful v

6 • The Gathering – May/June 2009

The Sounds of the Fellowship Gathering

Keynote Speaker Fred Craddock Photo courtesy of Tony Cartledge

by Linda Brinson, CBFNC Advocate and Freelance Journalist Somehow, it’s the sounds that may have made the most lasting impression on the more than 1,100 people who gathered for the CBF of NC General Assembly in Fayetteville March 20-21.

There was much to please the other senses, too, of course. Visually, there were the bright red shirts worn by members of the host church, Snyder Memorial Baptist, who were everywhere, ready to help with any problem. When it comes to touch, there were the friendly handshakes and warm hugs shared by people who gathered in an atmosphere permeated by fellowship and a desire to discover the will of God individually and for CBF and its partner churches.

As for smells, there was the welcome scent of coffee in an endless parade of fresh urns. The aromas of dinner on Friday night attracted more than 700 people, who were not disappointed when it came time to taste the food.

But throughout the two days, the sounds above all were rich and memorable. That is fitting in light of the theme of the gathering: “Use Words if Necessary: Embracing Authentic Evangelism.” There was the uplifting and inspirational music, which did much to set the tone for the worship services Friday night and Saturday morning.

Snyder Memorial members said that their church has made a determined effort to make music a central part of its mission, and the results are impressive. Friday night, the adult choir and orchestra performed beautifully, and when the congregation joined in for hymns, the sanctuary resounded. As the program wound to a close, the adult choir filed out, to be replaced by a 100-member youth choir. The young people sang “Give It Away,” and then, holding lights aloft, led the worshipers out of the service.

Saturday morning’s worship service provided a more contemporary - and equally accomplished and inspiring - mixture of music and video from Snyder Memorial’s A New Way Worship Team. The General Assembly’s music was uplifting and wonderful.

The meeting’s words were sometimes thought provoking, occasionally spiritually unsettling and always worthwhile. Some of them were delivered in unforgettable style by Dr. Fred Craddock, a professor emeritus at Emory University in Atlanta and a minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Craddock was one of the participants in the Elevating Preaching

Conference attended by nearly 300 ministers, and he delivered related sermons at the Friday night and Saturday morning worship services, tied to the theme of “Embracing Authentic Evangelism”: “Hearing What Is Said” and “Saying What Is Heard.” Craddock’s folksy, wise delivery lulls congregants along, making them laugh and nod their heads in agreement – and then ends with a stunner that leaves them speechless. It was easy to see why Newsweek has named him one of America’s best preachers.

This was a working meeting, with four sessions of intensive workshops in a wide variety of subject tracks. Anyone who walked into any number of classrooms would have heard powerful words.

In a session for chaplains and pastoral counselors who minister to returning military veterans and their families, participants wept along with the young Army wife who told about having to miss her long-planned wedding because her husband was ordered to Fort Bragg, and about spending months after his deployment doing nothing but crying – until someone invited her to church.

In sessions with members of the CBFNC Racial Reconciliation Task Force, participants grappled with the idea that racial segregation in churches is “an outcome of our sinfulness” and lack of hearing and obeying God’s will. They talked about how God has called us to make a difference in society, and how that is more important “than being all about me and liking my worship service the way it is.”

CBFNC General Assembly In a “Walk in My Shoes” session of the Wealth and Poverty Track, participants grew frustrated dealing with their mock social-service agencies and their own lack of money and necessary paperwork.

Sessions in the Evangelism Track prodded people to consider that the meaning of evangelism has been distorted by a vocal few on the national scene, and that churches need to fulfill God’s will by figuring out how to revive true evangelism – spreading the Good News – in their own communities. Church members need to bear witness through their deeds, they were told, but they also need to relearn how to “use words when necessary.”

Here and there, the rapid-fire, enthusiastic tones of Spanish speakers could be heard as well, coming from one of several workshops focusing on needs and interests of CBFNC’s growing network of Hispanic churches. And about 100 Hispanics and several “Anglos” gathered Saturday for a luncheon and worship service.

When the last song had been sung, the last “Amen” uttered and the last cup of coffee drunk, participants headed home on Saturday afternoon.

A temporary hush fell over Snyder Memorial, but those who had gathered there had an abundance of sounds replaying in their minds and hearts. Read more, view photos, and hear audio of worship and workshops at www.cbfnc.org.

The Gathering – May/June 2009 • 7

CBFNC Missions

CBFNC Statement on Hunger

by Rev. Steve Sumerel, Church Consultant and Wealth and Poverty Task Force Member

If one studies the geopolitical realities of the world, one comes away with an understanding of why some people are hungry and others have plenty. A study of global ecology reveals much about the types of crops that can be grown, the availability of drinkable water, and other facts that relate to the world hunger map. These and other types of studies are indispensable in humanity’s understanding of the plight of the hungry. Yet, each of these approaches can leave an individual feeling somewhat distant from the problem. Ecosystems are far too large to be effected by what one person does during a daily routine. Politics is for the powerful, and has little to do with an ordinary person’s effect on the world around him/her.

There is one type of inquiry, however, that surely transcends the distance created by the complexity and enormity of the problem of hunger. The more one explores the nature of God and experiences the reality of God, the more one comes to understand the interconnectedness of all of God’s children. To know God is to love your neighbor as yourself. That is, to know God is to be in community, which transcends geopolitical and ecological perceptions. The unity of this community is as intimate and as ultimate as God’s own relationship with us. Thus, when one person is hungry the whole community is afflicted with hunger. When one nation is ravaged by poverty, it is the whole Body that is beaten down.

The words of Christ in Matthew 25:40 are clear on this point. Rendering help to “the least of these” does not make Christ happy with us…it feeds Christ, it gives Christ needed water and shelter. Giving to a hunger fund or collecting cans of soup for a food bank is not an external act of charity; it is personal devotion to Christ. He is in us, and it is He who forms the bonds of community among us. The Body is suffering from hunger; all God’s children must come to the table.

For churches that collect hunger offerings or for individuals who would like to help, CBFNC does have a Hunger Fund. Monies collected in this fund will be given to local churches and regional networks to use to address local community hunger needs. If you would like to contribute, send your check made out to CBFNC and designate ‘NC Hunger Fund.’

To learn more about the CBFNC Wealth and Poverty Initiative, visit www.cbfnc.org.

Have You Heard What is Happening in Belize?

by Brenda Hipp, CBFNC Lay Coordinator of Belize Missions Graduation of five students from the Baptist Bible School of Belize (BBSB), a new Executive Secretary Treasurer (EST), new staff at the Baptist Training Center, new churches sending teams to Belize, CBFNC members participating in the Baptist Association of Belize (BAB) General Assembly, a Belizean pastor studying for his Doctor of Ministry at Gardner-Webb - what a year for Belize missions!

Leaders and volunteers from the BAB and CBFNC had productive meetings on the same weekend as the first graduation of BBSB and as the BAB General Assembly. The Partnership Covenant was reviewed and a focus on building the association was named the common goal. Another CBFNC leader, Rick Jordan, spoke to the Pastors Summit in Belize on January 31, 2009.

Thanks to Scott Hagaman’s advocacy, Pastor Norman Willacey was able to enroll in the Doctor of Ministry program at GardnerWebb School of Divinity this fall with GWU providing free tuition, fees, and books. Norman hopes to use this degree to help him develop a Baptist college in Belize. Bob and Rhea Lamb are providing him with housing and local churches are needed to pay for his airfare. FBC-Marion, FBC-Lexington and CBFNC paid for one flight each for August, October and January.

Learn more about CBFNC and Belize at www.cbfnc.org 8 • The Gathering – May/June 2009

Pressing Needs •

Extensive work at Sand Hill Camp. Ceiling and repairs to kitchen needed for campers this summer. House for caretakers needs extensive work.

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Light of the Valley School needs classrooms. Santa Elena, primary school, needs to be completed.

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Toilets, roofs, fences are needed for many churches. New Community needs a partner for this in northern Belize.

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Also needed are contributions to CBFNC marked for the Baptist Bible School of Belize. If you would like to sponsor a specific student or teach in the BBSB, contact Bob Lamb (rlamb12@carolina.rr.com).

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Airline tickets for Norman Willacey from Belize to Gardner-Webb for October-November 2009, JanuaryFebruary 2010 and later a flight for project defense and graduation. Also, Norman needs a loaner car while he is in NC. Contact Scott Hagaman at scott.fbcm@ charterinternet.com.

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Set of handbells for Belmopan Baptist. Contact Scott Hagaman at scott.fbcm@charterinternet.com.

Embracing Authentic Evangelism: Hyaets Ministry An online interview with Greg and Helms Jarrell and Jason and Joanie Williams of Hyaets Ministry In the previous newsletter, we featured Hyaets ministry in the West Charlotte neighborhood of Enderly Park as one who personifies the CBFNC General Assembly theme “Embracing Authentic Evangelism.”

The mission of Hyaets is to inspire, enrich, and embody Christian community, and they do so by offering their own homes to their neighbors as a place of rest, food, shelter, and friendship.

Hear from Hyaets partners, Jason & Joanie Williams and Greg & Jennifer “Helms” Jarrell from an online interview.

In “layman’s” terms, what exactly is Hyaets?

Helms: We are two couples (plus outside neighborhood supporters) who have moved into an at-risk neighborhood who practice Christian hospitality with neighbors by offering our homes and our lives as a gift to one another. We offer hospitality by offering meals, companionship, shelter, prayers, and a listening ear.

How did you come up with the name Hyaets?

Jason: Hyaets (#[e yx;) is a Hebrew phrase that means “tree of life.” Actually it is very poor Hebrew grammar. The words should be in reverse order “aets-hy,” but that didn’t flow off the lips as easily as hyaets, so we flipped the word order! yx; hy (hi) = life and #[ aets (eights) = tree. Although we fudged the Hebrew a little to make it more accessible, the image we are striving for is the image of the tree of life that bookends the bible in Genesis and Revelation and is referenced in several Psalms.

The word yx; (hy) can also mean “community” depending on the exact spelling and pronunciation. Through the phrase hyaets, we actually intend the pun – so that the phrase could mean “community tree.” The fact the Hebrew word for “life” is so similar to the word for “community” (coming from the same root word) is instructive for us. Though we need to do more research, we believe that this is no coincidence, that life and community are related, that life is about

community, that community is about life.

We live rightly in community. That is, in large part, the core of Hyaets.

Why Enderly Park in Charlotte?

Greg: When we were looking for the neighborhood we would be settling in, we asked folks we knew in Charlotte, “If you were going to move your family to a neighborhood to raise your children, what area would you not go to?” A couple of places, including Enderly Park, came up several times. Enderly Park is one of the most fragile neighborhoods in the city - we have had very high crime rates over the past several years. There are relatively few homeowners, many neighbors are on some kind of public assistance, there are obvious signs of blight here - boarded up houses, lots of litter, etc. Our conviction was not to live in a dangerous, economically depressed place just for the adventure of it, but that we wanted to be next door to the poor. We think that we should take Jesus seriously when he says that the kingdom of heaven belongs to them, and we want to place ourselves in a position to be able to learn from the poor about what Jesus meant.

What about your own journeys led you start this ministry?

Helms: Gosh, each of us could probably spend an hour answering this question.

Things that brought me to this place: My experience growing up at FBC Raleigh helped to disciple me and made me want to work hard to build the kingdom. The Baptist Student Union at ASU taught me a lot about community and about listening for God. My experience as a Student Summer Missionary every summer made me want to serve and do so in radical ways. Seminary at BTSR challenged me to question and practice what I believe.

CBFNC is diving deeper into conversations about evangelism, wealthy and poverty, and racial reconciliation. Can you speak to this conversation in relation to Hyaets?

Greg: Our strong conviction about these areas is that our lives and behaviors more

than our words will bear out how serious we are about them. Folks who care about the poor ought to be friends with people who are poor. Folks who care about racial reconciliation should know people of other races, and love them. In doing so, we can learn to see with a different set of eyes, so that our preaching might actually sound like - and our lives look like - good news.

How to become completely converted to that new way of life, or to seeing the world in a new way, is a constant struggle for us.

So, this is an ongoing conversation with us as well, and we are glad to be a part of that conversation with CBFNC. How does being a CBFNC Baptist relate to a ministry like Hyaets?

Joanie: Many of the people who informed, influenced, and helped me hear my call to ministry and particularly to Hyaets are part of CBF and that is very important to me.

Jason: We believe by being Baptist within the ministry of Hyaets, we are a unique voice amidst the many Baptist voices of the world. We feel that we have an important perspective to offer to our fellow brothers and sisters. Hyaets has come out of the lives of three North Carolina Baptists who all associate with CBF. Our Sunday School teachers, pastors, parents, youth leaders, and mentors were CBF folk. In other words, it was really CBF, and CBFNC in particular, that birthed Hyaets by forming us throughout our youth. We only hope that Hyaets and CBFNC can deepen our relationship over the coming years such that CBF might claim us as their own. We fervently desire to be deeply connected to CBFNC, to be a strong resource for the churches and congregation of CBFNC, to be a place of mission and retreat for members of CBFNC, and to be an avid voice for the poor, marginalized, and oppressed at the CBFNC table.

Contact us or arrange to come and visit.

We would love to introduce you to some really beautiful people!

Visit www.hyaets.org to learn more. Read the interview in full at www.cbfnc.org.

The Gathering – May/June 2009

•

9

Reference and Referral

It Takes a Village to Find a Pastor

by Lisa Lee Rust, Chairperson, Pastor Search Committee, First, Lumberton

No doubt you have heard the ancient African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child.” We at First Baptist, Lumberton, found it also takes a village to find a pastor!

In July, our congregation will joyfully celebrate the first anniversary of the pastorate of Dr. David Elks. The journey of finding God’s person for our congregation was a slow but deliberate one and an opportunity for us to witness God clearly at work in the life of our congregation and our new pastor. We experienced firsthand how beautiful and Spirit-led a search experience can be when God provides the necessary resources to accomplish the task.

In 2007, when our committee was given the humbling charge of finding our next pastor, we were confident in God’s provision and filled with a sense of unity and purpose. We clung to God’s promise that if we would trust Him and rely on His understanding and plan, He would direct us and give us the tools and resources needed for the journey. Although several on our committee had ministerial search experience, we soon realized we needed assistance from those more current and familiar with the delicate and intricate art of matching congregation and pastor. As we prayed and sought God’s leadership, we began to reach out to our extended “village:” likeminded Baptist organizations and individuals who would contribute in mighty ways to our search over the next year. One of our most valuable, meaningful connections was with our friends at CBFNC. Our partnership with CBFNC came at a critical point in our search process. As a committee, we had done our homework. We were conscious about pacing our search, establishing a search process sequence, and resisting the urge to rush the process. We surveyed our congregation, evaluated our strengths and weaknesses, identified and prioritized our needs and established selection criteria for our ideal candidate. We knew that, while there were many gifted and qualified pastors out there, it was most important for us to find that one person who would be the best fit for our congregation. But how might we best accomplish that task? How could a committee in rural southeastern North Carolina connect with pastors throughout our state and beyond that might be open to a call? How could we identify and narrow down the pool of qualified candidates and have the most accurate, current information about those candidates? Those questions and others were quickly answered as we began conversation with Dr. Jack Causey, Ministerial Resources Coordinator for CBFNC. We learned that CBFNC is eager to assist both congregations and ministers in referral and placement.

10 • The Gathering – May/June 2009

Dr. Elks with a few members of the Pastor Search Committee (L-R) Cathy Frye, Jim Driscoll, David Elks, Lisa Rust, chairperson, and James Gore.

One of several CBFNC facilitators, Jack was a wonderful resource when gathering profiles and recommendations on candidates. Candidates were confidentially presented with honesty and equal sincerity, and we never felt any one was favored over another. We found that his impressions of candidates were spot-on, and we initiated contact with many fine prospects because of his accurate and fair assessments. Because Jack was familiar with our congregation and former pastors, we trusted his judgment in recommending those persons who were most likely to match the personality and mission of our congregation.

CBFNC also offered information and education that created credibility with our pastoral candidates. Without doubt, one of the most important things a search committee can do is to recognize the unique needs and challenges, both spiritually and financially, of ministers today, share those with its congregation, and give those concerns utmost consideration during the search process. Doing so builds trust and creates a healthy environment for open discussion during the call process.

Our collaboration with CBFNC was reassuring to David throughout our conversations and exploration of call. “I am thankful for the integrity that CBFNC lends pastors and churches through the call process,” he says. “In the Baptist climate we live in, pastors and churches must do their homework in learning about one another and discerning the possibility of a healthy relationship. I am most appreciative of the fact that the integrity CBFNC lends this process is born out of genuine prayer for both pastors and churches.”

That prayer and support extended to both committee and candidate throughout our process, providing encouragement and reassurance as we navigated uncharted territory. As we narrowed our search to our top candidate and continued to explore the possibility of ministry together, our friends at CBFNC prayerfully shared our sense of anticipation and reverence for God’s call upon David’s life.

“Every pastor needs a pastor, especially as he or she is considering a call to a new position,” David says. “A pastor’s greatest gift to a congregant is to help him or her hear and respond faithfully to God’s call. Jack Causey and CBFNC fulfilled this role for me as I considered a move to Lumberton.”

We at First Lumberton continue to thank God for providing spiritual and professional resources that led to a beautiful covenant ministry with David Elks. Indeed, we discovered that it often takes a village to find a pastor.

Although our “village” consisted of many persons and organizations, CBFNC was a key contributor to what became an anointed, grace-filled experience.

Learn more about CBFNC Reference and Referral at www.cbfnc.org.

New Contributing CBFNC Partner Churches (As of March 30, 2009) First, Albemarle (Formerly CBF only)

Main Street, Kernersville (Formerly CBF only; New MRP* Contributor)

(New MRP* Contributor)

Morningside, Asheville (New MRP* Contributor)

Mt. Moriah Calvert, Brevard

Cashie, Windsor Union Grove, Kernersville (Formerly CBF only; New MRP* Contributor)

Northside, Burlington

Fairfield Mountains Chapel, Lake Lure

Peace Covenant, Charlotte

First, Lumberton

First, Dunn (New MRP* Contributor)

Mount Hermon, Durham

(New MRP* Contributor)

First, Red Springs

First, Statesville First, Four Oaks First, Stoneville (New MRP* Contributor) (New MRP* Contributor)

Ministers on the Move

*Mission Resource Plan Visit www.cbfnc.org to learn more.

(New MRP* Contributor)

(Formerly CBF only)

Burningtown, Franklin

(Formerly CBF only; New MRP* Contributor)

HomeStar Fellowship, Raleigh

Lafayette, Fayetteville

(New MRP* Contributor)

(New MRP* Contributor)

United, Winston-Salem

(Formerly CBF only)

(New MRP* Contributor)

First, Tarboro

Happy 5th CBFNC Anniversary to Programs Manager, Nancy Parks!

Compiled by Jack Causey, Ministerial Resources Coordinator

Our encouragement and support go to the following ministers who have recently moved: David Blackman has been called as the Coordinating Pastor of First Baptist Church, Asheville.

Robert Dixon has been called as the Pastor of West Side Baptist Church, Winston-Salem.

John Edge has been called as the Pastor of Cane Creek Baptist Church, Hillsborough.

Felicia Fox has been called as Minister of Youth for First Baptist Church, Mt. Olive.

Kelley Garris has been called as the Minister of Music at First Baptist Church, Wilson.

Amity Page has been called as the Minister of Children for First Baptist Church, Wilson.

Allison Pryor has been called as the Minister of Youth and Children for First Baptist Church, Valdese.

Virginia Reynolds has been called as the Associate Pastor - Preschool and Children’s Minister of First Baptist Church, Greensboro.

Dan Ridley has been called as the Minister of Music for Hayes Barton Baptist Church, Raleigh.

Danny Russell has been called as the Minister to Students and Families at First Baptist Church, Sylva.

Jeff Spargo has been called as the Minister of Youth at First Baptist Church, Mount Holly.

Don Wynkoop has been called as the Director of Music Ministries for First Baptist Church, Gastonia.

When you make a move or know of someone who has changed places of ministry, let us know at jcausey@cbfnc.org.

For vocational placement or search committee requests, visit our vocations page on our website at www.cbfnc. org or call 336-759-3456 or 888-822-1944.

The Gathering – May/June 2009 • 11

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 ~ May/June Edition Regional New Baptist Covenant Meeting April 24-25, 2009 Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem Details at www.newbaptistcovenantse. org.

Coaching Conference April 30, 2009 CBFNC Offices, Winston-Salem Details at www.cbfnc.org.

Youth Spring Mission Weekend May 1-3, 2009 Asheville Details at www.cbfnc.org.

Marriage Enrichment May 2, 2009 First Baptist Church, Hickory Registration and details at www.cbfnc. org.

College Ministry Conversation May 2, 2009 First Baptist Church, Elon See page 2. Registration and details at www.cbfnc.org. Register by April 24.

Youth Ministry Summit May 7, 2009 CBFNC Offices, Winston-Salem Registration and details at www.cbfnc. org. Register by May 4.

Houston Sessions June 29 - July 4, 2009 Houston, Texas See page 3. Details and registration at www.thefellowship.info.

Interim Ministry Training May 11-13, 2009 CBFNC Offices, Winston-Salem Contact CBFNC for more information, 888-822-1944.

CBF General Assembly July 2-3, 2009 Houston, Texas See page 1. Visit www.thefellowship. info for more and to register.

Sunday School Literature Workshop May 16, 2009 Boiling Springs or Raleigh Details and registration at www.cbfnc. org. Register by May 6.

Racial Reconciliation Workshop July 13, 2009 Greystone BC, Raleigh See page 3. Registration and details at www.cbfnc.org. Register by June 17.

Hispanic Retreat June 5-6, 2009 First Baptist Church, Sanford See page 2. Registration and details at www.cbfnc.org.

CBFNC Youth Day at Emerald Pointe Water Park July 30, 2009 Greensboro Registration and details at www.cbfnc. org.

Racial Reconciliation Workshop June 8, 2009 Peace Haven BC, Winston-Salem See page 3. Registration and details at www.cbfnc.org. Register by May 20.

The Gathering is published six times a year. All questions may be directed to Natalie Aho, 888-822-1944 or naho@cbfnc.org. For story submissions, contact Natalie Aho for requirements and newsletter deadlines.