April/May 2012 fellowship! by Cooperative Baptist Fellowship

fellowship!

CBF

April/May 2012

Cooperative baptist fellowship | www.thefellowship.info

Serving Christians and churches as they discover and fulfill their God-given mission

Fostering faith & teaching English In China, CBF field personnel and short-term workers teach conversational English language skills among students, ministers and others.

CBF Photo

Learn more about the ministries of CBF field personnel who are serving in China on pages 10-16.

Intersections In the recently published “Both-And: A Maston Reader,” the editors offer the following insight about an influential Baptist ethicist, T.B. Maston: “Maston believed that Christians live most of the time in a creative tension created by the ideals set forth by a holy God and the reality of finite, sinful people struggling to live up to those ideals. This tension demands movement: one simply cannot remain in a neutral zone for very long…. Maston’s understanding of this tension gave rise to his conviction that ethics and decision making were more often than not an issue of both/and as opposed to either/or.” The future of Cooperative Baptist Fellowship will be determined, in large measure, by our ability to think and act maturely in a “both/and” kind of way. We will need to accept the tension that celebrates paradox and embraces differing perspectives. I would like to suggest several intersections where we are called to live in the years ahead. Personal and Communal. Baptists have celebrated the freedom of individual conscience and the priesthood of every believer. We have championed “soul competency” and the responsibility of each person to respond to God, interpret Scripture and follow Christ. But Baptists have also celebrated the necessity of Christian community for discipleship and formation. We have believed that relationship with Christ means relationship with Christ’s church. CBF must be diligent in being “non-coercive” and “non-hierarchical” in faith and practice. But we must be equally diligent in being covenanted both in fellowship and in mission. The pressure to polarize to extremes is intense, but we will be healthy only if we live in the middle of the tension between these two truths. Evangelical and Ecumenical. Some would argue that Baptists are neither of the above, but I disagree. I would contend that CBF is a part of “American evangelicalism” and “mainline Protestantism,” though not fully identified with either. We are something of a hybrid, which often causes tension within itself. We should not be timid in calling individuals to repentance and personal faith in Jesus Christ and saying that we believe Scripture is central to our doctrine and practice. But neither should we be tentative about seeking Christian unity and working with all Christians for justice and reconciliation. Prophetic and Pastoral. This intersection is perhaps one of the most difficult to navigate, especially in a political and social environment that is deeply divided with harsh rhetoric. How can CBF, both at the denominational and congregational level, address the moral issues of our day and yet care for one another when we view those issues from very different perspectives. Let me suggest that we be unafraid in naming the moral issues of our time, that we be intentional in educating ourselves on those issues, that we honor the Vol. 22, No. 2 diversity among us and make sure every voice is heard and respected. Let me executive Coordinator • Daniel Vestal suggest that we involve ourselves in the political process without being so partisan Coordinator, Fellowship Advancement • Ben McDade that we can’t love one another. Let me suggest we be a culture and community that Editor • Lance Wallace listens to Scripture and the Spirit in ways that transforms all of us. Perhaps then we managing Editor • Patricia Heys can be an instrument of transformation for the world. Associate Editor • Carla Wynn Davis There are so many other intersections where we will live in the years to come: Phone • (770) 220-1600 How can we give attention both to evangelism and social action? How do we Fax • (770) 220-1685 engage in missions both at the local level and the global level? How do we educate E-Mail • fellowship@thefellowship.info both clergy leaders and lay leaders for the future? How do we communicate the Web Site • www.thefellowship.info gospel in ways that are both thoughtful and passionate? In all of these intersections fellowship! is published 6 times a God promises us grace, wisdom and providence. We need not be afraid.

year in Feb./March, April/May, June/July, Aug./Sept., Oct./Nov., Dec./Jan. by the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, Inc., 2930 Flowers Road South Suite 133, Atlanta, GA 30341. Periodicals postage paid at Atlanta, GA. USPS #015-625. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to fellowship! Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, 2930 Flowers Road South, Suite 133, Atlanta, GA 30341.

fellowship!

April/May 2012

Daniel Vestal, CBF Executive Coordinator

Contents

9 10-16

In Canada, CBF field personnel Kim and Marc Wyatt are ministering among the immigrants and refugees living in the country’s largest cities.

Ten People to Meet at CBF’s General Assembly

Fostering faith & teaching English in China • Field personnel create community among service workers • Levesque builds relationships, shares gospel in Nanning • CBF field personnel teach, encourage college students • Veteran missions worker finds new challenges teaching English

17 18-24

Affect: February Missions Education Resource Missional churches • Suburban St. Louis church reaches out to war refugees • Georgia church transforms bank building into community center • Florida church utilizes location to minister among homeless population

25 26 27 28-31

Affect: March Missions Education Resource

Photos courtesy of FBC Fort Myers

Upcoming CBF Events

Partner Spotlight: Center for Congregational Health 2012 CBF General Assembly — Fort Worth, Texas

At the First Baptist activities center in Fort Myers, Fla., homeless individuals have access to toiletries and a hot shower.

FROM THE EDITOR In this issue of the fellowship! magazine, you’ll read about First Baptist Church of Fort Myers, Fla. When

church members decided to reach out beyond the walls of their church, they found a homeless community in need of basic items (shower, clean clothes, food, etc.) and God’s love. After the church’s ministry provided one man, who had recently been laid off, with a suitcase, small food stipend and bus ticket home, John Daugherty, pastor of FBC Fort Myers, drove him to the nearby bus station. Daugherty remembers the man’s parting words, “You guys must save a lot of lives,” he said. Fellowship partner congregations, such as FBC Fort Myers, are saving lives and changing lives in a variety of ways. We want to hear your stories. We want to share your stories with others so that they might be inspired. Maybe your church is like First Baptist Church of Tucker, Ga., a congregation that worked to convert a former bank building into a community center (read more on page 21). Or maybe your ministries are similar to those of Kirkwood Baptist Church in St. Louis, Mo., which started a ministry among refugees living in the city (read more on pages 18-20). These churches are being the presence of Christ in their communities. Each church discerned a need and utilized their resources and gifts to help meet that need. They are missional churches, recognizing and living out their unique role in God’s mission in the world. Take a moment, send an e-mail and share your missional story.

Patricia Heys, managing editor, pheys@thefellowship.info

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April/May 2012

When you give... “After a health seminar, a woman came to me in tears. She kept shaking my

The ministry of the Aldapes in India is made possible by the generous gifts of Fellowship Baptists to the CBF Offering for Global Missions.

hand, saying ‘We are all family in Christ, we are all one under God.’ When I consider what the people of Southeast Asia have experienced and lost with the tsunami, I am continually awed by their courage and faith. Giving to CBF helps me share my ministry with more people and share Christ’s love across nations.”

Karen Alford, one of CBF’s field personnel, Southeast Asia

n the choppy waters off Padang, Indonesia, on a boat that travels to the islands off Sumatra only once a week, an expecting mother cried with labor pains. Also traveling on that boat back to her home on the island of Pagai Utara, was Karen Alford, one of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship’s field personnel, who was awakened at 3 a.m. and informed of the woman’s need for assistance. “Her water had broken earlier, it was her first pregnancy and she was traveling alone,” said Alford, who is a licensed nurse practitioner. Alford moved the woman in labor from a large room full of travelers to a smaller room set aside for Muslim prayer, making her as comfortable as possible. Following a devastating earthquake and tsunami in October 2010, Alford moved to Pagia Utara to minister in small jungle villages among people displaced by the di-

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saster. Relocated further inland to remote jungle villages, most families continue to live in temporary shelters and collect rainwater in donated tanks for drinking. With the help of a local church, the Christian Protestant Church of Mentawai, Karen built a home and began conducting mobile health clinics in surrounding villages. She travels through the jungle mostly by a trail bike motorcycle, when there’s enough gas. Most weeks, Alford and an Indonesian nurse and midwife treat sick and injured people at a church-operated medical clinic. To sustain the ministry, Alford trains local workers to take over one day. “Most of the local healthcare workers and traditional midwives have no formal medical training,” she said. “In fact, some can’t even read or write. So we are starting with basic hygiene issues and first aid practices, then gradually work up to more

advanced medical training. Our goal is hopefully one day the villagers won’t be dependent on us for all of their treatment and health care needs.” The mother on the boat was comforted by Alford. Her husband worked on another island far away, and she was returning to Mentawai to be near her family. Two hours after Alford helped relocate her to the quiet prayer room, the mother gave birth to a healthy baby girl. The boat’s captain helped name her and granted her free passage for life on the boat. “When we arrived in Sikakap around 6 a.m., the woman’s father was one of the first people on board,” Alford said. “When he found her and saw his new granddaughter, they both burst into tears. The grandfather, when he heard his daughter was coming home, walked two and a half days from his village so he could be there to meet the boat.”

Your support of all the Fellowship’s mission and ministries makes possible countless stories of lives changed. To give, go online to www.thefellowship.info/givenow or use the envelope provided in this issue.

Serve

Use your gifts, skills to minister alongside CBF field personnel in Spain

Randall Stotts, left, pastor of First Baptist Church of Blue Springs, Mo., and church members prepare pancakes for children attending a school near the Whitley’s ministry center.

CBF Photo

ellowship Baptists do more than offer an occasional helping hand to the ministry of Cooperative Baptist Fellowship field personnel Joel and Tiffne Whitley in southern Spain. At crucial times in their five years of service, individuals and missions teams have played the key role. Whether it’s a game of soccer with African immigrants, sewing classes for Muslim women or a pancake breakfast for Spanish schoolchildren, many of the breakthroughs the Whitleys have experienced have come through short-term workers. “It’s amazing what God can do,” said Tiffne. “He seems to open more doors through missions groups.” The Whitleys minister primarily among immigrants, refugees, migrant workers, international students and displaced people in and near Roquetas, Spain, located on the Mediterranean coast. Most are Muslims from West Africa who come seeking economic opportunity and better lives for their families. They struggle not only to find jobs but to learn the culture and language of Spain. In their work, the Whitleys partner with local Baptist Christians, many of whom are themselves immigrants, and with individuals and mission teams who connect through CBF. Some Fellowship Baptists come back to Spain again and again, such as those from First Baptist Church of Blue Springs, Mo., who have sent half a dozen teams and several individuals in recent years. The kind of ministry in which teams engage depends on what skills and gifts

serve

they already possess. For example, a group of women from FBC Blue Springs drew on the expertise of one member and gave haircuts and manicures to the Romanian prostitutes who live across the street from the Whitleys’ ministry center. Several miles away, approximately 20 Muslim men share a house while working in the local agricultural industry, hoping to earn enough money in a few years to bring their families from West Africa. A group of visiting teens from the United States used a game of soccer to open doors of relationship with some of these men. “It takes awhile to get into their friend-

ship circles,” Tiffne said. The U.S. group has been back several times now. One of the African men gave one American woman a picture taken during a previous trip. It was a photo of himself with the woman’s 16-year-old son Matt. She took it home, copied and framed it, and on his next trip to Spain, her son gave it to the African man. “The man remembered Matt, his name, and everything,” Tiffne said. “Matt was able to share with the African guys about Jesus. I told him later that it may have been the first time some of these guys have heard the name of Jesus in a positive way.”

Are you interested in serving alongside the Whitleys in Spain? Currently, the Whitleys need individuals to teach math and children’s Bible classes in English and Spanish and to lead discipleship classes for local Spanish churches. Contact CBF staff member Chris Boltin at (800) 352-8741 or engage@thefellowship.info to learn about these and other opportunities. fellowship!

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Learn

Fixin’ Church: Finding a Way Forward in Crazy Times

The Leadership Institute is held each year on the Wednesday of CBF’s General Assembly.

CBF Photo

n a church world of shrinking attendance and sinking budgets, congregational leaders often face pressure to grow the church, budget and programs. Instead of offering a “quick fix” to church problems, this year’s Leadership Institute aims to lead participants in walking in the ways of Christ as they are formed into missional leaders. The Leadership Institute at this year’s Cooperative Baptist Fellowship General Assembly, June 20-23 in Fort Worth, Texas, will furnish ministers and lay leaders with practical tools to face challenging times. “We want to call leaders back to their purpose — equipping the saints for works of ministry,” said Rick Bennett, CBF director of missional congregations. “This work of equipping begins with ministers leading their congregations to focus on the kingdom, with the promise in mind that — if we seek the kingdom — everything else will fall in place.” But how does a church leader seek the kingdom? “The answer — in part — is to do as Jesus did, to walk in his way,” Bennett said. In creative and interactive ways, the Leadership Institute aims to reacquaint participants with the rhythms demonstrated in the life of Jesus and the people of God through the ages. “The biggest challenge a church faces is discerning and pursuing faithful directions in a world of easy and unproductive solutions,” Bennett said. Often, church leaders face the temptation of reacting to problems rather than responding to the needs of their communities. Although this reactionary approach may seem easier in the short-term, the

“I know we pastor-types are reticent about making a commitment to another ‘meeting’ or another ‘conference,’ but this one is worth the heart and soul that you put into it. It’s refreshing to receive a gift that comes from the way of the Spirit not a prescriptive strategic leadership plan from the next big wave of leadership thought. What the Leadership Institute offers are authentic stories of pastors and leaders who have learned by listening, and that will always say so much more to me.”

Julie Merritt Lee, pastor Providence Baptist Church, Hendersonville, N.C.

Leadership Institute plans to point participants toward praying the hard questions and mindfully walking in the way of Jesus. One component of this year’s Leadership Institute will honor Terry Hamrick, CBF coordinator of missional visioning. Hamrick will retire effective June 30, after more

than 15 years as a part of CBF’s senior leadership team. He has played an integral part in supporting missional leaders through helping establish peer learning groups, seminary graduate church residencies, sabbatical leaves for pastors and paid summer church internships for students.

Leadership Institute Fixin’ Church: Finding a Way Forward in Crazy Times — June 20, 1-4:30 p.m. Registration is $25 per person. www.thefellowship.info/assembly/leadership

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Pray Prayer practice

lipping through Twitter this morning a post led me to a blog from Ann Voskamp about short prayers. I resonated as I “tweeted” between gulps of my breakfast bar, trying to honor Facebook birthdays, contemplating emails and phone calls beckoning to be returned. There is a time to be still and a time to be silent; perhaps there is also a time to

“pray on the run.” Scripture is filled with short prayers, “Lord, help me!” (Matthew 15:25); “Lord, save me!” (Matthew 14:30); “God be merciful unto me.” (Psalm 41:4). Jesus prayed “Father, I thank Bo Prosser thee.” In multiple places. One of these prayers might fit your schedule this week, this day. I’m not suggesting “short prayers” as a daily discipline. We all need to take time to be in silence and contemplation before

Prayer Calendar

12 Ryan Clark, Philippines (FP); Beverly Hatcher, Winston-Salem, NC (PLT)

CH = Chaplain FP = Field Personnel FPC = Child of Field Personnel GMP = Global Missions Partner PC = Pastoral Counselor PLT = Church Planter

13 Steve Sullivan, Little Rock, AR (CH)

April

17 Allison Hicks, Middlesboro, KY (CH); David Jones, Newberg, OR (CH)

1 Frank Dawkins, Greenville, NC (PC); Greg Smith, Fredericksburg, VA (FP) 2 Christie McTier, Dearing, GA (CH); Leonora Newell, San Antonio, TX (FP); Wayde Pope, Crestview, FL (CH) 3 Marjorie Avent, Daniel Island, SC (CH); Charles Mason, Indianapolis, IN (CH); Michele Norman, Four Oaks, NC (FP); Wayne Sibley, Pineville, LA (CH); Thomas Wicker, Salado, TX (CH) 5 Darcie Jones, Columbia, SC (CH); Eddy Ruble, Southeast Asia (FP) 6 Steven Mills, Hendersonville, SC (CH) 7 LaCount Anderson, Scotland Neck, NC (FP); Tricia Baldwin, Fort Worth, TX (CH); Nathan Dean, Atlanta, GA (PLT); Bonnie Hicks, Woodstock, GA (CH); Mary Timms, Hawkinsville, GA (CH); Mary Wrye, Henderson, KY (CH) 9 Olen Grubbs, Hixson, TN (CH); Jim Pruett, Charlotte, NC (PC); Steve Vance, Charlotte, NC (CH) 10 George Hemingway, High Springs, FL (CH); Ben Hodge, Winston-Salem, NC (CH); Alan Rogers, Kaneohe Bay, HI (CH) 11 Geoffrey Bailey, Leavenworth, KS (CH); Laura Broadwater, Louisville, KY (CH); Steve James, Haiti (FP)

14 Kerri Kroeker, Lakeland, FL (CH) 15 - Turkey (FP); Jeff Flowers, Evans, GA (CH) 16 Kaitlyn Parks, 2006, Slovakia (FPC); Hyun W. Shin, Southeast Asia (GMP); Kay Wright, Virginia Beach, VA (CH)

18 Cyrus Bush, Pfafftown, NC (CH); Ray Cooley, Wallingford, CT (CH); Nathan Solomon, Swansboro, NC (CH) 19 Michael Lee, Hendersonville, NC (CH); Jack Wehmiller, Murrayville, GA (FP) 20 - North Africa (FP); David Chan, Houston, TX (CH); Susan Stephenson, Edmond, OK (CH) 21 Richard Dorsey, Albuquerque, NM (CH) 22 Judith Grace, Temple, TX (CH); Lucas Newell, 1997, San Antonio, TX (FPC); Barry Pennington, Blue Springs, MO (CH) 24 Brenda Atkinson, Greenville, SC (CH); Daniel Bucur, Minot AFB, ND (CH); Rhonda Gilligan-Gillespie, Indianapolis, IN (CH); Laura Mannes, San Antonio, TX (CH); Travis Smith, Forest City, NC (CH); Leslie Stith, Liberty, MO (CH) 25 Connie Graham, Fitzgerald, GA (CH) 26 Hyun Woo Shin, Southeast Asia (GMP) 27 Pat Davis, Baton Rouge, LA (CH); Carter Harrell, 1995, Kenya (FPC); Pete Parks, Williamsburg, VA (CH) 28 Gary McFarland, Charlotte, NC (PC) 29 Ted Dougherty, Winston-Salem, NC (PC) 30 Charles Wallace, Fort Worth, TX (CH)

the Lord. We all need to devote ourselves to study and intense times of praying. But, don’t neglect prayer if you just have time for a short prayer. What might you pray for yourself today? What might you pray for the names in our prayer list? What might you pray for me or your parishioners or our world today? The importance of the discipline is that we practice the discipline, so pray daily. And, if the best you have today is a “short prayer,” pray without ceasing! We’ll all be better for it.

May

15 Paula Settle, Eastern Kentucky (FP)

1 Michael Coggins, Navarre, FL (CH); Katherine Higgins, Mint Hill, NC (CH); Bob Whitten, Springfield, VA (PC)

16 - daughter, North Africa (FPC); Dewey Bland, Inverness, FL (CH); Steven Harris, Salem, VA (PC); John Reeser, Sautee Nacoochee, GA (CH); Alex Ruble, 2001, Southeast Asia (FPC)

2 Cathy Cole, Aiken, SC (CH); Stephen Murphy, Honolulu, HI (CH); Deborah Reeves, Austin, TX (CH); Matthew Sherin, 2004, Columbia, MO (FPC); Lynn Walker, Chickasha, OK (PLT); Terry Wilson, Mt. Pleasant, SC (CH)

17 Robert Duvall, Lawrenceville, GA (CH); Nell Green, Houston, TX (FP); Filip Zivanov, 1998, St. Louis, MO (FPC)

3 Leah Harding, 1992, Orlando, FL (FPC)

18 Wayne Hill, Greenville, SC (PC)

4 Gary Metcalf, Kingsport, TN (CH); Skip Wisenbaker, Atlanta, GA (CH)

19 Gwyen Driskill-Dunn, Fort Worth, TX (CH); Becky Schultheiss, Elyria, OH (CH)

5 Austin, 2004, Thailand (FPC); Jimmy Cole, Spain (FP); Bruce Gourley, Bozeman, MT (PLT); Karen Long, Birmingham, AL (CH)

20 Micah James, 1994, Haiti (FPC) 21 Pat, New Jersey (FP); Laley Norman, 2005, Four Oaks, NC (FPC); Ron Winstead, Emeritus (FP)

6 Carol Dalton, Swannanoa, NC (CH); Steve Smith, Liberty, MO (CH)

22 Jon Ivy, Tuscaloosa, AL (CH); Gabe Lyon, 2005, Atlanta, GA (FPC); Steven Unger, Twenty-nine Palms, CA (CH)

7 Jennifer Lyon, Atlanta, GA (FP); Dora Saul, Fort Worth, TX (CH) 8 Stanton Cheatham, Madison, MS (CH); Rusty Elkins, Edmond, OK (CH); Bruce Hunter, Troy, VA (PLT) 9 Rich Behers, Lakeland, FL (CH); Evan Bridges, 1995, San Antonio, TX (FPC); David Harding, Orlando, FL (FP); Leigh Jackson, Austin, TX (CH); Jin Chul Kim, Philippines (GMP)

24 Cindy Clark, Philippines (FP) 26 Hunter, Thailand (FP); Valerie Hardy, Loganville, GA (CH); Gerry Hutchinson, Culpeper, VA (CH)

10 T.J. Cofield, Princeton, NJ (CH); Sun Woo Kim, 2000, son, Philippines (GMP); Jane McKown, Burnsville, NC (CH)

27 James Gilbert, Deville, LA (CH); Nelson Taylor, Richmond, VA (PLT)

11 Larry Ballew, China (FP); Robbi Francovich, Emeritus (FP); Joanna Humphrey, Ruther Glen, VA (CH); Cy Miller, Shelby, NC (CH) 12 Charles Admire, Sanford, NC (CH) 13 Sa Mo Choi, Asia (GMP); Samson Naidoo, Garland, TX (CH)

23 Cheryl Adamson, Conway, SC (PLT); Polly Barnes, Brandon, MS (CH); Jared Neal, Atlanta, GA (CH); John Schumacher, Smyrna, GA (CH)

28 Hardy Clemons, San Antonio, TX (PC); Laurel Morrow, 1992, Aledo, TX (FPC) 30 Randy Ridenour, Norman, OK (CH); Winston Shearin, Lakeland, FL (CH) 31 Kelley Woggon, Louisville, KY (CH)

14 Scott McBroom, Charleston, SC (PC); JoAnne Morris, Louisville, KY (CH)

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fellowship People

Charles Brown

“T

he kingdom of God would not look just like an Anglo culture,” said Charles Brown pastor of The Crossing Baptist Church in Mesquite, Texas. “Our churches should reflect that diversity.” That’s one goal of Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Texas, where Brown serves as moderator. Fifteen years ago, the suburban Dallas church was more than 90 percent Anglo. Now the neighborhood is home to many more cultures and so is the church. Some congregations might have sold their property and moved. But The Crossing stayed put. CBF Texas aims to grow congregations integral

to their neighborhoods that “get outside the walls of the church, do hands-on missions,” Brown said. The Crossing participates in neighborhood crime watch, hosts a National Night Out anti-crime block party, and its members mentor students at local schools. “Some [church members] arrive with no clear understanding of who Christ is,” said Brown. “It’s exciting to sit down and to begin to work with someone … and then move them to a point where they are sharing the gospel.”

Charles Brown

Alison Dunn

lison Dunn is not sure where she’ll fit once she finishes her master’s degree at Duke Divinity School, a CBF partner, next year. Dunn, who receives scholarship support from the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship’s Leadership Scholars program, said her field and class work give her a feeling she’ll minister in an inner city, working to roll away man-made racial, social and economic barriers in the name of Christ. An internship at Church of the Savior, a historically ecumenical church in Washington, D.C., was “a huge eye-opening experience,” said Dunn. The church’s numerous ministries include an AIDS hospice and a transitional housing center.

Working for “the least of these” is key, said Dunn, because “I believe as disciples of Jesus we are called to bring the kingdom of God into our present reality by working to create a more peaceful and just society through the power of the Spirit.” She’s inspired by theologians like Gustavo Gutierrez and Justo Gonzalez, who both preach against systems Alison Dunn in the Americas that cause poverty, injustice and oppression. What’s guiding her now is the truth that “through the mouth of the poor, oppressed, marginalized and broken, God speaks.”

Susan Rogers

fter Susan Rogers graduated from Mercer University’s McAfee School of Theology, a CBF partner, she got a pleasant surprise when she set out as a new church planter near downtown Jacksonville, Fla. “So often we assume that people have their guards up, and I think somewhat they do,” said Rogers, “but I do think people really are interested in talking about spirituality.” As planning began for The Well At Springfield, she held two focus groups with people from the neighborhood to learn about their worship preferences, their experiences with church and how they envisioned a new church taking shape in their neighborhood.

Since those meetings in the summer of 2010, The Well has become a congregation of approximately 30 people who worship together one Sunday per month in a rented community space. The other three Sundays, they gather for a potluck supper and Scripture exploration. Weekly worship may start this spring. As a strategic church planter with Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Florida, Rogers will continue the work of rooting this new church into the community while also settling into her role as pastor.

Susan Rogers

Steve Sullivan

he south Arkansas town of El Dorado lies in a swath of country that’s sparse in population and high in military recruits, according to Veterans Administration chaplain Steve Sullivan, who is endorsed with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. Sullivan has watched a growing epidemic where at least one in five young veterans will return from Iraq or Afghanistan with the flashbacks, anxiety, nightmares and other symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. “Veterans who live in rural areas are far more likely to seek out their pastor or someone from their church for help rather than any formal provider,” said Sullivan. Sullivan has started the El Dorado’s Project SOUTH Military Ministry, a monthly meeting of faith community leaders, laypeople and mental

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health professionals who trade and share information that can help stressed military families. From his Little Rock base, Sullivan has fostered four similar groups under the Veterans Administration/ Clergy Partnership for Rural Veterans. In one town, when a veteran left his house angry and armed, his wife called her pastor. Because of the partnership, the Steve Sullivan pastor knew how to immediately connect the family to resources. “Rural pastors are first responders,” said Sullivan. “The key to the Veteran Administration’s goal is to increase access to care for rural veterans.”

Ten Pe ple

To Meet At CBF’s General Assembly

By Terry Megginson-Walton

Missional Gatherings Manager

Aho serves as communications consultant for The Center for Congregational Health, a CBF partner. On June 19, she will lead a workshop focusing on social media and the local church. If Twitter, Facebook and the web continue to be an enigma for you, attend this event or schedule time to talk with her.

It has been said that one of the most meaningful aspects of CBF’s General Assembly is conversation with old and new friends. Now in its 22nd year, the gathering attracts four generations of Fellowship Baptists. Each person comes with a story — a story that may include personal milestones or celebrations, professional expertise as well as Fellowship-related information. The following people will be walking the halls or sitting beside you during workshops, plenary sessions or in the hotel restaurant. Pull up a chair and talk and listen to those around you. This is how we grow in fellowship.

1 2

Daniel Vestal

David Hull

In addition to being pastor of First Baptist Church, Huntsville, Ala., Hull chairs the 2012 Task Force. This past year, Task Force members conducted more than 100 listening sessions with Fellowship Baptists. They will share their findings and plan for the future during the Assembly. www.thefellowship.info/2012taskforce

3 4

Carrie Newcomer

This singer/songwriter illuminates life with depth, humor and clarity. On Wednesday June 20, she will share her stories at An Evening of Song and Celebration at Broadway Baptist Church in Fort Worth.

George Mason Mason, pastor of Wilshire Baptist Church in Dallas, chairs the search

LEARN

Kim and Marc Wyatt

Jonathan and Tina Bailey

Daniel Vestal

Vestal’s personal milestone is that, in June, he will retire as CBF’s executive coordinator, a position he has held since 1996. However, his ministry continues. If asked, he will be happy to share thoughts about his future ministry.

Natalie Aho

committee for the next CBF executive coordinator. Mason has said that the committee will rely upon the spirit of God, as well as the prayers of the CBF community in this search. Keep an eye out for other committee members: Colleen Burroughs, Jack Glasgow, Wendell Griffen, LeAnn Gunter Johns, Cynthia Holmes, Kyle Reese, Artemia Tamayo, Tony Vincent and Joy Yee.

Clarrisa Strickland

CBF’s longest tenured employee loves swapping stories with staff ministers and seminary students. She also likes to talk with search committees who are seeking staff to lead in their congregations. As the manager of CBF’s reference and referral services, Strickland is a connecting point for the two. Be sure to drop by “Ministers on the Move” and talk with Strickland.

Trevor Hudson

Hudson is committed to the work and ministry of the local congregation and believes strongly that for something to be real it must always be local. He will be featured during the pre-Assembly prayer retreat and in workshops focused on “Questions God Asks of Us.”

The Wyatts’ ministry in Canada will be the North American focus of next year’s CBF Offering for Global Missions. Stop by the Gathering Place at the Assembly to meet these field personnel and learn about their ministry among internationals. You can also learn more about free resources for promoting the CBF Offering in your church.

Are you passionate about music, dance, drama, painting and other expressions of creativity? Then, find time to talk to these CBF field personnel about how the arts can break down barriers and encourage conversations about faith. Their ministry will be the international focus of next year’s CBF Offering for Global Missions, along with the Rubles (see below).

Cindy and Eddie Ruble

In Southeast Asia, these CBF field personnel share the gospel through social justice ministries. Talk to the Rubles about their ministries related to education, preventing child sexual abuse and domestic violence, promoting gender equality and raising awareness regarding human trafficking. Later this year, the Rubles will be featured in CBF’s series of missions education resources.

Learn more about the 2012 General Assembly and register for free online at www.thefellowship.info/assembly.

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Fostering faith and teaching English

in China While Chinese students learn to read and write English starting in elementary school, speaking English often remains a difficult challenge. Native English teachers are in significant demand to teach conversational language skills among students, ministers and others.

C H I N A

Through teaching English, CBF field personnel and shortterm workers have the opportunity to develop friendships, build community and share the gospel. Some field personnel serve through local churches and others through universities.

Chengdu

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In China, Christians have the freedom to worship, and the government recognizes churches, but Christians working outside a church setting cannot openly evangelize. However, Christians are allowed to answer questions about their faith when asked.

Nanning

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Macau

Haikou

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In the next few pages, you learn about Fellowship Baptists who are changing lives through teaching English and being the presence of Christ.

Larry and Sarah Ballew

Macau At Macau Baptist Church, the Ballews teach English classes and build relationships with service industry workers. A popular tourist destination, Macau is full of hotels, restaurants and attractions that make up more than 70 percent of the city’s revenue. (Read more on page 12) www.thefellowship.info/ballew

Larry and Sarah Ballew

Cynthia Levesque

Nanning Until recently, Levesque taught English at Guangxi University.

Now, she continues serving as an English teacher through a local registered Chinese church. (Read more on page 13) www.thefellowship.info/levesque

Kamille Krahwinkel and Mickael Eyraud Cynthia Levesque

Haikou

Krahwinkel teaches English at Hainan University, and Eyraud is studying Chinese intensively at another school in the city. They befriend students on their respective campuses, and their home serves as a regular hangout spot for students. (Read more on pages 14-15) www.thefellowship.info/Eyraudkrahwinkel

Bill and Michelle Cayard

Chengdu The Cayards teach English to seminary students and church Michael Eyraud

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leaders. Their ministry is focused on facilitating the start of new churches and training pastors and lay leaders. www.thefellowship.info/cayard

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Michelle Cayard

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“Being a teacher in China has its challenges but is extremely rewarding. I would recommend it because it’s an excellent way to have a viable and rewarding ministry. Teaching can provide financial support for other kinds of ministry and provide an effective means to be a Christian witness by establishing relationships and friendships with the Chinese.” — Cynthia Levesque If you are interested in teaching English in China, contact CBF staff member Chris Boltin at engage@thefellowship.info. Short-term and long-term opportunities are available. Learn more at www.thefellowship.info/serve. Learn more about ministries related to teaching through CBF’s Education Mission Community. Join the community on Facebook or go to www.thefellowship.info/Missions/Communities/Education. fellowship!

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‘Everyday moments’ Field personnel create community among service workers

n Tuesday and Thursday nights at 8:20 p.m., Larry Ballew stands outside the main door of Macau Baptist Church, waiting to find out if anyone will show up for his English class. The class is specifically designed for Chinese hospitality industry workers — restaurant employees, hotel and casino workers and members of production crews. Ballew prays as he waits, asking God to bring the right people to that night’s meeting. “Every time people show up, I know that God has drawn them for a purpose,” he said. “I thank God for the privilege of being able to relate with these friends. It’s in these small, everyday moments that I know God is present here.” Larry and Sarah Ballew were commissioned as CBF field personnel to China in 2005, but they have been serving in the coastal city of Macau, China, for more than 16 years.

A popular tourist destination, Macau is full of hotels, restaurants and attractions that make up more than 70 percent of the city’s revenue. The service industry also attracts young people looking for work, even though jobs are often stressful and require long hours. The Ballews quickly learned that the best way to open doors to relationships with Macau’s service industry workers was to offer English courses — specifically, at night. These service industry workers often miss out on developing friendships because of their after-hours work schedules. “There is a strong interest in learning English among these workers because they interact with tourists every day,” Sarah said. The Ballews use Christian songs and Bible stories to help teach English in their classes. “Our students tell us that they feel valued and loved when we get together, and we tell them that this is God’s love that they are seeing in our lives.”

In December, the Ballews invited one of their close friends, Yuki, to attend a large evangelistic outreach event for young people in Macau. “She was happy to go and had a good time,” Larry said. “She gladly sang along with the praise songs and listened with focus to the speaker.” But when Sarah asked her if she believed in Jesus, Yuki said, “No, I don’t have any faith to believe.” “It is a mystery to us how God works in peoples lives,” Sarah said. “We choose to keep praying for Yuki and demonstrating God’s love to her; hoping that someday soon, she will have faith to believe.” During the past year, the Ballews’ ministry has grown as their current students and friends continue to bring co-workers, friends and family members to their English classes and extracurricular activities at Macau Baptist Church. Church members have also become more involved with the hospitality industry ministry, helping develop relationships through serving Thanksgiving dinner or Christmas cookies to the restaurant and hotel workers. Several students have recently come to the Ballews with an interest in studying the Bible more in-depth. “We are home here because of the relationships God has provided,” Sarah said. “More than anything, we love celebrating with our Chinese friends as they find a new and growing faith in Christ.” By contributing writer Lelia King

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Each month, the Ballews host a social event with their hospitality industry class. Recently, they held a Hotpot Party, a traditional Chinese winter meal where people bring meat, dumplings and vegetables to boil in a pot together.

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‘God put China on my heart’ Levesque builds relationships, shares gospel in Nanning

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yndi Levesque likes to tell people who ask about her occupation that she makes friends for a living. It turns out, she does — by teaching English in China — and that making friends can have eternal rewards. Levesque, who until recently taught English at Guangxi University in the southwestern Chinese city of Nanning, continues as a volunteer English teacher through a local registered Chinese church. Through that work, she develops relationships with students that become friendships and opportunities to share the gospel in a country where strict limits are placed on witnessing about matters of faith. “In China, everything is about relationships,” she said. “In the Cyndi Levesque teaches English at the registered church in Nanning, building close relationships with students. university setting, by treating students with fairness and respect, I was missions workers] and we had visited many who worked at a restaurant near where exhibiting Christian characteristics. I [field personnel] in different countries, but Levesque taught. showed compassion and concern when never China,” she said. “For some reason, “She comes from a poor family in a students needed help. After classes, I God put China on my heart and in 2005 rural area, and has no higher education, hosted parties for students in my home I visited China on a mission trip for 10 but is self-taught in English. We befriended and invited students out to restaurants. days. When I came back, I felt God was her and always asked for her to take our During these informal times, they would nudging me to pursue further education order since we could not read the Chinese ask lots of questions. Gradually they in ministry.” menu,” Levesque said. “We invited her became interested in me, my family and my Levesque earned a master’s degree in to church worship and church English background. The Chinese highly respect Christian ministry while continuing to classes, and she gradually began to attend their teachers, and if you also become their work full time. After much prayer, she and weekly with us. Since that time, she has friend, you find yourself in a close-knit her husband traveled to China for a month accepted Christ.” circle or network, which means they trust in 2007 to seek an appropriate opportunity. When Levesque broke her ankle, Carly you and care deeply about you.” She took early retirement in 2008 to enable would come every Sunday to help her That leads to opportunities to discuss the move and got the university job. She carry her bag to the bus stop, then help one’s personal background — which, was commissioned as one of CBF’s field her throughout her long day of church and for Levesque, naturally involves talking personnel that same year. English classes. about her faith. She had a 27-year career Levesque has written a brochure “Carly and I became good friends,” working in environmental management for describing her testimony in English and Levesque said. “I know that because when a public utility in Texas. During that time, had it translated into Chinese. That’s we are walking together, she grabs my she engaged in missions work and taught assisted her in explaining her “story,” hand and holds it closely in hers — this is English for Speakers of Other Languages as she calls it, to Chinese friends who the Chinese girls’ way of showing affection while in the United States. are interested. and care.” “My husband and I had been involved She makes those friends everywhere. with CBF for some time as [short-term One is Carly, a young woman in her 20s By contributing writer Rob Marus fellowship!

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‘God has great plans for China’ CBF field personnel teach, encourage college students

amille Krahwinkel has been in and around missions work for much of her life — and now she and husband Mickael Eyraud have the opportunity to be the presence of Christ in multiple settings in China. Krahwinkel, whose parents served as missionaries in the African nation of Mali, also engaged in missions work during and after college — including a stint in France, where she met Eyraud, who became a Christian after meeting a missionary in his hometown. Since 2010, Eyraud and Krahwinkel have served as CBF field personnel in Haikou, the capital and largest city of China’s southernmost province, Hainan. The balmy island south of the Chinese mainland (near Hong Kong) has become a major force in China’s economic transformation during the past two decades. Because English is the most common

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Kamille Krahwinkel, center, teaches children at the Haikou Welfare Center, an orphanage.

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language in which international business is conducted, Chinese students study it from early in their educational journeys. But while they often learn to read and write English very well, becoming conversational in the language is a more difficult task. Krahwinkel teaches English at Hainan University, where they live on campus, and Eyraud is studying Chinese intensively at another school in the city. “As China is growing and developing so quickly, we believe that the next generation of leaders in China can make a positive change for China and also for the world,” Krahwinkel said. “Mickael and I believe that God has great plans for China, to use university students to bring more compassion and care and rights to those who are oppressed and in need.” Besides the students Krahwinkel encounters in the course of her daily work, the couple also befriends students on their respective campuses. Their home serves as

a regular hangout for many of them. She said having a regular and close relationship with the university community opens many doors. “As students ask us questions in and out of the classroom about our lives, our marriage, our pasts, our dreams, the Good News is involved in all of those areas. So, with their questions, we are able to share,” Krahwinkel said. “When Mickael and I do our English Bible studies, or when we have Christmas parties and Easter celebrations, I am able to announce these activities to my students as a way for them to improve their English and to learn about something very important to me, Jesus Christ.” She said one challenge is the fact that students in the officially atheist country often seem to show little interest in Christianity or resist it as a Western religion not compatible with Chinese culture. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t a lot of interest behind the detached façade. “I received a phone call one evening from a former student from two years ago named Angelina,” she said. “I could hear the excitement in her voice over the phone as she said, ‘I believe in Jesus now!’ She continued, ‘I am learning more and more about the Bible and the more I learn about Jesus, the more I love Him! Now I understand what you were talking about two years ago when you were my teacher!’ “What an encouragement ... I remind myself of this conversation often, as it seems so many of my current students don’t care or want to listen when I share something from my heart or about my faith and God.” Krahwinkel and Eyraud have other opportunities to minister and teach English

“As students ask us questions ... about our lives, our marriage, our pasts, our dreams, the Good News is involved in all of those areas. So, with their questions, we are able to share.” as well. They teach classes and lead an English-language service at a local Chinese Protestant church. The couple also teaches at Haikou Welfare Center, an orphanage that is home to many children with disabilities. “When I look at these kids and their situation, it is tempting to think that there is little hope for them, no future plans, no hugs from parents, no parents at all and no place to call home but a large building with 150 other kids,” Krahwinkel said. “There are no birthday parties here, no after-school sports or activities and no Sunday school to learn about Jesus who loves them.” She said they try to instill self-respect and self-confidence in the children — many of whom are considered “unadoptable” by the Chinese staff — through activities and English classes. They also encourage the Chinese students and adults they know to serve alongside them, raising awareness of the plight of orphans with disabilities.

“A Chinese woman named Yan, who comes to our English Bible studies and has been helping at the orphanage with us for almost a year now, surprised us a few weeks ago by telling us that she wanted to adopt a girl from the orphanage,” Krahwinkel said. “We were so amazed, since this is a woman who not long ago looked at Mickael and me and explained CBF field personnel host holiday social events for college students, that Chinese people including a Christmas tree trimming. do not adopt — that it must be a foreign thing to do. She exshowing us how hearts can be changed and plained to us that after spending time with touched by love, His love, and His love for the children, she now loves them, and she these children.” began crying as she talked about adopting and becoming a mother. I praise God for By contributing writer Rob Marus

‘The most amazing moment’ Veteran missions worker finds new challenges in China

n 1996, after almost 28 years in the field, Ed and Mary Frances Laughridge retired from full-time missions. The Laughridges spent six years in the Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago; followed by more than 20 years in war-ridden Liberia planting and developing churches, teaching English in the public school system and developing relationships among the local Muslim community. After the Laughridges retired, they settled in Atlanta and began worshipping with Second-Ponce de Leon Baptist Church, a CBF partner. But their passion for international missions never subsided.

“Fran always said that she thought it would be nice if we could work in China for awhile,” Laughridge said. “I told her China was the furthest thing from my mind. I just couldn’t see going there.” Fran passed away in 1997. Years later, in 2008, Second-Ponce de Leon pastor David Sapp approached Laughridge about accompanying church members on a short-term mission trip to China. The team ministered among the people of the Sichuan province for two weeks, worshipping with Chinese Christians at local churches and participating in workshops and discussions about developing Sunday school and small group

programs. Two weeks after they returned home, the Sichuan earthquake struck China — devastating the homes and lives of the people they had just left. “I couldn’t shake the images after the earthquake hit,” Laughridge said. “It was like my heart and mind were changing, and almost immediately I wanted to figure out a way to spend more time in China.” Through his church’s partnership with the China Christian Council, Laughridge applied for a teaching position at Peking University in Bejiing. At age 79, he believes he is the oldest person to ever apply. “When I arrived, I remember thinking, Continue on page 16 fellowship!

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“I always explained to the students that we were all there to learn together, make mistakes together and laugh together,” Laughridge said. “They were my teachers just as much as I was their teacher. I think my greatest joy was watching as a student would suddenly realize, ‘hey, I can do this!’” At the beginning of the March 2009 session, a new student named Chan approached Laughridge after class one afternoon and in impeccable English asked, “Where can we go to church on Sunday?” “We can’t,” he said. She broke down in tears. “Chan didn’t understand why she couldn’t leave the campus for a time of worship, and after realizing this, even considered leaving school,” Laughridge said. “I told Chan that I believed there were a few other students who were Christians, and that perhaps she could meet with a few of them in a small group to talk or even to worship. She had never heard of worshipping outside of church walls before. It was an eye-opening experience. She had always equated worship as going to her place of worship — her church.” At the end of every term, one student

Second-Ponce Serves Chinese Christians Second-Ponce de Leon Baptist Church in Atlanta, Ga., is involved in a number of programs serving Chinese Christians. • Second-Ponce was the Atlanta host site for the Chinese Bible Ministry Exhibition in 2006. This was the first time Chinese Christians had been allowed to tell their story outside of China. • The church helps provide support to Bill and Michelle Cayard, CBF field personnel in Chengdu. • Members of Second-Ponce pay for physical exams for every female Christian pastor in Hubei, one of the poorest of the Chinese provinces. • Pastor David Sapp meets regularly with Chinese Christian leaders to explore ways that Western Christians can be helpful to the church in China. He also has preached in a number of Chinese churches. • Second-Ponce has entered into a staff exchange with the largest church in Beijing, the Haidian Church. Two staff members have spent two weeks in Atlanta studying Second-Ponce, and Second-Ponce will soon send two staff to do the same thing in Beijing. “If the Christian mission is to succeed worldwide, we must succeed in China,” said pastor David Sapp. “The people there are ready, the churches are vibrant and growing rapidly. This well may be the most important mission field in the world.”

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Photos courtesy of Ed Laughridge

‘I never wanted to come here, and yet I feel so at home’,” Laughridge said. “I fell in love with the Chinese people, and I knew without a doubt that this was where God wanted me to serve.” Peking University in Beijing offers the 30-day intensive course for Chinese English teachers. Teachers of all experience levels from villages throughout the country traveled to the university to practice the nuances and diction of the English language. Most of these teachers have never encountered a native English speaker, so the program allows them a chance to perfect their own English skills and take those skills back to their classrooms. During the course, students are scheduled for English programs and practice from 7:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. every day for one month. They can only speak English during their stay and could not leave the campus. Laughridge, who taught for one year in China, said the intensive nature of the program led teachers and students to develop relationships quickly. Many of those relationships are still intact more than two years later and they provided a foundation through which God began to work.

Ed Laughridge

was chosen from the group to give a commencement address — in English, of course. Chan was chosen for the honor. “When I came here, I found out that I needed help. And I received help. The help that I received was not only from my fellow students and my facilitators, but also from the one whom I believe is my Lord, and whom I worship every day,” Chan said. “The crowd was totally silent. They didn’t move,” Laughridge said. “When Chan finished, not a student or a faculty member in that crowd was seated — everyone was standing. It was the most amazing moment.” By contributing writer Lelia King

Opportunities to

Missions Education Resource How to use this page

April 2012

The suggestions below will be helpful for using the stories on pages 10-16 of this issue in the life of your church. Small Group interaction, Study Group or Reading Group options are given, as well as suggestions for other congregational or family settings. Go online to www.thefellowship.info/affectonline for more suggestions.

Fostering faith & teaching English

In Small Groups: The following is an outline for adult mission groups, Bible study classes or other small groups. Share copies of fellowship! with group members prior to the meeting and have some extra copies available. These suggestions are for a 45-minute time frame.

1. Begin by sharing how your interest in a particular hobby developed. Consider these questions as you also invite others to share. Did a friend introduce you to it? What were your motivations for trying something new? What has that hobby contributed to your life? 2. Invite group members who have read the stories of Ed Laughridge on pages 15-16 and Cyndi Levesque on page 13 to engage in the dialogue using the prompts below. If necessary, give group members a few moments to scan the two stories before entering into discussion. 3. Ask: What steps led both Cyndi and Ed to serve in China? 4 Say: Note that Ed’s journey to serve in China isn’t something he planned. Ask: Have you ever found yourself involved in a surprising ministry opportunity? 5. Say: Cyndi went to China after working for many years in environmental management. Ed had already retired from a career in missions, having served in The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, as well as Liberia. Ask: How did their previous experiences prepare them for service in China? Ed says he may have been the oldest person to apply for a teaching position at Peking University in Beijing. At an age when others have settled into retirement, what do you think allows someone like Ed to accept new challenges in ministry?

At Prayer Meeting Before the meeting begins, make as complete a list as possible of the ministries of the church. Provide enough copies for everyone to be able to see one. 1. When CBF field personnel are assigned to a particular part of the world, they usually have a good idea of the work they’ll be doing. Their tasks are generally in line with their experience and training, which makes perfect sense. However, they often find that once they arrive that the opportunities for service are richer and more diverse than anything they could plan for. Sometimes they stumble upon what one seminary professor called “a sovereign work of God.” 2. These sovereign works of God, or unexpected opportunities, might be along the lines of the one discovered by Kamille Krahwinkel and her husband, Mickael Eyraud (have someone tell about their work with orphans at the Haikou Welfare Center). Though their primary work is among university students, they have felt drawn to spend time with “unadoptable” children and their investment there has had an impact on one of their Chinese friends, who would now like to adopt a girl from the orphanage. 3. Unexpected opportunities may also be in the form of relationships that happen when field personnel are simply paying attention to those around them. Cyndi Levesque, who also works with university students, became friends with a woman named Carly, who was employed in the university cafeteria. Unlike the students Cyndi teaches, Carly hasn’t had the opportunity to pursue higher education. She’s from a poor family

6. Say: Cyndi likes to tell people that she “makes friends for a living” as she teaches English classes, so her vocation (calling) of making friends happens through opportunities to teach. Ask: What do you consider your vocation or calling to be? What is the context in which you live out your calling? Has your calling been consistent from one geographical area, or place of employment, to another? 7. Ask: What spiritual preparation is required to respond to God’s call as Cyndi and Ed have? What are you and others in your church doing to further prepare yourselves for ministry?

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Cooperative baptiSt fellowShip | www.thefellowShip.info

Serving Christians and churches as they discover and fulfill their God-given mission

April/MAy 2012

Fostering faith & teaching English in China, Cbf field personnel and short-term worker teach conversational english language skills among students, ministers and others.

Learn more about the ministries of CBF field personnel who are serving in China on pages 10-16.

8. End the session by praying for CBF field personnel who work in China. Pray for those who celebrate birthdays this month (see Prayer Calendar on page 7). Also, pray that as you go about your daily lives, you will be sensitive to people and opportunities around you that you haven’t noticed before.

in a rural area. Over time Carly and Cyndi became close, each providing support to the other. Also, over time, Carly decided she wanted to become a follower of Christ. 4. Look at the list of ministries your church engages in. Were all of them planned in advance or were some of them stumbled upon? Think about the significant relationships in your life. Have you ever had the sense that God brought a particular person into your life (for your mutual benefit) when you weren’t expecting it? 5. Pray for CBF field personnel who work in China. Pray for the ministries of your church and for the leaders and participants in each. Then pray that as we go about our daily lives, we will be sensitive to people and opportunities around us that we haven’t noticed before.

In Reading Groups Reading Groups this month will explore missional concepts as they discuss The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan. In this best seller, the mothers of four Chinese-American immigrant families meet each week and discuss their families, particularly their daughters. As they live between two cultures, the mothers struggle to understand their daughters’ new American lives.

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Outside thewalls

Suburban St. Louis church reaches out to refugees of war

When members of Kirkwood Baptist Church began discerning how their church could be more missional — become an active part of God’s mission in the world — they recognized an opportunity to meet needs in their community. Located approximately 10 miles west of a SerboBosnian community where many refugees live, the church reached out to its neighbors. “There was a realization that there was a need for ministry among the large numbers of Bosnian refugees,” said Scott Stearman, senior pastor of Kirkwood. “Church is what we do outside the walls of this space. It’s a very different world, but it’s a very short drive. Our congregation has demonstrated that they are willing and ready to go out and be a part of the community in a positive way.” In 2003, Kirkwood partnered with other local churches to form a food pantry, which now serves between 130-150 families each week. Nine churches in the coalition, including Baptist, Methodist and non-denominational, have partnered to reach thousands of people in the South St. Louis community through the food pantry and other initiatives. “I have always felt that one needs to be involved in your own city first, then moving out into the world,” said Louise Duke, a long-time Kirkwood member who helped start the pantry. “For that reason, I think we helped change the whole climate of the church when we began getting our people involved with more than just giving money. I think Continue on page 20

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Photo courtesy of Kirkwood Baptist Church

rom 1992 to 1995, war in Bosnia tore apart the former Yugoslavia and resulted in the deaths and displacement of many Serbs and Bosnians. War refugees relocated to the United States, and estimates of more than 60,000 people came to St. Louis, Mo.

Approximately 60,000 war refuges have settled in St. Louis in the past decade.

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we began to become more of a missionminded church.” Stearman believes his church has experienced growth, both in numbers and in spiritual formation because of its commitment to being the presence of Christ to Serbian and Bosnian refugees. “The fellowship that happens during those missional serving opportunities changes your church for the better,” Stearman said. “It’s a way of reaching people — getting them to serve.”

Ministry through social work

Photo courtesy of Kirkwood Baptist Church

In the fall of 2003, Kirkwood and its church coalition sought a full-time partner to help with the food pantry and its outreach ministries. Through contacts with a church in Serbia, they connected with Sasha Zivanov, a Serbian minister who had immigrated to the United States after the war. The church coalition called Zivanov and his wife, Mira, to head their missions outreach.

The food pantry serves more than 100 families each week.

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Zivanov was a solider during the Bosnian war, and it was during this time in his life he became a Christian. Now, the Zivanovs try to be the presence of Christ anyway they can. “I received the Good News, and I wanted to share it with friends and family,” Zivanov said. “I know how much these refugees suffered throughout the 1990s. It actually goes back years and years beyond that. So we share the gospel, and we share the salvation plan to try to give them hope.” The Zivanovs ministry is multi-faceted. They are involved in Kirkwood’s food pantry, with Sasha helping to organize the box packing and distribution to families. Mira works with the women who come to the church seeking assistance, many are in their 60s and 70s and speak little English. Mira, a native of Serbia, says much of her ministry is about being a compassionate listener and friend. Dervis, a former solider, came to the food bank every week for more than a year before he spoke to anyone. Disabled and unable to work, he had amassed a large debt, and his wife worked two jobs to bring in as much money as possible. One day, they approached Sasha, asking for assistance. Sasha didn’t know how he could help but decided to walk with them on their journey. When Dervis’ lawyer failed to show for his Chapter 11 hearing, Sasha served as a translator for him and representative in court. The judge granted the couple bankruptcy protection. “When they first come to the United States, [refugees] are happy trying to establish a life,” Zivanov said. “But it’s really a much different life than what they were used to in Bosnia. Many can’t read or write English, so the process can be very difficult. We help them any way we can. If they listen, we share the gospel. We share the plan of salvation.” The Zivanovs eventually hope to establish a Serbo-Croatian church. Currently,

they lead a small church group of mostly Roma immigrants and are looking for a permanent place to worship in the community. “This is more than a Bosnian ministry,” Zivanov said. “We serve anybody who comes to the food pantry, and we talk to everybody. We share the gospel and we don’t care what race or religion they are. If they want to listen, they are welcome.”

Church members head to Serbia When Sarah Pitt Kaplan and her husband, Joshua, told friends they were traveling to Serbia with the first mission team from Kirkwood in the fall of 2006, almost all were surprised. “The funny thing is almost everyone asked, ‘Why?’ Most people knew of the war and NATO intervention and they couldn’t understand why we were going there,” Kaplan said. As part of the church’s effort to connect with the more than 60,000 refugees who immigrated to St. Louis, the Kaplans traveled to Serbia for 10 days. The missions group helped with construction of a new Baptist church in Bela Crkva, while most of the women on the trip visited local schools, met with a small church women’s group and one night attended a Roma worship service. “My husband and I are pretty well traveled,” she said. “We had never been to Eastern Europe, and it was an odd experience to see buildings still blown apart from the NATO bombings. But the people were just amazing. They may live in a country torn apart by war for the last 20 years, but deep down, they want to have a normal life.” The ministry continues. Kirkwood sent a second mission team back to Bosnia, sent individual members as part of two more church coalition trips, and have plans for future trips. By contributing writer Bob Perkins

Are you interested in serving among refugees in St. Louis or in your own community? Contact CBF staff member Chris Boltin at engage@thefellowship.info to learn about specific resources and opportunities to serve. You can also connect with CBF’s Internationals Ministry on Facebook www.facebook.com/cbfinternationals.

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‘A fuller vision of God’s mission’ Georgia church transforms former bank building into community center

relationships in the community, they are able to see a fuller vision of God’s mission beyond themselves or the church.” Networks Cooperative Ministry, is advancing that vision with their work among families in need of emergency assistance. Holly Duncan, president of the Networks board, spends her days assessing the needs of clients in danger of losing their home, electricity or capacity to afford food or Leaders of partner organizations who are housed in or work with the Tucker clothing. Through Community Center cut the ceremonial ribbon at the center’s grand opening. funding from First Baptist and 20 other partner churches, Christ beyond the pews of the sanctuNetworks is able to rescue community ary. In the four years prior to acquiring residents from eviction, loss of power and the property, First Baptist has developed food insecurity. Duncan said Networks’ partnerships at Tucker High School, where new home is a welcome opportunity to church members feed teachers, hold volspread their wings and grow deeper roots untary chapel for the football team and in a community in need. tutor students. “We know that God’s heart is for the “The most important part of our wormost vulnerable,” Duncan said. “I think ship is what happens outside of our walls,” the idea here is to help people when they Shepley said. “For a lot of churches, the most are most vulnerable, when they are about important hour of the week is 11 o’clock on to be evicted or when their heat is about Sunday morning, but for us, that’s only the to be cut off. Being ‘the hands and feet of equipping time. We must be the church to Jesus’ can sound cliché, but we are called to our neighbors. We must be the gospel to out join God where God is already at work.” PTA board mates, to our little league, in our Shepley said partners such as Networks offices and in our community. That is where not only give life to the community cenwe must live out our call.” ter but also to the mission of the church, which centers on being the presence of By contributing writer Blake Tommey Photo courtesy of FBC Tucker

n most Wachovia Bank branches this year, tellers are busy processing deposits, agents are diligently managing accounts and the bank engages in the business of borrowing, lending and investing. But at the 2380 Fourth Street location in Tucker, Ga., now owned by the First Baptist Church of Tucker, the tellers are gone and the new tenants of the Tucker Community Center engage in the business of being the presence of Christ in the community. Following Wachovia’s consolidation and closing of the Tucker branch in September 2008, Randy Shepley, pastor of First Baptist, and Dave Kivett, pastor of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, began to dream about a place for cooperative ministry. What if they could acquire the property and transform it into a space to house churches and other organizations as they partner in God’s mission? Two years of conversation with realtors, Wachovia employees and Wells Fargo representatives culminated in the bank’s donation of the property to the church, which immediately offered space to current partners Networks Cooperative Ministry, which service emergency financial needs of community residents, and Habitat for Humanity Dekalb, which now resides across the street from its most active student chapter at Tucker High School. While the community center is a catalyst for collaborative work in the heart of downtown Tucker, Shepley said the project is also a product of partnerships rooted in years of cooperative ministry. “We really see this building as a blessing in some of the progress we’ve made in partnering with the people in our community,” Shepley said. “And as the church builds these

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Inescapable mission

top the First Baptist Church of Fort Myers’ steeple, you can see the gleaming facade of the city attorney’s office, the steadfast columns of the Lee County Government building, the high-rise silhouette of SunTrust Bank and the distant luster of snow-white yachts parked at the Legacy Harbour Marina. But ask the First Baptist congregation what they see from the corner of Jackson and Second, and they will describe the tattered tents and makeshift shanties of more than 3,400 persons living without a home in Lee County, Fla. And with a facility complete with showers, laundry equipment and a dining area, church members are meeting the needs of a growing population with their ministry among the homeless of Fort Myers. Every Tuesday, the First Baptist activities center bustles with more than 90 homeless

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Florida church utilizes location, building to minister among homeless population

individuals seeking a clean start to the week and warm company among church members. With two washers and five dryers at their disposal, members accept one load of laundry for cleaning before sending each person along to a hot shower. There, individuals are allowed to bathe, shave and tend to other personal hygiene matters in anticipation of breakfast and hot coffee waiting on the other end. Pastor John Daugherty said the key to happiness has been cereal, which homeless participants consume by the gallon, as they do not receive it at local shelters. “When I first came here, I preached a series of sermons about all the ‘what ifs’ for the use of our facilities and what we could make happen through our building and through church members,” Daugherty said. “The congregation realized that we must get outside the doors to connect with the community and use our facilities for more than just ourselves.”

After partnering with the Lee County Homeless Coalition and setting their ministry paradigm, Daugherty and others welcomed their first group of 10 homeless individuals in March 2009. Today, church members keep hundreds of towels, wash cloths, detergent bottles, razors, deodorant bars and spare clothing items on hand. In addition to hygiene, local barbers provide monthly haircuts, medical personnel perform checkups and representatives from Veterans Affairs ensure veterans receive the benefits for which they qualify. Retired high school teacher and fouryear ministry leader Jane Stipe said the ministry among the homeless has become a personal mission and life passion. Known as “Mama Jane” on Tuesday mornings, Stipe and 20 others wash clothes over a period of two days as well as provide fresh underwear, socks and jeans to individuals who need replacements. When participants return for laundry pickup on Wednesday, Stipe greets

Photos courtesy of FBC Fort Myers

(Opposite left) Church member Ralph Jones shares stories with a homeless man over breakfast. (Opposite right) The Lee County Bicycle Ministry operates out of the First Baptist activities center, providing rehabilitated bicycles to those who require sustainable local transportation. (Above) Church member Harvey Stipe welcomes people to First Baptist, identifying as many as 60 loads of laundry to be washed and dispensing towels and toiletries for up to 90 showers per day.

them with a smile and a fresh wardrobe. “We have a reason to be on this corner,” Stipe said. “There are some who don’t give a hoot about these people, but they all belong to somebody; they are all somebody’s son or daughter and we’ve got to serve them. My life would have little meaning if not for these people, and I know the church feels that too.” While the warm climate of Fort Myers provides a year-round haven for many individuals who wish to remain homeless, a secondary ministry has emerged in which First Baptist members and other organizations provide transportation to homeless individuals. Located two blocks from the bus station, First Baptist frequently provides bus tickets to those seeking transportation home, to a special hospital or to a new job. In addition, the Lee County Bicycle Ministry operates out of the First Baptist activities center, providing rehabilitated bicycles to those who require sustainable local transportation. Daugherty said the church works its hardest on those

who are not yet habituated to homeless life, many who schedule job interviews or a trip home around the hot shower, haircut, new set of clothes and chance for transportation they receive at First Baptist. “Generally, if somebody is living in a homeless situation for more than six months, they become habituated, and it’s much harder for him or her to exit that life,” Daugherty said. “You can always tell the newly homeless by the fight in their eyes. They’re not comfortable at all living on the street, and we try to take advantage of that. If they’re headed home, we get them home.” While many have found their way home, some now call First Baptist home and have found a family among the congregation. On a given Sunday morning, as many as a dozen homeless and formerly-homeless individuals worship as vital members of the church. A five-mile radius around First Baptist simultaneously holds some of the most pronounced wealth and poverty in the county. Among this contrast, Daugherty

said the church’s mission is inescapable. “If you read the Gospels, you can’t get past what Jesus commanded,” Daugherty said. “Matthew 25 is pretty powerful as he explains the criteria by which he will judge the nations, which is how we treat those in need. And they are the hungry, the thirsty, the naked, the stranger and the homeless.” A year ago, Daugherty received a referral from Greyhound employees, now familiar with the church’s ministry from their bus station two blocks away. After being laid off from his job with the local carnival, the man was left with nothing but the clothes on his back and a family nearly 600 miles away in Alabama. He arrived at First Baptist to a shower, a new suitcase, a small food stipend, a bus ticket and a ride down to the station. Daugherty recalls the man’s parting words as he pulled into the bus station parking lot. “You guys must save a lot of lives,” he said. By contributing writer Blake Tommey fellowship!

April/May 2012

Is your church on a missional journey? CBF offers a variety of resources to engage the whole person. www.thefellowship.info/missional

Missional Resources for

• The eight-week church-wide study, It’s Time: A Journey Toward Missional Faithfulness, is a good starting place for churches seeking to understand what missional means.

• Ignite is a youth Bible study with a missional focus using Scripture and real-life examples to challenge teenagers to love and serve others.

• Glimpses of Missional Faithfulness is a collection of stories from CBF partner congregations that help churches understand, begin and advance in the missional journey.

• Becoming Like Christ: Grounding Youth in Jesus helps youth reflect on their relationship to God through Christ and develop a personal discipleship plan. Its eight sessions lead youth to discover God’s story, our communal story and their own story of a personal relationship with Jesus.

Adults

• Klesis: God’s Call and the Journey of Faith is written to help Christians more carefully consider how God might be calling them to be the presence of Christ in their world. More than a spiritual gifts study, Klesis leads participants to a more holistic consideration of their unique call. • Words That Shape and Form helps participants explore the meaning and transforming potential of words like “advent,” “missional” and “xenos.” With reflection questions and spiral binding, this resource makes for an exceptional devotional piece or small group study.

Youth

Missional Resources for

Children

• Spark™ helps leaders plan fun and effective activities for children’s missional learning. Designed for elementary-aged children, sessions include six interest areas: Meeting the Field Personnel, Tasting the Food, Enjoying the Arts, Playing the Games, Experiencing the Culture and Using the Bible. • Becoming Like Christ: Helping Children Follow Jesus is a resource for children’s leaders and parents designed to help older children make a faith decision for Jesus. Six sessions introduce children to Jesus and what it means to follow him. • Form™ engages all five senses to help preschoolers learn about God, others and themselves. Sessions incorporate learning centers and missional stories to touch each child’s imagination. Lesson plans incorporate activities for both younger and older preschoolers.

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April/May 2012

Opportunities to

Missions Education Resource How to use this page

May 2012

The suggestions below will be helpful for using the stories on pages 18-24 of this issue in the life of your church. Small Group interaction, Study Group or Reading Group options are given, as well as suggestions for other congregational or family settings. Go online to www.thefellowship.info/affectonline for more suggestions.

Missional churches

In Small Groups:

The following is an outline for adult mission groups, Bible study classes or other small groups. Share copies of fellowship! with group members prior to the meeting and have some extra copies available. These suggestions are for a 45-minute time frame. 1. In Letters and Papers from Prison, Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, “The church is the church only when it exists for others.” How do you feel about this statement? If we believe this is true, what will the implications be for our faith communities? How will it affect our worship? What impact will it have on our spiritual formation? How might it change the way we approach children’s ministry, youth ministry, senior adult ministry and other standard programs? 2. Read the stories of First Baptist Church of Tucker, Ga., and First Baptist Church of Fort Myers, Fla. What resources have been brought together for meeting those communities’ needs? Where do different ministries take place? Imagine together what the next steps might be for each church. 3. Would “missional” be an accurate description of your church? Why or why not? How are you connecting with people in the community who are

At Home 1. Eat a favorite family meal together. During or after dinner, make a list of the food you buy at the grocery store every week. 2. Put a laptop on the table and examine photos of what other families around the world eat each week. What foods are common in many of the photos? What foods do you see that are often on your family’s grocery list? Are there any pictures that don’t have any food in cans or small boxes? What are the most surprising foods? If you moved to a place with a different diet, what food would you miss the most? 3. Tell the story of Kirkwood Baptist Church’s ministry among refugees (make sure everyone understands that a refugee is someone who must leave his/her home because of war, famine or some other difficult situation). Point out that refugees themselves are leaders in this ministry.

not church members? What services do you provide? What stories of transformation have come out of these ministries? 4. What words do you think of when you hear the word gospel? In one of Jesus’ parables, he called the gospel a treasure. In which ways do we communicate and offer the treasure of the gospel to those both inside and outside our church? How is our understanding of the kingdom of God enriched as we encounter the stories of Jesus on our missional journey?

fellowship!

CBF

Cooperative baptiSt fellowShip | www.thefellowShip.info

Serving Christians and churches as they discover and fulfill their God-given mission

Fostering faith & teaching English in China, Cbf field personnel and short-term worker teach conversational english language skills among students, ministers and others.

Learn more about the ministries of CBF field personnel who are serving in China on pages 10-16.

5. Conclude your time with prayer for the churches featured in this study, your own church, and those celebrating birthdays this month (see Prayer Calendar on p. 7).

In Reading Groups In This Was Not Our War, author Swanee Hunt retells the experiences of 26 women who lived through the upheavals in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The women in the book tell stories of choosing to flee or to stay and attempt to care for their families amidst the conflict.

One of the important ministries is a food pantry. What kinds of foods do you think are in the food pantry? 4. Does your community have a food pantry that helps refugees? Does it have groceries that are familiar to the refugees? What are some ways people in churches could support the work of a food pantry and help refugees feel more at home in the community? How could your family get involved?

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April/May 2012

CBF Events Impacting Tomorrow: Traditional Churches Finding Their Future in God’s Story May 18-19 — Providence Baptist Church, Charlotte, N.C. A missional event for churches co-sponsored by Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, The Columbia Partnership and the Center for Congregational Health. This event aims to help participants rediscover focus and mission, celebrate successes in ministry and network with like-minded churches and leaders. Leaders will be inspired to press forward and discover next steps and learn from those at various stages of the missional journey. www.cbfnc.org

Children, Youth and a New Kind of Christianity May 7-10 — Calvary Baptist Church, Washington, D.C. A new kind of Christianity is growing across the globe. New forms of ministry, worship and community are emerging. But very little critical reflection and attention has been given to how to nurture young people within this change. This event, co-sponsored by the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, hopes to spark conversations about youth and children within a new kind of Christianity. www.children-youth.com

Five Day Academy for Spiritual Formation™ October 14-19— Ignatius House, Atlanta, Ga. The Five Day Academy for Spiritual Formation™ is like the two-year Academy in a single five-day session. Daily activities include curriculum sessions, silent reflection, discussions with faculty, covenant group meetings, a nightly Eucharist Service and morning and night prayers. This event is co-sponsored by the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and Upper Room Ministries. www.thefellowship.info/academy

How will youchoose world? to change the ho ol + freedom + water + food + medicine

d ty, hungry, sick, poor an Christ cared for the thirs oose to share Christ’s Ch captive - shouldn’t we? e. Our trusted CBF field giv to . presence. Choose ll ensure you impact lives wi de wi rld wo el nn rso pe now. Start changing the world

fo/youchoose

www.thefellowship.in

Choose now!

Scan with smartphone to see a new video and to sign up or visit youchoose online at thefellowship.info/youchoose

Cooperative Baptist Fellowship

fellowship!

April/May 2012

Partner spotlight

Center for Congregational Health The Center provides ministry and training for hundreds of faith communities, lay leaders and clergy annually across the United States and in several countries.

“Through the years the Center

About

for Congregational Health has been a valued partner in our shared mission to serve

Founded: 1992

churches. I trust their integrity and appreciate

Web site: www.healthychurch.org

their expertise. But most of all, I am grateful

President: Bill Wilson

for their passion for the gospel.”

Location: Winston-Salem, N.C.

Daniel Vestal, executive coordinator,

The Center’s unique approach to

Cooperative Baptist Fellowship

ministry is congregationally-based and client-centered. It seeks to help

“The Center is passionate

congregations and leaders work

about helping congregations, clergy and

collaboratively to meet their unique challenges rather than prescribing

lay leaders fulfill their calling for missional

one-size-fits-all “expert” solutions.

service. We have seen congregations healed, refocused and transformed through the leadership of the Spirit, and we want others to experience this renewal. We believe that it is not our job to tell others what to do, but to help

Partnership

others listen to God’s voice, have constructive dialogue and demonstrate respect and love for everyone. We love helping others live into their calling and mission with health and strength.”

• The Center has partnered with CBF to

Bill Wilson, president, Center for Congregational Health

bring consulting services to churches who needed assistance with tasks like creating a new vision, planning their

Center for Congregational Health staff members, such as Chris Gambill (shown here at General Assembly), frequently lead workshops at CBF events.

future and managing conflict. • In 2011 the Center consulted with 53 CBF partner congregations and assisted 229 CBF-related clergy. • The Center has also partnered with CBF to launch the CBF Fellows Program, which provides leadership education, coaching and mentoring for new CBF-related ministers. • The Center and CBF partner in interim ministry training, with CBF-related clergy receiving tuition reductions. The Center then collaborates with CBF congregatheir intentional interim minster.

CBF Photo

tions as they seek a person to serve as

fellowship!

April/May 2012

What can God do through you? Infinitely more than you can ask or imagine Cooperative Baptist Fellowship

General Assembly June 20-23 // Fort Worth, Texas

Theme: Infinitely More (Ephesians 3:20-21)

Pre-register at www.thefellowship.info/assembly 28

fellowship!

April/May 2012

n Scripture God works with ordinary people, doing infinitely more through them than they ever could have imagined.

God can do the same through you. Come to General Assembly to hope, dream and imagine possibilities for your life. Encounter opportunities. Engage in community. Embrace your future. This is more than an event; what God does just may change your life.

There’s no better time to make your plans to be part of General Assembly. Here’s a step-by-step guide: Step 1: Pre-Register It’s easy and free Set your Assembly plans in motion by pre-registering online at www.thefellowship.info/assembly. When you pre-register, you’ll receive updates about the Assembly, including special events and opportunities. Go ahead, sign up online now — it takes less than 5 minutes. Scan the code with your smartphone to pre-register online.

Step 2: Getting There Travel Options to Fort Worth If you’re coming by plane, the main airport is Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) though some airlines also fly into other regional airports. If you’re travelling by train, book your ticket to Amtrak’s Fort Worth station (FTW). Planning on driving? The Fort Worth Convention Center is at 1201 Houston Street in Fort Worth, just steps away from the hotels offering a CBF discount. And while you’re downtown, you can enjoy free transportation from place to place courtesy of Molly the Trolley. More information is at www.thefellowship.info/Assembly/travel.

Step 3: Where to Stay Fort Worth hotels with CBF discount These hotels are offered as a special service to you, ensuring the most convenient and comfortable accommodations at below-market rates. Hotels are within walking distance of the Convention Center, so no need to worry about in-town cab fares, forgetting something in your room or where you’ll rest between events. Your stay at a discounted hotel also results in significant savings for the Fellowship, ensuring the Assembly remains free to all attendees. More information is at www.thefellowship.info/Assembly/hotels. Omni Fort Worth Hotel (Headquarter Hotel)

Sheraton Fort Worth Hotel & Spa

Hilton Fort Worth Hotel

1300 Houston Street

1701 Commerce Street

815 Main Street

$129 single/double

$129 single/double; $139 triple and $149 quad

$117 single/double/triple/quad

Step 4: Things to Do ‘City of Cowboys and Culture’ While in Fort Worth, there’s plenty to see and do. Interested in art? Check out the Cultural District with its five internationallyrecognized museums. Want to learn more about Western heritage? Stop by the Stockyards National Historic District. For the sports enthusiast, visit the Texas Motor Speedway, watch the Texas Rangers baseball team take on the Colorado Rockies or take a tour of Cowboys Stadium — home of the Dallas Cowboys football team. If you’re travelling with children, you may want to visit the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, the nationally-ranked Fort Worth Zoo, Six Flags theme park or the Fort Worth Stockyards for the twice-daily cattle drive or weekend rodeo.

Fort Worth Stockyards

fellowship!

April/May 2012

CBF General Assembly 2012 — June 20-23, Fort Worth, Texas

Build your own assembly. Monday – June 18

7:30 – 9 p.m. An Evening of Song and Celebration Join the Fellowship Wednesday evening at nearby

Fort Worth Sessions for College Students

Broadway Baptist Church for an evening of song and cel-

Are you a college or seminary student? Do you like meaningful missions, fun fellowship and honest conversation?

Newcomer as well as a celebration of retiring CBF Execu-

Do you ever wonder how your faith should impact

tive Coordinator Daniel Vestal’s leadership (Free childcare

your perspective on social issues such as prison

how a Christ-follower might respond. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to attend the

Thursday – June 21

Cooperative Baptist Fellowship’s national General Assembly. First 50 students register

7:30 a.m.

a week of missions, fellowship, conversation and reflection on things that matter. Together with dozens of other students, you’ll focus on the issues surrounding prison reform, digging deep into the heart of why this matters and

for just $60 (regular cost is $110), which includes most meals and housing at Camp Broadway, a lakefront retreat center with swimming, sand volleyball courts, hiking trails and more. Seize the deal; register online now!

Breakfast and Auxiliary Events 8:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.

www.thefellowship.info/assembly/college

The Gathering Place

Prayer Retreat — The Questions God Asks

Fellowship. Meet CBF partners and other resource

Come mingle with new and old friends. Relax.

God commissions us to be ambassadors for Christ, and

providers. Shop for everything from books to

along our life journey God asks some challenging questions.

handmade crafts from around the world. Bid at the

Come examine and pray through the questions on the way to rest, renewal and fellowship. Designed for clergy and laity, this pre-Assembly retreat June 18-20 will be led by author Trevor

silent auction. There’s so much to do; that’s why it’s The Gathering Place. Trevor Hudson

9:15 – 11 a.m. 2012 Task Force Report

Hudson and Bo Prosser at Montserrat Jesuit Retreat House just

After nearly two years of listening sessions, surveys and discernment, the

45 miles northeast of Fort Worth. Register online

14-member 2012 Task Force offers its report and recommendations on CBF’s future.

www.thefellowship.info/assembly/retreat

Tuesday – June 19

Carrie Newcomer

is available for children 4 years old and under).

reform? Register now for Fort Worth Sessions —

Following this report, breakout sessions and discussion will be convened. Bo Prosser

Auxiliary Event Transforming 2012: Pathways to Vital Ministry* Sponsored by The Columbia Partnership, this event begins Tuesday at 1 p.m. and concludes Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. A variety of learning opportunities are offered. Learn more at www.Transforming2012.info

11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. Lunch and Auxiliary Meetings including • Baptist Center for Ethics’ Annual Luncheon* • Luncheon for Chaplains and Pastoral Counselors* • Missions Picnic — Project Ruth was born 20 years ago to provide educational opportunities to Roma (Gypsy) children who often live in poverty and at the edges of society. Celebrate

Wednesday – June 20

lives that have been changed through Project Ruth and meet CBF field personnel who

1 – 4 p.m.

1:30 – 2:30 p.m.

Leadership Institute

Business Session I

Fixin’ Church: Finding a Way Forward in Crazy Times

can connect you and your church with other ways to change lives worldwide. Children 12 and under eat free, and lunch for adults will be available for purchase.

Hear updates about God’s work in the world through Fellowship Baptists and help direct the future of the Fellowship.

It’s a challenging and confusing time to be a church. Attendance is shrinking, budgets are sinking and culture is shifting. Are you tired of fixin’ church?

2:45 – 3:45 p.m. Business Breakout Sessions

How do we move forward? Instead of trying one more “quick fix,” come explore

4:15 – 5:15 p.m.

practical ways to live more faithfully and lead your church to a renewed identity in

State and Regional Meetings

Christ. Register online for only $25. www.thefellowship.info/Assembly/leadership

ebration, featuring the music of singer/songwriter Carrier

fellowship!

April/May 2012

Connect with others from your state or region. Learn more about programs, resources and events in your area.

Learn more about Assembly events at www.thefellowship.info/assembly

Choose events that interest you. 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.

11:45 – 1:15 p.m.

Dinner and Auxiliary Events including

Lunch and Auxiliary Events including

• Friends of Associated Baptist Press Dinner*

• Baptist Joint Committee’s Annual Religious

• Fiesta Con BUA, Baptist University of the

Liberty Luncheon*

Américas Friends and Donors Dinner* • Wake Forest University School of Divinity Reception* 7:15 p.m. Music for Gathering from Texas Master Voices

1:45 – 2:30 p.m. Come explore how to connect with God’s mission through vision, formation and engagement. 2:45 – 3:45 p.m. Workshop Session I and Mission Communities

7:30 – 8:45 p.m.

• Ministry workshops enable you to explore issues and topics relevant to your ministry.

Global Missions Field Personnel

From previewing a new ministry resource to learning step-by-step directions for starting a

Commissioning Service

new ministry program, these practical ministry workshops offer something for everyone.

The Fellowship turns its focus to God’s mission in

• Mission Communities are your opportunity to connect with other Fellowship Baptists

the world as lived out through the passions of new CBF

who share the same ministry passions and interests. At these breakout sessions you

field personnel. Come be part of a special commission-

don’t just learn about ministry, you learn how you can be part of ministry.

ing service as the Fellowship blesses and sends these new field personnel to the mission fields of our world. 9 – 10 p.m. The Gathering Place

Friday – June 22 7:30 a.m. Breakfast and Auxiliary Events including • CBF Heritage Society Breakfast* • Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America Peace Breakfast*

4 – 5 p.m. Workshop Session II and Mission Communities 5:30 – 7 p.m. Dinner and Auxiliary Events 7:15 p.m. Music for Gethering from Assembly Choir of Fort Worth area churches 7:30 – 8:45 p.m. General Assembly Worship Join us for a dynamic service of prayer, praise and challenge, including Daniel Vestal’s final sermon as CBF Executive Coordinator.

• Duke Divinity School’s Baptist House of

9 – 10 p.m.

Studies Alumni & Friends Breakfast*

The Gathering Place and

8:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. The Gathering Place 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Daniel Vestal

Evening Reception in honor of Daniel Vestal’s service and leadership. Sponsored by Mercer University and CBF.

Cooperative Baptist Fellowship

Business Session II Hear updates about God’s work in the world through Fellowship Baptists and help direct the future

* These auxiliary events may require advance registration.

of the Fellowship.

More information is available at www.thefellowship.info/assembly/auxiliary.

Have you heard about Preschool Assembly, Children’s Assembly and Youth Assembly? General Assembly is an event for all ages. While you’re enjoying the Assembly, your children or teenagers can engage in fun and meaningful activities of their own through Preschool Assembly, Children’s Assembly or Youth Assembly.

fellowship!

April/May 2012

Cooperative Baptist Fellowship 2930 Flowers Road South, Suite 133 Atlanta, GA 30341 www.thefellowship.info • (800) 352-8741

Now all glory to God, who is able...to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Ephesians 3:20

What is the future of CBF? Infinitely more than you can ask or imagine. Come hope, ask, dream and imagine — together. Cooperative Baptist Fellowship

General Assembly June 20-23 // Fort Worth, Texas

Pre-register online now for free and learn more at www.thefellowship.info/assembly. A milestone event that will shape CBF’s future and help you ...

Highlights: • Daniel Vestal’s final sermon as the Fellowship’s Executive Coordinator • Significant report from 2012 Task Force on the Fellowship’s future

Love more. Grow in your love for God, God’s mission and

• Carrie Newcomer in Concert

God’s people — including the world’s most neglected. Daniel Vestal

Learn more. Get ready to get equipped for God’s call.

• Prayer Retreat — The Questions God Asks • Commissioning Service of missions field personnel

Ministry innovation and inspiration await.

• Worship, Workshops and Mission Communities • Auxiliary Events and Fellowship Opportunities

Lead more. Take a step back, imagine the future and prepare for God to do infinitely more through your life and ministry.

• Leadership Institute — Fixin’ Church: Finding a Way Forward in Crazy Times

Carrie Newcomer

• Hispanic Network Gathering and so much more.