General Assembly 2005 fellowship!

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COOPERATIVE BAPTIST FELLOWSHIP | WWW.THEFELLOWSHIP.INFO

Special General Assembly Issue August 2005

Fellowship challenged, encouraged during 15th Annual General Assembly More than 3,200 attendees raise $45,000 for Carter Offering

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he Cooperative Baptist Fellowship’s 15th Annual General Assembly drew more than 3,200 in a new,

two-day format under one roof at the Gaylord Texan Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas.

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on the topic of “Loving the world next door.”

In Friday night’s service, CBF Coordinator Daniel Vestal delivered an impassioned message on the scriptural mandate for addressing poverty.

The 2006 General Assembly has been scheduled for June 22-23 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.

“Participants left with fuller hearts and encouraged spirits,” said Bo Prosser, CBF coordinator for Congregational Life and coordinator of

Julie Whidden of Macon, Ga., receives communion during the Friday morning session.

the General Assembly. “I think people are more equipped than ever to go out and be the presence of Christ.” f!

LEARN – Use the order form

evening general sessions.

on p. 11 to purchase a video for $19.95, a $10 CD or $12 tape of the Thursday or Friday

By Lance Wallace, CBF Communications

New field personnel commissioned in closing service Larry and Sarah Ballew, who due to security reasons.

NINETEEN NEW Global will work as partnership advoCommissioned to Global Missions field personnel were cates with Cantonese-speakService Corps assignments commissioned at the closing ing people session of the Genin Macau, eral Assembly on China; Fran Friday night, July 1. and Mike Jack Snell, interGraham, who im CBF Global Miswill coordisions coordinator, nate the work charged each of the for Slavic new field personnel ministries and the 2,800 parin Asheville, ticipants present.

N.C.; Nancy “We must die to and Steve our comfortable lifeJack Snell, left, charges Larry and Sarah Ballew as they are commisJames, who styles. We must die sioned to serve in Macau, China, as Anita Snell looks on. will serve to our selfish ambiin Haiti working in holistic were Christy and Jason Edtions,” Snell said. “We must be health ministry; and Ann wards who will work with inwilling to take the gospel to and Nick Skipper, who will ternationals in Bussy, France; those who have never heard serve in Texas assisting the Caroline and Joshua Smith, no matter where it may lead or work of Partners in Hope, who will serve in partnerhow high the cost.” the Fellowship’s rural poverty ship development in South Career personnel who were initiative.

Africa; *Jason, who will serve commissioned include Aaron AsYouGo allows individuin Southeast Asia helping and Stephanie Glenn, who als being sent to do missions educate the children of field will work with internationals work to affiliate with CBF personnel and one other who in the Los Angeles area; Global Missions even if they cannot be identified due to *Diann and Philip, who will are funded by churches, have security reasons. serve as English education full-time employment that Those commissioned as afcoordinators in Asia; and one takes them abroad or some filiates through AsYouGo were other who cannot be identified Mark Sandlin photo

The Assembly was highlighted by thoughtful theme interpretations by Carolyn Yeldell Staley and stirring messages from Albert Reyes, Bob Setzer Jr. and Daniel Vestal. The Fellowship commissioned 19 new CBF Global Missions field personnel and collected $45,000 for the first-ever Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Offering for Religious Liberty and Human Rights, to be shared by the Fellowship and the Baptist World Alliance.

“Our General Assembly was an extravaganza of God’s grace as we worshiped, fellowshipped and learned together,” said CBF Moderator Bob Setzer Jr. “We left with our spirits renewed and our resolve deepened to ‘be the presence of Christ in all the world.’

The Assembly affirmed the Coordinating Council’s adoption of the Partnership Study Committee report and approved a $16.47 million operating budget.

In more than 80 workshops, attendees learned ways to move their churches toward a more missional approach to ministering in the community, experienced a variety of worship styles and received reports on the tsunami relief efforts and other ministries of CBF Global Missions.

The Assembly featured a track of workshops and auxiliary events for Hispanic church leaders.

Thursday’s keynote speaker, Albert Reyes, president of the Baptist General Convention of Texas and the Baptist University of the Américas, preached

combination of both.

These 19 new field personnel bring the total of CBF Global Missions field personnel to 162.

Following the commissioning service, Fellowship Coordinator Daniel Vestal preached on the topic of “Being the presence of Christ in all the world.” (See p. 3 for excerpts from his message, or view a complete transcript at www.thefellowship.info.) * Note: Due to global security concerns, names and specific locations of some of CBF’s field personnel will not be publicized. f!

LEARN – CBF’s August missions education curriculum focuses on following a missions call. (Annual subscriptions: adult and youth: $20; children and preschool: $80. Shipping will be charged.) Order from The CBF Store at (888) 801-4223 or www.thefellowship.info.

By contributing writer Sue H. Poss, Greenville, S.C.

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Fellowship collects funds for Carter Offering

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early $29,000 was given to the first ever General Assembly offering for religious liberty and

Eric Chyn photo

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“Whoever you encounter is your neighbor — the hopeless, the helpless, the human rights ministries named in honor of former President Jimmy Carter and his wife, one who doesn’t have anything to eat in the favelas of Brazil or the one dying of Rosalynn, at the General Assembly Thursday night, June 30. During the Friday night general session, AIDS in Africa,” Reyes said.

Carolyn Yeldell Staley, minister of edumore than $16,000 was given for a total of $45,000. cation/Christian development at Pulaski Heights Baptist Church in Little Rock, Baptist University of the Américas in San do not have the right to vote, who cannot The annual offering will be used for Ark., provided the theme interpretation.

Antonio. worship as they please or who dare not religious liberty and human rights minThe Thursday night focus was on the Speaking on the subject of “Loving act as their conscience leads.” istries of the Cooperative Baptist FellowUnited States, and she encourThe offering ship and Baptist aged participants to find a way will be called World Alliance. to be the presence of Christ the “Jimmy and “We are pleased through participation in PartRosalynn Carter to lend our names ners in Hope, the Cooperative Offering for Relito this offering Baptist Fellowship’s rural povgious Liberty and which has the poerty initiative.

Human Rights.” tential of affecting “Where in the United Two-thirds of the lives as together we States of America can you be offering will be advocate, educate the presence of Christ in all designated for and build friendthe world?” she asked. “It may the Fellowship’s ships around the Albert Reyes told Assembly participants that in the 21st century, our be in your own backyard.” f! religious liberty world,” Carter said neighbors are anyone we encounter in our daily life. and human rights in a video presentathe world next door,” Reyes said that in ministries and onetion to a crowd of By contributing writer Sue H. Poss, a changing world, some of us “are frozen third will go to the 3,200. “Rosalynn Greenville, S.C. and don’t know what to do.”

Baptist World Alliand I extend to you “We haven’t changed neighborhoods ance for similar work. our deepest appreAssembly Coverage but the neighborhood around us has Naming the offering ciation for the man- Carolyn Yeldell Staley presents an interpretation of the theme “Being the Presence of THE FOLLOWING contributors assisted with changed,” he said. “How do we be the in honor of the Cartner in which you Christ in All the World.” coverage of the 2005 General Assembly presence of Christ in the world that has ers was approved by continue to follow through articles and photography: Eric come next door?” the Coordinating Council in February.

Christ’s example of walking alongside the Chyn, Russ Dilday, Ashley Grizzle, Lisa M. The answer, he said, “is no more comThe sermon on Thursday night focused oppressed and hurting.”

Jones, Deanna Lowery, Ben McDade, Sheryl plex than the teaching of Jesus who told on the theme of neighbors. It was brought “As you know, religious liberty and huMcDade, Bob Perkins, Sue H. Poss, Mark Sandlin, Susan Settle, April Shauf, Lance us to love the Lord your God with all your

by Albert Reyes, the first non-Anglo man rights issues are at the center of our Wallace, Alison Wingfield and Carla Wynn. heart, and all your soul and all your mind, president of the Baptist General Convenhearts and work,” said Rosalynn Carter. and love your neighbor as yourself.” tion of Texas who is also president of “We continue to advocate for those who

Tsunami response shifting to transformational development

Vol. 15, No. 4 COORDINATOR • Daniel Vestal COORDINATOR, COMMUNICATIONS & RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT • Ben McDade EDITOR • Lance Wallace MANAGING EDITOR • Lisa M. Jones PHONE • (770) 220-1600 FAX • (770) 220-1685 E-MAIL • fellowship@thefellowship.info WEB SITE • www.thefellowship.info

fellowship! is published bi-monthly by The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, Inc., 3001 Mercer University Dr., Atlanta, GA 30341-4115.

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C O O P E R AT I V E B A P T I S T F E L L O W S H I P

Thursday morning, June 30, to illustrate the breadth of destruction from the Dec. 26 tsunami that killed more than 100,000 people and left 150,000 others missing. But it also showed the renewal, rebuilding and hope given through CBF disaster relief efforts in India and other parts of Southeast Asia.

Anita Snell, CBF Global Missions associate coordinator for missions teams in Asia, told listeners that “CBF has responded with personnel, funds and compassion to the tsunami victims.”

At the time of the workshop, $2.5 million in aid had been received with $1.6 million distributed primarily in five areas, including two areas in India ($278,000 combined), Sri Lanka ($300,000), Thailand ($144,000) and other areas of Southeast Asia ($950,000).

“The requested amount from each of these areas was much more,” she said.

Craig, one of the responders in Southeast Asia, said that the CBF response philosophy is to “facilitate the work faceto-face, connecting people to resources, people to people” in helping build or renovate water systems, provide medical aid or reconstruct homes.

“As a result of the tsunami, many people

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are searching for Christ,” he said. “And the people have responded. In one area, a woman told us, ‘The Christians were the first to arrive and they wiped away the tears.’”

Sam Bandela, who facilitated CBF relief efforts in Sri Lanka, shared images of renewal, such as CBF-sponsored medical clinics and economic renewal through micro-enterprise development, including the rebuilding of local fishing industries.

Jim Rich, who performed survey work in the affected areas, called for additional

volunteers to respond. “We need people who can work in construction, who can carry buckets. We especially need welders.”

Snell emphasized the need for continuing funds and volunteers for CBF relief efforts in Southeast Asia.

Note: Due to global security concerns, names and specific locations of some of CBF’s field personnel will not be publicized. f!

By contributing writer Russ Dilday, Mansfield, Texas

Jones preaches excellence at Congregational Leadership Institute

Sue H. Poss photo

A PICTURE is supposed to be worth a thousand words, but photos shown during a Fellowship workshop on tsunami relief in Southeast Asia left participants mostly speechless.

Twisted steel wreckage. Boats washed miles ashore. Bare coastal plains that had once been densely populated urban areas.

A panel of CBF Global Missions field personnel used the photo presentation

Greg Jones, dean of the Duke Divinity School, spoke about resurrecting excellence at the 2005 Congregational Leadership Institute. Jones wants churches to pay attention to the excellence around them, to see the positives more than the negatives, and above all, to be careful about how they quantify excellence. Jones said his goal in preaching “Resurrecting Excellence” is to help people gain a new appreciation for the beauty of excellent ministry and be able to practice it. About 200 people participated in this year’s Congregational Leadership Institute.

Carter Offering

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CBF, Buckner debut holistic ministry to African AIDS orphans

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he executive officers of the Fellowship and Buckner Baptist Bene-

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40 children, and through a foster care program that provides care for an additional volences unveiled a plan to “change the face of Africa” through an 29 in Christian homes.

“The focus of the KidsHeart Africa projeducation-based initiative to reach the children of the continent. ect is to develop child development centers CBF Coordinator Daniel Vestal and Kenlowship’s rural poverty initiative through and to supplement already existing church neth L. Hall, president and CEO of Buckner, KidsHeart Rio Grande Valley, which prochild development centers which will also shared the plan with about 50 participants vides ministry in Texas. serve ... children orphaned by AIDS or at in the workshop, “Children in Africa.” They CBF Global Missions field personnel risk of being orphaned,” Vestal said. then presented the partnership in a dialogue Melody and Sam Harrell, and Ana Marie “The program will be primarily focused during the Friday morning business session, and Scott Houser are already working with on early childhood education but the cenJuly 1. In February, Vestal and Hall signed a local leaders to develop ministries in both ters or churches will be the hub of a wide renewal of the CBF-Buckner array of services which the partnership in Kansas City, church community will develMo. The original partnerop (to) address physical needs ship agreement was signed in such as food, clothing and March 2003. medical needs,” he added.

The new partnership, Vestal emphasized that called KidsHeart Africa, iniKidsHeart Africa receives ditially calls for the creation of rection from African Baptist five church-based child develChristians through the All opment centers in Kenya and Africa Baptist Fellowship, CBF the financial underwriting of Global Missions personnel a group home, foster care probased in Africa and Buckner gram and preschool program ministry staff in Africa. in South Africa. Funding for When formulating the iniCBF Coordinator Daniel Vestal, left, and Ken Hall, president of Buckner Baptist the first phase of implementatiative, Hall said, "Daniel and Benevolences, dialogue on the expanding partnership between CBF and Buckner tion is expected to cost apI prayed together and wept to minister among children affected by the AIDS epidemic in Africa. proximately $440,000. together as we heard the need. urban and rural settings. They have made The plan, said Hall, is in direct response to But I am convinced we can change the conchildren’s needs a priority in many of their the needs of 12 million children in Africa, most tinent of Africa." f! projects, including Kids2Kids, an education of whom are orphaned by the HIV/AIDS epiLEARN – For more information or to and feeding program for children living in demic across the continent. “We don’t have 20 become involved, contact Karen Gilbert, the Nairobi slums and school community years to plan and implement this program. We CBF Global Missions associate coordinator development projects among the Masai as need to respond to their needs now.” for volunteers and partnerships, at well as in South Africa.

Buckner is a 126-year-old Dallas-based kgilbert@thefellowship.info or (800) 782-2451.

The international ministry arm of Buckministry that provides services to U.S. chilSee p. 11 to order a $10 CD or $12 tape of dren and families, children in international ner, Buckner Orphan Care International, the “Children in Africa” workshop. orphanages and older adults in Texas. The already has programs designed to meet the organization already has a well-established needs of Kenyan orphans support of the

By Lance Wallace and Russ Dilday, CBF partnership with Partners in Hope, the FelBaptist Center of Nairobi, which cares for Communications

Partners in Hope spawns new non-profit

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is now work in 16 of the 20 focal counties ers in Partners in Hope’s 20 focal counties, with plans to establish relationships in the where one of the systemic causes of poverty remaining counties this is lack of jobs. Under year, said PIH National the social entrepreCoordinator Tom neurship model, Prevost. small businesses will PIH involvement experience a double has grown from about profit — economic 1,500 volunteers in 2003 development and to more than 4,500 last community owneryear, Prevost said. “It’s ship. grown, but we need conKingdom EnterJorge Zapata of Buckner Baptist Benevolences’ Rio Grande Valley ministry prises will enter its centrated effort,” he said. talks with participants about Partners in initial fundraising “We need volunteers Hope work in the Valley. phase later this year, who keep coming back. hoping to develop a training model and We need the kind of volunteerism that mentorship network within a year. By Dedoesn’t go to do for but to do with.” f! cember 2006, leaders hope for four funcSERVE – For more information on tioning business projects.

Partners in Hope, visit www.thefellowship.info.

Another PIH workshop reported on the four-year progress of the initiative. There

By Carla Wynn, CBF Communications Mark Sandlin photo

INSPIRED BY THE WORK of Partners in Hope, the Fellowship’s rural poverty initiative, a new small business start up project will soon be launched with the aim of facilitating small business development in 20 of the poorest counties in the United States.

Called Kingdom Enterprises, the new non-profit will serve as an umbrella organization for small business incubation, according to PIH High Plains Coordinator Chris Thompson, who is steering the new initiative along with Ben Newell and Jim Rich, two of CBF’s Global Missions field personnel working with PIH. “We’d like a business in every county,” Thompson told participants during a General Assembly workshop.

Through Kingdom Enterprises, experienced Christian business professionals would provide mentorship, management help and resources to small business start-

P a r t n e r s i n H o p e | Ve s t a l A d d r e s s

Vestal sermon excerpts Following are excerpts from the sermon by CBF Coordinator Daniel Vestal during the General Assembly.

“Being the Presence of Christ in All the World” – John 20:19-23 “The resurrection of Jesus from the dead was an act of God that marks a new beginning for humanity.

“Resurrection is the great reversal. It stands everything on its head. It challenges and changes everything. And it definitely changes us.

“We are the body of Christ. Christ is in us. Do you really believe this?

Because if you do, it will change how you view the church. No longer will you see the church primarily in organizational, institutional, denominational categories. Rather you will see the church as the living, breathing, mystical Body of Christ.

“This to me is the meaning of prayer. It is all about love, God’s love for us, our love to God, and our love to people.

“This seems to me to be one of the radical characteristics of Jesus and one reason he was so controversial: He ate with sinners and identified with outcasts. He didn’t see a hierarchical relationship between men and women, but treated them as equals.

“As Christ’s presence, we build bridges and break down barriers between people. Whenever and wherever possible, we nurture community and understanding. We are peacemakers who do not live in isolation and retreat from the world.

“Jesus, the very name means salvation. And so we celebrate Jesus when we eat the bread and drink the cup. We pray in His name, and serve in His name. And we speak his name, reverentially, lovingly, winsomely. Because there is salvation in that name.

The longer I live the less certain I become about a lot of things, but the more certain I become about a few things. One of those certainties is that the TRUTH and LOVE of Christ is for all people in the world.

The truth is that God is in Christ reconciling the world to Himself.

This to me is the acid test of our faith. What will we do with suffering?

Statistics do not tell all the truth, but we simply can’t ignore the fact that one billion people in this world live on less than $1 a day. We can’t close our eyes to the fact that 8 million people around the world die each year simply because they are too poor to stay alive. That’s 20,000 a day.

“My brothers and sisters, we will partake of the suffering of poor people only when we are willing to make changes.”

LEARN – Visit www. thefellowship.info for the complete transcript of Vestal’s address.

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Purposely smaller in size, these churches blend ancient and modern theology and worship, welcoming diversity in practice and thought.

“These are churches saying we are unashamedly postmodern … in order to reach a society that is postmodern,” Leonard said.

The emerging church models some of what Baptists need to do in response to the movement toward generic Christianity. Baptists should return to rituals like communion and immersion baptism, Leonard said. Baptist churches must learn to accept and affirm pluralism without losing some foundational elements.

There should be a reemphasis on the individual and the community, as well as having strong ties to the non-church community.

LEARN – See p. 11 to order a $10 CD or $12 tape of Leonard’s workshop.

By Carla Wynn, CBF Communications

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he Fellowship General Assembly approved the Partnership Study Committee report July 1, with minimal opposition, a day after a

thorough airing of concerns in a breakout session.

God-given misThe Assembly also sion. This language approved a revision replaced wording of the Fellowship’s that specifically refConstitution and Byerenced the spreadlaws, a $16.47 million ing of the “Gospel operating budget for of Jesus Christ” and fiscal year 2005-2006, “glad obedience to and nominees to serve the Great Commison the boards for the sion.”

CBF Foundation and After the meetChurch Benefits Board. ing, Setzer said the The Assembly afFellowship’s mission firmed the Partnership statement is intendStudy Committee ed to capture the report approved by the spirit of the Great Coordinating Council Commission of our on June 29. Concerns Lord Jesus Christ. voiced on the floor of CBF Moderator Bob Setzer Jr. delivers the “I appreciate the the Assembly centered message at Friday’s business session and communion service. thoughtful and spiron the Baptist studies ited discussion,” Setzer said. “It is good to programs at non-Baptist universities. know we’re in a genuine Baptist meeting.”

Another question was raised concerning which partners might be affected by limiting funding to 25 percent of a partner’s annual receipts. CBF Moderator Bob Setzer Jr. indicated the Baptist Center for Ethics and Associated Baptist Press would exceed the 25 percent funding cap, but not by much.

“The principles, guidelines and recommendations of the report will be implemented by the Council in direct consultation with partners, Coordinating Council Officers for 2005-06 are, l-r: Susan Crumpler, and Fellowship staff,” Setzer said. “The rerecorder; Joy Yee, moderator; Bob Setzer Jr., past port contains general policies and does not moderator; and Emmanuel McCall, moderator-elect. designate funding levels for any partner.”

Donna Dill of Fairfax, Va. and Joe HarDiscussion was also generated around rison of Washington, D.C., were elected to the revision of the CBF Constitution and the board of trustees of the Church Benefits Bylaws. The document’s purpose statement Board, and Ed Vick of Raleigh, N.C.; Steve was changed to reflect the Fellowship’s misTondera of Huntsville, Ala.; Richard Tuten sion statement — serving Christians and of Cincinnati, Ohio; Hal Bass of Arkadelchurches as they discover and fulfill their Mark Sandlin photo

BILL LEONARD said the rise of postmodern thought has led to more and more churches retracting their denominational affiliation, relying more on networks of like-minded groups. Leonard, dean and professor of church history at Wake Forest Divinity School in Winston-Salem, N.C., led a General Assembly workshop called “Baptists and Generic Christianity: The Non-denominationalizing of American Churches.”

Denominations, an early ecumenical device of the Puritans, became a way to organize religious life, providing collective resources, education and identity. However, cultural shifts toward institutional suspicion have also created a reaction against denominations. “That’s not going to stop, it’s only going to increase,” Leonard said.

People are straying from denominations because of frustration with different religious voices, denominational warfare and the lack of localism, Leonard said. Younger generations are less interested in or aware of denominational identity.

“People think of themselves belonging to a local congregation rather than a denomination,” Leonard said.

In lieu of denominations, many churches have unified over ethical issues or worship style. Some churches are also networking for resources and opportunities beyond denominational lines. “We still have denominational churches, but if you look below the surface, you find them shopping around for new networks,” said Leonard, who cited Southern Baptist churches who bypass denominational missions opportunities for service with ecumenical groups like Habitat for Humanity.

Megachurches have become mini-denominations because they have resources to provide ministries that churches once had to bond together to offer. The recent emerging church movement is providing yet another option.

CBF General Assembly affirms Partnership Committee report

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Denominations losing ground in U.S.

New Coordinating Council members Alabama: Robin Norsworthy; Arkansas: John Wickman (re-elected); Ethnic Network: Rick Ruano; Florida: Ron Crawford, Jean Kenlan Willingham; Georgia: Gwen Colwell; Kentucky: Robert Baker, Bill Ellis; Louisiana: Greg Hunt; Mid-Atlantic: Linda Salmon; Mississippi: Al Butler; Missouri: Doyle Sager; North Carolina: Bill Ireland, Sheri Adams (re-elected); Oklahoma/ Kansas: Larry Stevens; South Carolina: Randy Gardner, Christie McMillin-Goodwin; Tennessee: Marshall Helm, Laura Tadlock; Texas: Gus Reyes, Suzii Paynter; Virginia: Brian Harfst, Sarah Fain; West Region: Deane Langdon, Sing Yue.

phia, Ark.; Rebecca Wiggs of Jackson, Miss.; and Oswin Chrisman of Dallas were elected to the board of the CBF Foundation.

The Assembly approved several board representative nominations, including Elizabeth Barnes of Raleigh, N.C., as a Fellowship representative with the Baptist World Alliance and Kay Shurden of Macon, Ga., and Pamela Durso of Brentwood, Tenn., as CBF members of the board for the Baptist Joint Committee on Religious Liberty.

The business session also featured the keynote address by Setzer. In his address, he appealed to churches to be the presence of Christ in the world by focusing on their local communities and participating in the global missions enterprise.

The service concluded with communion, led by Moderator-elect Joy Yee, pastor of New Covenant Baptist Church in San Francisco, Calif. f!

LEARN – Links to the CBF 2005-2006 budget, the CBF Constitution & Bylaws and the Partnership Study Committee report are available online at www.thefellowship.info/ News/GAcoverage/GA05stories.icm.

By Lance Wallace, CBF Communications

Coordinating Council update THE FELLOWSHIP’S Coordinating Council voted unanimously to adopt the principles, guidelines and recommendations of an updated Partnership Study Committee report on the eve of the General Assembly.

Charles Cantrell of Mountain View, Mo., chair of the Partnership Study Committee, reported on the feedback received on the report. The key changes in the report were raising the funding cap for partners from 20 percent of their annual receipts to 25 percent, increasing the number of theological schools eligible for identity partner status from “three to five” to “up to six” and an addition of a clarifying statement concerning CBF’s relationship to a free Baptist press.

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Following the Council’s adoption of the report, the Council voted unanimously to send the report to the General Assembly for a vote of affirmation.

In other business, the Council received a recommendation from Emmanuel McCall, head of the Council’s Building Community and Networking Initiative Team, that the Fellowship make a one-time contribution of $30,000 to the Baptist Center for Ethics.

McCall reported that Robert Parham, BCE’s executive director, has been diagnosed with a serious form of cancer, and because of his illness, fundraising efforts for BCE have been greatly curtailed.

Tim Brendle, chair of the search com-

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mittee for the Global Missions coordinator, presented an update on the work of the newly-formed committee.

Finance Committee Chair Nelson Rodriguez reported the Fellowship’s finances looked good, with total expenditures at $18.5 million and total revenues at $23 million.

Personnel Committee Chair Harriet Harral recommended approval of two items — adoption of a sabbatical policy for CBF coordinators and naming Jack Snell, acting coordinator of CBF Global Missions, interim coordinator of CBF Global Missions.

Both items were unanimously approved. f!

By Lance Wallace, CBF Communications

Coordinating Council Update

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Denison asks self-help seekers to turn to Scripture, lead changed lives

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im Denison, pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, believes the oldest sermon in Christian history preaches “soul food” to a

world which no longer believes in objective authority of Scripture.

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Denison stated that 91 percent of In a postmodern society in which twoAmericans believe that all religions thirds do not know Jesus Christ and onethird have never heard the name of Jesus, a popular Jim Denison examines the self-help approach to spirituality in light of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount during a four-part self-help approach to Bible study series during the General Assembly. spirituality is encouraged, Denison acknowledged.

Denison led a fourpart series of Bible studies titled, “Dr. Phil, Oprah and Jesus: How the Sermon on the Mount Feeds My Soul — It’s Not About Us” at the General Assembly.

Using the teachings of Christ from the Sermon on the Mount, Denison encouraged attendees worship the same god and turn to popularto turn to Scripture in the midst of a culture icons such as Oprah Winfrey and postmodern culture that says absolutes are Dr. Phil McGraw for spiritual advice. no longer absolute, and to heed Jesus Christ’s Denison feels that if Christians reveal call to live transformed lives. to the world the Sermon’s relevance in “We must show the world the relevance their individual lives, others will notice the of the Sermon on the Mount in our lives,” change in their daily actions and will want to Denison said. “If they see it has changed experience that same hope, purpose and joy. you, maybe it will change them.”

“The Sermon on the Mount will impact culture when it impacts our soul,” Denison said.

Denison referred the group to the fourth chapter of John’s Gospel – Jesus set the example on how Christians should answer those in need when He gave “living water” to the woman at the well.

To be a “changed people,” Christians must adopt Christ-like attitudes, commitments, disciplines and examples, such as those identified in the Beatitudes.

Denison emphasized the most important purpose each believer has is to know Jesus Christ personally and for Him to be the reason for life.

Denison urged the audience to connect to God in prayer, so that the Lord is honored. He said, in the same way, “when you give, volunteer time, make sacrifices and invest in missions, make sure God gets the glory, not you, and you will be rewarded by your Father in heaven.” f!

LEARN – See p. 11 to order a $10 CD or $12 tape of Denison’s workshops.

By Ashley Grizzle, CBF Communications

Workshops encourage churches to be missional

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sion,” provided the right model to bring his congregation out of a “floundering” state in which it had found itself for the past 20 years.

“Churches like ours have been clearer about what we are against than what we are for,” he said. “I think the concept of the missional church is going to change this, to help us get a clear vision of the way we want to do ministry.”

Bruce Powers, associate dean at Campbell University Divinity School in Buies Creek, N.C., led a discussion on the missional church, focusing on transformational leadership that changes a church and its members from the inside out.

Rick Davis, the director of the Center for Strategic Evangelism for the Baptist General Convention of Texas, led a workshop on evangelism as part of the missional church. He said a traditional form of evangelism has been to present the gospel message, then ask a person to pray immediately to receive Jesus Christ.

“In the postmodern culture, decisions are not made on the spot,” he said. “So our evangelism efforts need to move toward an emphasis on following

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Christ rather than praying a specific prayer at one moment in time. Evangelism means helping a person develop a continuing following of Christ throughout life.”

Gary Moore, owner of Gary Moore and Company in Sarasota, Fla., talked about stewardship in the missional church. He said churches and individuals need to take a holistic approach to economics and finances. f!

LEARN – To discover more about missional church resources, see p. 10 or visit www. thefellowship.info/CL/.

By contributing writer Sue H. Poss, Greenville, S.C.

CBF’S Spiritual Formation Network steering team convened for the first time June 28-29 during pre-General Assembly events.

After a network visioning and structuring summit in November, where the idea of a steering team originated, 12 members were selected for a three-year term to further shape the Network, which was born at last year’s General Assembly.

“The relationship and foundation of a new ministry team has begun,” said Eric Spivey of Beaufort, S.C. Over the next year, the Network will develop a spiritual formation resource that will replace “Resources in Spirituality,” which the Fellowship published in 1998.

The new resource will include an introduction of spiritual formation and its history. A section for the local church will outline implementation and curriculum resources. A personal growth section will include guides to spiritual disciplines, as well as a directory of training and workshop opportunities, spiritual retreat centers and spiritual directors. The resource will also have an annotated bibliography of relevant spiritual formation books.

“I want to offer our folks as many resources as there are,” said Rick Bennett, the Fellowship’s associate coordinator for faith formation.

The Network also plans to host regional retreats for pastors.

Plans for next year’s General Assembly event in Atlanta include a dinner for spiritual formation faculty at the Fellowship’s partner theological schools. Also planned are spiritual formation workshops about defining spiritual formation, determining relevant resources and networking with others. “It may be that there is a huge need for those of us interested in spiritual formation to gather,” said Beth McConnell of Charlotte, N.C. Representing nine states, the team members plan to offer spiritual formation workshops during state and regional meetings of the Fellowship.

The Spiritual Formation Network steering team meets again Jan. 25-28, 2006 in Atlanta.

By Carla Wynn, CBF Communications

Lester honored at luncheon Andrew Lester, right, with his wife, Judy, receives a plaque from George Pickle, CBF associate coordinator for chaplaincy and pastoral counseling.

Carla Wynn photo

DENNIS FOUST, pastor of Shades Crest Baptist Church in Birmingham, Ala., believes it is the purpose of the church to equip members to be the presence of Christ wherever they are.

Foust was one of several people who led workshops on the topic of the missional church at the General Assembly.

Foust has guided Shades Crest over the past four years to become a missional church that focuses more on the health of the congregation than on growth and encourages members to adopt servant-centered lifestyles based on the model of Jesus Christ.

For example, the church has offered a free breakfast every day for a week to commuters passing near the church. The bag breakfast includes a note, telling recipients that they are being prayed for. Church members have also painted classrooms in an elementary school, trimmed shrubs, repaired porches and even left cold water for the mail carrier.

“These are not huge things,” Foust said, “but they are lifestyle changes that show that following Christ is not about coming to church but going into the world.”

David Hughes, pastor of First Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, N.C., found that CBF Coordinator Daniel Vestal’s book titled “It’s Time: An Urgent Call to Christian Mis-

Spiritual Formation Network update

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Spiritual Formation Network

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G E N E R A L A S S E M B LY 2 0 0 5

2005 GENERAL ASSEMBLY

6

Micah James, left, and John Williams interact during the Children’s Assembly.

Mark Sandlin photo

Chaney Moore, a member of the Tallowood Players from Tallowood Baptist Church in Houston, Texas, performs a song interpretation during the Thursday evening general session.

Jimmy Allen, former president of the Southern Baptist Radio and Television Commission and a leader in ethical concerns and causes, is the recipient of the 2005 Whitsitt Courage Award given during the annual meeting of the Whitsitt Baptist Heritage Society.

Mark Sandlin photo

CALLING FOR UNITY among Baptists during a banquet celebrating the Baptist World Alliance’s 100th anniversary, BWA General Secretary Denton Lotz told participants that Baptists must “hold it all together” to advance the cause of Christ.

The banquet, held on the eve of the General Assembly, attracted more than 500 participants. Lotz made his comments during his keynote address predicting “The Future of the Baptist Movement.”

“We live in a time where everything is being separated,” he said. “We need one another as Baptists. We need to hold it all together. That’s what the Baptist World Alliance tries to do.”

Speaking from Philippians 4:8, Lotz urged listeners to find ways to relate by concentrating on the passage’s “true, just, pleasing and commendable” attributes of what other Baptist believers are doing worldwide. He highlighted stories of success among Baptists in Nigeria, Cuba, Bulgaria, Russia and Burma as examples.

Alluding to the withdrawal of funds to BWA by the Southern Baptist Convention, Lotz asked, “These (Baptists in other countries) are your brothers and sisters. Why would you want to withdraw from this group?”

He said he is often asked, “How are you making it after being defunded?”

“We are making it,” he answered. “(BWA member organizations like) CBF, the Baptist General Association of Virginia and the Baptist General Convention of Texas and other Baptists have more than made up the difference.”

Commenting on the state of Baptists, Lotz pointed out “one of the problems with Baptists in North America and Europe is we’re ashamed to be Baptists.

We have (believers from other

Mark Sandlin photo

Lotz calls for unity among Baptists at BWA banquet

C O O P E R AT I V E B A P T I S T F E L L O W S H I P

Mark Sandlin photo

By contributing writer Russ Dilday, Mansfield, Texas

Mark Sandlin photo

countries) wanting to come to BWA in Birmingham, England, because they’re proud to be Baptists.”

Participants also heard from BWAid director Paul Montacute, who reported that the global aid arm of BWA has collected $20 million for aid to the victims of December’s tsunami in Southeast Asia.

Noting that tsunami aid “has moved from short-term aid to longer-term projects,” he added that attention must also be given to “the silent tsunamis” of persecution in places like Sudan, Uganda and the Congo, as well as to HIV/AIDS relief and food relief in North Korea.

“We need to help so many more,” he said. “Not just by putting hands in pockets to give, but by taking political action.”

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General Assembly

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B WA B a n q u e t

2005 GENERAL ASSEMBLY

7

New Chaplains, Pastoral Counselors THE FOLLOWING 32 chaplains and pastoral counselors were recently endorsed bringing the total number to 484 endorsees:

Aaron and Dawna Watkins of Kansas City, Kan., pray during the Friday evening general session.

BUSINESS/INDUSTRIAL/UNIVERSITY — Larry Hardin, chaplain, Brewster Place Retirement Community, Topeka, Kan. CORRECTIONS — Bernie Morris, chaplain, Powhatan Correctional Center, State Farm, Va.

Mark Sandlin photo

HOSPICE — Ruth Demby, chaplain, Hospice of NE GA Medical Center, Gainesville, Ga.; Bill Hayes, chaplain, St. Mary's Health Care System, Athens, Ga.; Cherry Moore, chaplain, Hospice Brazos Valley, Bryan, Texas; Mickie Norman, chaplain, Lower Cape Fear Hospice and Life Care Center, Wilmington, N.C.; Mark Parnell, chaplain, Portsbridge Hospice, Macon, Ga.; Mark Westebbe, chaplain, AMC Hospice of the Shenandoah, Fishersville, Va.

Registration volunteer Kaye Dotson helps a General Assembly participant navigate the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center.

Mark Sandlin photo

Robert Francis leads participants in experiencing American Indian worship in the style of Mid American Indian Fellowships.

CBF Moderator-elect Joy Yee breaks bread as she leads Assembly participants in communion.

HOSPITAL — Vitaliy Bak, CPE resident, Pastoral Care Services at MCHS, Greensboro, N.C.; Biju Chacko, supervisory resident CPE, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, N.C.; Barbara Dail, volunteer chaplain, CPE intern, Pitt County Memorial Hospital, Greenville, N.C.; Joe Gross, chaplain, Department of Veterans Affairs, Dallas, Texas; Bill Harrill, chaplain, Conway Medical Center, Conway, S.C.; Darryl Jefferson, CPE resident, Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, Richmond, Va.; Mary Lewis, CPE resident, Audie Murphy Veterans Memorial Hospital, San Antonio, Texas; Stephen Murphy, chaplain, Pacific Health Ministry, Honolulu, Hawaii; John Oliver, chaplain, Department of Veterans Affairs, Durham, N.C.; Andy Overmon, director of spiritual care/chaplain, Valir Health, Oklahoma City, Okla.; John Reeser, CPE resident, Care and Counseling Center of Georgia, Decatur, Ga.; Michelle Smith, CPE resident, St. Francis Hospital, Columbus, Ga.; Lina Sohn, SIT chaplain, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltmore, Md.; Todd Walter, director, department of pastoral care, clinical pastoral education, Spartanburg Regional Medical Center, Spartanburg, S.C.; Johnny White, CPE resident, Baptist Health System, San Antonio, Texas MILITARY — Lyde Andrews, reserve chaplain, U.S. Army Reserve, Forest Park, Ga.; Daniel Call, active duty chaplain, U.S. Air Force, Panama City, Fla.; Gregg Drew, active duty chaplain, U.S. Army, Himbach, Germany; Robert Elkowitz, chaplain candidate, U.S. Army, Cumming, Ga.; Winston Shearin, active duty chaplain, U.S. Navy, Washington, D.C. PASTORAL COUNSELORS — Ted Dougherty, executive director, pastoral therapist, Missionary Family Counseling & Pastoral Counselor, Winston-Salem, N.C.; Cindy Goza, board certified chaplain, Association of Pastoral Chaplains, Houston, Texas; Steven Harris, pastoral counselor, Pastoral Counseling Center of Roanoke Valley, Roanoke, Va.

Vocalist Scot Cameron and pianist Joseph Martin lead worship sessions.

General Assembly

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Mark Sandlin photo

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION — Laura Johnson, pastoral counselor, College of Pastoral Supervision and Psychotherapy, Clayton, N.C.

New Chaplains, Pastoral Counselors

LEARN – For more information, contact George Pickle at (770) 2201617 or gpickle@thefellowship.info.

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G E N E R A L A S S E M B LY 2 0 0 5

2005-2006 CBF BUDGET

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This is My Fellowship The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship’s 2005-2006 Operating Budget

T

he numbers that make up the 2005-2006 budget of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship tell only a small part of the ministries provided in partnership with Fellowship individuals and churches. The following stories of

Cameron Ulmer, Diana Garland, Mike Queen and Sam Bandela illustrate how lives have been forever enriched as the Fellowship strives to be the presence of Christ in the world. These four stories illustrate the Fellowship’s commitment in the areas of Faith Formation, Building Community, Developing Leaders and Global Missions.

FAITH FORMATION

Cameron Ulmer Student Providence Baptist Church Daniel Island, S.C. A self-described “church roadie,” Cameron Ulmer’s faith journey has been formed to a maturity well past her 18 years of age. Back when her new Charleston, S.C. area church was meeting in an office building, Cameron and her family helped set up for services.

Her involvement in a Fellowship church with a strong commitment to Baptist principles has shaped the person she is becoming as she prepares to leave the youth group and attend the College of Charleston on a music scholarship in the fall.

Participating in music ministry most of her life, Cameron made her profession of faith at age 13.

“There came a point during a summer missions trip to Greenville when I first really realized what Christianity was for me,” Cameron said. “We did a lot of yard work and house cleaning for elderly people, and that experience has been the undercurrent for my entire Christian faith. A few months after the trip, I was baptized.”

Her service has extended beyond missions trips to include leading in worship. Cameron has used her considerable vocal talents at Providence by singing in the choir, with a special ensemble and performing solos in worship.

She has served on the church’s worship committee and even preached on a youth Sunday.

“In my many years of doing youth ministry, it’s unusual to

C O O P E R AT I V E B A P T I S T F E L L O W S H I P

see a teenager with this kind of maturity,” said David Woody, minister of faith development at Providence.

Woody became Cameron’s youth minister nearly three years ago when he

came to Providence.

Woody confers regularly with CBF staffers Rick Bennett and Bo Prosser. He finds the Congregational Life electronic newsletter, “ChurchWorks,” and the annual True Survivor conference to be great sources for tools to help teens like Cameron grow spiritually.

A concrete way Woody has plugged his youth into the Fellowship community is a summer camp experience started by youth ministers in 1993 called “Unidiversity.” It was at Unidiversity in 2003 that Cameron discovered her musical gifts could be the basis for life-long ministry.

Cameron anticipates continuing to serve at Providence, tackling the challenges of college and testing the waters of ministry in the free and faithful environment the Fellowship offers.

lies. As dean of Baylor’s School of Social Work, which houses the Center for Family and Community Ministries, Diana is in a unique position to better serve the needs of families through continuing education and conferences as well as educating the next generation of church staff members, educators and missionaries.

By partnering with Diana, the Fellowship benefits from her expertise as she and the Center address the needs of the modern family, which are numerous.

“Too many families are isolated,” Diana said. “They are on their own, trying to raise their children and care for frail elderly adults and provide support to each other. They are frazzled by too much to do and yet little sense of meaning and purpose in their family life. They need community, and they need a sense of mission that pulls them outside of themselves.

If they are involved in a congregation, they may find that it, too, is a place

that divides them rather than centering them as families.”

The church struggles with the concept of “family” in reaching out to all of its members, Diana said. Within congregations too many people think that “family” doesn’t mean them, such as single adults, widowed persons and spouses in second marriages.

“They feel like second-class citizens in the church,” she said.

“When we say ‘family,’ they feel left out. But Jesus said that when we follow Him, we will all be folded into family. Congregations need to find ways to communicate and demonstrate that Good News.”

Through Diana’s ministry, the Fellowship supports continuing education and conferences for church leaders, the publication

of Audio-Magazine for Family Ministry (AM/FM), and the opportunity to disseminate research findings and models to CBF congregations.

In workshops at CBF meetings and General Assemblies and at special conferences, Diana’s message to the local church is to shift its thinking using the teachings of Jesus.

“CBF support helps us do what we do,” said Diana, a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Waco. “In turn, our work is helping congregations minister with families and in their communities more effectively.”

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Michael G. Queen Senior Pastor First Baptist Church Wilmington, N.C. More than 10 years in the grocery business taught Mike Queen a valuable lesson: the more responsibility you have, the more accountability and support you need.

He’s applying that lesson now as senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Wilmington, N.C., and the convener of a group of ministers for the Fellowship’s Initiative for Ministerial Excellence.

“I am part of a group here in town with another Baptist, a Methodist and a Presbyterian minister,” Mike said. “We have a great group, and it means so much to me.”

The response to the Lilly Endowment-funded Initiative for Ministerial Excellence, coordinated by the Fellowship’s Leadership Development Initiative, has been strong.

How to Respond LEARN – To read the full story of those people

PRAY – Now that you have reviewed the

highlighted or to view a detailed report of the

Fellowship’s plan for ministry and read personal

expense budget along with the revenue budget,

stories of lives changed by gifts in support of

Diana Garland

order a copy of the operating budget brochure

the CBF budget, please take this information and

Dean School of Social Work, Baylor University Waco, Texas

“This is My Fellowship” from The CBF Store at

remember the work of CBF and its partners in your

(888) 801-4223 or www.thefellowship.info.

prayers.

BUILDING COMMUNITY AND NETWORKING

Diana Garland’s work with families is much more than an academic exercise; it’s a ministry committed to helping churches better serve the needs of fami-

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If you would like to have a speaker from the

GIVE – To reach its financial goals, the

Fellowship visit your church, contact (770) 220-

Fellowship needs the prayerful support of

1630 or face2face@thefellowship.info. For more

individuals and churches. Use the envelope in this

information on Face2Face, the Fellowship’s

issue to contribute to the Fellowship’s general

speakers bureau, visit www.thefellowship.info and

missions and ministries budget.

click on “Face2Face.”

2005-2006 CBF Budget

2005-2006 CBF BUDGET

The 68 peer learning groups meeting nationally average 10 participants. Of the 22 invited to participate in Mike’s group, all accepted. The southeastern North Carolina group has been meeting for two years and averages 17 in attendance.

“The ministry can be a draining and isolating kind of calling,” Mike said. “Peer learning groups can help you deal with the isolation issue. I can say to the CBF family that one of the greatest gifts we can give to the ministers of our churches is the opportunity to be a part of a group.

Everybody needs a place to be ministered to.”

Mike believes ministers must plug into a group to get the individual support they need.

“I have come to a place where I believe that the only people who understand the role of the pastor are people who are doing it,” said Mike, who has been at First Baptist Wilmington for 19 years.

After the Lilly Endowment’s funding for the program ends this fiscal year, the Fellowship is looking to continue the highlysuccessful peer learning groups.

“Gathering in a group is the only way we’re going to be healthy,” Mike said. “It is important for me. When I miss the group, I feel like I’ve missed something.”

GLOBAL MISSIONS AND MINISTRIES

Sam Bandela One of CBF’s Global Missions field personnel India Sam Bandela personifies the Fellowship’s commitment to flexibility among its missions force. Since 1994, Sam and his wife, Latha, have been working among the most neglected as CBF Global Missions field personnel.

A native of India, Sam came to faith in Jesus Christ through the work of missionaries and is now called to be a missionary.

He ministers among unevangelized people groups in his home country, primarily in Northern India in such cities as Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai and Bihar.

“The majority of Christians in India live in the south,” Sam said.

“We have been working among Muslims, Bojpuris, Sindhi and Marata people groups. That all changed when the tsunamis hit in the south.”

2005-2006 CBF Budget

A speaker of Telugu, Tamil and Hindi, Sam was one of the first of CBF’s field personnel to respond to the tremendous needs in coastal villages following the

9

Dec. 26 tsunami.

His language and understanding of the culture gave him immediate access to people in need. His affiliation with the Fellowship gave him immediate access to resources to respond to people in need.

That response is leading to a long-term presence in those communities. In the village of

Cuddalore, there were 28 families that made up a Christian church. When they professed Christ, they were immediately ostracized by their neighbors as “untouchables.”

Volunteer teams led by Sam and CBF Global Missions field personnel Scott Hunter and Eddie Aldape, helped establish a medical clinic in Cuddalore staffed by Dr. Moses Kharat, an Indian physician. A local Christian nongovernmental organiza-

tion called Humanitarian India Mission (HIM) set up the medical clinic. The Fellowship helped operate the clinic for three months. More than 5,000 were treated for a variety of health needs ranging from broken bones to bandages.

“When we kept coming back, the people asked us, ‘What makes you come here?’ I told them we have a God who compels us to come here and show God’s love.” f!

2005-06 Budget Summary Below is a summary of the Fellowship’s expense budget.

EXPENSES PRIORITIES Faith Formation Evangelism and Outreach Spiritual Growth The CBF Store Faith Formation Support TOTAL Faith Formation

Operating Budget 2004-2005

Operating Budget 2005-2006

Expenditures from Designated Gifts 2005-2006

Total Expenditures 2005-2006

Percentage of Total

$70,000 92,000 70,000 317,782 ___________ 549,782 ___________

$66,000 86,000 70,000 343,537 ___________ 565,537 ___________

$66,000 86,000 70,000 343,537 ___________ 565,537 ___________

0.3% 0.4% 0.3% 1.6% ________ 2.6% ________

Building Community Congregational Health Reconciliation and Justice Baptist Identity and Relationships-Networking (Hispanic, Asian, and African American) Baptist Identity and Relationships (Other) Marriage and Family Chaplaincy and Pastoral Counseling Building Community Support TOTAL Building Community

10,000 25,000

30,000 98,000

30,000 98,000

0.1% 0.5%

145,000 498,340 8,000 30,000 207,584 ___________ 923,924 ___________

135,000 431,007 14,000 43,000 254,160 ___________ 1,005,167 ___________

135,000 431,007 14,000 43,000 254,160 ___________ 1,005,167 ___________

0.6% 2.0% 0.1% 0.2% 1.2% ________ 4.7% ________

Leadership Development Discovering Leaders Developing Leaders Nurturing Leaders Initiative for Ministerial Excellence Leadership Development Support TOTAL Leadership Development

36,000 1,556,628 81,500 265,083 ___________ 1,939,211 ___________

36,000 1,548,128 113,100 139,694 260,134 ___________ 2,097,056 ___________

36,000 1,548,128 113,100 657,687 260,134 ___________ 2,615,049 ___________

0.2% 7.2% 0.5% 3.0% 1.2% ________ 12.1% ________

146,497

125,352

125,352

0.6%

3,346,558 3,075,841 -

3,452,963 2,696,473 -

1,655,546 1,556,529 400,000

5,108,509 4,253,002 400,000

23.7% 19.7% 1.9%

374,044 310,548 72,000 67,030 26,830 54,206 78,134

440,749 327,812 72,000 66,853 26,830 54,206 96,134

85,000 50,000 60,000 290,000

440,749 327,812 72,000 151,853 76,830 114,206 386,134

2.0% 1.5% 0.3% 0.7% 0.4% 0.5% 1.8%

35,535 6,008 1,451,335 ___________

25,000 35,466 8,503 1,713,476 ___________

70,000 55,000 370,000 ___________

25,000 105,466 63,503 2,083,476 ___________

0.1% 0.5% 0.3% 9.7% ________

9,044,566 ___________ ___________ 12,457,483 ___________ ___________

9,141,817 ___________ ___________ 12,809,577 ___________ ___________

4,592,075 ___________ ___________ 5,110,068 ___________ ___________

13,733,892 ___________ ___________ 17,919,645 ___________ ___________

63.6% ________ ________ 83.0% ________ ________

329,000

350,000

350,000

1.6%

73,000 30,000 32,000 59,000 180,000 48,000 79,800 685,238 ___________ 1,187,038 ___________

68,000 25,900 47,200 35,000 198,000 43,000 67,800 696,174 ___________ 1,181,074 ___________

68,000 25,900 47,200 35,000 198,000 43,000 67,800 696,174 ___________ 1,181,074 ___________

0.3% 0.1% 0.2% 0.2% 0.9% 0.2% 0.3% 3.2% ________ 5.5% ________

601,500 177,782 60,000 1,195,320 ___________ ___________ 3,550,640 ___________ ___________ $16,008,123 ___________ ___________

707,490 177,782 56,500 1,187,577 ___________ ___________ 3,660,423 ___________ ___________ $16,470,000 ___________ ___________

707,490 177,782 56,500 1,187,577 ___________ ___________ 3,660,423 ___________ ___________ $21,580,068 ___________ ___________

3.3% 0.8% 0.3% 5.5% ________ ________ 17.0% ________ ________ 100.0% ________ ________

Global Missions Partnership Missions/Volunteers Ministry Among the Most Neglected Field Personnel Salaries and Benefits Field Personnel Operating Expenses Field Projects Promoting and Interpreting Missions Promotional Resources Curriculum and Educational Resources Strategic Partners Field Personnel Orientation and Training Member Care and Wellness Partners in Hope, rural poverty initiative Church Planting Personnel Development Career/Affiliates Global Service Corps/Student.Go Projects/Personnel/Finance Liaison Global Missions Support TOTAL Global Missions TOTAL Priorities OTHER General Assembly Communications and Resource Development Marketing Speakers Bureau Product and Special Events Marketing Web Newsletter Media Relations Development Communications & Marketing Support TOTAL Communications and Resource Development General Office Information Systems Coordinating Council Administration Support TOTAL OTHER TOTAL EXPENSES

$517,993 ___________ 517,993 ___________

$5,110,068 ___________ ___________

In addition to the budgets as detailed above, CBF’s operating grant to the Church Benefits Board from reserves is $200,000 in 2004-05 and $175,000 in 2005-06.

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G E N E R A L A S S E M B LY 2 0 0 5

CONGREGATIONAL LIFE

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New book takes a missional approach to marriage ministry IN A REFRESHING new look at marriage ministry, Bo Prosser and Charles Qualls have co-authored “Marriage Ministry: A Guidebook,” to be used as an enrichment aid for all stages of marriage.

“This is a guidebook for everyone,” said Prosser, CBF Coordinator for Congregational Life. “It’s for ministers who are trying to do intentional marriage ministry in their church, and it can also be picked up by a married couple who can go through the exercises. For nearly or newlyweds, it can help them understand what marriage means.”

Full of ideas on how to improve communication, the book has interactive “think tanks,” exercises that encourage couples to discuss their individual reactions to different subjects, and to learn how they respond to one another.

“Marriage Ministry” includes everything from a sample marriage enrichment retreat to a money management seminar, and a whole weekend schedule. “We also tackled some topics that we think are different, for Christian marriages at least,” said Qualls, associate pastor for pastoral care at Second-Ponce de Leon Baptist Church in Atlanta. “We dealt with affairs and boredom, which many people avoid. We also talked to childless couples in this book.”

Designed with a missional approach, “Marriage Ministry” addresses “what it means to be Christ-centered in marriage — to discover, as a couple, what they are passionate about, and how they can be the presence of Christ to one another and then to the world,” said Prosser. “That, to me, is what a missional approach is about.”

Diana Garland, director of the Center for Family and Community Ministries at Baylor University, agreed. “The pastor is not just a sanctified justice of the peace, someone couples can count on to add a pinch of blessing and a splash of holiness to their wedding plans.

‘Marriage Ministry’ helps church leaders put weddings in their place as only a part of a comprehensive missional family ministry.”

“Marriage is work. But it’s the best work they’ll ever do,” Qualls said. “And we hope we’ve given ministers and couples some help with how to do that work.”

LEARN – “Marriage Ministry: A Guidebook” is a Smyth & Helwys “Help!” resource that can be purchased by calling (800) 747-3016 or visiting www.helwys.com or www.amazon.com.

By contributing writer Tiffany Schmieder, Atlanta

C O O P E R AT I V E B A P T I S T F E L L O W S H I P

Congregational Life provides resources for missional journey

T

he Cooperative Baptist Fellowship’s Congregational Life Initiative will soon release several resources to aid churches on

the missional journey.

The foundational resource for the missional church will be “It’s Time: A Journey Toward Missional Faithfulness,” a study to enhance the missional journey for churches, said Bo Prosser, the Fellowship’s Congregational Life coordinator.

The study kit includes a copy of CBF Coordinator Daniel Vestal’s book, “It’s Time: An Urgent Call to Christian Mission,” administrator and teacher guides, a member journey guide, a DVD and a free one-year Web subscription. After the kit is purchased, churches can purchase additional materials according to the number of people participating in the study. Released Aug. 1 for $49.95 in The CBF Store, the “It’s Time” kit can “become the centerpiece of a church’s missional journey,” said Rick Bennett, the Fellowship’s associate coordinator for

faith formation.

A pilot church network of 25 CBF partner churches will be the first to implement the “It’s Time” material. The pilot church network will help later form the Fellowship’s future missional church network, Prosser said.

Other Fellowship resources help churches and individuals respond to the missional call.

“The Missional Journey: Being the Presence of Christ Journal” is a 32-page booklet, journal and CD-ROM that highlights missional examples, biblical examples, and suggested resources and processes for a church beginning the missional journey.

The resource is available for purchase in The CBF Store for $9.95.

A companion resource is the “Missional Journey Guide,” a congregational study that further explores the missional concept through church examples and practical information for church leaders. The workbook, CD-ROM and binder are $29.95 in The CBF Store.

The Fellowship also provides resources for expressing the missional lifestyle, Prosser said. The small group six-week study, “Christianity for Beginners,” helps introduce unchurched people to the Christian faith. “Klesis: God’s Call and the Journey of Faith,” a revised study released at this year’s General Assembly, explores personal passion and God’s call. f!

LEARN – See p. 11 to order a $10 CD or $12 tape of “Study: It’s Time ...” All resources can be ordered from The CBF Store at www.thefellowship.info or (888) 8014223. For more information on the missional church, visit the Fellowship’s Congregational Life Initiative at www.thefellowship.info/CL/.

By Carla Wynn, CBF Communications

Resource helps open dialogue for unchurched “NOW I GET IT!” That’s how Sue Foster, a member of Providence Baptist Church in Daniel Island, S.C., feels after having gone through the study, “Christianity for Beginners.”

Foster has come back to church after a lengthy absence.

“I was amazed at how it all came back, and now, as an educated adult, I understand.”

David Woody, minister of faith development at Providence, decided to offer a series of classes based on “Christianity for Beginners” when he realized that many of the people joining his church were either new Christians or, like Foster, had been away from church for years.

“I realized that we make too many assumptions about what people know when they come to our churches when one new member didn’t understand the term ‘Damascus Road experience,’” he said.

“In the class, I assumed that everyone knew nothing,” Woody said. “I taught them as beginners and they soaked it up like a sponge. It was better than anything I could imagine.”

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of all my years of church from the cradle department to college,” said Foster. “But after going to these sessions for beginners, I realized how much my church years instilled in me — and I didn’t even know it.”

Van Lankford, pastor of the 600-member First Baptist Church in Mocksville, N.C., is one of several other ministers who has seen a need for basic Bible study and has ordered “Christianity for Beginners,” but not yet used it.

“We have a lot of new members and a lot are new Christians,” he said. “Our plan is to offer a class twice a year to teach the basics of Christianity. We’re glad that CBF has come out with this material. It is what I was looking for.”

“This is a real tool for evangelism,” said Bo Prosser, CBF coordinator for Congregational Life. “It is practical, nonthreatening, and very user-friendly, not so spiritual that people are put off by it. Yet there is a depth in the material that can change lives. The participants, whether non-believers, new believers, or review believers, will enjoy the easy flow of conversation and inquiry while learning

Congregational Life Resources

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about our faith.”

Byproducts of the study at Providence are starting to be seen. “Being a part of this group and learning about the Bible has given the participants more of a sense of fellowship,” Woody said. “The class gave them a safe place to ask the questions they had. They now feel they are on same level with everyone else, rather than being the new kids who don’t know the stories.”

Woody said he expects the participants will become more involved in the church, but that’s not his main concern. “I will be even more concerned with how they are growing and learning and what faith issues they are struggling with,” he said. f!

LEARN – “Christianity for Beginners” by CBF Moderator Bob Setzer Jr., pastor of First Baptist Church of Christ in Macon, Ga., is a six-week small-group, discussion-based learning experience designed to introduce unchurched persons to the Christian faith and to provide basic information for new believers. For more information, contact Bo Prosser at (770) 220-1631 or bprosser@thefellowship.info. To order, contact The CBF Store at (888) 801-4223 or www.thefellowship.info. ($15)

By contributing writer Sue H. Poss, Greenville, S.C.

‘C hr i stianit y for B eg inne rs’

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Marriage Ministry

CONGREGATIONAL LIFE

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Klesis Resources

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Spiritual Formation Academy

toward any ministers, laypeople, and staff members in the local church who are looking for spiritual renewal and rest and for those who are interested in learning about, and practicing, spiritual disciplines.

“Participants gain new insights about Christian spiritual traditions and become better equipped for life and ministry,” said Mary Jayne Allen, retreat leader and minister of education at First Baptist Church of Chattanooga, Tenn.

Allen is joined on the Academy’s leadership team by Lynwood Walters from Gainesville, Fla., who will serve as the event worship coordinator, and Cornelia Turnbow, from Huntsville, Ala., who will serve as the spiritual guide and Covenant group coordinator.

The faculty members who will lead the Academy are Loyd Allen, professor of church history and spiritual formation at Mercer University’s McAfee School of Theology in Atlanta; and Hazelyn McComas, a United Methodist layperson and retired faculty member from Milwaukee Theological Institute.

“We want to encourage participants to pause and pay attention to God’s presence and to hear the message of affirmation that God loves them,” said Rick Bennett, CBF associate coordinator for faith formation.

The Academy will offer opportunities for worship, lectures, reflection, silence, small group sharing and prayer times, as well as individual free time.

LEARN – For more information, contact Rick Bennett at (770) 2201605 or rbennett@thefellowship.info.

Visit www.thefellowship.info/cl/ff/ training-events or www.upperroom. org/academy/.

By contributing writer Ashley Grizzle,

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attracts persons who are experiencing some More than a spiritual gifts study, the kind of change or who anticipate change in new Klesis resource leads participants to a the near future,” said Kathy Dobbins, Smoke more holistic consideration of their unique Rise minister of adult education and outreach. call and passions for ministry.

Dobbins, Doris Nelms, coordinator “The first ‘Klesis’ resource was a founof “Klesis” Ministries at Smoke Rise, and dational piece for the missional church church member Colin Harris, professor at initiative. However, churches were asking Mercer University, co-wrote the original for more stories and more insights into “Klesis” guide. The trio has led workshops personal passion for ministry. We have rein several churches and retreat settings sponded to the needs of congregations with this ‘new and improved’ and expanded resource,” explained Bo Prosser, CBF coordinator for Congregational Life.

“It’s helping folks put a finger on their passion and God’s call and where that intersects,” said Rick Bennett, CBF associate coordinator for faith formation.

In 1995, Smoke Rise Baptist Church in Stone Mountain, Ga., began a process to help each member recognize ways that they minister LEARN – For more to each other. As teams and information on “Klesis,” Kathy Dobbins, left, listens as Doris Nelms explains the “Klesis” process to Assembly participants. classes discussed how contact Rick Bennett and when those ministry moat (770) 220-1605 or as well as workshops at previous General ments occurred in their lives, the “Klesis” rbennett@thefellowship.info. Or contact Assemblies. The new resource was unveiled process began and eventually the theme, Doris Nelms at (770) 381-7095 or at a workshop on Klesis at this year’s “every member a minister” was adopted. dnelms@landorgroup.com or Kathy Dobbins Assembly.

Originally, “Klesis” was a four-week proat (770) 469-5856 or kdobbins@smoke The new, expanded “Klesis” process cess designed to help people discover their risebaptist.org. “Klesis: God’s Call and the explores stories of biblical characters and own personal ministries and to encourage Journey of Faith” is available for $14.95 from their calling; uses a variety of assessments members to be participants, not spectators.

The CBF Store at www.thefellowship.info or related to vocation, personality and minThe program’s name was derived from the (888) 801-4223.

Greek word kaleo, which means “call.” istry in a workbook format; and invites By contributing writer Ashley Grizzle, “One of the primary things we have participants to consider the relationship Atlanta learned is that this kind of process usually between ministry, calling and discipleship.

The ecumenical Academy, a ministry of Upper Room Ministries, is geared

Church: ___________________________________________________________

God’s Call and the Journey of Faith.”

Conference Center in Gallant, Ala.

932953, Atlanta, GA 31193-2953 or call 1-888-801-4223.

coaching event to produce a new curriculum resource, “Klesis:

Five Day Academy for Spiritual Formation, Oct. 16-21, at the Sumatanga

Name: ____________________________________________________________ Do not enclose cash or check. Your resources will be delivered within four to six weeks.

This resource is excellent for use in a variety of settings, Prosser said. Participants will emerge with a clarity and confidence for being the presence of Christ in their congregations and their communities, he added.

First Baptist Church of Wilkesboro, N.C., used the “Klesis” material as a training workshop for new deacons. First Baptist Church of Oklahoma City, Okla., used the “Klesis” material as a Wednesday night study. First Baptist Church of Greenville, S.C., trained church leaders who later became “Klesis” leaders and trained others. First Baptist Church of Christ in Macon, Ga., used the “Klesis” material as a weekend retreat.

When the ministerial staff at First Baptist Church of Roswell, Ga., used the “Klesis” resource, Nelms facilitated the process. “It did give us insight to who we are as individuals and what each of us brought to the table for the team,” said Jan Moore, First Baptist’s coordinator for Single Adult Ministries. Moore later used the “Klesis” materials with the singles group in a seminar format. f!

CBF is sponsoring its first Upper Room

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Spiritual Formation Academy planned

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‘Klesis’ resources help participants discover their ministry calling

G E N E R A L A S S E M B LY 2 0 0 5

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Another cog in the initiative is the INCREASING THE NUMBER of multipartnership between the Hispanic Baptist cultural churches, growing leaders, misConvention of Texas, the BGCT and CBF to sions involvement and reaching multiple plant new churches throughout the United generations of Hispanics are key compoStates. Abe Zabaneh, director of the church nents in the growing Hispanic Baptist comstarting center for the BGCT, is helping train munity’s efforts to share the love of Christ. both Anglo and Hispanic churches outside CBF Hispanic leaders dialogued with Texas to plant new Hispanic churches.

Hispanic pastors and lay leaders throughTo reach third- and fourth-generaout the General Assembly, offering worktion Hispanics, you must understand the shops on the Hispanic Baptist initiative, culture they come from, according to Gus global missions, reaching third- and Reyes, ethnic consultant with the BGCT. fourth-generation Hispanics, and a sample For an effective Hispanic-style ministry, you worship serhave to learn vice. It was the how to reach most substanboth first-genertial presence of ation and biculHispanic-retural Hispanics. lated material Hispanic at the Assembly churches in the since the FelUnited States lowship signed are expanding a church-starttheir roles in ing partnership global missions with the HisLucas Barrientes guides participants to experience a bilingual worship service in English and Spanish during the according to panic Baptist General Assembly.

Albert Reyes, Convention of BUA president and current president of Texas in 2003 at the Assembly. the BGCT. Reyes hosted a panel of four About 136 people attended a Hispanic Hispanic Baptist leaders at the Assembly Baptist Network banquet, according to whose churches are reaching beyond their Bernie Moraga, CBF Hispanic Network immediate communities in missions. coordinator. “I’m very grateful to the leadOn the panel were Rolando Rodriguez, ership of CBF for paying attention to ethpastor of Cockrell Hill Baptist Church in nic diversity,” Moraga said Dallas; Roberto Arrubla Jr., pastor of IgleJavier Elizondo, vice president for acasia Bautista El Buen Pastor in Fort Worth; demic affairs at the Baptist University of David Munoz, former missionary to India the Américas in San Antonio, participated and volunteer pastor in San Antonio; and in the CBF Hispanic Partnership Initiative Julio Guarneri, pastor of Iglesia Bautista workshop. BUA is partnering with CBF, Getsemani in Fort Worth. f! the Baptist World Alliance, and the Baptist General Convention of Texas to help proLEARN – Use the order form on p. 11 to vide theological training for Hispanic Baporder a $10 CD or $12 tape of the workshop tist leaders. One of the goals of the univer“Reaching 3rd and 4th Generation Hispanics.” sity and the partnership is to train leaders By contributing writer Alison Wingfield, who will return to their state or country Dallas, Texas and plant churches.

Assembly Hispanic leadership track gives emphasis to unique ministry

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2005 General Assembly

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

Assembly affirms Partnership Study report

Phillip Thomas, left, of Houston, Texas, sings with Jordan Smith during the Thursday morning general session.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2005

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