New Resources from CBF

How should congregations prepare for economic volatility or recession? What ministry opportunities might emerge from these conditions, and how can churches be faithful in embracing them? Are there questions we can ask and steps we can take now that will strengthen our congregations and communities whether a recession comes or not?

CBF has produced a new series of tools and resources to encourage churches to begin prayerfully considering questions that affect both the congregations and the communities they serve. These resources will help churches to flourish regardless of economic conditions.

Preparing To Flourish In Faithfulness During A Recession

CBF Executive Coordinator Paul Baxley challenges those leading congregations and ministries to adopt a mindset informed by Scripture and living faith in this time of economic volatility. He draws from Joseph’s preparation for the famine in Egypt found in Genesis 41 to hold up several important themes to encourage leaders to assess how they might lead.

First Steps In Preparing For A Recession

Where can you begin preparing for a recession? What conversations do you need to have? What are the big questions to ask? This resource invites you to ask the right questions internally and externally to be prepared with faithful responses that will allow congregations to offer a unique and compelling witness to Christ in these days.

A Practical Church Guide To Navigating A Recession

This guidebook is a collaborative effort between CBF and the CBF Foundation to provide concrete and practical support to our churches to help in strategizing, preparing, and implementing your plan so your church can stay financially healthy and make an even bigger impact during a recession.

J o i n t h e 5 0 0 p e o p l e f r o m 1 5 s t a t e s w h o h a v e e m b a r k e d o n t h i s a n t ir a c i s t s p i r i t u a l j o u r n e y o f r e f l e c t i o n , c o n v e r s a t i o n , a n d t r a n s f o r m a t i o n !

Take the Course

S p i r i t u a l p r a c t i c e s a n d t r a i

T h i s g u i d e o f f e r s a n o p p o r t u n i t y t o l e a r n t h e h i s t o r y o f r a c e a n d e n g a g e i n t h e d e e p s o u l w o r k o f c o n f r o n t i n g w h i t e n e s s t h e o l o g i c a l l y a n d s p i r i t u a l l y t h r o u g h t h e e y e s o f B l a c k a r t i s t s a n d i n t e l l e c t u a l s .

CBF Can Help

with resources and guidance from CBF Ministerial Transitions.

Search committee members and church leaders can visit www.cbf.net/ministerial-transitions to discover how CBF can support your search.

CBF Ministerial Transitions

Prepare to be equipped for ministry though Learning Labs. With something for everyone from clergy to laity, we encourage you to follow one Learning Lab track throughout the Assembly, but you may explore multiple topics as you feel led.

Learning Lab Locations See Hotel Map on page 68

Advocacy

All Sessions in Courtland

Since 2013, CBF has been equipping congregations and encouraging church leaders to engage in ministries of advocacy. Recognizing that each congregation and community is different and yet confident that we have much to learn from one another, this track provides three workshops on congregational advocacy. These workshops, Advocacy in Preaching, Advocacy in Practice and Advocacy and Power will provide a well-rounded picture of how faith-based congregational advocacy can shape a more just world.

Advocacy in Preaching

Thursday, 1:30-2:30 p.m.

A diverse panel of seasoned preachers explore the opportunities and responsibilities of advocacy from the pulpit. Come and learn how their unique approaches, born out of their own practices and convictions, match the diversity of the CBF congregations and communities they serve.

Cheryl Moore Adamson is senior pastor, Palmetto Missionary Baptist Church, Conway, S.C.

Jesús E. García is lead pastor, Church of the City, New London, Conn.

Charles Hamilton (Moderator) is a CBF-endorsed army chaplain and pastor, New Morning Light Baptist Church, Conley, Ga.

Carol McEntyre is senior pastor, First Baptist Church, Columbia, Mo., and a former CBF moderator.

Garrett Vickrey is senior pastor, Woodland Baptist Church, San Antonio, Texas.

Advocacy in Practice

Thursday, 3:00-4:00 p.m.

A panel of faith-based practitioners, both clergy and lay leaders, who are effective advocates in their contexts and communities, will share best practices for engaged advocacy. Participants will hear first-hand stories, learn practical tips and discuss common mistakes.

Jennifer Hawks is associate general counsel at the Baptist Joint Committee, providing legal analysis on church-state issues and educating diverse audiences as to why Baptists value faith freedom for all.

Tamika McGhee is faith outreach and policy manager, Center for Responsible Living, Washington, D.C.

Heather Mustain is associate pastor, Wilshire Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas, helping mobilize the church to both think and act at the intersection of faith and justice.

Advocacy and Power: Coalition Building/Social Movements

Kevin Pranoto is associate pastor of social work, Second Baptist Church, Little Rock, Ark.

Elket Rodríguez, CBF field personnel, is an attorney, minister and immigration policy expert, Texas Rio Grande Valley.

Cameron Mason Vickrey (Moderator) is director of communications and development for Fellowship Southwest.

Friday, 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Facilitators Cassandra Henderson and Amanda Tyler will share foundational elements of creating and sustaining social movements in today’s present realities. Participants will walk away having learned key elements of building power and the how-to of organizing and mobilizing people in creating a more just society.

Cassandra A. Henderson is executive director, Interfaith Children’s Movement (ICM), Atlanta, Ga.

Heather Mustain (Moderator) is associate pastor, Wilshire Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas.

Amanda Tyler is BJC’s executive director, co-host of the Respecting Religion podcast and lead organizer of the Christians Against Christian Nationalism campaign.