2013 April/May fellowship! magazine

fellowship!

CBF

Cooperative baptist fellowship | www.thefellowship.info

April/May 2013

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

Meet Suzii Paynter On March 1, Suzii Paynter began work as the Fellowship’s new executive coordinator.

CBF photo

Learn more about Paynter and her vision for CBF on pages 24-27.

At the front door of our future

By Suzii Paynter, CBF Executive Coordinator It’s a first date, Halloween trick or treat, the initial visit to your in-laws or a new member’s home … you know that moment — a pause of hope and ambiguity right before you open the front door.

As the Fellowship, we are poised at the front door.

Led by the 2012 Task Force, we have had a season of reflection and have been challenged by three compelling questions — what is our best model of community for collaboration? how can we refocus … for global challenges? how do we embrace identity together?

We are a community who has already crossed thresholds. We have been at the edge of the liminal, and it was sacred enough to join arms together and step out in Christ-like obedience. That is a part of our past and it will be a part of our future too.

Liminality, this act of being on a threshold, has its own characteristics and fruits, both sweet and cautionary.

Recall the dream of Jacob (Genesis 28:12-19) where he encounters God between heaven and earth and the instance when Isaiah meets the Lord in the temple of holiness (Isaiah 6:1-6). In such a liminal space, the individual experiences the revelation of sacred knowledge where God imparts knowledge.

Anthropologists describe the experience of liminality as having feelings of ambiguity and disorientation. When standing between the previous way of structuring identity and community and the emerging new way, each step will not necessarily be a sure one, and even the ardent explorer will check the compass.

One compass for us will continue to be the questions of the 2012 Task Force. They are true and good reckoning guides for us as a people journeying together as best we can.

Looking forward to a bright future is exhilarating. Renewing community, embracing a large mission endeavor, expanding partnerships await us. It is a lot of change and all converging, too!

This year will find us building three critical structures — governance, missions and ministry. We will be restructuring staff and operations functions to align with new priorities and exploring, renewing and hopefully expanding partnerships and affiliations. It means, as the GPS voice so explicitly interjects, “Re-cal-cu-la-ting.”

Recalculating for CBF means embracing, blessing and nurturing the gifts of the wider Fellowship. In the period of discernment that preceded my nomination to executive coordinator, I began to list the gifts, assets and treasures of CBF — talent, churches that are sound and true to Christ, talent, scholars that are compelling, biblical wisdom that inspires and enables, talent, phenomenal and authentic Vol. 23, No. 2 pastoral leaders, missional Christ-like work both global and local, state and regional executive Coordinator • Suzii Paynter organizations and talent. Recalculating means naming, blessing and multiplying Editor • Patricia Heys these and many other gifts.

Associate Editors • Emily Holladay, Aaron Weaver In the 1 Corinthians passage about the body of Christ, there are two plaintiff Phone • (770) 220-1600 retorts. First, “I’m not like you so I cannot be a part of this body.” And second “You Fax • (770) 220-1685 are not like me so you cannot be a part of the body.” Is it any mystery that in the E-Mail • fellowship@thefellowship.info following chapter, Paul ends his culminating hymn to love with a statement of his Web Site • www.thefellowship.info own growth, saying that he has put away childish things? Our challenge is to let our fellowship! is published 6 times a uniqueness bind us, rather than divide. year in Feb./March, April/May, June/July, My hope at the front door of this Fellowship’s future is to be awake to God Aug./Sept., Oct./Nov., Dec./Jan. by the and to be a steadfast servant to our work together.

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.

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Contents

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Metro Baptist Church, located in Hell’s Kitchen, ministers in a transitional neighborhood where many families live in poverty.

Serve: Opportunities for Baby Boomers

Prayer Calendar

Church Spotlight: First Baptist Church Gainesville, Ga.

Partner Spotlight: Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond

Five Tips for attending your first General Assembly Urban ministry • CBF field personnel, church partner to minister in historic Atlanta neighborhood • Browns minister among refugees in French port city • Lisenby builds connections in busy Hong Kong

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Affect: April Urban ministry Ministry partners • Stevensons travel across the country to serve alongside CBF field personnel • South Carolina church engages in long-term partnership with field personnel, churches in New York • CBFVA partners with CBF field personnel in China

23 24-27 28-31

Affect: May Ministry partners Meet CBF’s new Executive Coordinator Suzii Paynter

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2013 General Assembly in Greensboro, N.C.

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When you give...

“It is an honor and privilege to

Every week, Michelle Cayard, center, teaches English classes and an English Sunday School class.

walk with Chinese Christians at this time in history.

Your gifts to the CBF Offering for Global Missions allow us to be here, encouraging and training Chinese Christian leaders, enabling us to be tangible instruments of outreach in communities curious about the gospel.”

Michelle Cayard, CBF field personnel, Chengdu, China

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ngrid had been a regular attendee of the community English class at the Thanksgiving Church in Chengdu, China, when one day she asked Bill Cayard, one of CBF’s field personnel, how she could further her English study.

“I invited her to our worship service and Sunday School class that meets at the church each Sunday,” Bill said. “I explained that the Sunday School class is a challenging level of English, since its purpose is studying the Bible. Beginning the following Sunday, Ingrid was sitting second row center and enjoying her first taste of Christianity.”

Commissioned in 2003, Bill and Michelle Cayard teach English classes and work with the registered Christian church in China — helping to facilitate new church start-ups and training pastors and lay leaders. The Cayards teach community English classes on Friday afternoons and English Sunday School each week.

“We have been asked to teach English

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April/May 2013

classes in a variety of settings since we first came to China,” Bill said. “Today, all Chinese students study English in school, but they have very few opportunities to practice speaking and listening, especially with native English speakers.”

The English classes are very popular among the Chinese. Students participate to help improve their attractiveness for future job prospects. Retirees, who may have relatives living in the United States or Canada, want to improve their English when they travel to visit children or siblings.

“One of the simplest ways we are able to contribute to Chinese church outreach programs is by offering quality conversational English events in the local churches,” Michelle said. “This continues to be a great fit for CBF congregations that are willing to come with a small group and spend a week with us.”

Summer English mini-camps are conducted at local churches, featuring music and games. In 2010, Second-Ponce de Leon Baptist in Atlanta, Ga., sent youth

group members to serve as teachers for a week-long English summer camp. The camp, serving more than 120 Chinese students, was so successful that the Chinese church requested that it be repeated every year.

Although Ingrid was still struggling with her command of the English language, after attending Sunday School and services for a few weeks, she saw how important studying the Bible was and decided to purchase one of her own. Unfortunately, the church’s stock of Bibles was depleted, but Ingrid was undaunted, traveling across town to another large church to get one. Several weeks later, during the church’s Christmas Eve service, Ingrid was the first to respond to the invitation to follow Christ.

“She’s such a wonderful example of a willing seeker at the beginning of her eternal journey with God,” Bill said. “She inspires us. She comes every week and brings her Bible, which is still covered with the original plastic wrapping on it as a protection because it is such a treasure to her.”

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 Opportunities to

Service opportunities for baby boomers

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re you one of the millions of baby boomers like me?

If you are, you probably feel like you should be thinking about retiring. But maybe, like me, you would rather find new ways to serve within your current context.

For the last year or so, I have been having a conversation with God along those same lines. I said, “God, I’m available.

Where do you want me to go?” In August 2012, God answered, “How about 10 days in Panama?” So, I went with one of CBF’s field personnel, Sue Smith, to co-lead a retreat for wives of Baptist pastors on the Las Blas Archipelago Islands in Panama.

The experience contributed to my passion to serve, but I had the impression that if I wanted to be involved in missions longer than a week or two, the only other option was to apply for full-time service.

serve

Photo courtesy of Cherry Moore

By Cherry Moore

Cherry Moore, far right, traveled with Sue Smith, one of CBF’s field personnel, and the Virginia Latino Mission Network to the Islands of Panama, where the missions team provided youth leadership training for local pastors.

So, last summer and fall, I began the yearlong discernment process to become one of CBF’s field personnel.

Through that process, I learned that there are opportunities to serve longer terms within my current context. CBF offers chances to engage in missions for terms varying from one to six months.

There are even people who consider their stateside job a way to fund their mission engagements.

I may not know where or when I am going next, but now I know who to call

about short-term service. There are several opportunities listed on this page, but at the bottom of other pages of the magazine, you will see the word “SERVE.” If a mission story tugs at your heart, that segment will tell you how to get involved and who to call.

Where might God want you to go next? Maybe I’ll see you there.

Cherry Moore is a CBF-endorsed hospice chaplain in Bryan, Texas. She was ordained in 2000 by Emmanuel Baptist Church in Alexandria, La.

Below are a few opportunities for short-term missions service. Learn about additional opportunities at www.thefellowship.info/serve or contact CBF staff member Chris Boltin at engage@thefellowship.info.

Southern Spain

Athens, Greece

www.thefellowship.info/whitley CBF field personnel Joel and Tiffne Whitley work among the immigrant community in Roquetas, Spain. Teams or individuals are needed to build relationships with African immigrants through humanitarian outreach, micro-enterprise development, educational classes, etc., so that they might be able to share their personal testimony and how God has changed their life. Volunteers may also work with local African evangelical congregations by leading worship, discipleship/faith formation classes, children’s ministry activities, music programs, etc.

www.thefellowship.info/newell/greece CBF field personnel Bob and Janice Newell opened Porta, a spiritual and cultural center for Albanian immigrants in 2007.

“Barnabas friends” are needed to work one-on-one or in small English-language groups of new Albanian believers for a minimum period of two weeks. Volunteers will assist in the development of spiritual disciplines and share other practices essential to Christian discipleship.

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prayerspeople of the

Praying the “one word” Examen

regardless of when you do your daily prayers. The first step is to become aware of God’s presence in your day. Enter into this exercise in silence, listening to your heart and to hear God.

By Bo Prosser, CBF Coordinator Now, either anticipate your of Missional Congregations day with gratitude or remember ne of the more your day with gratitude, thanking Bo Prosser reflective prayer God for being present with you. practices is praying the Next, verbalize one word that you need Examen or praying an from God, either for the day ahead or for the “Examination of One’s next. Say that one word out loud and write it Day.” Typically, the Examen is prayed at the down in your prayer journal. Say this word end of the day as a reflection and thanksseveral times prayerfully unto God. There is giving for the presence of God in one’s life. no right word, if you feel hungry for God, ask This month, we are going to pray a “one for spiritual food. If you feel thirsty for God, word” Examen. This practice can be used ask for living water. (I know these are actually

O

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

2 Christie McTier, Dearing, GA (CH); Leonora Newell, San Antonio, TX (FP); Wayde Pope, Crestview, FL (CH) 3 Marjorie Avent, Daniel Island, SC (CH); Jay Hogewood, Baton Rouge, LA (CH); Charles Mason, Mansfield, OH (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, TX (CH); Jim Pruett, Charlotte, NC (PC); Jessica Hearne, Danville, VA (FP); Steve Vance, Charlotte, NC (CH) 10 George Hemingway, High Springs, FL (CH); Ben Hodge, Winston-Salem, NC (CH); Alan

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29 Ted Dougherty, Winston-Salem, NC (PC)

11 Geoffrey Bailey, Leavenworth, KS (CH); Laura Broadwater, Louisville, KY (CH); Steve James, Haiti (FP)

30 Charles Wallace, Fort Worth, TX (CH)

13 Tracy Dunn-Noland, Hereford, TX (CH); Samson Naidoo, Garland, TX (CH)

May

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

12 Ryan Clark, Philippines (FP/PC); Andy Hale, Clayton, NC (PLT); Beverly Hatcher, WinstonSalem, NC (PLT) 13 Steve Sullivan, Little Rock, AR (CH) 14 Kerri Kroeker, Lakeland, FL (CH) 16 Kaitlyn Parks, 2006, Slovakia (FPC); Kay Wright, Virginia Beach, VA (CH)

1 Frank Dawkins, Greenville, NC (PC); Jennifer Dill, Charlotte, NC (CH); Greg Smith, Fredericksburg, VA (FP)

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Rogers, San Diego, CA (CH)

15 ___, Turkey (FP); Jeff Flowers, Evans, GA (CH)

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two words, but you get the point!) Perhaps you need patience or guidance or love … just verbalize the word for a minute or so.

Now, add one more part to the prayer experience. Choose one of the names from the prayer list. Pray, “God, today please give (say their name) this same word (say the word). God, as you guide me in (say the word) also guide my brother/sister (say their name).” Then sit quietly with your word for just a minute more, knowing that God has heard your prayer.

If you choose, offer a different word each day. If you choose, offer your prayer for a different name on the list. Or, pray one word until you feel God has responded.

Then choose a different word as the month progresses. Pray boldly, pray confidently.

17 Allison Hicks, Middlesboro, KY (CH); David Jones, Newberg, OR (CH) 18 Cyrus Bush, Pfafftown, NC (CH); Ray Cooley, Wallingford, CT (CH); Nathan Solomon, Swansboro, NC (CH) 19 Michael Lee, Hendersonville, NC (PLT) 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) 23 David Kolb, Lexington, NC (CH) 24 Brenda Atkinson, Greenville, SC (CH); Daniel Bucur, Minot AFB, ND (CH); Rhonda Gilligan-Gillespie, Wichita, KS (CH); Laura Mannes, San Antonio, TX (CH); Travis Smith, Forest City, NC (CH); Leslie Stith, Liberty, MO (CH) 25 Connie Graham, Fitzgerald, GA (CH) 27 Pat Davis, Baton Rouge, LA (CH); Carter Harrell, 1995, Kenya (FPC); Pete Parks, Williamsburg, VA (CH) 28 Gary McFarland, Charlotte, NC (PC)

1 Michael Coggins, Navarre, FL (CH); Katherine Higgins, Mint Hill, NC (CH); Bob Whitten, Springfield, VA (PC) 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) 3 Leah Harding, 1992, Orlando, FL (FPC) 4 Johann Choi, Durham, NC (CH); Gary Metcalf, Kingsport, TN (CH); Skip Wisenbaker, Atlanta, GA (CH) 5 Austin, 2004, Thailand (FPC); Jimmy Cole, Spain (FP); Bruce Gourley, Bozeman, MT (PLT); Karen Long, Birmingham, AL (CH) 6 Carol Dalton, Swannanoa, NC (CH); Steve Smith, Liberty, MO (CH)

15 Paula Settle, Eastern Kentucky (FP) 16 ___, daughter, North Africa (FPC); Dewey Bland, Inverness, FL (CH); Steven Harris, Salem, VA (PC); John Reeser, Sautee Nacochee, GA (CH); Alex Ruble, 2001, Southeast Asia (FPC) 17 Jennifer Call, Salem, VA (CH); Robert Duvall, Lawrenceville, GA (CH); Nell Green, Houston, TX (FP); Filip Zivanov, 1998, St. Louis, MO (FPC) 18 Wayne Hill, Greenville, SC (PC); Ciera Maas, 2003, Belize (FPC) 19 Gwyen Driskill-Dunn, Fort Worth, TX (CH); Becky Schultheiss, Elyria, OH (CH) 20 Micah James, 1994, Haiti (FPC); Julie Perry, Charlottesville, VA (CH) 21 Pat, New Jersey (FP); Laley Norman, 2005, Four Oaks, NC (FPC); Ron Winstead, Emeritus (FP)

7 Jennifer Lyon, Atlanta, GA (FP); Dora Saul, Fort Worth, TX (CH)

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

8 Stanton Cheatham, Madison, MS (CH); Rusty Elkins, Edmond, OK (CH); Bruce Hunter, Troy, VA (PLT)

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

9 Rich Behers, Lakeland, FL (CH); Evan Bridges, 1995, San Antonio, TX (FPC); David Harding, Orlando, FL (FP); Leigh Jackson, Austin, TX (CH)

24 Cindy Clark, Philippines (FP)

10 T.J. Cofield, Princeton, NJ (CH); Jane McKown, Hendersonville, NC (CH) 11 Larry Ballew, China (FP); Robbi Francovich, Emeritus (FP); Jonna Humphrey, Ruther Glen, VA (CH); Cy Miller, Shelby, NC (CH) 12 Charles Admire, Sanford, NC (CH)

26 Hunter, Thailand (FP); Valerie Hardy, Loganville, GA (CH); Gerry Hutchinson, Culpeper, VA (CH) 27 James Gilbert, Deville, LA (CH); Nelson Taylor, Richmond, VA (PLT) 28 Hardy Clemons, San Antonio, TX (PC); Laurel Morrow, 1992, Aledo, TX (FPC) 30 Randy Ridenour, Norman, OK (CH); Winston Shearin, Jacksonville, NC (CH) 31 Kelley Woggon, Louisville, KY (CH)

Location: Gainesville, Ga. Founded: 1830 Pastor: Bill Coates Congregation Size: 1,700 active members from at least five counties around Gainesville Ministry Focus: Grace discovered. Traditions

The church’s young adult ministry has grown to approximately 90 people in one year.

Photo courtesy of FBC Gainesville

church spotlight First Baptist Church, Gainesville, Ga.

was a substantial food budget, and he began the young adult ministry through sharing lunch with any and every young adult who came to the church.

The church heard discouraging voices, say-

renewed.

ing that young people would not want to come

Partnership with CBF: “I am most proud of

to a traditional church, but in the past year,

our partnership with CBF. I love CBF’s open spirit, especially toward women, the focus on genuine theological education and CBF’s mission model. I love that CBF asks, ‘How can we be invested in your church where you are already working?’” — Bill Coates, pastor

Creating space for young adults A year and a half ago, Bill Coates, pastor

• Ministry of Caring: The church started the Ministry of Caring in the 1970s to respond to needs of people in the community. This program supports people on a one-on-one basis to help meet immediate needs.

young adult attendance has gone from being

• HALT House: HALT stands for hungry, angry,

practically non-existent to approximately 90

lonely, tired, and the house is located in the

people. When asked what attracted them to the

church’s front parking lot. The house is host

church, most people said it is the traditional

to at least five meetings a day for groups

music and worship.

such as Alcoholics Anonymous.

“I learned that if you just listen to conventional wisdom, you are going to miss out,” Coates said. “These young people were looking for something real and authentic, and that is what we offer them.”

The young adult group meets every Wednes-

of First Baptist Church in Gainesville, Ga., felt

day night and Sunday morning for a year and

convicted that the church needed to do more

a half long study through the Bible led by the

to reach out to young adults. He approached

pastor and young adult minister. They gather at

the deacons with a proposal to hire a full-time

a local restaurant once a month for a meal and

young adult minister if he could raise the funds.

fellowship. Each month, they also participate in

He hoped that by hiring someone passionate

a service project called Good News at Noon,

about young adult ministry and allowing that

where they take children from low-income neigh-

person to focus on that one area, the church

borhoods to a local park or to the church’s

would be able to provide a more effective minis-

family life center.

try for that demographic.

Additional Ministries:

In the coming months, they will begin their

• Promising Futures: Every Tuesday after school, the church provides tutoring, food and other activities for Hispanic children in the community.

• Mission immersion experiences: First Baptist is committed to providing opportunities for members to serve around the world. They partner regularly with CBF field personnel Chaouki and Maha Boulos.

• Ecumenical engagement: Many congregations meet in First Baptist’s building. Among them are Vietnamese, Hispanic, Orthodox, Anglican and Christ Church congregations.

• Music ministry: The church is very proud of its music ministry, which includes an

first small group break-outs, hosting two or

orchestra twice a month. Every year,

Dyer to serve as the minister to young adults.

three studies in homes on different nights

the music ministry presents the Living

His one request upon arriving in Gainesville

throughout the summer.

Christmas Tree.

In February 2012, First Baptist hired Will

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Partner spotlight

Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond (BTSR) opened for classes in September 1991.

From the original 32 students who enrolled in 1991, BTSR now boasts more than 630 graduates in leadership positions in churches, missions and non-profit organizations across the world.

BTSR started in rented space in the basement of a local church and grew to include four buildings on a beautiful campus. Moving forward with a strategic plan to embrace the 21st century, the school is now reducing its space to focus less on space and debt and more on business and educational strategies for a bright future.

Expanding and evolving from their initial curriculum offerings, BTSR has developed an expansive network of learning experiences, including online learning, a graduate level certificate program, cross-registration programs with seminaries in the Richmond Theological Consortium and dual degree programs with Virginia Commonwealth University.

BTSR Founded: 1991 Location: Richmond, Va. Website: www.btsr.edu Mission statement: The purpose of the seminary is to provide advanced theological education and training for effective leadership in the various ministries of the

“In March 2011, seminary trustees voted to relocate the seminary, unburdening ourselves of excess space and debt … theological education is rapidly changing in North America. BTSR is preparing itself for the future where bricks and mortar are far less important and where the primary focus falls on equipping, educating and training for ministry.”

Ron Crawford, President of the Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond

“BTSR continues to be a vital partner in producing graduates who are called and committed to congregational ministry. The seminary provides both an historic and strategic place for quality theological education, valued Baptist principles and practical ministerial leadership.”

Bo Prosser, CBF Coordinator for Missional Congregations

church for those men and women who are called and committed to Christian ministry.

Partnership Theological education has been one of CBF’s core values since its founding in 1991, and BTSR is one of four CBF identity partner schools, receiving institutional funding from CBF that directly supports the work of the school.

Through this partnership, CBF also provides leadership scholarships to BTSR students. Currently, seven BTSR students hold a CBF leadership scholarship. Mary Beth Gilbert Foust, a third-year BTSR student, was one of the first two recipients of the Vestal Scholarship, awarded at the 2012 CBF General Assembly in honor of Daniel Vestal’s contribution as CBF Executive Coordinator.

BTSR hosts CBF representatives on campus every year for a CBF Day to help students connect with Fellowship ministries. BTSR students regularly participate in CBF related summer mission opportunities, such as Student.

Go and Collegiate Congregational Internships. These partnerships allow students to be involved in the Fellowship

Photo courtesy of CBFVA

movement both inside and outside the classroom.

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CBF Virginia (CBFVA) also partners with BTSR and currently has office space at the seminary. In addition, CBFVA employs BTSR students as mission interns each year.

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5tips

for attending your first General Assembly

By Candice Young, CBF Marketing Manager

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hat an exciting time in CBF life as we welcome new Executive Coordinator Suzii Paynter and begin implementing the 2012 Task Force Report. I look forward to celebrating these milestones with the Fellowship family during General Assembly this June. If you’ve never been to Assembly, I hope the promise of a bold future for CBF will inspire you to make this year in Greensboro, N.C., your first. Here are a few tips for newcomers that I hope will

help you get the most out of your first Assembly experience.

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Plan.

You can pre-register now at www.thefellowship.info/assembly; it’s free and fast. Once you are signed up, you will begin receiving the General Assembly e-newsletter with the latest event information. You can also register for Preschool, Children’s and Youth Assembly, as well as for the Greensboro Sessions for College Students, the pre-Assembly Prayer Retreat and Leadership Institute. By taking a few moments now to sign up, you are saving a significant amount of time onsite.

Along with registration, the Assembly website has information for helping to plan your travel and accommodations.

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Share.

By participating in workshops, Mission Communities and business breakouts you can share in meaningful discussion with people who have your same mission and ministry interests. These are opportunities to dialogue about fresh ideas for issues facing the modern church. Daily business sessions allow you to give input on the work of the Fellowship, as well as learn about procedures and receive administrative updates. Worship is also a shared

CBF Photo

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Read.

Upon check-in at the onsite Registration booth, you will receive your Assembly guide book. Inside you will find schedules, maps, information on the general sessions and workshops, worship programs, emergency procedures, directories and more.

Spend time reading about event opportunities, including words of welcome from CBF Moderator Keith Herron and others. We hope this will help you to plan your time at Assembly and answer your questions. We encourage you to take your guide book with you throughout the event.

The Gathering Place offers opportunities to fellowship, shop and attend special receptions.

experience at Assembly. Offer your blessings to new field personnel and church starters at the Thursday night Commissioning Service and create community by sharing communion during the Friday evening worship. We hope Assembly will be a time of both giving and receiving.

4

Play.

One of the most anticipated aspects of General Assembly is catching up with old friends and making new ones. There are plenty of fellowship opportunities in The Gathering Place. Wander among the CBF and partner exhibits, shop with friends in the Missions Marketplace and enjoy your Fellowship family by attending evening receptions after worship. Auxiliary meal events hosted by CBF partners are a great way to get to know other Fellowship Baptists. Join us Thursday morning for a newcomer continental breakfast and meet other first-time attendees. Outside of Assembly, there are a variety of activities around Greens-

boro. Visit the Assembly website to learn more about the local culture. Allow General Assembly to be a respite and have fun.

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Ask. Let us know if you have a question while at Assembly; we want to help.

Throughout the entire event, you will find CBF staff wearing uniform polo shirts and special name tags. Do not hesitate to ask for assistance with directions to a workshop or where to find the closest restroom. Maps and emergency procedures are online and in your guide book to provide additional help. Friendly, knowledgeable volunteers are available at our information and hospitality stations. We are happy to have you with us and we want you to be happy for having made the trip.

Learn more about the CBF General Assembly on pages 28-31 of this issue or go online to www.thefellowship.info/assembly.

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Urban ministry

CBF field personnel, church partner to minister in historic Atlanta neighborhood

S

itting just off Interstate 20, Atlanta’s Grant Park

Jen, below center, and Trey Lyon, opposite left center, were commissioned as CBF field personnel in 2011. They now serve in the Grant Park neighborhood of Atlanta.

neighborhood is home to the city’s famous zoo, a Civil

War museum, a sprawling park, historic Victorian mansions and the city’s oldest cemetery. Also sitting amongst the dense trees of this urban neighborhood is Park Avenue Baptist Church. In the 1920s, the church moved to its current location on the edge of the park and has watched the neighborhood change dramatically in the decades since.

Starting in the late ’90s, gentrification took hold in Grant Park, creating a divide in the community and a rise in cultural tension. Today, the middle and upper class residents live next door to those living in poverty, and they rarely connect with each other.

“Community members pass each other like ships in the night, where they are only interacting at big community events or when there are acts of crime to be addressed,” said Trey Lyon, one of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship’s field personnel who serves with his wife, Jen, in Grant Park.

The church building, a sprawling brick structure of nearly 45,000 square feet, is one of the largest in the neighborhood. Church leaders and members, along with the Lyons, see the potential fellowship!

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“It’s one thing for the church to see its community as a neighbor.

It’s a far bigger challenge to get to a point ... for Park Avenue Baptist to become a place of community for all people in the neighborhood.

“Within the urban environment, we have a responsibility to be good stewards of our space,” said Tony Lankford, pastor at Park Avenue. “It’s one thing for the church to see its community as a neighbor. It’s a far bigger challenge to get to a point when the community views the

church as its neighbor.”

Commissioned by the Fellowship in 2011, the Lyons encounter numerous challenges ministering in this urban setting — poverty, crime and a community divided by economic, racial and cultural differences. But by partnering with Park Avenue Baptist, the Lyons also see an opportunity to provide resources, hope and be the presence of Christ.

In the dense population of Atlanta, the Lyons find that the needs of those living in poverty are amplified, but they have also found a dearth of non-profits and ministry centers. The Lyons’ challenge is identifying the gaps in resources and finding a way to fill them.

For example, two nearby farmers’ markets offer a service where food stamps and WIC (Women, Infants and

CBF Photos

Volunteers, such as McAfee School of Theology student Lesley-Ann Hix, left, are an important part of the afterschool program run by Jennifer and Trey Lyon.

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when the community views the church as its neighbor.”

Children) dollars are doubled. Yet many people who need such a service cannot afford transportation to these markets.

Recognizing this need, the Lyons are partnering with a local non-profit to arrange a shuttle service to carry families to the markets.

Shortly after they were commissioned, the Lyons started an after-school program based at the church, providing a place for both tutoring and character development.

Meeting three days a week in the library off the church sanctuary, the Lyons, along with regular volunteers, offer homework and activity time for approximately 30 students.

Matthew, 16, has been attending the after-school program since it began. The sophomore loves history and wants to be a corporate lawyer. His recent speech on government spending for a school assignment was voted best speech in his class, and Matthew delivered it in front of faculty and staff at his high school. He spent time in the after-school program doing research for the speech.

Educational resources are another way the Lyons are bridging the gaps. Textbooks are not given out at neighborhood schools, and in an increasingly technology-fueled world, homework is often posted online.

Most of the students in the after-school program don’t have a computer at home, so volunteers use their smartphones to look up assignments.

“There are so many issues and so many things that can fall through the cracks.

But churches and ministries can identify what services are missing,” said Trey, a graduate of the McAfee School of Theology,

serve

a CBF partner.

“Churches can think creatively, and that freedom in creativity is tremendous.”

The Lyons are committed to a quality tutoring experience, adhering to a four-to-one ratio of students per volunteer.

Currently their program is limited until more volunteers arrive. Next fall, they are hoping to begin a GED program geared towards single mothers living in a nearby subsidized housing complex.

“Befriend someone, see a need and walk that person through that process. It takes patience, it takes a reality check and it’s a long haul,” Trey said. “But that is the heart of the gospel for me, and that is the heart of social ministry. My wellbeing and my salvation are bound up in the well-being of everyone around me.”

Over time, the after-school program has become more than a place to get tutoring help — it has become a place of community. Seven of the students have been baptized and several have joined Park Avenue Baptist. In an Advent service this past December, students composed and

Trey Lyon, standing, leads an after-school program housed at Park Avenue Baptist Church, a CBF partner congregation.

performed a rap, and the students often participate in worship through reading Scripture or praying.

“Several of the guys started coming to church through Boy Scouts, and for years they would say, ‘I’m going to Boy Scouts,’” said Trey. “And now that vocabulary has changed to ‘I’m at church.’

That’s a big cultural shift that comes out of understanding not just coming to church to do Boy Scouts, but for church. They see themselves as part of the church.”

By contributing writer Alice Horner

If you are interested in serving alongside the Lyons in Atlanta, contact CBF staff member Chris Boltin at engage@thefellowship.info. Go online to www.thefellowship.info/serve to learn about other opportunities to partner with CBF field personnel and ministries. fellowship!

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‘God

CBF field personnel minister among refugees in French port city

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ecently reunited with her daughter, Naomi is a single mother living in a French refugee holding center. It had been nearly four years since she first requested asylum and while waiting for a decision, she began battling depression.

In hopes of encouraging and supporting Naomi, David and Julie Brown, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship field personnel in Marseille, France, took the mother and daughter out to eat and bought them new clothes. The highlight of the day became evident in the joy on their faces when the Browns took them to see their first circus.

“We found it more fun to watch them than watch the circus,” Julie said. “Both were loudly clapping, laughing and shouting with glee.”

Naomi and her daughter, Greta, were granted official refuge statuses earlier this year, giving them a chance for a bright future. But their struggle is just

CBF photos

David Brown, far right, leads the children’s choir at the Marhaban Center in Marseille, France.

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one of many for immigrants in Southern France. Most of the Browns’ time is spent ministering among refugees and migrants from around the world.

“These are some of the most vulnerable people in the world,” David said. “Many of them are undocumented.”

When David greeted a young Nigerian man named Frank at a medical clinic one day, he did not realize it would be the first warm welcome Frank received since he arrived in France a couple years ago. The Browns built a relationship with Frank over time, and he became involved in one of the immigrant churches the Browns work alongside. The last time the Browns visited the church they found Frank playing drums for worship time. He not only found Christ in France, but he also found a home and a family.

“Frank’s document status is complicated, and he is at risk of expulsion every day,” David said. “Who knows what will happen.

What we do know is that he has found the Lord here and people who care about him — alleluia.”

Ministering in an urban area brings with it a unique set of needs. Having spent 17 years living in rural settings of Africa and moving to France in 2010, the Browns find the challenges that arise within an

urban environment contrast greatly from other locations.

“We have always been in rural settings, in extremely impoverished situations where we were often the only responders, and where the people themselves were very open to the gospel,” David said.

The high density of immigrant populations is one of the specific challenges that arise when ministering within a city.

While the southern port city of Marseille offers a home to many refugees, the migrants must learn to understand a new way of life under the French system.

Food, shelter, transportation, language and other basic needs quickly become overwhelming concerns and contribute to their vulnerable and neglected status.

The majority of refugees and migrants come from North Africa and leave their home country hoping to find refuge from immense strife, including war, drought and poverty. They seek to provide a better life for their families back home by sending money, but finding a job and steady income is often challenging.

“Just as Jesus did, we hope to respond to the spiritual and physical needs of the refugees and migrants,” David said.

Partnering with the Reformed Evangelical Church of France, the Browns help local churches reach out to immigrant populations, develop and participate in humanitarian efforts to alleviate the suffering of migrants and work with immigrant churches in areas of preaching, teaching and leadership training.

They also work alongside Muslims, encouraging outreach and understanding of Islam and Islamic-Christian dialogue.

Immigrants in Marseille face a stigma,

Through the Marhaban Center, which means welcome in Arabic, the Browns lead activities such as arts and crafts and language classes.

especially Muslims, and the Browns hope to bring respect, peace and acceptance through their efforts.

Through the Marhaban Center, which means welcome in Arabic, the Browns provide arts and crafts, language classes and a music ministry. Rashida, a teenage girl from a Muslim background, participates in David’s choir but had difficulty focusing on the task at hand and was not getting much from the message of the songs. David made CDs of the music and sent them home with the kids, and it made all the difference.

“Rashida has really claimed the message of one of the songs as her own,” David said. “Here are a few of the words. ‘God is

give

close to me. He knows my pain and heals my broken heart. He hears my voice and holds me close — close to Him.’ The Lord is moving among the children and their families through music.”

With Protestants making up less than 3 percent of the population of France, local urban churches are culturally and financially stressed. This often creates a resistance to make a commitment to go and share the gospel. The churches are overwhelmed with needs in their own communities, making it difficult to take on additional opportunities to share.

However, the Browns find that everyday experiences often create avenues

for sharing. David gets his hair cut in a Tunisian barbershop located in an immigrant neighborhood. He has been returning to this specific shop for about a year, and it serves as an opportunity to receive a good haircut, laugh, share and practice Arabic.

“Today after saying goodbye using a few wonderful Arabic expressions, the owner of the shop said he would like to get together to talk about faith,” David said. “It takes time for confidence to be established, but if, in a natural way, we live our lives and share ourselves, God opens doors.”

By contributing writer Katelyn McWilliams

Your gifts to the CBF Offering for Global Missions enable the life-changing ministries of David and Julie Brown. Learn more about the Browns at www.thefellowship.info/brown.

To give, go to www.thefellowship.info/give or use the envelope provided in this issue. fellowship!

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Getting to know their stories

Lisenby builds connections in busy Hong Kong

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and family success stories with one another.

Lisenby also facilitates a young professionals group at a local church.

“I just love their questions because they truly love God and want to serve God in their daily lives and work lives — and they are continually challenged by what that looks like in this society,” she said.

The workplace is highly competitive and pressureBrenda Lisenby, one of CBF’s field personnel, ministers in busy packed for young professionHong Kong. als. Lisenby said, “If they are sitting at their desk and it’s time to go, they tors, they get on elevators and push the don’t leave if their boss is still in his office. ‘close door’ button — they don’t wait for It’s a lot of pressure, but they sincerely want anything. There’s just a fast pace and people to serve God and they have good questions work 12 hour days, six days a week.” about what that looks like in this life and In both of her Hong Kong ministries, in their society.”

Lisenby seeks to connect with individuals Leading the group, Lisenby feels blessed in the midst of the city’s cultural rush and to have the unique opportunity of connectpressure. ing with the young adults as they grow and “There are two challenges in spending develop in their faith. time with people in Hong Kong,” she said.

“I just feel honored sometimes,” she said, “One, they have to work so much – and if “that God lets me be a part of seeing young they’re not working, they’re studying for an people mature, seeing people question God, exam. Then also, the family values here are come to a deeper understanding of God such that they have a set time for family meals and learn to walk with God in new and dif- once a week whether it’s Saturday afternoon ferent ways.” or Sunday evening. So what free time they do Settling into this deep-harbor mega have is not much, because it has to go to famcity in 2003 after five years in mainland ily first and then other activities after that.”

China (where she still actively ministers Despite these challenges, Lisenby rein the Guangxi province) took adjustment mains passionate about the people who fill for Lisenby. this “City of Life” and hopeful for opportu“Probably for me, one of the biggest nities to be the presence of Christ. differences was the pace of life,” she said.

“It’s just a lot faster: people walk on escalaBy contributing writer by Caitlin Rodgers CBF photo

C

alled the “City of Life” by locals, Hong Kong indeed teems with life — 7.2 million lives to be precise — that sway and race through its compact streets and waterways. Straddling Chinese tradition and Western technology, it’s here amongst the city’s quick chaos and endless parade of people that Brenda Lisenby, one of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship’s field personnel, seeks connection and relationships with Hong Kong’s Nepalese and young professional communities.

Composing a marginal 0.2 percent of the city’s population, the Nepalese people of Hong Kong are remnants from the days of British military when, as part of the British Gurkha, Nepalese soldiers came to the city with their families. Working today into industries such as construction and security, community members face educational and economic challenges.

“It’s easy for the government to overlook them,” Lisenby said, “so I’ve gotten to know their story.”

Having been invited several years ago into their community, Lisenby leads parenting workshops and support groups.

“Parents, mostly mothers, were asking for ideas, help and support in raising their children,” she said.

Explaining that the Nepalese are gracious people who love their families but often approach issues such as discipline with soft hearts, a door opened for Lisenby to tackle difficult issues and form deeper relationships with the women in the process.

Fostering a network of support for these mothers, Lisenby has watched women grow in confidence as they share their parenting

Learn more about the ministry of Brenda Lisenby at www.thefellowship.info/lisenby.

Learn about the ministries of all CBF field personnel, view videos and download photos at www.thefellowship.info/fieldpersonnel.

Opportunities to

Missions Education Resource 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.

How to use this page April 2013

Urban Ministry

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 this session you’ll learn about an approach to community development called Assets Based Community Development (ABCD). This is a method used by many CBF field personnel in their work in communities across the world.

2. Before the session, secure copies of the fellowship! magazine for each person in your small group and a whiteboard or a sheet of poster paper.

Also visit this link and read about the ABCD approach and be ready to summarize this for your group (If you like, you can make copies for your small group as well.) www.luc.edu/curl/projects/past/passport/docs/ Unit10CommunityBuilding.pdf. To help you prepare, you can also watch the TEDxHouston 2011 talk with Angela Blanchard on YouTube or show this 12-minute video in the group.

in the communities?” (Allow multiple answers without giving a “right answer.”)

fellowship!

CBF

Cooperative baptiSt fellowShip | www.thefellowShip.info

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

April/MAy 2013

5. After participants have had time to answer, summarize the ABCD approach to community development from the web link.

Emphasize how this approach focuses on assets by allowing community residents to name and describe problems as well as create their own solutions.

Meet Suzii Paynter on March 1, Suzii paynter began work at the fellowship’s new executive Coordinator.

Learn more about her and her vision for CBF on pages 24-27.

3. Once everyone is gathered, begin by asking the participants to name the problems that are present in cities. (If possible, write these down on a whiteboard or piece of poster paper.)

6. Then transition to a discussion about the fellowship! stories on urban ministries. Break group members into three groups and ask them to each take a story, identifying the ways in which CBF field personnel began their ministry by listening to needs and identifying assets within their communities.

4. After these problems are listed, ask, “When trying to transform our cities, is it better to start with the problem or with the gifts and abilities of people

7. End by praying for the urban ministries in the articles and for those mentioned in the Prayer Calendar on page 6.

In Worship: Communal Prayer Leader: God of the cities, open our eyes and help us see the beauty that surrounds us in urban places. In diverse and vibrant spaces, help us see the fingerprints of your creation.

Leader: God of the cities, God of all places, may your kingdom come, may your will be done.

All:

Amen.

People: God of the cities, open our eyes.

Leader: God of the cities, help us to see our sisters and brothers in the city as co-workers in the kingdom, capable and full of gifts to do good work.

People: God of the cities, open our eyes.

Leader: God of the cities, teach us to look past problems in order to creatively envision solutions together. Teach us to listen with compassion and work tirelessly together until justice is accomplished.

In Reading Groups Evolving in Monkey Town — by Rachel Held Evans Christian blogger and author Rachel Held Evans grew up in the town where the famous Scopes Monkey Trial took place. In this community where fundamentalism was still the norm, Evans learned to ask her own questions about life and faith. For a book discussion guide, visit www.thefellowship.info/affectonline.

People: God of the cities, open our eyes.

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Ministry partners

Stevensons travel across the country to serve alongside CBF field personnel

CBF photo

Since the summer of 2011, Stevenson, one of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship’s field personnel, has been spending part of the year traveling across the country with her husband, Pete, in a 17-foot travel trailer.

Her mission — to serve other CBF field personnel as short-term ministry partners.

Fran, who retired from a career in special education, usually teaches, assists immigrants or pitches in with on-going ministries. Pete, a former train engineer, is an excellent handyman.

“He carries his tools in the truck,” said Fran. “We start with a list of things the field personnel need addressed. They give us a list and we get started.”

Their work has become a sort of an itinerant ministry of encouragement to coworkers around the country.

“Our goal is to come alongside them as a blessing, an encouragement to them,” said Fran, a native of England, who lived most of her life in Australia and the United States. “So we don’t go and create anything.

We go and do whatever they ask us to do.”

It’s easy to see Fran Stevenson as an encourager. Vivacious, friendly and energetic, she talks fast in her thick, EnglishAussie accent. And, she speaks highly of the fellow field personnel she has met.

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“We are very ordinary, but we meet the most extraordinary people who are so passionate for what they do,” she said. “You make new friends, laugh with them, cry with them.”

The Stevensons’ first destination was far from their home in Fremont, Calif. — Homestead, Fla., 3,000 miles away at the southeastern tip of the U.S. mainland. They worked for several weeks in July 2011 with Open House Ministries, a CBF ministry and community center in one of the poorest areas of the state.

“Fran joined our ‘home team,’ which was mainly comprised of local youth who volunteered to lead one week of our free summer camp for elementary children,” said Wanda Ashworth Valencia, Open House executive director.

“Fran introduced the children to the lives and culture of Afghan refugees, and also expanded their horizons by sharing her own life story growing up in England.

She taught the children sign language and talked about working with people struggling with hearing loss.

“While Fran was busy with the children, Pete was using his handyman skills to help beautify and maintain our center,” she continued. “Even though they were tired

CBF photos

After ministering among Afghan immigrants in the San Francisco Bay area for four years, Fran Stevenson decided to take her show on the road — literally.

(Top) Fran and Pete Stevenson travel across the country in their trailer to serve alongside CBF field personnel. (Center) In Homestead, Fla., the Stevensons partnered with Open House Ministries and the center’s summer camp for children.

(Above) In North Carolina, the Stevensons worked alongside Anna and LaCount Anderson, shown here, and their food pantry ministry.

from the long days, they still joined our youth in the evening for worship. Fran and Pete are beautiful servants of Christ.

Their loving spirit bled through every task. They were a tremendous witness to me personally.”

After that first trip, the Stevensons were ready for another one. They returned to California and rejoined the Afghan

ministry there but quickly began planning another trip.

In the fall of 2012, they spent two months in North Carolina working for several weeks with CBF field personnel Cecelia Beck and Anna and LaCount Anderson.

The Stevensons pitched in with the food pantry and clothing store, as well as tutoring children and other tasks.

“Pete and Fran are sent by God,” said LaCount. “They came to us during a time that we needed additional help, joined in our In California, Fran Stevenson, center, teaches English classes for immigrants and refugees. work as if they had been here for years and shared the love of in nearby Fremont, who works among the economy fell through the floor and the Christ to those whom they encountered. We Bay Area’s large Afghan community. war in Afghanistan wound down. The are thankful for their ministry among us.”

“Rick said, ‘What are you going to U.S. government stopped fast-tracking the Fran Stevenson’s journey — from a child do in retirement? I have a proposition immigration of Afghan refugees. The wave in England, to Australia, to the U.S. West for you,’” said Fran. turned into a trickle.

Coast, and finally into a 17-foot travel trailer In 2005 she got involved teaching “I had been getting two families a week,” roaming the United States to minister to field English as a second language, which Stevenson said. “Then none.” personnel — was anything but expected. In led to helping new immigrants settle She continued to minister among the fact, Fran suggested, she more likely would into American life, get driver’s licenses families already there, but with Pete’s have been the object of CBF ministry. and other documentation. That led to retirement approaching, the couple looked “My life went down some murky a microenterprise ministry, helping the for another way to be involved in ministry. roads, some really murky roads,” she said.

Afghan families find new, practical sources The answer was partnership — stepping in “Disheartened, broken, abandoned, the of income in a strange land. to help fellow CBF field personnel when most marginalized, the most neglected — She loved the work, especially they need a couple extra hands. you’re looking at it!” developing long-term relationships with “You come alongside them as a blessing,” Born with a cleft palette, Fran eventually the Afghans. Her volunteer work became she said. “You don’t own the ministry, so found a career teaching autistic and deaf a new career when, in 2007, she herself you can do it light-hearted.” children, most recently at the California became one of CBF’s field personnel. More The Stevensons haven’t settled on their School for the Deaf. She never considered a than a career change, she said, the move has next destination — maybe Arizona and career in ministry — until she found herself been a spiritual transformation.

New Mexico. It doesn’t matter. When doing ministry.

“This has been a whole new way of their truck and trailer are packed up, the While working in the sign-language walking with the Lord, a gift for my life,” possibilities are as endless as the road in ministry at Crossroads Church in Fremont, said Stevenson. “I will never be the same. I front of them.

Calif., she met fellow church member Rick am changed forever.”

Sample, one of CBF’s field personnel based After a wave of refugees in 2009, the By contributing writer Greg Warner

serve

If you or your church are interested in serving alongside CBF field personnel, contact CBF staff member Chris Boltin at engage@thefellowship.info. You can also go online to www.thefellowship.info/serve to learn about specific opportunities. fellowship!

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Extending its mission

South Carolina church engages in long-term partnership with field personnel, churches in New York

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the pain he shared as he related his experiences with those who are homeless, those who are HIV/ AIDS positive and those who have lost their way.”

After the banquet, the Boulevard Baptist members in attendance wanted to know when Adams Ronnie Adams, one of CBF’s field personnel, participated in Boulevard Baptist’s could come speak annual CLUE camp for children. to their congregation, so Lynch invited him to speak at the Living in New York City, Hannah has church’s spring missions emphasis. grown up in the ministries of Metro Bap“By the time I returned home from tist. Having fostered a relationship with her taking Ronnie to the airport I had several through the years, Boulevard church memvoicemail messages asking how we could bers invited Hannah to join their missions partner with Ronnie to help with his work team in hosting a week-long summer camp in New York,” said Lynch. in New York. The teenager quickly found Now, each year, the congregation works her place among the team, arriving early alongside Metro Baptist and Adams to coland staying late. She joined the team for lect school supplies for approximately 125 meals and sightseeing trips around town. children living in Hell’s Kitchen, a transiWhen Boulevard Baptist members tional neighborhood where many families found out that Hannah was financially unare living in poverty. And, every September, able to attend Passport Camp, a missions a missions team from Boulevard Baptist camp and CBF partner, they collected drives the materials to New York to help funds to pay for the cost of camp and travwith distribution. While there, the team eling expenses. Hannah’s week at camp was works with Metro Baptist’s winter clothes life changing, and Boulevard received three closet and food pantry and invites friends thank you notes from her. from the HIV/AIDS community to join “I am inspired by the dedication and them in fellowship over a meal. spirit with which Ronnie Adams minis“We’ve been to New York so many times ters to HIV/AIDS patients and whomever that we know many of the children and God places in his path, including the team families and look forward to seeing them from Boulevard,” said Marcia Stow, a each year,” said Lynch. three-time missions team member to New Photo courtesy of Boulevard Baptist

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athered in a church building in Anderson, S.C., a group of middle school girls delights in packing Christmas gift bags that will be sent to people living with HIV/AIDS in New York City. Along with other church members, they stuff the bags full of items such as Christmas cards, candy, pens and transit cards. This is not the first time, and it certainly will not be the last time they pack bags and boxes to send to New York.

In a partnership with Ronnie Adams, one of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship’s field personnel, Boulevard Baptist Church ministers among an urban population in great need. In his on-going ministry, Adams works alongside Metro Baptist Church in Hell’s Kitchen, N.Y., and Greater Restoration Baptist Church in Crown Heights in Brooklyn.

He also partners with local housing communities to serve those living with HIV/AIDS. By partnering with Adams, a Dallas, Texas, native commissioned by the Fellowship in 1995, Boulevard Baptist extends its passion for missions — both geographically and spiritually.

“Every time I go to church someone wants to talk about New York missions,” said Becky Lynch, global missions director at Boulevard Baptist. “Our conversations range from ‘How’s Ronnie?’ to ‘When’s the next trip?’”

Boulevard Baptist’s partnership with Adams began in 2005 after Adams spoke at a CBF of South Carolina missions banquet, which was hosted by the church.

“His message was dynamic, both inspirational and challenging,” Lynch said. “Additionally, Ronnie’s delivery was so expressive that everyone could feel the joy and

CBF Photo

Each year, members of Boulevard Baptist travel to New York to distribute the school supplies they have collected to approximately 125 children and families.

York. “He does even the menial tasks like carrying luggage, flagging down a taxi, getting schedules, unloading boxes of school supplies and helping set up the store. He’s always ready to listen and talk to a needy homeless brother or sister and provide help if he can.”

Adams believes the partnership has lasted because the Boulevard family has found New York missions as a way to express their hunger for living out the great commission around the world.

“They have this same kind of passion and commitment to the Ruth School in Romania, medical missions in Honduras and with other field personnel,” Adams said. “It works because the church does not look at Hell’s Kitchen or Crown Heights just as a place to help, but rather a place

give

they choose to invest time, support, prayers and resources and in doing so see the face of Christ in the people they meet.”

Last year, the church’s long-term commitment allowed for a spontaneous ministry opportunity when Hurricane Sandy struck New York. After communication with Adams about specific needs, Boulevard Baptist members immediately began collecting toiletry kits, snacks and money to provide grocery gift cards for those without power. They shipped over 25 boxes of relief supplies.

“An advantage of long-term relationships is knowing the person and the work,” said Lynch. “It’s advantageous for all to know what the needs are. In supporting field personnel it is extremely important that we learn from them what their needs are rather than assuming that we know.”

Boulevard pastor Johnny McKinney said the ministry in New York is a vital component of the church’s identity, and the desire for partnering with CBF field personnel has risen from passionate church members.

“These specific ministries help us to be intentional about our role in God’s mission in the world,” McKinney said. “We are not just sending dollars to a general offering, which of course, can be helpful as well, but we are attaching names and faces and experiences. In turn, the people know us as well. The experience is an important part of spiritual formation for our members. They come back changed and never look at the world in quite the same way again. So, we are not just givers but receivers as well.”

By contributing writer Katelyn McWilliams

Your gifts to the CBF Offering for Global Missions enable the life-changing ministries of Ronnie Adams. To give, go online to www.thefellowship.info/give or use the envelope provided in this issue. Learn more about Adams’ ministry at www.thefellowship.info/adams. fellowship!

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Mission immersion CBFVA partners with CBF field personnel in China

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gospel and conducting English classes.

At the time his family immigrated, Cheuk said his parents weren’t Christians, but he remembers his grandmother telling him and his sister Bible stories as children. It wasn’t until his family began CBF field personnel Larry and Sarah Ballew serve among hospitality workers attending First in Macau, China.

Baptist Church opportunities to work with them,” Fox said. in Shreveport and met organist Marjorie Cheuk says he views his trip as an Casanova that his family learned educational experience. He said he of God’s love. prayerfully hopes he can find ways to help “Marjorie had a heart for missions and his congregation become more connected she served as a missionary in Africa and to the ministry of the Ballews and support Japan,” Cheuk said. “We actually first met her when we were still living in Hong Kong. their ministry. He also hopes to visit his grandfather, who recently celebrated his When we moved to the United States, we 100th birthday, in Hong Kong. got connected to her again. She taught my “I think about missions in a relational sister and me piano, and even loaned us her way because the triune God is relational,” personal piano so we could practice. She Cheuk said. “God in Christ is already helped us understand the unconditional, present at work in people’s lives in ways sacrificial love of God.” In addition to the immersion trip, CBFVA we don’t always realize or recognize. If we have eyes to see our neighbors as beloved sponsors missions events at churches on

by God, to witness and to share what God Wednesdays throughout the year. Fox said has done in our lives and trust that the the goal is making connections globally, Holy Spirit will do what it has always done, while also making churches aware of people will be drawn to God.” neighbors they might connect with.

“We have a growing Chinese population By contributing writer Bob Perkins in Virginia and we hope to find some CBF photo

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or Michael Cheuk, senior minister of University Baptist Church in Charlottesville, Va., the journey to China is a personal one. Cheuk is one of 10 people participating in the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Virginia’s (CBFVA) mission immersion trip to Hong Kong and Macau in May. Born in Hong Kong, Cheuk’s family immigrated to the United States in the early 1970s and settled in Shreveport, La. Cheuk said he hopes to learn about the work of CBF field personnel Larry and Sarah Ballew, who serve in Macau, China, and then return and share stories of their ministry with his congregation.

Each year, CBFVA focuses on ministries in a particular area of the world, highlighting the work of CBF field personnel serving there. Rob Fox, CBFVA field coordinator, said the trip and other activities throughout the year are a way to create a bridge between CBF churches in the state and ministries around the world.

“We try to connect churches with a team or individuals in other parts of the world so they can either get to know them for the first time, or deepen their relationship to the point of supporting the field personnel directly,” Fox said.

Commissioned by the Fellowship in 2005, the Ballews have been working in Macau, a southern coastal city, for nearly 18 years. Macau is a tourist destination, boasting numerous hotels and convention facilities and the Ballews serve among hospitality workers there, sharing the

If you or your church are interested in partnering with CBF field personnel and their ministries around the world, contact CBF staff member Chris Boltin at engage@thefellowship.info. Learn about the ministries of CBF field personnel at www.thefellowship.info/fieldpersonnel.

Opportunities to

Missions Education Resource How to use this page

May 2013

The suggestions below will be helpful for using the stories on pages 18-22 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.

Ministry Partners

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. The goal of this session is to create or extend a partnership with CBF field personnel or a CBF ministry site. Before the session, ask a few group members to bring an iPad or laptop that will be able to get online during your session.

Also bring copies of the current issue of the fellowship! magazine, and if possible, older issues of fellowship! (You can access older issues of fellowship! online at www.thefellowship.info/fellowship.)

2. Begin by asking the group what it means to “partner” with an organization or missions agency.

3. Say that you would like for the group to consider creating a partnership with CBF field personnel or a CBF ministry site. Let the group know that this could be a small partnership or a larger partnership, depending on the energy and commitment of the group.

4. Tell the group that to frame the discussion on partnership, you want to discuss three stories from this month’s fellowship! magazine. Divide group members into three groups and have each group read one of the stories on partnership and then summarize it for the group. (See pages 18-22.)

5. Give each group time to summarize the articles and then discuss by asking: 1) What are key characteristics of these partnerships? 2) Do you think partnerships like these are important? Why or why not? 3) If we were to partner with CBF

Around the Table: At Home 1. For this activity, you’ll be talking about the importance of partnership with CBF field personnel and ministry sites. To prepare, read the stories on partnership in this month’s fellowship! magazine. (See pages 18-22.)

2. Gather everyone together and say you’re going to play a game. Take a common household task (like setting the table), choose a volunteer and tell them you’re going to time them to see how quickly they can do the task. After they’re finished, write down their time.

3. Then, put everything back where it was (ex: unset the table) and get everyone on board to do the same task again, but this time everyone who is present should work together. Time the group to see how long it takes.

4. Ideally, when the whole team works together to do the task, it takes less time.

As you compare the times around the table, talk about the value of partnership and working together. You might give some illustrations from the previous exercise. (Ex: it was easier to set the table together because tall people could help to get down dishes that others couldn’t reach, etc.)

field personnel or a CBF ministry site, how might our partnership look similar? How might it look different?

6. Continue the conversation by asking, “If we were to create a partnership, what ministry site might be a good fit for our group? What kind of partnership would this be?” (Ex: a commitment to pray, to send supplies, a commitment to partner by providing technical or other expertise, a service trip, etc.)

fellowship!

CBF

Cooperative baptiSt fellowShip | www.thefellowShip.info

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

Meet Suzii Paynter on March 1, Suzii paynter began work at the fellowship’s new executive Coordinator.

Learn more about her and her vision for CBF on pages 24-27.

7. Optional: To take the conversation further, encourage members to look through old fellowship! magazines to find ideas for ministries to partners with.

8. Depending on the discussion in the group, you could end by committing to try and initiate a partnership, by committing to pray for CBF field personnel or a CBF ministry site, or to continue to pray about this idea and discuss it at a later meeting.

9. End by praying for CBF ministries and their partners. Be sure to pray for those mentioned in the Prayer Calendar on page 6.

In Reading Groups Mountains Beyond Mountains — by Tracy Kidder Mountains Beyond Mountains tells the true story of Paul Farmer, a Harvard-educated doctor who chose to work among Haiti’s poor. Farmer’s advances on treating the poor, particularly those with HIV and AIDS, have revolutionized the way medicine is done in the developing world. For a book discussion guide, visit www.thefellowship.info/affectonline.

5. Allow this exercise to open room to discuss the articles on partnership in this month’s fellowship! magazine.

6. End by praying for CBF field personnel and ministry sites and reminding everyone gathered that prayer is an important way of partnering together to do God’s work.

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Meet

Suzii Paynter

CBF Executive Coordinator www.thefellowship.info/paynter

S

uzii Paynter was named Executive

Family

Co­ordinator of the Cooperative Baptist

Married to Roger Paynter

Fellowship on Feb. 21, following affirmation by the CBF Coordinating Council. She is CBF’s third Executive Coordinator,

succeeding Daniel Vestal and Cecil Sherman.

As a leader at the Baptist General Convention of Texas

since 2001, Paynter envisioned, created and managed large-scale programs and projects that focus on minis­ tering alongside and advocating for the least of these. Her experience and accomplishments reflect her commitment to the missional and cooperative work of Baptists at all levels — local, state, national, regional and international, as well as ecumenical and interfaith ministry.

Over the past decade, Paynter has gained a national

Leadership Before being select to serve as CBF’s Executive Coordinator, Paynter served as director of the Texas Baptist Christian Life Commission and director of the Advocacy Care Center of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. She directed all public policy initiatives for state and federal issues and built relationships with other religious bodies. In addition, she oversaw church outreach, the Texas Baptist Hunger Offering, community care ministries of restorative justice, anti-human trafficking, hunger and poverty, healthcare ministries, the Texas Baptist chaplaincy program and Texas Baptist counseling services.

Service Paynter has devoted tremendous time and energy to volunteer organizations beyond CBF. These include: • Baptist Joint Committee, Board of Directors and Religious Liberty

Council Co-Chair

reputation for her advocacy on important ethical issues

• Alliance to End Hunger

such as religious liberty, hunger and poverty, environmental

• T.B. Maston Foundation for Christian Ethics, Board of Directors

justice, human trafficking and immi­gration reform. She

• Baptist World Aid, Baptist World Alliance • Stop Predatory Gambling USA, Board of Directors

has been recognized by religious and secular organizations

• Council on Foreign Relations, Religion and For­eign Policy Team

nationwide. Her work has been highlighted on television

• Campaign for Common Sense & Sound Public Policy, Board of Directors

programs, including Moyers on America, and in print publi-

• Baptist Child and Family Services, Board of Directors • William H. Whitsitt Baptist Heritage Society, President, Board of Directors

cations, such as The Wall Street Journal and The New Yorker.

• Literacy Coalition of Central Texas, Founding Member, Board of Directors

An ordained deacon at First Baptist Church, Aus­tin,

• Samaritan Counseling Centers of Central Texas, Chair, Board of Directors

Texas, and Sunday School teacher of more than 40 years, Paynter has consistently held positions of leadership and served congregations alongside her husband, Roger Paynter, as he pastored Fellowship churches in Texas, Kentucky and Mississippi.

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Children: Grayson Paynter and Mary Kathryn Paynter

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• Texas Impact, Statewide Interfaith Alliance, Board of Directors • State of Texas Department of Aging and Disability Advisory Council,

Aging Texas Well • Texans Against Gambling, Board of Directors • Coalition for Public Schools, Statewide Education Advocacy, Chair,

Board of Directors

Endorsements Go online to www.thefellowship.info/paynter to read additional endorsements from Fellowship Baptists.

“More than ever, today’s church needs leaders who seamlessly proclaim both the good news of God’s love in Jesus Christ and God’s call for justice. The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship was formed around such leadership, and Suzii Paynter stands firmly in that tradition. Suzii will lead the CBF with an enthusiastic and joyful faith and a commitment to holistic mission.”

David Beckmann President, Bread for the World; Washington, D.C. “Whether directing an organization, working with an interfaith coalition for social justice or advocating for religious liberty, Suzii Paynter has long been a passionate and effective leader. To the role of Executive Coordinator, she brings a wealth of experience, a cooperative spirit and executive skill. Suzii is an excellent choice to lead Cooperative Baptists through the implementation of the 2012 Task Force recommendations and into a bright future as it continues to be Christ’s presence in the world.”

K. Hollyn Hollman General Counsel, Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty; Washington, D.C.

“With the announcement of Suzii Paynter as Executive Coordinate candidate, I could feel my rising hopes for the future of CBF and growing energy for the good work ahead.”

Alan Sherouse Pastor, Metro Baptist Church; New York, N.Y. “Suzii Paynter is a person of Christian character with impeccable integrity, and she is my friend. She has a strong commitment to the local church, as well as to Baptist organizational life. She will inspire and lead all of us in caring and creative ways.

I believe the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship has a bright future.”

Daniel Vestal Director, Baugh Center for Baptist Leadership; Atlanta, Ga.

“The choice of Suzii Paynter to lead CBF is an outstanding decision.

Suzii’s excellent work at the Texas Christian Life Commission reveals her gifts in building coalitions, community organizing and shaping Baptist identity toward religious liberty, ethics and ecumenical relationships. Suzii knows how to do this for CBF. I hope we can help her in every possible way.”

Bill J. Leonard Professor, Wake Forest University School of Divinity; Wake Forest, N.C.

Suzii Paynter

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Q&A with

Suzii Paynter Question: What has CBF meant to you?

When you’re formed — when your soul is formed by faithful friendships, you’re in a blessed community. And that’s how I feel about CBF. It is a blessed community.

In this community you see people achieving their Christcentered potential. For example, our CBF field personnel and the work they are doing. My connection with our field personnel has been so meaningful to me over the years, whether through a mission effort with our church or Texas CBF or through my work with the Christian Life Commission. Just the quality, the incarnation of Christ in this community of people has been a blessing.

My own congregation of FBC Austin and the wonderful churches that we’ve had the privilege of being a part of have all been CBF churches. They’re healthy, wonderful churches filled with people that are focused on a Christ-centered life in a real world, struggling with the real pilgrimage of life and an authentic faith.

Question: Why are you Baptist?

I’m a Baptist because it has worn well with my life. As I have grown in my Baptist faith, it has grown with me. There’s the freedom in my Baptist life to know that — when I was a child, I thought as a child. My Baptist childhood was firm, loving and grounded. And when I became a questioner, a doubter and wanting to spread my wings, my Baptist faith was elastic. There were people I could read, and people I could turn to. They were not afraid of that. No. They embraced it.

So I am a Baptist by birth and rearing and by nurture of all these congregations that Roger and I have served. But I am also a Baptist because I firmly believe that there are some precious, precious gifts of religious liberty that we gave to this country in a very real way. We don’t choose the time we live in, but it’s our responsibility to address the issues of religious liberty internationally and the issues of separation of church and state in our growing pluralistic culture. These are very important tasks for us as a Fellowship and as Baptists, and I’m really proud to be a part of that.

Question: What is one thing that

stands out to you from the 2012 Task Force Report?

As I was rereading the 2012 Task Force Report, I noticed one of the first questions was about how do we become more of a community that fosters cooperation and collaboration?

I think the idea of cooperating, collaborating, empowering — co-empowering — means passing energy back and forth in order to empower multiple facets of our life together. That is the future. To me that is so exciting. It’s about a partnership future. It’s about a collaborative future. And the whole idea of cooperating is a word we’ve become familiar with. But when you break it down, it is operative.

It has momentum. I believe that for the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship one of our thresholds that we’re on right now is a

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“We were born into this time and it is asking something of us.

Who are we not to answer that call?” threshold for energy. We have got to move forward with energy.

And where are we going to get that energy? Not from individuals alone, not from individual congregations alone, not from any one state organization, not from any one partner, but it’s going to be by maximizing our energies together toward some central themes that are important to everyone; not saying “here’s my theme and I’d like you to drop your theme and join in.” What are our common themes and how do we move forward together collaboratively?

I think God is a great mathematician and multiplies. And you see it in stories like the loaves and fishes, but you also see it in the daily work of the church in Acts that multiplication is a part of the way in which God encounters us and sustains us. It’s the everyday miracle of faith that things multiply when we work together.

So cooperative means this energetic collaboration toward the kingdom vision that we’re going to have together for the future.

Question: How do you see young

people engaging in CBF? We’ve had the great blessing of educated, stable, underwritten experiences for our young leaders and they have so much to share with the world. I feel like the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship should be a conduit to help leadership connect in this country and around the world with other Christian leaders, with leaders of other faith groups and within the larger Baptist family.

I think several things when I think forward for CBF and how an organization should empower, equip and provide support for our young clergy and young laity. First, it’s through positions of leadership; secondly, engaging them on the priorities that they have.

I think the age of the passive listener is over, and that in engaging with our younger leaders in CBF, it is about action. It’s about doing things that make a difference. How sad if we only sit in a room and talk to each other and don’t make a difference and don’t impact our country, our world.

Question: In just a few sentences, what is your dream for CBF? My dream for CBF is to become the most vital, vibrant religious community in the United States and have a voice here and

Through her work at the Baptist General Convention of Texas, Paynter gained a national reputation for her advocacy on issues such as hunger and poverty.

around the world, a voice that we’re proud of, that is reflective of our churches, that is reflective of the freedom in Christ that we experience as individual Christians.

Question: In just a few sentences,

describe your passion?

My passion and vision is for leadership. We were born into this time and it is asking something of us. Who are we not to answer that call? I think that is who I’ve become. God has said, “There is a world out there waiting, that needs you. What are you going to say? Are you going to be worthy of it? Are you going to speak on my behalf? You better be up to speed. Are you going to represent?”

I want to be competent, I want to be capable, I want to be energetic, I want to have a great time and I want to do it with people that I love. Let’s go. That’s CBF and that’s who I am. Whether it’s my family or whether it’s my extended family or whether it’s my Baptist family, it is a matter of just doing it, just really making an effort towards the future and for a purpose.

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June 26-28, Greensboro, N.C. Sheraton Hotel and Joseph S. Koury Convention Center Register online now — www.thefellowship.info/assembly

Cooperative Baptist Fellowship

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It’s never too early to make plans to attend General Assembly.

Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1:

Pre-Register. It’s free and fast.

Visit www.thefellowship.info/assembly to sign up for Assembly; it’s easy. Once you are

registered, you will receive updates and information about special events and opportunities. You can also register for the Preschool, Children’s and Youth Assemblies as well as the Prayer Retreat, Greensboro Sessions for College Students and the Leadership Institute.

Step 2:

Make your travel arrangements.

If you’re taking air transportation into Greensboro, you will fly in and out of the Piedmont

Triad International Airport (GSO). Planning to drive to Assembly? The Sheraton Greensboro at Four Seasons is located at 3121 High Point Road in Greensboro. If you are traveling by train, book your ticket to Amtrak’s Greensboro (GRO) station. As you make your travel plans, consider the engaging and meaningful Pre-Assembly

Greensboro Sheraton

events like the Leadership Institute and Prayer Retreat.

Step 3:

Book your hotel room.

For your convenience and

comfort, General Assembly will be hosted and held under one roof. CBF has partnered with the Sheraton Greensboro Hotel at Four Seasons to create a centralized Assembly experience. The CBF room rate is $120 per night. To reserve your room, visit www.thefellowship.info/assembly or call (800) 252-6556 and use the code CBF2013.

Step 4:

Plan your stay.

NewBridge Bank Park

Map out your participation in

General Assembly events using our program schedule. We hope that you will plan to come early and stay late. Outside of Assembly, there are plenty of activities and attractions around Greensboro. If you’re visiting as part of your family vacation, check out the games at Celebration Station.

Interested in history? Visit the newly opened International Civil Rights Museum. For the sports enthusiast, take in a Greensboro Grasshoppers game at NewBridge Bank Park.

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June 26-28, Greensboro, N.C.

Sheraton Hotel and Joseph S. Koury Convention Center

General Assembly has something for everyone.

If you are interested in enhancing your ministry:

Pre-Assembly Prayer Retreat* — A time of spiritual formation and personal growth.

Leadership Institute* — A mini-retreat experience focused on Dawnings.

Relevant workshops — Get new ideas for tackling issues facing the modern church.

CBF Store — Resources from CBF staff and partners for every step of the missional journey.

If you are interested in supporting missions:

Commissioning Service — Bless new field personnel and church starters.

Mission Communities — Discussions with those who share your mission interests.

Mission Marketplace — Buy unique global goods from CBF field personnel.

If you’re interested in fellowship opportunities:

The Gathering Place — Missions, ministries, shopping and relaxing.

Auxiliary events* — Attend a variety of events hosted by CBF partners.

Reception for Suzii Paynter — Celebrate this milestone with other Fellowship Baptists.

Assemblies for preschool, children and youth While you are enjoying the Assembly, your children or teenagers can engage in fun, meaningful and age-appropriate activities through Preschool Assembly, Children’s Assembly or Youth Assembly.

Registration is required by May 24.

* Denotes events that may require additional registration

Plan your General Assembly experience with help from our program schedule.

Monday Wednesday 1 p.m. — Pre-Assembly Prayer Retreat* Come rest, discover and grow at this spiritual formation retreat. Held onsite at the Sheraton Hotel June 24-26, this retreat features Marjorie Thompson, a leading voice for Christian spirituality. Thompson has served as director of the Pathways Center for Spiritual Leadership and as spiritual director to Companions in Christ, a program of Upper Room Ministries.

4 p.m. — Greensboro Sessions*

A Conversation About Race at FBC Greensboro

College and graduate students come to Greensboro June 24-28 to discuss an important topic, network with young adults and others in the CBF movement and experience General Assembly and auxiliary events together. The cost is $65, which includes housing, most meals and admission to the Civil Rights Museum.

Visit www.thefellowship.info/assembly to register. Sign up by June 10 and receive a free Greensboro Sessions t-shirt.

Follow Assembly online and keep up with the latest information.

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Noon – 5 p.m. — Registration and Hospitality and Information Stations open 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. — Leadership Institute on Dawnings* Is your church searching for its missional identity? The focus of this year’s Leadership Institute is Dawnings, the process by which churches begin living missionally. Dawnings seeks to help congregations find their calling through vision, formation and engagement.

Learn about the Dawnings process by participating in this abbreviated retreat experience. Register online for $25 through the Assembly webpage.

7 p.m. — Baptist Women in Ministry’s 30th anniversary

worship and celebration

Join Baptist Women in Ministry for a celebration of 30 years. Worship will be held at First Baptist Church of Greensboro with an anniversary reception to follow. Nancy Sehested will preach and other worship leaders include Elizabeth Flowers, Jane Hull, Emily Hull McGee and new CBF Executive Coordinator Suzii Paynter.

Register online now — www.thefellowship.info/assembly

Thursday

Friday

7:30 – 9 a.m. — Breakfast and auxiliary events, including a newcomer

7:30 – 9 a.m. — Breakfast and auxiliary events

continental breakfast for first time Assembly attendees

8 a.m. – 7 p.m. — Registration and CBF office open 9 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. —

8 a.m. – 7 p.m. — Registration and CBF office open 9 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. — The Gathering Place open

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Youth Assembly*

9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. — Ministers on the Move Are you a minister seeking a new place of service? Are you on a church minister search committee? Drop by Ministers on the Move to meet with CBF staff members and talk about how we can be a resource to you. Private appointments of 15 minutes each may be made ahead of time by emailing Clarissa Strickland at cstrickland@thefellowship.info or by signing up for a time slot onsite.

9 – 11:30 a.m. — Preschool and Children’s Assemblies*

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Youth Assembly*

9:15 a.m. — Invitation to worship through pre-session music

9 – 11:30 a.m. — Preschool and Children’s Assemblies* open

9 – 11 a.m. — Business Session I Receive updates about God’s work through Fellowship Baptists with a focus on implementing the 2012 Task Force Report. Hear from the implementation team about how this report is shaping the future of CBF.

9:15 a.m. — Invitation to worship through pre-session music

11:30 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. — Lunch and

1:30 – 2:45 p.m. — Workshops

auxiliary events

3 – 4:30 p.m. — Workshops

1:15 – 5:15 p.m. — Preschool and Children’s

5:30 – 7 p.m. — Dinner and auxiliary events

The Gathering Place open Connect with ministry opportunities, buy global goods that support mission projects, fellowship with friends and more.

Assemblies* resume

1:30 – 2:30 p.m. — Workshops, Mission Communities

and Business breakout sessions

Explore issues relevant to your ministry, connect with others who share your same mission interests and offer input on the work of the Fellowship during workshops, mission community gatherings and business breakouts.

9:30 – 11 a.m. — Business session II 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Lunch and auxiliary events 1:15 – 4:45 p.m. — Preschool and Children’s Assemblies* resume

7 – 9 p.m. — Preschool and Children’s Assemblies* resume 7:15 p.m. — Invitation to worship through pre-session music 7:30 p.m. — Worship and Communion

5:30 – 7 p.m. — Dinner and auxiliary events

Come participate in dynamic and meaningful worship with communion and a word from Suzii Paynter, CBF’s new executive coordinator.

7 – 9 p.m. — Preschool and Children’s Assemblies* resume

9 p.m. — Welcome

2:45 – 3:45 p.m. — Workshops and Mission Communities 4:15 – 5:15 p.m. — State and regional meetings

7:15 p.m. — Invitation to worship through pre-session music 7:30 p.m. — Commissioning Service for new field personnel and church starters Attend this special commissioning event as the Fellowship blesses new field personnel and church starters to be the presence of Christ in the world. This will also be a time to honor personnel who are retiring from service on the mission field.

Suzii Paynter

reception for new executive coordinator

Join us in the Gathering Place after worship to meet Suzii Paynter, CBF’s new Executive Coordinator. Enjoy a time of fellowship with Paynter and share words of affirmation and encouragement as we celebrate this milestone in CBF life. * Denotes events that may require additional registration. For more information visit www.thefellowship.info/assembly.

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

June 26-28, Greensboro, N.C. Sheraton Hotel and Joseph S. Koury Convention Center Register online now — www.thefellowship.info/assembly

Cooperative Baptist Fellowship