Spring 2024 Vol. 29/Issue 1
cbfnc.org
in this issue. . . 3 Flexibility 4 CBFNC News & Notes 5 BWIM: Midwives of a Movement Screenings 5
6 Experimental Ministry 8 CBFNC Annual Gathering Information
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10 CBFNC Annual Gathering Information Continued 12 Why CBFNC? 14 Church Resource Corner
8
Why
?
15 Gifts and Ministers on the Move
cbfnc
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Larry Hovis Executive Coordinator Jamie Rorrer The Gathering, Editor Director of Communications Amy Cook The Gathering, Graphic Designer Communications Specialist
The Gathering is a seasonal publication of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina 2640 Reynolda Road Winston-Salem, NC, 27106
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336.759.3456
Flexibility
By Larry Hovis CBFNC Executive Coordinator
This article is the fifth in a series on CBFNC’s organizational values. In this issue we focus on Flexibility: We aim to be adaptable, responsive and relevant so that we may act quickly and effectively as new needs and ministry opportunities arise.
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any in the CBFNC world will remember what happened to me on a cold February night in 2013. Returning from a Wednesday night speaking engagement, I fell while pumping gas, shattering my kneecap. I was transported by ambulance to the hospital where I underwent emergency surgery. My leg was immobilized in a straight position for seven weeks. When the brace came off, I couldn’t bend my knee. It took many months of physical therapy for my range of motion to be restored. To this day, my left knee is not as flexible as my right one. In general, as we age, our bodies become less flexible. Yoga, regular stretching and other forms of exercise can help us maintain flexibility. Organizations can also lose flexibility as they age. Perhaps that’s why, early in our history, wise leaders of CBFNC determined that flexibility would be an important organizational value. We had seen other organizations become rigid and calcified over time, and we wanted to be vigilant in keeping CBFNC “adaptable, responsive and relevant” over the long haul. When it comes to flexibility, it’s important to make a distinction between principles and practices. Flexibility is a virtue when it comes to practices. How we do things is always open to revision. Principles, on the other hand, must be maintained. CBFNC has been committed to historic Baptist principles; on these we have not budged. Our practices, how we structure and carry out our ministries, have undergone an almost continuous process of revision and evolution. This can be seen in several ways:
Gatherings Coming together has been a hallmark of our fellowship. Our first ministry was to hold a General Assembly. We have changed the name to Annual Gathering and have adjusted the schedule numerous times to meet the changing needs of our fellowship. Regional gatherings have also been important. A fellowship centers on relationships, which demand interpersonal interaction. We learned to meet virtually as technology became available and circumstances demanded, but gathering together has remained vital.
Budget An organization’s budget is not only a financial instrument but also a ministry plan and a theological document. CBFNC’s annual budget has been restructured several times in our 30-year history. We began with a simple operating budget. After about 10 years, we developed the Mission Resource Plan, a new way to fund ministry partners. Five years ago, we merged the two into the Mission and Ministry Funding Plan. This flexible approach has served us well as we have provided robust support for both CBFNCdirected ministries and cherished partners.
Leadership CBFNC has been flexible when it comes to leadership. After 10 years, as CBFNC grew, the Coordinating Council was divided into several ministry councils. Ad hoc ministry teams, committees and task groups were formed to meet new challenges and changing needs. In 2020, we combined the ministry councils and ad hoc teams into a ministry team structure that is both formal and flexible. Staffing has also been a story in adaptation. We grew from no staff, to part-time staff, to full-time staff, to staffing that includes full-time, part-time and contractor positions. Some staff work from the Winston-Salem office while others are located in other parts of NC. Titles and job descriptions, even entire positions, have evolved and adapted to meet the changing ministry needs of our fellowship.
Ministries Finally, and perhaps most importantly, we have taken a flexible approach to our ministries. We have listened to the needs of churches, ministers, lay leaders and ministry partners, and responded accordingly. We continually ask, “How can we help?” Our answer to any request is almost always, “Yes.” To be honest, we have said yes to so many things that we are often stretched pretty thin, which can stress staff and volunteer leaders. Our challenge for the future will be how to remain committed to our principles and flexible in our practices, See “Flexibility” on page 4. Spring 2024 | 3
Flexibility, cont’d. from page 3. while exercising the discipline required to pursue a limited number of ministries that will have the greatest impact. It’s been 11 years since my knee injury. As the surgeon told me, “We can get your knee pretty close to normal, but it will never be the way God made it.” Thanks to
regular exercise over these 11 years, I am probably more flexible today than I was then. Old bodies don’t have to lose flexibility. And neither do aging organizations. May CBFNC always remain committed to the core value of flexibility.
Welcome New Staff Members
News & Notes
Lydia Tatum
CBFNC recently added two new staff members to our team who are both familiar faces among our fellowship. Lou Ann Gilliam was named as our new Ministerial Equipping director and began her role in December. In this new role, Lou Ann coordinates CBFNC’s ministries to equip and support clergy. She works closely with and reports to Andy Hale, associate executive coordinator, to direct CBFNC’s ministerial transitions process, as well as continuing education and Lou Ann Gilliam professional development opportunities for pastors and staff ministers. Lou Ann previously served as the director of Church and Community Relations at Chowan University in Murfreesboro. Lydia Tatum joined our staff in January as the new Welcome Network director, a newly created position for CBFNC. Lydia has two major areas of responsibilities: administrative leadership of Welcome House Raleigh and general leadership of CBFNC’s state-wide Welcome Network, the name for the Welcome House Community Network. She will spend approximately half of her time with Welcome House Raleigh and the other half resourcing and expanding the network in other locations. Lydia previously served as the associate pastor of missions and ministry at Trinity Baptist Church in Raleigh, where she served in many capacities since 2010.
Partnering with General Baptists
CBFNC Awarded $1 Million Lilly Grant
CBFNC is excited to collaborate with The General Baptist State Convention of North Carolina (GBSC) on its five-year, $1.193 million grant from the Lilly Endowment, Inc.’s Compelling Preaching Initiative to support new programs that will enhance preaching and homiletics. The program proposed is designed to bring together pastors in both bodies for sharing, learning and cultivating practices that lead to effective and faithful proclamation of the Gospel for today’s church and world. The GBSC and CBFNC will work collaboratively to offer a new, jointly sponsored annual preaching conference, diverse peer learning preaching cohorts, a digital platform to share preaching resources, annual student preaching celebrations and small grants to enable pastors to participate in preaching festivals. More information will be announced later this year.
CBFNC is thrilled to receive a $1 million grant from the Lilly Endowment Inc. to help establish the Helping Churches Thrive program, which aims to foster congregational vitality across the state. The project is being funded through the Lilly Endowment’s Thriving Congregations Initiative. The goal of the new Helping Churches Thrive program is to foster congregational vitality through the employment of collaborative learning communities for church leaders, both clergy and laity. The program seeks to empower participants to lead their churches in establishing deeper relationships in their communities and in discovering how their congregation’s unique gifts might be developed and utilized for mission and ministry. Two primary initiatives will be at the core of Helping Churches Thrive: Shared Learning Cohorts and Collaborative Workshops. The Shared Learning Cohorts will focus on rethinking congregational thriving, church sustainability and emerging young adult ministries. The Collaborative Workshops will facilitate learning labs across the state and retreat opportunities for congregations. CBFNC is one of 105 organizations that has received grants though a competitive round of the Thriving Congregations Initiative. More details will be shared in the coming months as CBFNC rolls out this new initiative.
4 | The Gathering
JOIN US FOR SCREENINGS IN NORTH CAROLINA April 12: Oakmont Baptist, Greenville April 13: Greystone Baptist, Raleigh April 14: First on Fifth, Winston-Salem April 14: First Baptist, Asheville
Spring 2024 | 5
EXPERIMENTAL MINISTRY:
Greenville churches collaborate to serve young adults By Marv Knox Contributing Writer & Founder of Fellowship Southwest
Left: Pastors Eric Porterfield, Asher Panton, Tyler Roach, Brad Smith and Amy Andrews collaborate to reach college students and young adults in the Greenville area.
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our Greenville congregations have teamed up with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina to serve East Carolina University students and other local young adults. Cedarbridge, Immanuel, Oakmont and The Memorial Baptist churches provide a collaborative ministry, primarily on the ECU campus, reported Andy Hale, CBFNC’s associate executive coordinator. They received CBFNC Creative Ministry Grants “to explore not only investing in campus ministry but also to explore reaching young adults in the community,” he said. CBFNC offers coaching and conversation about strategic goals. “The idea of churches collaborating to reach a shared population is kingdom-centric work,” he added. “It takes different expressions of church to reach a wide variety of people. Each of these congregations has its own unique expression of gifts and strengths.” Ministers from the churches rotate leading Bible study/ group discussions and providing snacks at student meetings. The churches also sponsor fellowship events. And each congregation will help an ECU student participate in a CBF spring break mission trip. Partnering in ministry to young adults “felt like a natural fit,” said Asher Panton, Immanuel Baptist’s senior pastor, adding the church has embraced university students all its 60 years. “From the outset, Immanuel has dedicated 6 | The Gathering
itself to ministering to students from diverse backgrounds worldwide.” The new, collaborative approach “is a church-specific ministry in that we are engaging students in our respective churches, and yet it is a community ministry in that we come together for projects and events at ECU and engage students there who don’t attend a local church,” said Amy Andrews, senior pastor at Cedarbridge Baptist. “College students are at a very exciting yet vulnerable place in life, and our church desires to be an ‘adoptive family’ for students.” Students have acknowledged that vulnerability, and the churches attempt to respond appropriately, observed Eric Porterfield, senior pastor at Oakmont Baptist. “At our first gathering with students, anxiety emerged as the clear key issue on their minds. Anxiety over school, career path, relationships, the state of the world,” he said. “Our four churches are seeking to walk with students as they deal with these challenges. We want to bless college students and walk alongside them, participating with the Holy Spirit’s work in them in this particular season of their lives.” That sentiment resonates with The Memorial Baptist, which has served students since the school opened in 1907, Pastor Brad Smith said. “We’ve intentionally offered creative space for college students” through a variety of ventures, Smith said.
a strong hope that the con“This endeavor continues gregations will strengthen to add to our long history of their sense of partnership being a place that welcomes and community. students.” Those hopes are becomThe partnership proing reality, Panton noted. vides what ECU students “Our collaborative ministry, have needed across those in partnership with CBFNC, decades, said Tyler Roach, has proven to be a profound associate pastor at The blessing. Together, we strive Memorial Baptist. “Students to create a nurturing envineed a place to connect ronment where students that will welcome them feel seen, supported and with grace. With time and embraced.” consistency, (this ministry) can offer what other Porterfield also keyed in Tyler Roach gathers with college students from East Carolina campus ministries don’t — on a hope voiced by Hale — University. authentic connection with that the project will provide congregations that care about their holistic well-being.” a ministry template that can be replicated in other comStudents also need consistency, Roach added, noting munities with significant young adult populations. “Doing Nick Green, a Cooperative Baptist and an ECU student, fills this experimental work in Greenville will help CBFNC learn that slot. He handles the group’s social media — particu- and grow as we develop new models of collegiate ministry larly providing information about events. He’s the liaison across the state,” he said. between the churches and students, as well as a student Smith predicted time will tell how well the collabspokesperson for the group on campus. oration works. “This is not a sprint, but a marathon,” he The ministers cited multiple aspirations. They stressed explained. “There remains the question of sustainability. their desire for students and young adults to grow in faith Can churches continue to serve in this type of role? This is by being involved in the shared ministry but also by finding not easy, but it is needed, and it is well worth it.” community at one of their churches. They also described
MINISTER SEARCH PROCESS
Conversations
New 2024 Dates! CBFNC’S MINISTERIAL TRANSITIONS TEAM
JOIN US! March 18 April 8 May 6
hosts regular Zoom conversations as shared learning experiences for representatives from search teams across our state. Conversations are typically held on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. (ET) with a specific topical focus. These calls are designed for 2–3 members of REGISTER a given search team to participate. NOW!
Spring 2024 | 7
For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. -Psalm 100:5
YEARS
cbfnc.org
REGISTER NOW!
March 14-15, 2024 | First Baptist Church, Greensboro
CBFNC ANNUAL GATHERING
THRIVING
What does it mean to thrive? What does thriving look like now, 30 years into the fellowship that is CBFNC?
Together we have faced many seasons, faithfully responded to the needs of our clergy and congregations and remain committed to continuing in this way. We know the Lord is good and that God’s steadfast love and faithfulness endures to all generations (Ps. 100:5). It is this journey of Thriving Together that we will celebrate in a variety of ways at the 2024 Annual Gathering.
In this light we hope you will join us
at First Baptist Church in Greensboro, March 14-15, 2024, as we worship, learn, celebrate and fellowship with one another!
LEADERSHIP FORUM (In-person only)
Thursday, March 14 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
REGISTRATION FOR LEADERSHIP FORUM
is $30 and includes lunch. Select tickets for Leadership Forum on the Annual Gathering registration form.
Leadership Forum is a professional/spiritual development seminar for clergy and laity that kicks off our Annual Gathering each year. This year, the Leadership Forum features Scott Cormode, director and Hugh De Pree Professor of Leadership Development at Fuller Theological Seminary. He founded the Academy of Religious Leadership, an organization for professors who teach leadership in seminaries, and its Journal of Religious Leadership. Author of the book “Making Spiritual Sense: Theological Interpretation as Christian Leadership,” Scott has also published numerous articles on leadership, organization and technology. He maintains case studies and other resources on leadership.fuller.edu, a website for developing Christian leaders.
DURING LEADERSHIP FORUM, SCOTT WILL LEAD ON THE TOPICS OF: • • •
LISTENING: How to Approach Leadership with Questions Not Answers CHANGE: 9 Ways to Retain Practices While Reinventing Them CONFLICT: Productive Conflict
10 | The Gathering
REGISTER NOW!
STACY NOWELL
TAYLOR LONG
LARRY HOVIS
Annual Gathering
Speakers
REV. LARRY HOVIS | CBFNC Executive Coordinator
Rev. Dr. Larry Hovis has been the executive coordinator of CBFNC since 2004. His responsibilities include bringing together the diverse parts of CBFNC (including individual Christians, churches, staff, councils, other volunteer leadership and ministry partners) into a coherent and efficient whole to accomplish our purpose of “bringing Baptists of North Carolina together for Christ-centered ministry.” Before his tenure with CBFNC, Larry served as pastor at churches in North Carolina and Virginia. While Larry’s particular strengths focus on leadership, stewardship, strategic planning, governance and organizational development, his passion is preaching and relating to Baptist congregations. He has been privileged to preach or speak in hundreds of churches and organizations in North Carolina and beyond.
Larry will be preaching in the Opening Worship Session on Thursday, March 14 from 3:45 to 5:00 p.m.
TAYLOR LONG | CBFNC Lolley Scholar and Annual Gathering Planning Team Member
Taylor Long is a current CBFNC Lolley Scholar pursuing her Master of Divinity from Campbell University Divinity School. Originally from Clayton, she is a member of Benson Baptist in Benson and a proud of alumnus of Campbell University (’22). Taylor feels called to be with others as they explore who they are becoming and how God is at work in the world.
Taylor will be leading the devotion during the Morning Gathering on Friday, March 15 from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.
REV. STACY NOWELL | CBFNC Moderator and Senior Pastor, First Baptist, Huntersville
Rev. Stacy Nowell was elected as CBFNC moderator in March 2023. She is the senior pastor of First Baptist in Huntersville, where she has served since 2015. Now in the midst of doctoral studies at Duke Divinity School, Stacy is writing her thesis on evangelism and the 21st century American church. Stacy has previously served at churches in Georgia and Virginia. She also served as a hospital chaplain. Her service in the larger Baptist community includes tenures on the national Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Coordinating Council, the CBF Nominating Committee, the Virginia CBF Coordinating Council, the Board of Trustees for the “Religious Herald,” the Board of Directors for “Baptist News Global” and the Board of Visitors for McAfee School of Theology.
Stacy will be preaching in the Closing Worship Session on Friday, March 15 from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
Get more details and register by March 5 at cbfnc.org/Annual Gathering.
SCHEDULE
THURSDAY, MARCH 14 9:00 a.m.
Leadership Forum Registration Opens
9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m.
FRIDAY, MARCH 15 8:00 a.m.
Annual Gathering Registration & Exhibit Hall Opens
Leadership Forum Annual Gathering Registration & Exhibit Hall Opens
3:45 – 5:00 p.m.
Opening Worship
6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
30 Anniversary Celebration in downtown Greensboro th
8:00 – 8:45 a.m.
Coffee Fellowship
9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Morning Gathering & Annual Business Meeting
10:15 – 11:15 a.m.
Workshop Session 1
11:15 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY
Tour of Civil Rights Center & Museum
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 12:30 – 2:00 p.m.
Workshop Session 2 Lunch
2:15 – 3:15 p.m.
Workshop Session 3
3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
Closing Worship Spring 2024 | 11
Why
?
cbfnc
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have been asked to say why I am a part of CBFNC. To be honest, it is my only choice. CBFNC has been and continues to be a place of freedom and MIKE QUEEN not constraint; a village of Retired Pastor hope and not of fear; and First Baptist a people who love and do Wilmington not condemn. It is my only choice. From its support for women in ministry to its emphasis on meeting the needs of all ministers, CBFNC resonates with me. Ministry has always been difficult, but never more so than today. As a friend of mine recently opined, “All the political division facing our nation, coupled with the mean, uncensored and anonymous vitriol of social media, has come to church.” Indeed, it has, and the toll it has exacted upon today’s clergy is soul-crushing. While I am retired and no longer serving a local congregation, I talk with both seasoned and younger clergy every week. I hear their stories. Some people demand they preach on certain subjects that support that person’s political leanings; and yet others demand they forgo certain passages of scripture because Jesus’ words come off as weak and liberal. It is into this milieu that CBFNC comes to provide retreats, seminars and one-on-one counsel to help in the healing of and support for ministers under assault. For all the good things accomplished by CBFNC, it may be this unyielding support for ministers that I appreciate most. Things are not as they once were. The leadership of CBFNC knows this; and they have taken the steps necessary to give the love, support and encouragement so much needed by our clergy. This is but one reason why CBFNC is my only choice: one for which I am both glad and grateful. 12 | The Gathering
To celebrate
the 30TH ANNIVERSARY
OF CBFNC, we asked clergy and
laity from across our fellowship to share about why they are a part of CBFNC.
C
BFNC came into my life when I was finishing up my degree in 2013 at Campbell University Divinity School. It was time for me to search for my first position in ministry and to network. The community of CBFNC is what provided that opportunity for me. For the last 10 years, I have watched CBFNC become a great KRISTEN TUCKER example of partnership with pasPastor tors and staff, church families, First Baptist ministries and local, national and Smithfield global missions. The partnerships I have experienced with CBFNC have been in the areas of workshops and training, staff searches and support, programming and recognitions, and advocacy and support of women in ministry. But for me, it has been much more personal than what I have mentioned. In 2014, while attending the CBF Global General Assembly in Atlanta, I was under severe anxiety and spiritual warfare, not even knowing my first ministerial position would be on the other side. When I went to the CBFNC Annual Gathering, God used their creativity for me to see the power of surrender. As I was hearing their freedom and excitement in what God was doing within our state, my convictions got me and I left saying “That’s the way I want to love and minister too!” I went home, abandoning what I had brought, and started a new pathway forward. Three months later I was hired at a Cooperative Baptist church and moved to Charlotte. CBFNC was a big part of my beginning in ministry and it continues to have an active role in my journey. They partnered with the church I now serve as pastor and I truly believe God used them to help shape my future. I am honored to be the first female pastor to the amazing congregants of First Baptist Church Smithfield. FBC Smithfield is a church that is powerful in the community. This congregation sees the powerful work CBFNC is doing as well and that’s why they continue to say “Yes” to CBFNC. I am so thankful for the vision and staff of CBFNC and I say, “continue creativity.” For me, it was a life changer.
I
n the early 1990s shortly after marrying, I noticed that most dinners with my husband’s family turned into discussions of what was happening in the greater Baptist community. Being a lifelong Episcopalian, I would just sit back and listen, not fully understanding. The church that my husband, Don, and I found to be the best fit for us was the church he had grown up in, Zebulon Baptist Church. As I remembered some of those early dinner conversations, I began to recognize the importance of being a cooperative Baptist. Don’s parents were and are still active members and leaders in the ZBC congregation. Over the course of many years, I developed a close relationship with my father-inlaw, Donald Horton, Sr. and a friendship with our former senior pastor, Jack Glasgow, as I became more involved with the congregation and in different areas of church leadership. Both Donald and Jack have been instrumental in CBFNC from its inception. These two men are model servant-leaders for the Baptist community, who have selflessly given themselves, their talents and wisdom to serve the churches and individuals of CBFNC. I have had the opportunity to understand the importance of CBFNC to Baptist life in the state and world through my connections and conversations with Donald and Jack. I have been inspired as I watch their commitment to sharing Christ’s love through their work with CBFNC as they have worked with others to create and maintain an organization that works to uplift and support others.
I appreciate the principles, values, commitments and ministry priorities of CBFNC. Historic Baptist principles of priesthood of all believers, authority of scripture, the autonomy of the local church and freedom of religion are the principles that drew me to the Baptist denomination as an adult. The CBFNC values of commuMARION HORTON nity, individual spiritual growth, Laity & CBFNC Moderator-Elect partnering with others to do misZebulon Baptist sional work — in addition, to the Zebulon innate ability and responsibility to be flexible while doing that work — is what engaged me in the CBFNC community. Many opportunities through missions, retreats, and annual gatherings bring me together with individuals and churches from across the state to do the work of Christ’s kingdom that inspires and motivates me. Members of my church asked me to support and attend local, regional and statewide events. As I attended, I found myself wanting to be more connected to this organization that I had grown to appreciate. As a female lay person who has felt called to be engaged with CBFNC, I am grateful to this community for giving me the opportunity to work alongside members of our fellowship to do Christ-centered ministry in our state.
C
BF of North Carolina was a life boat for those dedicated believers for whom there was no longer a place in the Southern Baptist Convention in the early 1990s. The courageous saints who boldly established the fellowship in North Carolina provided hope, promise and a safe haven for thousands of followers of Jesus to worship, share, expand, learn and embrace while spreading the love of Christ to all STEVE LITTLE our neighbors throughout the world. Laity & Former It was this fellowship, along with CBFNC Moderator the greater Cooperative Baptist famFirst Baptist, Marion ily, that enabled my daughter to be accepted and ordained as a minister of the Gospel. CBF and CBFNC embraced her and believed her when she realized God was calling her to the ministry. This fellowship does not force individuals to conform to a humanly-established mold, but rather celebrates the many ways people live and share as God leads them. I am honored and proud of my many friendships and opportunities for service that I have developed through CBFNC. I thank God for the people who keep the light on for people of God who continue to seek springboards and avenues to express their love and service to others.
Want to share your own testimonial about why you are a part of CBFNC? Send us an email at info@cbfnc.com. Spring 2024 | 13
Church Resource Corner
R
ecent events have caused many CBF churches in our fellowship to take a deeper look at their denominational affiliations. We have heard from churches across the state that are wrestling with theological issues as well as practical issues around tax-exempt status, incorporation, budgeting and staff benefits when considering their Baptist affiliations. After listening to the needs of churches, CBFNC has created a suite of resources to help churches through affiliation discernment. These resources are available on a new Church Affiliation page on our website. The page also contains information about what it means to affiliate with CBFNC, how to become a partner church, where your dollars go and our budget. Below is sample of one new resource: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Churches Considering Disaffiliation with Denominational Partners.
FAQ #1: If our church disaffiliates, will we lose our tax-exempt status? No. Your church is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) entity because it is a church, not because of its affiliation with another organization.
FAQ #2: Will our church staff lose benefits such as retirement and insurance? If your church staff receives benefits through Guidestone, they might lose access to the offerings of that organization. However, there are other options, including the Church Benefits Board of CBF. You can find more information on their website, churchbenefits.org or contact Jenny Clore, director of benefits at jclore@cbf.net.
FAQ #3: How can we continue to support the historic North Carolina Baptist agencies and institutions if we don’t give to the Baptist State Convention? Since 2004, CBFNC has provided financial support for historic NC Baptist agencies and institutions. In fact, CBFNC supports a greater number of these entities than any other Baptist organization. Find a link to the list of partners 14 | The Gathering
Denominational Affiliations
Cultivated by CBFNC Staff
CBFNC supports on the Church Affiliation page on our website, cbfnc.org.
FAQ #4: What about the missionaries? How can our church support missions around the world if we are no longer affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention? Since its inception, CBF has sent missionaries, called field personnel, around the world to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. These missionaries might even more closely reflect the values of your congregation than those supported through other organizations. Your gifts to CBF’s Offering for Global Missions are the primary channel of support for these women and men. Find more information about the Offering for Global Missions on CBF’s website, cbf.net.
FAQ #5: What is CBFNC’s position on women in ministry? Affirmation and support for women in ministry has been a primary emphasis of our fellowship since the founding of CBF (1991) and CBFNC (1994). Many partner congregations ordain women to the Gospel ministry, have women pastors on staff or have women deacons. Some have called women as senior pastors. Women serve in leadership of CBFNC at every level, including our highest elected position: moderator. Though not all churches have women ministers or deacons, our fellowship has a strong shared consensus on this issue. Our affirmation of women in ministry is derived from our understanding of Baptist principles, particularly the autonomy of the local church, as stated on the CBFNC website: We affirm that Baptist churches are free, under the Lordship of Christ and guidance of the Holy Spirit, to determine their membership and leadership, to order their worship and work, to ordain whomever they perceive as gifted for ministry and to participate, as they deem appropriate, in the larger Body of Christ. We welcome your continued feedback about other resources that would be helpful to you and your church. Please email us at info@cbfnc.org or call our office at 336.759.3456.
CBFNC HONORARY & MEMORIAL GIFTS
November – December 2023 Renee and Jim Bridges in honor of Marc & Kim Wyatt Louise and Ron Glover in honor of Bobby Glover Roper Halverson in honor of Leigh Halverson Debra and Phil Kaylor in honor of George and Kathryn Pace Ann Wall in honor of St. John’s Baptist Church, Raleigh Martha and Alfred Senter in honor of Dr. & Mrs. Tom Bland Henry Skinner in honor of Chris Thomas Sharon and Kevin Starr in honor of the pastoral staff at First Baptist, Greensboro Deborah Taylor in honor of Leslie Sessums Linda and Christopher White in honor of Pat & Tommy Hardin, Crystal & Bill Leathers and Jill Awuni Ed Beddingfield in memory of Sarah Beddingfield Jamie and Brad Smith in memory of Sarah Beddingfield Deborah and Donald Cherry in memory of Selma & Mather Hurdle Lou and Donald Kline in memory of Gene Puckett Mary Knight in memory of Calvin Knight Cal Robertson in memory of Bob Adams Sandra Schneider in memory of Hilda Dolores Shepherd in memory of Bob Shepherd Priscilla and John Singletary in memory of Paul Brimfield Kelly and Philip Belcher in memory of Jack Causey Martha and Irving Boyles in memory of Jack Causey Suzanne and Reed Brown in memory of Jack Causey Hazel Lovelace Hubbard, Harry Lovelace and Mary Loyd Lowrey in memory of Jack & Mary Lib Causey Nancy and Franklin Ivey in memory of Jack Causey BJ and Richard King in memory of Jack and Mary Lib Causey Elizabeth Lewis in memory of Jack Causey Wilma and James McNiel in memory of Jack Causey Linda Merchant in memory of Jack Causey Bobbie and Michael Queen in memory of Jack and Mary Lib Causey
MINISTERS ON THE MOVE Our encouragement and support go to the following ministers who have recently moved: Jonathan Bryson to First Baptist, Gastonia as Associate Pastor Dwayne Burks to First Baptist, Gastonia as Pastor Matt Daley to Brunswick Islands Baptist, Supply as Youth Minister Bill Duke to Crabtree Valley Baptist, Raleigh as Pastor Taylor Edwards to First Baptist, Wilson as Associate Pastor for Families and Faith Formation Jeff Mathis to Wake Forest Baptist, Wake Forest as Senior Pastor Koby Strawser to Edenton Baptist, Edenton as Pastor When you make a move or know someone who has changed places of ministry, please email transitions@cbfnc.org. For assistance with transitions, visit cbfnc.org/transitions or call us at 336.759.3456.
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Bringing Baptists of North Carolina Together for Christ-Centered Ministry
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A Look Ahead . . .
Return Service Requested
MARCH
CHARLESTON SPRING BREAK MISSION TRIP — VIAJE MISIONERO DE VACACIONES DE PRIMAVERA A CHARLESTON North Charleston
March 1–9, 8–15 CBFNC ANNUAL GATHERING — REUNIÓN ANUAL DE CBFNC First Baptist, Greensboro
March 14–15
APRIL
MIDWIVES OF A MOVEMENT SCREENINGS — PARTERAS DE UN MOVIMIENTO DE PROYECCIONES April 12: Oakmont Baptist, Greenville April 13: Greystone Baptist, Raleigh April 14: First on Fifth, Winston-Salem April 14: First Baptist, Asheville HELPING PASTORS THRIVE – REST & RENEW RETREAT — AYUDANDO A LOS PASTORES A PROSPERAR, DESCANSAR Y RENOVARSE St. Francis Prayer Center, Stoneville
RED LATINA CBFNC LIDERAZGO CON COACHING — LATINA NETWORK CBFNC LEADERSHIP WITH COACHING
April 14-16
Winston-Salem
CBF GENERAL ASSEMBLY — CBF ASAMBLEA EN GENERAL
March 16
JUNE
Koury Convention Center, Greensboro
Learn all about it on pages 8–11!
Join Us!
June 19–21