The Gathering CBFNC Newsletter - July–August 2016

July/August 2016 • Vol. 21 Issue 4

vocational clarification

One of the most important developmental tasks in late adolescence and young adulthood is vocational clarification. The CBF community takes very seriously the responsibility to help adolescents find their vocation – in their Christian lives, through a divine call to service, with a particular occupation, and in the calling of God. Here are some of the ways we strive to help young Baptists discern and follow God’s call:

Children’s Mission Days On two to four Saturdays each November, CBFNC sponsors day-long events across the state. Churches bring elementary school children together to help them grow in faith and learn about and experience Christian missions.

Youth Retreats In various settings and seasons each year, CBFNC sponsors weekend retreats for middle- and highschool students that focus on faith formation. These weekends filled with fellowship, worship, and study help students reflect on God’s call in their lives. They encounter the call to follow Christ and the challenge to orient their lives around God’s purpose for them.

Children’s and Youth Choral Festivals Choirs from churches around the state come together to learn to worship God and lead others in worship. Though not all Christians sing, worship is a central part of every Christian’s calling.

Collegiate Ministries CBFNC is committed to ministries with college students, a group intentionally exploring their vocation – how they will invest their lives professionally, but also, with our nudging, their call to follow Christ. Here are several components of CBFNC’s collegiate ministry portfolio:

n Consulting with churches that minister with college students.

n Supporting and partnering with campus ministries on historic Baptist university campuses.

n Supporting and coordinating campus ministry groups on state university campuses.

n Annual retreat for college students.

Internships The CBF community also helps young adults with vocational clarification through several programs:

n Student.Go – Summer or semester-long opportunities for students to engage in mission work, often alongside career missions field personnel.

by Larry Hovis, CBFNC Executive Coordinator

vocation

1. a particular occupation, business, or profession; calling

2. a strong impulse or inclination to follow a particular activity or career.

3. a divine call to God’s service or the Christian life.

4. a function or station in life to which one is called by God.

source: Dictionary.com

(along with CBF Global) provides significant financial and relational support. This support comes while they are in school and as they approach graduation and seek employment in congregations, mission settings, chaplaincy, non-profits, or the general marketplace.

“Gap Year” opportunities I would like to see the CBF community expand opportunities for young adults to explore their vocation by providing “gap year” experiences, either after high school or after college, in a variety of settings such as global mission sites; inner city neighborhoods; under-resourced rural communities, etc. In some cases, we can refer our young people to existing programs. In others, we may need to create opportunities where we have the capacity to do so.

The CBF community has done an amazing job during our first twenty-five years forming young adults who have followed God’s call to vocational ministry. We are known (maybe even envied) among many other denominations, as “that group with all the young clergy.” What a cause for celebration!

n Student.Church – Summer opportunities for students to serve in congregations to learn how church works and to prepare them for church staff either as employees or lay leaders.

But now we need to devote as much attention to equipping young laity who aren’t vocational ministers, but who still follow Jesus and see their vocation as a call from God, even though they may work in business, education, healthcare, government, technology, or the non-profit sector. As a parent, I’ve witnessed this reality firsthand. Our daughter, Lauren, heard God’s call on a Passport-sponsored mission trip to Kenya, and then through other CBF-related programs (see related article on page 11). She is living out her Christian and professional vocation through a secular non-governmental organization, seeking to make a difference in God’s world.

n Passport – Serving as staff persons in summer mission camps for children and teenagers.

Divinity School For those young adults whose sense of God’s call leads them to pursue theological education, CBFNC

My prayer is that we can help everyone in our CBF community, especially young people, to discern and follow God’s call for their lives in ways that transform this world into the kingdom of God It’s a huge task that will require the participation of everyone, not just those who receive a paycheck from the church.

partner churches

Churches making contributions October 2014 - March 2016

Giving Trends: 2012 through 2016

Designated

Undesignated

$4,500,000 4,000,000 3,500,000 3,000,000 2,500,000 2,000,000 1,500,000 1,000,000 500,000 0

In the 2015-2016 budget year, undesignated gifts totaled $1.35 million, a 3.5% increase over the previous year. Designated gifts exceeded $2.5 million, resulting in total gifts of $3.85 million.

CBFNC continues to be gratified by the trust congregations and individuals are placing in us. As you form your church budget for next year, we prayerfully and humbly ask that you consider increasing your gifts to CBFNC. We pledge to be good stewards of God’s resources and your trust.

We are taking great care to be good stewards of these resources through the ministries we coordinate and the cultivation of positive relationships with our cherished ministry partners. To view CBFNC’s 2016-2017 budget, visit www.cbfnc.org/budget.

Churches contributing to CBFNC are listed in bold type. Churches that contribute to CBF Global only are listed in regular type. Designated in blue are churches that participate in the CBFNC Mission Resource Plan, providing financial support for other Baptist ministries through CBFNC. For additional information about the Mission Resource Plan or for more information on partnering with CBFNC, visit www.cbfnc.org. This list does not include churches who partner with CBFNC or CBF Global in other, non-financial ways.

Earlys .............................. Ahoskie

First ................................. Ahoskie

First ................................. Albemarle

Mount Zion ..................... Alexis

Angier .............................. Angier

Baptist Fellowship .......... Angier

Neill’s Creek Angier

Olive Chapel ................. Apex

Woodhaven ..................... Apex

First ............................... Arden

First ................................. Asheboro

Oakwood Park ................ Asheboro

West Asheboro Asheboro

Calvary Asheville

First ................................. Asheville

Grace Asheville

Morningside .................... Asheville

Connaritsa ...................... Aulander

First ............................... Belhaven

Benson ........................... Benson

First Biscoe

First ................................. Black Mountain

First ................................. Bladenboro

Lennons Cross Roads .... Bladenboro

First ................................. Blowing Rock

Boiling Springs Boiling Springs

First ................................. Boone

Boonville.......................... Boonville

Mount Moriah Calvert .. Brevard

First ................................. Bryson City

First ................................. Buies Creek

Memorial ......................... Buies Creek

Bullock ............................ Bullock

First ................................. Burlington

First ............................... Burnsville

First ............................... Butner

Calypso ............................ Calypso

Sawyer’s Creek ............... Camden

Hominy ............................ Candler

First ................................. Canton

First ................................. Carolina Beach

Greenwood Forest .......... Cary

Westwood ........................ Cary

Chadbourn ...................... Chadbourn

Piney Forest ..................... Chadbourn

HillSong ........................... Chapel Hill

Iglesia Bautista Amor de Dias .......................................... Chapel Hill

Lystra .............................. Chapel Hill

Mount Carmel ................ Chapel Hill

University ...................... Chapel Hill

Grace Crossing ............... Charlotte

Iglesia Communidad Evangelica

Internacional La Red ..... Charlotte

Park Road Charlotte

Peace Covenant .............. Charlotte

Pritchard Memorial .......... Charlotte

Providence....................... Charlotte

St. John’s ......................... Charlotte

Sardis ............................... Charlotte

Together in Christ Intl. Ministries ........................................ Charlotte

First ............................... Clarkton

First ............................... Clayton

White Oak Clayton

Mosaic ............................. Clayton

Clemmons First Clemmons

First ............................... Clinton

Grove Park...................... Clinton

McGill.............................. Concord

First ................................. Cramerton

Open Arms ...................... Creedmoor

Cullowhee........................ Cullowhee

The Summit .................... Cullowhee

First ................................. Denton

First ................................. Dobson

First ................................. Drexel

First ................................. Dunn

Westfield .......................... Dunn

Calvary ............................ Durham

Durham Memorial ......... Durham

Iglesia Bautista Valle De Esperanza

.......................................... Durham

Hope Valley Durham

Lowes Grove ................... Durham

Mount Hermon ............... Durham

Temple ............................. Durham

Tobacco Trail Church .... Durham

Watts Street .................... Durham

Yates ................................ Durham

First Eden

Edenton ........................... Edenton

Blackwell Memorial Elizabeth City

First ................................. Elizabeth City

Elizabethtown Elizabethtown

First ................................. Elkin

First ................................. Elon

Emerald Isle Emerald Isle

Enfield ............................. Enfield

Enka ................................ Enka

Fair Bluff......................... Fair Bluff

First ................................. Fairmont

The Chapel Door ............ Fairview

First ................................. Farmville

Cedar Falls Fayetteville

First ................................. Fayetteville

Lafayette ......................... Fayetteville

Mount Pisgah .................. Fayetteville

Snyder Memorial............ Fayetteville

Unity Christian Center .. Fayetteville

First ................................. Forest City

Mount Vernon................. Forest City

First Four Oaks

Pauline ........................... Four Oaks

Burningtown ................... Franklin

Centerpoint ..................... Franklin

Franklinton ..................... Franklinton

Fremont Missionary .... Fremont

Aversboro Road .............. Garner

Covenant ......................... Gastonia

First ................................. Gastonia

Loray ............................... Gastonia

New Hope ........................ Gastonia

Reynoldson...................... Gates

First ................................. Goldsboro

Rosewood First ............... Goldsboro

First ................................ Graham

College Park ................... Greensboro

First ................................. Greensboro

Guilford ........................... Greensboro

Lindley Park ................... Greensboro

Southeast Greensboro

Immanuel ...................... Greenville

The Memorial ................. Greenville

Oakmont ......................... Greenville

Pleasant Hill Grover

Hallsboro ......................... Hallsboro

First Hamlet

Flat Rock Hamptonville

First ................................. Henderson

Providence....................... Hendersonville

First ................................. Hickory

Mountain Grove ............ Hickory

Viewmont ........................ Hickory

Hiddenite ......................... Hiddenite

Emerywood High Point

First ................................. High Point

Iglesia Bautista Esperanza Viva

.......................................... High Point

Parkwood ........................ High Point

Cane Creek ....................... Hillsborough

First ................................. Hillsborough

Hobbsville ....................... Hobbsville

First ................................. Huntersville

First ................................. Jonesville

First ................................. Kannapolis

New Life Chinese............ Kannapolis

Quaker Gap .................... King

Spilman Memorial ......... Kinston

Oak Ridge ....................... Kittrell

Knightdale Knightdale

First ............................... Laurinburg

Goshen ............................. Leland

North Brunswick Fellowship .......................................... Leland

College Avenue ................ Lenoir

First ................................. Lenoir

Churchland Lexington

First ................................. Lexington

Jersey ............................... Lexington

First .............................. Liberty

Mount Pleasant ............. Liberty

First .............................. Lincolnton

Bear Swamp .................... Littleton

Littleton ........................... Littleton

Mission ............................ Locust

Hickory Rock ................ Louisburg

Louisburg ........................ Louisburg

Rozier Lumberton

First ................................. Lumberton

First ................................. Madison

Antioch ............................ Mamers

First ................................. Marion

Iglesia Bautista Ebenezer ........................................ Marion

Calvary .......................... Mars Hill

Mars Hill ......................... Mars Hill

First ................................. Marshville

New Bessemer ................. McLeansville

First ................................. Mebane

Mount Adar .................... Mebane

Eatons .............................. Mocksville

First ................................. Mocksville

First Monroe

First Mooresville

First ............................... Morehead City

First ................................. Morganton

Calvary ............................ Mount Airy

First ................................. Mount Airy

Mission Uno .................... Mount Airy

Piney Grove Mount Airy

First ................................. Mount Gilead

First ............................... Mount Holly

Florence ......................... Forest City

First ................................. Kernersville

Main Street ..................... Kernersville

Union Cross .................... Kernersville

First ............................... Mount Olive

Murfreesboro .................. Murfreesboro

Nashville ........................ Nashville

Rock Creek .................... Nashville

First ................................. New Bern

First Chin ....................... New Bern

Kendalls .......................... New London

Trinity ............................ Newton

First ................................. N. Wilkesboro

First Oriental

Enon ................................ Oxford

Hester .............................. Oxford

Oxford Oxford

Roberts Chapel ............... Pendleton

Pfafftown Pfafftown

Iglesia Bautista Misionera Roca Fuerte

.......................................... Pittsboro

Mount Gilead .................. Pittsboro

Athens Drive ................... Raleigh

Christ Raleigh

Crabtree Valley ............. Raleigh

First ................................. Raleigh

Forest Hills ...................... Raleigh

The Fountain ................. Raleigh

Greystone ........................ Raleigh

Hayes Barton .................. Raleigh

Iglesia Bautista La Roca

.......................................... Raleigh

Iglesia Nueva Generacion

.......................................... Raleigh

Longview ......................... Raleigh

Macedonia ....................... Raleigh

Millbrook ........................ Raleigh

New Hope ........................ Raleigh

Ridge Road ..................... Raleigh

St. John’s ........................ Raleigh

Swift Creek .................... Raleigh

Tabernacle....................... Raleigh

Temple ............................. Raleigh

Triangle ........................... Raleigh

Trinity ............................ Raleigh

First ................................. Red Springs

Calvary ............................ Reidsville

First ............................... Reidsville

Richfield .......................... Richfield

First Richlands

Rosemary ........................ Roanoke Rapids

Bethel ............................... Robbinsville

First .................................. Rockingham

Dortches .......................... Rocky Mount

Lakeside .......................... Rocky Mount

Evergreen ........................ Rose Hill

Rolesville ......................... Rolesville

Rose Hill .......................... Rose Hill

First ................................. Roseboro

First ................................. Rowland

Lamberth Memorial ...... Roxboro

Roxboro ........................... Roxboro

First ................................. Rutherfordton

First .................................. Salisbury

Ephesus Sanford

First Sanford

Flat Springs..................... Sanford

Iglesia Bautista Nueva Comienzo

........................................ Sanford

Jonesboro Heights .......... Sanford

Primera Iglesia Bautista

........................................ Sanford

Beaver Dam Shelby

Double Shoals ................. Shelby

Dover Shelby

First ............................... Shelby

Poplar Springs .............. Shelby

Ross Grove ....................... Shelby

Zion.................................. Shelby

Centro Familiar Cristiano

........................................ Siler City

Rocky River .................... Siler City

Nobles Chapel ................. Sims

First ............................... Smithfield

Sharon ............................. Smithfield

First ................................. Southern Pines

Spencer ............................ Spindale

Ephesus ........................... Spring Hope

First ................................. Spring Hope

Central .............................. Spruce Pine

First Spruce Pine

First ............................... Stanfield

First ............................... Stantonsburg

First ................................. Statesville

First ................................. Stoneville

Brunswick Islands .......... Supply

East Sylva......................... Sylva

First ................................. Sylva

Olyphic Tabor City

Tabor City .................... Tabor City

First ................................. Tarboro

Antioch .......................... Taylorsville

First ............................... Tryon

Round Hill ........................ Union Mills

Cornerstone .................... Valdese

First ............................... Valdese

First Wadesboro

Falls ............................... Wake Forest

Heritage ........................... Wake Forest

Wake Forest .................... Wake Forest

Woodland ........................ Wake Forest

First ............................... Wallace

Warrenton ....................... Warrenton

First ................................. Washington

First ............................... Waynesville

First ............................... Weaverville

Crossroads Fellowship Weldon

Baptist Tabernacle ......... Wendell

Wendell............................ Wendell

First ............................... West Jefferson

Fishing Creek.................. Whitakers

First Whiteville

Mount Zion ..................... Whiteville

Wilkesboro ...................... Wilkesboro

First ................................. Wilmington

Masonboro ...................... Wilmington

Temple ............................. Wilmington

Winter Park .................... Wilmington

First ................................. Wilson

Wingate ........................... Wingate

Ardmore .......................... Winston-Salem

College Park ................... Winston-Salem

Fellowship ....................... Winston-Salem

First ................................. Winston-Salem

Iglesia Cristiana Sin Fronteras .......................................... Winston-Salem

Knollwood ....................... Winston-Salem

Mineral Springs Winston-Salem

Northwest ........................ Winston-Salem

Peace Haven .................... Winston-Salem

United .............................. Winston-Salem

Wake Forest .................. Winston-Salem

West Side ...................... Winston-Salem

Winterville ..................... Winterville

Wise ................................. Wise

Maplewood...................... Yadkinville

Bethlehem ....................... Youngsville

Grace Haven Youngsville

Youngsville ...................... Youngsville

Zebulon ........................... Zebulon

today and tomorrow

Carol Ann Hoard has served as Youth Minister at First, Shelby, since 1998 and has a passion for investing in youth and young adults. One of the ways she has consistently and faithfully done that is through mentoring interns. We posed some questions to her to encourage other CBF ministers to take up the mantle of mentoring young adults as the church of today and tomorrow.

by Wanda Kidd, CBFNC Collegiate Engagement Coordinator

Why do you think it is important to mentor young adults? It is important for me to help young adults have a positive experience working in a church setting so they can see the ins and outs of how church life works. I try to be transparent with the young adults I mentor by sharing not only positive ministry experiences I have had over the years but also sharing hard and negative experiences. I value the impact of a church investing and giving back to young adults by offering a place to serve, grow, and learn while being encouraged through the process.

In the 15 years you have had interns, what results have you seen of your investment? I have had some of the best interns go on to do wonderful things in ministry. Three of my interns from the past are currently working in CBF churches in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Mississippi. Another intern is serving as a campus pastor in South Carolina, while another is preparing to serve in the mission field. Many of the young adults I have mentored are attending or have graduated from Divinity School. Some interns have discerned their call to ministry after serving with youth, while others have determined that youth ministry is not where God is calling them.

What are some of the challenges of working with young adults in the role of mentor? The challenges have changed over the years and are different for everyone I have mentored. I feel like I have a stronger relationship with the interns who spent multiple summers working with me or grew up at First, Shelby. Another challenge of mentoring young adults is making sure expectations are clearly understood. Ministers should be constantly looking for students who show interest or in whom you sense a calling. Mentoring rarely just happens.

What are some of the things that young adults have told you about their time interning with your program? Amy Brown said, “The summers I spent interning at First, Shelby, and working with Carol Ann gave me real-life experience. I felt equipped when I started working at a church. I was always thankful that I knew I could call Carol Ann and she would still be there for me. We have developed a great friendship over the years.”

Carol Ann, right, with Amy Brown

bless support encourage

CBF young adults across our state are using their gifts, education, and calling for non-traditional ministry. They understand what it means to be missional even if they do not know the word, and they have an innate understanding of asset mapping. They missionally want to reach out beyond the walls of the church but still stay tethered to the local church. They also embrace their assets and share them with their peers and community, rather than looking at a list of overwhelming problems. They are going to use those gifts somewhere. Fortunately, there are CBF congregations who see their calling and bless their efforts.

One of these stories is unfolding at First, Spring Hope. Their pastor, Kevin Moore, told me about an NC State University student who is making an impact on their church and the community. He has been struck by her desire to be involved both in her home church and her community while she attended college. He suggested that I talk to her about her calling and what motivates her to invest in the church and her small town.

This is what Tori Parker, a recent Agriculture Education graduate, shared with me.

Tell me about your idea to reach out to the community. The church project I initiated is sort of a workshop series. Although we have had only one workshop so far, we plan to have them quarterly throughout the year. These workshops are nonreligious and are on topics of interest to the general public. The goal was to simply bring people into our building without mentioning God, without praying, or without pushing the Christian faith on them. I thought if people could just get into our building and mingle with our people, they would eventually be curious about our worship and ministry. I call it a “silent ministry.”

by Wanda Kidd, CBFNC Collegiate Engagement Coordinator

felt as though I had a family in Christ that others in other “mega” churches did not always experience.

How did you help the church share your vision of reaching out to the community in this way? When I presented the idea to the church members, I stressed to them the importance of attending the workshops whether they were interested in the topic or not, and, while they were there, being the most friendly and hospitable people anyone had ever met, without talking about church stuff unless asked!

How did the plan work? The first workshop was about container gardening. I had a local master gardener come and present on how to create beautiful containers that are easy and fun for the spring. We had door prizes and refreshments. Although many in attendance were members, we had a few people from neighboring churches and from the community. One guest has even recently attended our morning worship service (several times!).

I like to think this project is a good reflection of my faith and the faith of our church as a whole. Although we aren’t out shouting our faith and being bold about inviting people into our church, I feel as though this is the right move for us. We have tried so many different things in the past and still have a dwindling congregation. They say, “if you always do what you’ve always done, then you’ll always get what you’ve always gotten.” So, we are doing something different!

In light of her goal for the project, I asked her about the value of church. It is very important to me to be a part of a church family, if for no other reason than to have a stable environment where I know people support me and my religious and nonreligious endeavors. Although my church family has always been small and for the most part elderly, I have always

The young adults you taught about Jesus, and nurtured to respond to His call, are waiting to be invited to the ministry table. They want to do more than sit in a pew. They want to be the hands and feet of Christ. Bless them, support them and engage their gifts and enthusiasm.

faithful intentionality

by Rick Jordan, CBFNC Church Resources Coordinator

Where are you going today? To school? To work? To the golf course? Normally, if we are healthy and have the means, we are on the go.

Jesus gave his followers a commission to be his representatives “as you go.” In other words, in your normal, daily life. You are already “going.” Are you being intentional in your role as an ambassador for Christ as you go?

There are some who are called by God to devote their full-time energies in professional ministry. For most Christians, however, that is not the call.

You are invited to join other “normal people” who have stories of success and stories of struggle in this call on their lives. These are lay persons who see their jobs as their ministry, use their passion/ hobby/volunteer service as an avenue of Christ-centered service, or use their power/influence for Christinspired good in their local community.

Celebrate the ways God is using normal Christians to demonstrate the presence of Christ, to offer service for Christ, and to have positive impact in their home towns.

Connect with other lay persons who are seeking to infuse faith in their daily walk.

Be challenged and inspired to be a living witness “as you go.”

“As You Go” events will be held on Sunday afternoons, 4-6pm. Each event will include testimonies, small group clusters, and large group sharing followed by refreshments and fellowship. CBFNC staff members Eddie Hammett and Rick Jordan will lead teaching and discussions.

Dates and Locations

September 18 – Mount Carmel, Chapel Hill

October 9 – First, Henderson

November 13 – First Baptist, Mocksville

October 16 – Hominy, Candler (Western Network Regional Meeting)

For more information including registration details, go to www.cbfnc.org/events

resource gap

Kid’s Club After-School Ministry serves as a safe and loving environment for children to receive care and further their daily educational opportunities.

Developed to fill a gap in after-school childcare options in Sylva, First Baptist Church Kids’ Club is offered at an affordable rate and offers children love, support, biblical education, tutoring, and mentoring from college students at nearby Western Carolina University in Cullowhee.

The ministry is an opportunity for children to complete homework, interact with other children, learn life skills, and participate in field trips. The ministry to children and families is a representation of what it means to be the Body of Christ and share God’s love.

Children grow in their relationship with God as they also participate in Wednesday night programming, attend worship, and develop relationships with congregants. The ministry allows children and church to connect with college students and young adults who need employment as they serve among us as mentors.

by Kelly Brown, Associate Pastoral Intern & After-School Ministry Director, First, Sylva

Our After-School Ministry began three years ago to fulfill a community need. We wanted to provide quality care to children in our community who needed a safe place to go after school. We wanted to offer them the chance to be mentored by college students, learn about God, have fun, and be safe.

We began the ministry by serving ten middle-school children two days a week for free, but then God called us to do more with this program. We then hosted a half-day summer camp three days a week for all ages. Halfway through the summer, we expanded our after-school offering to match the grades that our local elementary schools serve (K-8). We had approximately 30 kids each day learning about God, having fun, and being mentored by college students. Again, we sensed God calling us to do more, so we expanded our summer camp to five days a week, which welcomed more than 30 children each day of the summer.

Now in our third year, our AfterSchool Ministry is at its strongest! We serve almost 50 children each day. We use our church bus to pick up students from two local schools. We provide opportunities for students to learn about other cultures, hear Bible stories, and be led by “cool” college students from the local university. Recently, our commitment to provide quality out-ofschool space for children was recognized by the North Carolina Center for After School Programs, when we were named the 2016 Faith-Based Program of the Year. We have found a way to connect with families in our community and share God’s love. This coming summer, we are planning to provide a full-day camp experience.

Since creating this ministry, many families and college students who have worked in the program have joined our church. Church members volunteer and lead activities. Several children have accepted Christ. Several children have helped to restore their parents’ faith. This ministry has become an integral part of who we are at First, Sylva.

Additionally, we welcome mission groups to come and be part of what we are doing throughout the year. We also welcome the opportunity to talk with other churches who are considering providing an after-school ministry or summer camp. We have and will continue to listen for what God is calling us to do next in our community.

CBFNC Financial Report:

April 2016 Contributions

Undesignated - $106,289 Designated - $232,261

May 2016 Contributions

Undesignated - $88,652 Designated - $148,841

April 2016 - March 2017

Monthly Undesignated Goal: $114,432

Choose a particular ministry, our Mission & Ministry Offering, or undesignated.

Dane Martin to Ardmore Baptist Church of Winston-Salem as Minister to Students

Ben Wines to Sharon Baptist Church of Smithfield as Pastor

Hal Hiatt to First Baptist Church of Carolina Beach as Pastor

Mack Dennis to First Baptist Church of Asheville as Pastor

Marcus McGill to Ross Grove Baptist Church of Shelby as Pastor

Andrew Corley to Pleasant Hill Baptist Church of Grover as Pastor

Rob James to First Baptist Church of Fayetteville as Pastor

When you make a move or know of someone who has changed places of ministry, let us know by e-mailing us at cbfnc@cbfnc.org

For assistance to search committees and ministers seeking vocational discernment, visit our reference and referral page on our website at www.cbfnc.org or call (336) 759-3456 or (888) 822-1944.

CBFNC Honorary and Memorial Gifts

Mr. and Mrs. Ray Wyche, Whiteville; In memory of James Dunn

Take a look at CBFNC’s blog, Thoughts from across our state ... cbfnc.wordpress.com.

Would you like to contribute? E-mail smitchell@cbfnc.org.

CBFNC ministry coordinators are available to visit your church to speak, preach, teach, consult, lead and minister in ways appropriate to your context. Contact the CBFNC office for more information. Donate to CBFNC today! www.cbfnc.org/give

Coordinator Visits April 2016 - May 2016

Boiling Springs, Boiling Springs

Calvary, Asheville

First, Graham

First, Hickory

First, New Bern

First, Richlands

First Chin, New Bern

Forest Hills, Raleigh

Greenwood Forest, Raleigh

Hickory Rock, Louisburg

HillSong, Chapel Hill

Hope Valley, Durham

Mountain Grove, Hickory

North Raleigh Community, Raleigh

Oakmont, Greenville

I was raised in a CBF home that valued being the presence of Christ by serving those in need. I had seen isolated instances of poverty from volunteering in soup kitchens and taking part in short-term mission trips. However, I had not anticipated the magnitude of poverty that I would witness when I participated in a Passport camp trip to Kenya in 2007. When I joined the program, I was more excited about traveling with other kids in my youth group than experiencing the Christ-centered team-building and cultural awareness components of the program. Little did I know that when I returned from Kenya, this experience would begin molding my college and professional aspirations in international affairs.

One particular moment on the trip still motivates me to work diligently on my professional goals. During one of our trip excursions in the Great Rift Valley, we led Bible-school-type activities at a nursery school. At the end of the day, we passed out bags of school supplies to enable the children in that town to attend primary school. Children with supplies not only have the opportunity to receive an education, but they also have the opportunity for a brighter future. When word spread around the village about our gifts, other children ran out of their homes in hope of receiving the supplies as well. After all of the bags had been distributed, most of the children who did not receive anything walked back to their homes except for one little boy. He stood on the other side of the fence, staring at me with a face filled with disappointment and sadness. At that moment, I knew I needed to do something about the causes of global inequality and poverty.

and work at their summer camp for children who may not have any other place to go during their summer break. Through this experience and my subsequent CBF mission trips to Haiti, Belize, Malawi, and Kenya, I learned that addressing issues related to poverty requires thoughtful courses of action that focus on empowering communities rather than providing handouts. In fact, when I interned with CBF field personnel in Kenya two years later, I noticed that the development projects that focused on the actual needs of a community were more successful in poverty reduction than projects that ushered in their own plans without consultation with the community.

bright possibilities

by Lauren Hovis, Grants Manager, ActionAid USA

Building on the knowledge I gained during this experience and my passion for politics and religious liberty, I interned for the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty (BJC) after college. Working at the BJC gave me insight on CBF’s presence in Washington, D.C., and the important issues Baptists continue to voice as it pertains to separation of church and state, especially for marginalized communities. A year later, I began graduate school in order to learn how to critically analyze issues concerning marginalized communities on a global scale.

With a new sense of purpose, I decided to study political science and global studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill because I wanted to understand the relationship between power, inequality, and poverty. I also joined and later became President of CBFNC’s campus ministry at UNC where I participated in thoughtful theological discussions as well as social-justice-related missions. During my first year of college, my female campus minister empowered me to apply for CBF’s Student.Go summer missions program. This program enabled me to intern at National Baptist Memorial Church in Washington, D.C.,

Having recently finished graduate school, I realize I would not be where I am today without the consistent presence of CBF in my life. From youth group mission trips, to CBFNC campus ministry, to Passport Camps, to internships through Student.Go, to the practical experience I gained from BJC, to my current membership at Calvary Baptist Church in D.C., I have been able to think more innovatively about my role as a young Cooperative Baptist in combatting problems of injustice and poverty facing the world.

As I work for ActionAid USA, a secular international development organization, I strive to be the hands and feet of Christ in the world and continue to use my transformational experiences to guide my work in addressing issues related to poverty and economic development. I will always remember the little boy on the other side of the fence who not only represents those who fall victim to an inequitable political and economic system but who also represents the bright possibility of a more just future.

888-822-1944 www.cbfnc.org

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