The Gathering
of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina
November/December 2014 • Vol. 19 Issue 6
Bringing Baptists of North Carolina Together for Christ-Centered Ministry
Remembering
who we are
I recently had a conversation with a pastor I know well, who serves a congregation I know well. It’s a county seat First Baptist Church characterized by all of the assets and liabilities that designation implies. This church, fortunately, is experiencing renewal and growth, including numerical growth. I asked the pastor to explain why the church seems to be doing better than many of its peers. He described its vital worship, strong lay leadership, generous financial stewardship, engagement with young adults, excitement over a new building project, and other factors. Then he added, “And we are very clear about our identity with new people.”
“What do you mean?” I asked him.
“Let me give you an example,” he went on. “Recently, members of our church invited friends to visit the church with them. They liked our worship services and youth programs. When I visited with the family, the father said, ‘We like your church very much. We are interested in joining the church. There’s just one problem. We noticed in the worship bulletin that your female youth director is referred to as Reverend.
How can you justify ordaining a woman?’”
“Let me answer that one very quickly,” my friend interjected. “The equality of women in the home and the church is a value our congregation holds dear. It is very important to us. If you are uncomfortable with that, we’re not the church for you. There are other churches in this county you might find more compatible, and I’d be glad to help you connect with one of them.”
by Larry Hovis, CBFNC Executive Coordinator
For CBFNC partner churches, congregational identity is shaped by many aspects, including:
Christian – Along with about 2 billion other people in the world, we are Christian. We confess that we are created, redeemed and sustained by the Triune God, Father, Son and Spirit, in whom we live, move and have our being.
Baptist – We are Baptist. Our way of following the Triune God is shaped by concepts like soul competency, congregational freedom, religious freedom for all, Biblical authority, a regenerate church membership, and the call of all disciples to evangelism and mission.
Cooperative – We are Cooperative Baptists. We affirm both women and men, clergy and laity, as church leaders. We value other Christian traditions and respect other faiths. We share the Gospel in word and deed. We value servant leadership and authentic theological education. We practice mercy and justice. We emphasize serving the last and the least, in addition to the lost. We appreciate various shades of gray, not just black and white.
Local – Our identity is shaped by our local context. We are North Carolinians. Our churches reside in unique communities (Coastal Plains, Piedmont, Mountains) with particular histories. Each has its own personality, strengths and peculiarities.
I have experienced two significant listening processes in recent years. The first came as part of the CBF national 2012 Task Force; the second, as part of the CBFNC 20th Anniversary Vision Team. In both cases, Cooperative Baptist Christians expressed a strong desire to clarify identity – both the identities of individual congregations and the identity of our Fellowship. Implied in this request is the desire that we clarify what it means for us to live and serve together, as a covenant community. In the coming months and years, CBF leaders (in NC and beyond), will facilitate conversations to help us meet this expressed need.
The pastor said that when newcomers come their way, they are quick to explain what kind of Baptist church they are. Sometimes, that means people don’t join. But those who do are a good fit, and it makes their church even stronger. As a result of clearly articulating their identity, they are a healthier church experiencing healthier growth.
One of the most influential people in my life as I was growing up was Isabelle P. Graham, my Great Aunt Belle. She never married, and worked in the business world long before many women did. She was my grandmother’s sister, who came to live with her when my grandfather died. My dad was only six years old at the time. Aunt Belle not only helped to rear him, she did the same for my sister and me, even though we had the blessing of two parents. Aunt Belle was wise both in the ways of God and the ways of the world. She dispensed a great deal of good advice through the years. Perhaps the greatest wisdom she passed on to me was to tell me about my ancestors, most of whom I never had the opportunity to meet personally, but her introduction of them was the next best thing. On several occasions she said to me, “You are a Graham. You come from good stock. Always remember who you are.” Dear CBFNC family. You come from good stock. Christian. Baptist. Cooperative Baptist. North Carolina. Always remember who you are.
Transforming... together
Romans 12:1-2
new date and schedule!
March 19-20, 2015
Providence, Charlotte
Proclaimers:
Andrea Dellinger Jones
Pastor, Millbrook Baptist Church — Raleigh, NC
Steven Porter
Global Missions Coordinator, CBF — Decatur, GA
Building
bridges
Baptist University of the Americas is a private Baptist university in San Antonio, Texas. Founded in 1947, the school is associated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas. Because of our strong partnership with the Hispanic network, Companerismo Cristiano Emanuel, CBFNC supports BUA in the theological education scholarship of North Carolina students. At present, Alex Alvarado, Alvaro Cisneros, Jonathan Juarez and Miriam Juarez-Custodio are CBFNC Scholars attending BUA.
by Ka’thy Gore Chappell, CBFNC Leadership Development Coordinator
The mission of BUA is to train leaders, future pastors and church planters in their language, at a reasonable cost, with the purpose of returning to their home state (or region) for service. CBFNC has been on the receiving end of the BUA mission as year after year our Hispanic scholars and their families return to North Carolina to preach, teach, and serve in new church starts. CBFNC has the unique opportunity to be the presence of Christ with our Hispanic brothers and sisters in North Carolina and beyond.
Javier Benitez, CBFNC Hispanic Ministry Leader Coach, described his experience as a student at BUA as very good and emphasized the importance that BUA places on preparing students as pastors and church staff leaders. In our interview, Javier commented that each student is encouraged to use his/her Spanish, develop his/her English skills and learn the importance of understanding people.
When asked how CBFNC can be bridge builders with the Hispanic network, Javier responded passionately that the Companerismo Cristiano Emanuel is starting new churches every year which means that more pastors and staff need to be educated at BUA for service in these new church starts in North Carolina. CBFNC theological education scholarships are crucial in the support of these students financially.
In celebration of the partnership with CBFNC, Javier Benitez affirmed that lives are being changed. The overall support by CBFNC of Companerismo Cristiano Emanuel through theological education scholarships, family and community building, work and service opportunities in new church starts, and ordination of women and men are transformative.
It used to be that “missions” meant traveling overseas to share Jesus’ powerful redemption story with people in different cultures.
Today those different cultures often live right next door.
Partnering with BUA bridges cultures and builds lives for the future.
–René Maciel, BUA President
The interim is the time
for a selfie
Have you taken a “selfie” yet?
As you probably know, a selfie is a picture you take of yourself on your phone. Then, according to the outcome, you may share it with others or you may not. Selfies are popular today. Personally, I have not had the courage to take a selfie, but the day may come.
Congregations need to take a selfie from time to time. Taking a congregational selfie doesn’t mean getting the congregation out on the front steps of the church building to take a picture. That would be hard to do! What I mean by taking a congregational selfie is that periodically a congregation needs to clarify who they are as the followers of Christ at their time and place.
There is no better time in the life of a church to take a selfie than during an interim. Before you start looking for your next pastor, you need to take a selfie to clarify your identity. This step will help the search committee know what qualities they need to be looking for in their pastor. There are at least two things you need in order to take a selfie of your church before the search actually begins.
First of all, you need to clarify your core values. Core values are those things that are important to you as a congregation ... what drives you to do what you do. They could include things like meaningful worship, a sense of community, in-depth Bible study, an understanding of what it means to be Baptist, reaching others for Christ or being missional as you meet the needs of the community. You may quickly say that all those are important — and they should be — but what are the things that your church values most of all? Taking a selfie means determining what your core values are.
Secondly, in light of your core values, you need to clarify a vision for the future. To establish a vision you may need to take a selfie of what you are currently doing. Ask yourself the following questions: What are some of the things we are doing well? What are the things we are doing well, but we need to improve on? What are some things we aren’t doing, but should be doing because of
by Jack Causey, Ministerial Resources Coordinator
our core values? What are some of the things we are currently doing that we should discontinue? These questions and others, along with your core values, should help you see where God is leading you and clarify the vision for your church.
The selfies that the congregation takes clarifies its identity. The congregation and the Pastor Search Committee can then determine what qualities and abilities your next pastor may need to lead you to accomplish your vision as determined by your core values.
A congregation is rarely able to take a selfie of itself. It often needs a facilitator/coach to guide the process.
On the support staff of CBFNC are four Transition Facilitators who can assist your congregation in clarifying its identity. They are situated in four sections of the state:
Western: Terry Hamrick / terryhamrick@gmail.com / (404) 428-6171
Central: Jack Causey / jcausey@cbfnc.org / (704) 838-3436
Northeast: Mike Cogdill / cogdill@campbell.edu / (910) 893-4641
Southeast: Mike Queen / mqueen@ec.rr.com / (910) 520-6244
Get in touch with the Transition Facilitator in your area for help taking a selfie of your congregation!
Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina
Please consider conducting the 2014-2015 CBFNC Mission and Ministry Emphasis (MME) in your church. Resource kits have been mailed to each church address; additional ones can be ordered from the CBFNC website, www.cbfnc.org/give. Materials may also be downloaded from the CBFNC website. The MME is a great way to accomplish the following:
• Provide an avenue to educate churches and individuals about the work of CBFNC and ways to become more engaged in that work.
• Strengthen the identity of CBFNC among partner churches and individuals.
• Encourage individuals (on their own and through their congregation) to sustain and grow our missions and ministries through prayer and financial support.
Scholarships
2014 CBFNC Theological Education Scholarship Recipients Each listing includes hometown, church, vocational goal and school. To learn more about giving to theological education through CBFNC, visit www.cbfnc.org.
Thanks to you ...
CBFNC has been able to scholarship 31 outstanding North Carolina divinity students in 2014! CBFNC partners with our four NC divinity schools (Campbell, Duke Baptist House, Gardner-Webb and Wake Forest) to scholarship students and support theological education in state. In addition, CBFNC also scholarships students from NC who attend out-of-state divinity schools. This year, those recipients attend Baptist University of the Americas (BUA) in San Antonio as well as Princeton, Truett (Baylor) and McAfee (Mercer). The 2014 financial gifts provided by congregations and individuals totaled $388,495
Scholars from North Carolina who attend Out-of-State or Non-Partner Schools
left column:
Meghan Alexander Beddingfield
Fayetteville First, Fayetteville
Congregational Ministry/Education
Princeton Theological Seminary
Alethia Ellen Chappell
Winston-Salem
Calvary, Waco, TX
Congregational Ministry/Youth Leadership
Truett Theological Seminary
center column:
J.D. Granade
Wilkesboro First, Asheville
Congregational Ministry
McAfee School of Theology
Jessica Moses
Wilmington Dayspring, Waco, TX
Congregational Ministry/Children Truett Theological Seminary
Dylan Priddy
King First, Waco, TX
Congregational Ministry/Christian Education
Truett Theological Seminary
right column:
Robin Marie Price Priddy
Raleigh First, Waco, TX
Congregational/Family Ministry Truett Theological Seminary
Michael Scott Rotolo, Jr.
Henderson First, Henderson
Congregational Ministry/Education
Princeton Theological Seminary
Karen Zimmerman
Mebane
Peachtree, Atlanta, GA
Missions
McAfee School of Theology
Baptist University of the Americas
left column:
Thomas Alexander Alvarado
Sanford
Inglesia Nuevo Comienzo, Sanford Congregational Ministry/Youth Pastor
Alvaro G. Cisneros
Sanford Life Church of San Antonio, San Antonio, TX Evangelism/Missions
M. Christopher White School of Divinity at Gardner-Webb
left column:
Susan Borders
Shelby Washington Missionary, Shelby Christian Counseling
Emily Davis
Roxboro First, Roxboro Congregational Ministry/ Youth Ministry
David Hodge Murfreesboro, TN
College Park, Winston-Salem Congregational Ministry/ Youth Ministry
right column: Elizabeth Maye Wingate Zion, Shelby Congregational Ministry/ Christian Education
Haven Parrott Kannapolis First, Kannapolis Congregational Ministry
Lynnette James Sills
Asheville First, Asheville Congregational Ministry/ Christian Education
right column: Jonathan Juarez Hurtado
Marion
Primera Iglesia Ebenezer, Marion Congregational Ministry/Youth Pastor
Miriam S. Juarez-Custodio
Marion
Primera Iglesia Ebenezer, Marion Congregational Ministry/Youth Minister
Wake Forest University School of Divinity
left column: Larke Alexandria Griffin Brevard Pfafftown, Pfafftown Summer Camp Ministry
center column: Brian Hollingsworth Raleigh Greystone, Raleigh Pastoral Care
Rachel Revelle Murfreesboro, NC Knollwood, Winston-Salem Social Justice Ministry & Community Engagement
right column: Nicholas Stewart Martinsville
Mt. Gilead, Pittsboro Chaplaincy
Alyssa Szymanski Ocala, FL
First, Winston-Salem Pastoral Care/Associate Pastor
Campbell University Divinity School
left column:
Steven Charles Chewning II Wadesboro
First, Wadesboro Chaplaincy
Christian Davis
Wilmington Trinity, Raleigh Congregational Ministry/ Student Ministry
right column:
Libby Johnson
Wilmington Winter Park, Wilmington Spiritual Formation/Pastoral Counseling
Taylor Smith
Smithfield First, Smithfield Congregational Ministry/Youth Ministry
Chris Wilson
Clayton
Rolesville, Rolesville Christian Education/Seminary Professor
Baptist House of Studies at Duke Divinity School
left column: Mary Elizabeth Hill Hanchey Durham Watts Street, Durham Pastoral Ministry
right column: Brandon Merritt Buford, GA Mt. Gilead, Durham Pastoral Ministry
Breana Nicole van Velzen
Wilmington Winter Park, Wilmington Pastoral Ministry
Accomplishing more together cooperative
CBFNC Local Mission Engagement Grants seek to encourage churches to minister beyond their walls and partner with community organizations and other churches, accomplishing far more together than they ever could alone. In the last 3 years, more than 35 grants have been awarded to a myriad of ministry endeavors. Here are just a few:
Food for Days Backpack Ministry is in their second year of ministry, providing weekend meals to 175 children in the Mooresville Graded School and Iredell-Statesville School districts. Nine area churches partner together on this project. John Saunders, associate pastor of First, Mooresville, states, “All are seriously committed to this ministry. There is no turning back!”
Winter Park, Wilmington, has used their grant to work with UNC-W international students. In addition to UNC-W, partners include three other Wilmington churches. Marc and Kim Wyatt initiated this project while on at-home assignment as CBF field
baptist fellowship ofnC Local Mission Engagement Grant
personnel. Winter Park is also pursuing the possibility of an intern through CBFNC’s Collegiate Ministry program.
The community garden in downtown Clayton, created by Mosaic, Clayton, has become a meeting place for business people having lunch; a gathering spot for VBS and visits from Santa; and even a performance venue for Mosaic’s live rendition of “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Partners include four other local churches. Do you have a great new ministry idea? A Local Mission Engagement Grant could help get it started. A grant application is available at www. cbfnc.org/grant. Forge connections with another organization and other churches to make your great idea come to life! Deadline is November 30th.
Your gifts to a CBFNC endowment fund can plant seeds of blessing, hope, and help.
Designate a gift for scholarships, new church starts, or where it is most needed. Contact Jim Hylton at jhylton@cbfnc.org or (336) 759-3456 for more information.
CBFNC Honorary and Memorial Gifts
Larry and Gail McAlister, Winston-Salem; Susan Fouts, Sylva; College Ministry in memory of Virginia Hardee.
Dennis and Betsy Herman, Raleigh; Collegiate Ministry in memory of M. Kay Huggins and in honor of Barbara Huggins
Ministers on the Move
Compiled by Jack Causey, Ministerial Resources Coordinator
Our encouragement and support go to the following ministers who have recently moved:
Josh Owens has been called as Associate Pastor of First Baptist Church of Monroe.
Bryant Moxley has been called as Minister of Music and Worship at Wake Forest Baptist Church.
First Baptist Church of Asheboro has called Scotty Carpenter as Pastor.
New Hope Baptist Church in Hickory has called John Daley as Pastor.
Patricia Turner is now serving as Children’s Minister for First Baptist Church of West Jefferson.
Mallory Monroe has been called by First Baptist Church of Shelby as Children’s Minister.
First, Asheville
First, Biscoe
First, Buies Creek
First, Elkin
First, Elon
First, Farmville
First, High Point
First, Jamestown
First, Lenoir
First, Mount Airy
First, Raleigh
First, Statesville
Forest Hills, Raleigh
Iglesia Bautista
Misionera Roca Fuerte, Pittsboro
Longview, Raleigh
Memorial Baptist, Buies Creek
Morningside, Asheville
Greystone, Raleigh Coordinator Visits August-September 2014
Mountain Grove, Hickory
Nobles Chapel, Sims
Oakmont, Greenville
Pritchard Memorial, Charlotte
Sardis Baptist, Charlotte
Wake Forest Baptist, Wake Forest
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.
Thomas Allen has accepted the call to become Pastor of First Baptist Church of Rowland.
Lisa Wolfe is now serving as Associate Pastor of First Baptist Church of Taylorsville.
Providence Baptist Church of Charlotte has called Tim Hill to the staff as Minister of Music.
Kevin Gray has accepted the call of St. John’s Baptist Church in Charlotte to become Minister of Music and Worship.
Lambeth Memorial Baptist Church of Roxboro has called Tyler Garrard as Associate Pastor for Children, Youth and Families.
Graham Byrum has been called to the staff of Longview Baptist Church in Raleigh to serve as Associate Minister for Youth and Community Engagement.
Allan Smith is now serving Greystone Baptist Church of Raleigh as Associate Minister for Students.
When you make a move or know of someone who has changed places of ministry, let us know at jcausey@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.
November 13-15, 2014 Forest Hills, Raleigh More information at www.cbfnc.org.
November/December 2014
The Gathering
of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina
phone: 336.759.3456 • phone: 888.822.1944 • fax: 336.759.3459 • cbfnc@cbfnc.org • www.cbfnc.org
Larry Hovis Executive Coordinator LHovis@cbfnc.org
Ka’thy Gore Chappell Leadership Development Coordinator. KChappell@cbfnc.org
Rick Jordan ............ Church Resources Coordinator ......... RJordan@cbfnc.org
Linda Jones ............ Missions Coordinator ..................... LJones@cbfnc.org
Jim Hylton Business Administration Coordinator JHylton@cbfnc.org
Jack Causey Ministerial Resources Coordinator JCausey@cbfnc.org
Regional Coordinators
Region 1 – Western: Gail Coulter coulterjg@bellsouth.net
Region 2 – Foothills: David Smith ............ davsmith@charter.net
Region 3 – Triad: Bill Leathers ................ wleathers@triad.rr.com
Region 4 – South Central: Drag Kimrey ...... dragkimrey@roadrunner.com
CBFNC College Ministers
Ashley Mangrum UNC Chapel Hill amangrum@cbfnc.org
Lawrence Powers East Carolina lpowers@cbfnc.org
Curtis Privette ...... Appalachian ..................... curtisdprivette@gmail.com
Coordinating Council
Ray Ammons, Gastonia, Moderator
Lisa Rust, Lumberton, Moderator-Elect
Marion Horton, Knightdale, Recorder
Donna Bissette, Winston-Salem, Past-Moderator
Mike Eddinger, Cary, Treasurer
Kathy Driver, Raleigh
Heather Folliard, Durham
Wayne Hill, Wake Forest
Jeff Matthis, Sylva
Rick Matthews, Winston-Salem
Doug Murray, Wilson
Mike Queen, Winston-Salem
Susan Taylor, Chapel Hill
Endowment Management Board
Andrew Barnhill, Wilmington
Ron Cava, Henderson
Austin Connors, Raleigh
Scott Hudgins, Winston-Salem
Norman Jameson, Winston-Salem
Wanda Kidd College Ministry Coordinator WKidd@cbfnc.org
Eddie Hammett ... Church and Clergy Coach EHammett@cbfnc.org
Javier Benitez ..... Hispanic Network Leader Coach .. Rocafuerte90@hotmail.com
Rebekah Ayers ... Programs Manager .................. RAyers@cbfnc.org
Sarah Mitchell Communications Manager SMitchell@cbfnc.org
Gail McAlister Financial Manager GMcalister@cbfnc.org
Derek Wilhelm .. Administrative Assistant DWilhelm@cbfnc.org
Region 5 – North Central: Tom Jackson ..... pastortj@aol.com
Region 6 – Capital: (open)
Region 7 – Southeast: Mike Johnson mike_brenda2414@yahoo.com
Region 8 – Northeast: Jesse Croom jmacroom@hotmail.com
Danny Steis Duke University dannysteis@gmail.com
David Stone ......... Western North Carolina .................... dstone@unca.edu
Chris Towles Wake Forest towlescj@wfu.edu
Faith Formation Ministry Council
Stella Perrin, Taylorsville, Chair
Katie Fam Roscoe, Southern Pines, Chair-Elect
Giles Blankenship, Fayetteville
Beth Cockman-Wood, Sanford
Brian Harrington, Liberty
Kerrie Clayton Jordan, Smithfield
Barbara Glasgow, Zebulon
Louisa Monroe, Fayetteville
Tyler Roach, Morganton
Scott Thrailkill, Goldsboro
Leadership Development Ministry Council
Layne Rogerson, Greenville, Chair
Shane Nixon, Mocksville, Chair-Elect
Sarah Boberg, Red Springs
Jerry Chiles, Raleigh
Buddy Corbin, Asheville
Jeanell Cox, Durham
John Daniels, Waynesville
Kheresa Harmon, Shelby
Mark Reece, Mount Airy
Nathan Rice, Southern Pines
Missions Ministry Council
Blake Dempsey, Nashville, Chair
Paula McCosh, Fayetteville, Chair-Elect
Elba Benitez, Pittsboro
Greg Burriss, Siler City
Kent Cranford, Gastonia
Allison Gallimore, Oxford
Sarah Lamkin, Louisburg
Michael Lea, West Jefferson
Nate Leonard, Morehead City
Christa Warise, Winston-Salem
Mike Womble, Wilmington
Tiffany Young, Bladenboro
Financial Report:
August 2014 Contributions
Undesignated - $78,963
Designated - $153,007
September 2014 Contributions Undesignated - $100,458
Designated - $225,184
April 2014 - March 2015
Monthly Undesignated Goal: $123,657
Established in 2008 by CBFNC, the Randall and Lou Lolley Endowment for Theological Education provides financial support to Baptist students enrolled in theological education in preparation for leadership and ministry. The fund honors Randall and Lou Lolley, whose courage and commitment to prophetic ministry, freedom, and educational excellence laid the foundation for a new era in the education of men and women for ministry and service. Up to four scholars will be chosen each year. Please consider nominating a student from your congregation or institution today! The nomination deadline is January 16, 2015 Visit www.cbfnc.org/lolley for more information.
888-822-1944 www.cbfnc.org
Return Service Requested
Upcoming Events ~ NOVEMBER/DECEMBER EDITION
2014 Children’s Mission Days
November 1 - Zebulon, Zebulon
November 8 - Zion, Shelby
November 15 - Oakmont, Greenville
WNC Baptist Ministers’ Fall Retreat
November 3, 2014
Lutheridge Conference Center, Arden
Deacon Ministry: Leadership Training for 21st Century World
November 8, 2014
Viewmont Baptist Church, Hickory
Focus: How Deacons Function in an Inward-Focused Church & Model
Missional-Focused Ministry
Dawnings Retreat
November 13-15, 2014 Forest Hills, Raleigh
Recovering Hope for Your Church
November 18, 2014 Calvary, Asheville
Youth Ski Retreat
January 9-11, 2015 Beckley, WV
Collegiate Mid-Winter Retreat
January 31 - February 1, 2015 Camp Mundo Vista, Sophia
Youth Choir Festival
March 6-7, 2015 Knollwood, Winston-Salem
Children’s Choir Festival
March 14, 2015 First, Lumberton
CBFNC General Assembly
March 19-20, 2015
New date and schedule! Providence, Charlotte
Coaching opportunities:
n Congregational Coach Certification
n Coach Approach to Mgmt and Leadership (510)
n Coaching Change, Transition and Transformation (503)