The Gathering CBFNC Newsletter - November–December 2019

Gathering

The

of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina November/December 2019 Vol. 24 Issue 6

Where are they now?

Then, Now & Future: Hear from nine former CBFNC scholars and learn about theological education for the future! (pages 3–7)

Trends in Ministerial Formation

by Larry Hovis | CBFNC Executive Coordinator

I

was fortunate to come of age in a Baptist world in which theological education was plentiful, inexpensive, and good.

It was basically tuition-free and I had access to part-time employment opportunities on campus and in area churches. More than three decades later, I continue to owe a debt of gratitude to a denominational system that nurtured my ministerial formation in such a generous and comprehensive way.

Radical changes in the Baptist family led to radical changes in ministerial preparation. Those who founded the CBF movement were strong supporters of theological education, but there was no way they could reproduce the delivery system. Rather than owning, operating, and financially underwriting a small group of seminaries, CBF related to a broad network of like-minded, cooperative, but independent schools which were neither governed nor exclusively funded by CBF. CBFNC has been a strong supporter of theological education throughout our twenty-five years of existence. We have invested approximately $5,000,000 in theological education, more than any other state CBF organization.

There have been both strengths and weaknesses to our system. In spite of the weaknesses, our system has produced a generation of ministers who are effectively leading congregations and non-profit ministries, serving as chaplains and missionaries, and serving our fellowship.

Even as we celebrate these significant accomplishments, we know this institution-focused system will not meet all of our ministerial formation needs in the coming decades. Here are some of our pressing challenges: Increasing Costs Higher education costs in general continue to rise much faster than the rate of inflation. Theological education is no exception.

Student-loan debt is at a crisis point in the United States. In many cases, our pastors and the churches and ministries they serve cannot service their education debt in a responsible way.

Less Mobility When I was in seminary, many students traveled far from home to study at a residential seminary. Though we have more theological schools in our CBF network, theoretically closer to where students live, family life for many people is such that moving to another state or city to study is not an option.

Rural and Small Churches When I was in seminary (please forgive me for repeating this phrase!), student pastors and ministers in small or rural churches were the norm. If those churches were financially sound enough to call a “full-time” pastor, they could usually recruit a new seminary graduate to move to their community and serve the 2 • The Gathering

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congregation. In today’s environment, because of spousal employment, special needs children, or limited finances, rural churches, especially, are having great difficulty finding suitable ministers who will move from another location to their community.

Part-time and Bi-vocational Ministry Related to the previous items, some churches need to shift pastoral and staff positions to part-time arrangements. Many ministers in the future will work other jobs in addition to their church position in order to make a living wage. Such arrangements do not lend themselves to going away to seminary and acquiring education debt.

What can we do to address these challenges? Let me offer possibilities we are exploring: Mixed Economy

I do not believe the traditional Master of Divinity degree (M.Div.) will go away. We still need traditional, residential theological schools to offer classic theological education for those who will minister in many of our churches and other ministry settings.

While we still need to support and encourage residential M.Div. schools and students, they will not be able to meet all of our ministerial formation needs.

Online Education

At the same time, online education will be more important in the years to come. Online education is exploding at many universities and across many disciplines. Theological education has been slow to embrace this technology, but the Association of Theological Schools is now accrediting online programs. Schools that can adapt to this trend will be able to meet a growing need.

Non-M.Div. Training

While M.Div’s, whether residential or online, will still have a place in our ministerial preparation system, other degrees and training opportunities will make more sense for an increasing number of pastors and ministry leaders.

New Partnerships

Partner schools will continue to play a significant role in our fellowship, but CBFNC is exploring new partnerships that offer more diverse and innovative ways to meet our ministerial formation needs.

The world, including the world of Baptist theological education, has changed dramatically since I was in seminary (there’s that phrase again). I don’t see the pace of change slowing down. The call to ministry and mission is the same. The way we equip those who respond to the call is changing. CBFNC remains committed to providing robust support to ministerial formation, whatever form it takes.

CBFNC Scholars: Where Are They Now?

by Rick Jordan | CBFNC Church Resources Coordinator

Lynn Lingafelt (2006) In 2006, I was a mom of three who was working part-time as director of preschool ministries at my church, First, Raleigh, a position that started as an interim but soon and very soon felt like a calling. I applied to Campbell Divinity School on a wing and a prayer, knowing that our budget was tight already, without grad school figured in.

The CBFNC Scholarship, simply put, enabled me to pursue my calling.

I have continued to serve in the church that became my home in college, the church where I first sensed my call to ministry. My church family at First, Raleigh has nurtured me and supported me in profound ways as a minister and as a member.

It was my church home before it was my job and it still feels that way. Following my graduation from Campbell in 2010, I joined the ministerial staff full time as Minister with Children and have been in this role since then. January will be my 20th year on staff.

CBFNC has provided opportunities for me to stay connected with other ministers in my field. I have enjoyed being a part of the creative team which plans and implements CBFNC’s Children’s Mission Days each fall, and I’ve benefitted from the mutual support of a CBFNC peer learning group.

I’m forever grateful for the ways CBFNC has supported me in my call to ministry, then and now. The generous scholarship enabled me to explore my call to ministry with less financial worries, and the support and comradery I’ve found in CBF groups since then continue to feed my sense of calling.

Stella Perrin (2003) I was a wife and mother of two young children (the third would come before I graduated) who had decided to leave my career as a school counselor to stay home with my children when that still, small voice whispered that it was time. I had received a very real and certain call into ministry at fourteen with very little details, up until this point. With much prayer and a very supportive husband, I sought counsel from a trusted minister and friend who encouraged me to consider the divinity school at Gardner-Webb University, where I had received my undergraduate and counseling degrees. I knew it to be a place I could trust and where I would feel at home.

I worked part-time through divinity school, but the expenses of school and family were more than we could handle. I was told

that there was a scholarship from a group called “CBF of North Carolina” and that I would be a good candidate. I knew nothing of CBFNC, just that I needed money to continue divinity school and they were willing to help. In the spring of that year I received the scholarship, I was invited, along with the other recipients, to attend the CBFNC General Assembly at First, Greensboro. I remember meeting the other divinity students, also unsure of what they were doing but who, like me, were willing to attend any necessary meeting to get our scholarship. And my relationship with CBFNC began.

In CBFNC, I found sisters and brothers from churches across our state who affirmed my call as a female in ministry. I found like-minded ministers and lay persons who were passionate about being the presence of Christ in our communities and beyond. I had the opportunity to be part of a peer learning group with other women in ministry. I have been given opportunities to serve in leadership roles on the CBFNC Faith Formation Council, seeking meaningful ways to help church members of all ages grow deeper in their faith. I was given support and resources at a critical time in my ministry when I was ready to transition to a new church. I have helped plan annual Children’s Mission Days so our children can learn what it looks like to be the presence of Christ in our state and world. I have made many life-long friends who I look forward to seeing each time we gather.

So, thank you CBFNC. First for the scholarship and for “encouraging” me to attend that first gathering. What I thought was just a hoop I had to jump through to get my scholarship began a relationship that has significantly shaped me into the minister that I am today, serving as the Associate Pastor for Family Life at Emerald Isle Baptist Church.

Thomas Allen (2006) When I began my theological education at Campbell University Divinity School, I was full of excitement. I entered with open arms to learn how to be the minister that God desired. I remember feeling a sense of joy and appreciation when I received a CBFNC scholarship. I was grateful that CBFNC was investing in the pursuit of my ministerial call and appreciative to find a family of believers that valued young ministers. The scholarship relieved many of the worries related to finances, but it also opened the door for me to learn about the many facets of CBFNC. It was during this time that I attended my first CBFNC events and I began to forge relationships that I still hold dear.

See “CBFNC Scholars: Where Are They Now?” on pages 4–5 November/December 2019

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CBFNC Scholars: Where Are They Now? Continued Since those early steps, my journey has been intertwined with CBFNC in a variety of ways. As a youth minister, I enjoyed taking youth groups on CBFNC ski trips and other youth events.

When my wife and I were considering moving back to NC, it was a CBFNC Annual Gathering that God used to bring affirmation to our decision and open the door to finding my first pastorate.

As a young pastor in a rural congregation, I met other pastors through the CBFNC-sponsored Small Church Conference. In June 2019, I began as Senior Pastor at Angier Baptist Church. I’m thankful that I have my CBFNC family to learn from during this new chapter. God used this scholarship to support my theological education and shape my ministry. I’m so grateful for the chance to serve God alongside of CBFNC in the years to come.

Scott Ryan (2006) It is hard to believe so many years have passed since I received a CBFNC scholarship. I currently serve as Assistant Professor of Religion and Biblical Studies at Claflin University, an HBCU in Orangeburg, SC. Many people and organizations provided support as I traveled along the road to my present ministry. CBFNC stands as a significant marker along that journey. To be sure, theological education is not cheap and I am deeply grateful for the support of CBFNC, as I pursued a Master of Divinity degree at Duke Divinity School. This stop on my journey was indeed a formative one for me as a follower of Jesus, a minister, and a scholar.

I felt led to Duke because I believed the faculty there would help shape me into a careful reader of the Scriptures, who draws on the deep well of the church’s traditions and thinks in innovative ways. The assistance provided by CBFNC played a significant role in helping me achieve these goals.

What is more, this support made it possible for me to connect and learn from like-minded Baptist colleagues and ministers, as I discerned my calling and learned the craft of service in God’s church.

Although I no longer live in NC (much to my disappointment), my appreciation for CBFNC remains strong. Thank you, CBFNC. Jeff Allen (2001) Opportunity best describes the CBFNC Scholar’s scholarship. As a recipient, I was afforded the chance to be prepared well for the life and work of the minister during my time at Campbell University Divinity School. Being selected was, and continues to be, one of my greatest blessings from God. It was both humbling and inspiring as I felt compelled to take the incredible gift and use the opportunity well.

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Growing up in the Baptist tradition, I was very aware of the generosity of Baptist people. As a child, you hear stories about missionaries sharing God’s love both close to home and far away.

Normal church life included the raising of resources so that people could hear the story of Jesus down the street and around the world. I remember the incredible stories that missionaries would share while at home on furlough and how God used them to do an amazing work.

Faithful Baptists have been a constant source of encouragement throughout my call to vocational ministry. It has been a blessing to serve three churches in our beautiful state. My first call was to Clemmons First Baptist followed

by Hayes Barton Baptist in Raleigh. Currently, I serve alongside the people of College Park Baptist in Winston-Salem. Every step has been a reminder of God’s faithfulness and provision.

These many years later, I see the deep connection between the goodness of God’s people and the work of sharing the good news of Christ. All that I experienced during my time at Campbell has been used by God to do a work only He could do. I was given that chance because of the CBFNC Scholar’s scholarship. It is my hope that my ministry reflects well on the Gospel and the principles of our common Baptist tradition. To the many faithful people who made it possible, I pray that my ministry will honor the opportunity you graciously provided.

Tony Vincent (2001) I remain deeply grateful for the investment CBFNC made in my life and ministry through the CBFNC Scholarship I received while a student at Gardner-Webb University Divinity School from 2001-2004. So much of my journey as a minister found fertile soil in which to grow during that formative time of life in the foothills of North Carolina and I cherish the relationships that grew in my time there.

In addition to helping me financially, this scholarship communicated to me that I was valued, that I had gifts to offer God and the Church, and it strengthened my relationship with the Fellowship, which continues to grow.

In October, I marked fifteen years as Associate Minister at Trinity Baptist Church in Seneca, South Carolina, where my primary areas of ministry are worship, missions, and senior adults. In that time, I have also served on and led committees for CBF and CBFSC, planned worship for CBF and CBFSC General Assemblies, and I have even served on South Carolina’s Leadership Development committee, which administers our state’s version of this scholarship. Thank you for the ways that you support those who are seeking to heed the call of God into ministry; may your gifts continue to bear fruit!

Tripp Martin (2001) The scholarship from CBF of North Carolina created a larger group of support around my education and preparation for ministry. It opened doors for me to meet good people with insightful advice and experienced wisdom. I have enjoyed seeing those same people throughout the years at CBF meetings, where those connections have grown into valuable friendships.

After graduating from the Divinity School at Wake Forest University, we moved to Jackson, Mississippi, where I served as an Associate Pastor of Northminster Baptist Church, working with youth and community ministry. Later, we moved to Macon, Georgia, where I served as the pastor of Vineville Baptist Church. Six years ago, we moved to Auburn, Alabama, where I currently serve as the pastor of Auburn First Baptist Church.

Since moving from North Carolina after graduation, we have remained connected to CBF. I served on the Coordinating Council of CBF of Mississippi, and I am currently finishing my year as Moderator of the Coordinating Council of Alabama CBF. I am thankful for the investment of CBF and CBFNC in young Baptists. I can attest to the enduring value of those connections. The support of CBFNC of my preparation for ministry is something for which I am still grateful!

Chrissy Tatum Williamson (2006) 2006 was the year I graduated from college and began Divinity School at Wake Forest University. With the help of the CBFNC scholarship added to a few others, I was able to earn my M.Div. debt free! I knew that this monetary award would help me follow God’s call to vocational ministry; I did not know that the support network and mentoring that came with it would become the foundation for the friendships and mentors that would sustain me through the ups and downs of pursuing that call.

Since 2006, I have graduated from WFU Divinity School and Union Theological Seminary in NYC. I’ve served as Youth Minister at Vandalia Presbyterian in Greensboro, NC; Associate Minister to Young Adults and Interim Worship Director at The Riverside Church, NYC; Youth Minister then Minister of Faith Formation then Associate Minister at Myers Park Baptist, Charlotte; and now Senior Pastor at Greystone Baptist in Raleigh.

Through all these transitions and places of call, the fine folks at CBFNC have been there as a valuable resource, ready to advise and help all along the way.

Looking back as a “vintage scholar,” I must say that I don’t feel old enough to have earned the name “vintage.” In hindsight it is plain to see that what began as a financial investment in my sense of calling and the education required to follow God’s leading in my life became a lifelong investment that continues to grow in more ways than could ever be counted.

Scott Bullard (1999) The CBFNC scholars program gave my spouse and me the gift of time – time at Duke to focus on our studies in preparation for ministry. We were newlyweds. The scholarship helped compress the bills my family received from Duke so that we could work part-time rather than full-time.

After graduating from Duke, I wanted to continue working with students due to the profound impact that college faculty, campus ministers, and other staff had upon me. Thus, I remained at the Divinity School for a time and served Dr. Richard Lischer as a Teaching Assistant in Homiletics while serving two CBF-related congregations in the Triangle area (Millbrook Baptist Church in Raleigh and Hope Valley Baptist Church in Durham).

Later, I went to Baylor University in Texas to earn a Ph.D. in Theology and a minor in Philosophy. Following my time at Baylor, from 2008-2019 I served a Baptist liberal arts college for women in Alabama called Judson College.

I served Judson College in several capacities – Assistant Professor of Religion and Campus Minister (2008-2012), Associate Professor of Religion and Dean of the College (2012-2017), and Interim President (2017-2019). Some of my publications during that time included a book on the Eucharist in the free church tradition (entitled Re-membering the Body) and a widely read edition of Review and Expositor entitled “Hauerwas Among the Baptists.”

That last piece was co-edited with Campbell Divinity School Theology Professor, Dr. Cameron Jorgenson. Dr. Jorgenson and I were classmates at Baylor and – importantly – churchmates at DaySpring Baptist Church, which is affiliated with CBF. Cameron and I were part of a group that helped establish that church, and today that church is pastored by another Duke Divinity School graduate, Eric Howell. Cameron and I remain close today and are excited that we’ve both found ourselves in North Carolina.

A CBF congregation did not exist in my area while I was serving Judson College in Marion, AL (Perry County). However, a wonderful CBF ministry called “Sowing Seeds of Hope” is there. Time spent volunteering with that fantastic organization, which has committed to long-term service in America’s 15thpoorest county, was important for my students and me at Judson.

As the new president of Pfeiffer University, let me emphasize how important CBF, state-level CBF entities, and scholarships are. While at Judson, I served female students as professor and mentor, and many of those females came from traditions that did not recognize their giftedness or their call to be ministers.

Three of my students went on to attend Duke Divinity School for the MDiv. Five attended Baylor, and one attended Campbell Divinity School. These students had a personal sense of calling and particular theological leanings that made these institutions attractive to them. CBF of Alabama’s scholarships made attending Duke, Baylor, and Campbell a possibility for my students, just as CBFNC made it possible for me to attend Duke.

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2019–2020 CBFNC Theological Education Scholarship Recipients Listings include scholar name, hometown, church membership, school, and degree to be earned. Visit www.cbfnc.org/give to donate.

Thanks to you . . .

25 students have

received direct scholarship aid. These students are enrolled in divinity schools and seminaries in North Carolina and other parts of our country.

CBFNC has provided a tremendous level of support for theological education in our state and beyond. $344,607 has been provided by congregations and individuals through CBFNC to support theological education.

Thank you for your partnership in preparing leadership for Christian ministry.

4 in-state partner divinity schools

have received significant support to aid specific scholars and to underwrite additional costs of delivering quality theological education.

DOCTORAL SCHOLARSHIP FOR THEOLOGICAL STUDIES RECIPIENTS JACKSON ADAMAH

SARAH JOBE

STACY NOWELL

Durham, NC Yates, Durham, NC Duke Divinity School Doctor of Theology

Durham, NC Watts Street, Durham, NC Duke Divinity School Doctor of Theology

Huntersville, NC First, Huntersville, NC Duke Divinity School Doctor of Ministry

TOMMY BRATTON

STUART LAMKIN

LAWRENCE POWERS

Weaverville, NC First, Weaverville, NC Campbell University Divinity School Doctor of Ministry

Holly Springs, NC First, Raleigh, NC Campbell University Divinity School Doctor of Ministry

AILEEN LAWRIMORE

JEREMY SHOULTA

Asheville, NC Ecclesia, Asheville, NC Gardner-Webb University Divinity School Doctor of Ministry

Black Mountain, NC First, Black Mountain, NC Gardner-Webb University Divinity School Doctor of Ministry

MATT NORMAN

DAVID STONE

Fair View, NC First, Asheville, NC Western Carolina University Doctor of Education

ANDREW GARNETT

Raleigh, NC Forest Hills, Raleigh, NC Campbell University Divinity School Doctor of Ministry

TIMOTHY HILL

Fort Mill, SC Providence, Charlotte, NC Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies Doctor of Worship Studies

Barcelona, Spain The International Baptist Theological Study Centre Ph.D., Theology

Scholarships for Doctoral Students in Theology & Ministry are available on a limited basis for North Carolinians who are applying to or enrolled in programs as a means of enhancing their leadership within Baptist congregations and other ministerial settings. Typically these programs include those leading to the Doctor of Ministry, Doctor of Theology, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees.

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Mars Hill, NC First, Weaverville, NC Gardner-Webb University Divinity School Doctor of Ministry

WILL WATSON

Winston-Salem, NC United, Winston-Salem, NC Duke Divinity School Doctor of Ministry

Theological Education Scholarship Recipients Theological Education Scholarships are awarded by the Leadership Development Council of CBFNC to support well qualified students who are applying to or are enrolled in an accredited graduate program in preparation for ministry in Baptist congregations or ministries. Students from North Carolina attending schools outside the state are encouraged to apply. The maximum Theological Education Scholarship for 2019–2020 is $2500 for the academic year. While a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree remains the standard educational credential for ordained ministry, individuals pursuing ministerial preparation through other accredited degree and non-degree programs may also apply. Current recipients of other CBFNC scholarships are not eligible.

THOMAS ALEXANDER ALVARDO San Antonio, TX Southwest, San Antonio, TX Master of Divinity

TARSHA BANISTER

Jamestown, NC Temple Memorial, High Point Master of Divinity

MARY BETH BECK-HENDERSON Winston-Salem, NC Knollwood, Winston-Salem, NC Master of Divinity

SARAH BLOSSER BLACKWELL Matthews, NC Providence, Charlotte, NC Master of Divinity

OYUKI GABRIEL

Zebulon, NC Iglesia Bautista La Roca, Raleigh, NC Bachelor Degree in Theological Studies

MATTHEW HENAGHAN

Carolina Beach, NC Winter Park, Wilmington, NC Master of Divinity

TARVICK LINDER

Durham, NC Yates, Durham, NC Master of Divinity

LAURA MARIN

Raleigh, NC Southwest Baptist Church, San Antonio, TX Baptist University of the Americas Bachelor of Arts in Music

KRISTEN MUSE

Raleigh, NC Hayes Barton, Raleigh, NC Master of Science in Church Management

ALEX RODRIGUEZ

Raleigh, NC Iglesia Bautista La Roca Latino Ministry Formation Program

JOHNNY SERRATT

Lillington, NC Memorial, Buies Creek, NC Master of Divinity

SHARON WELSCH

Mars Hill, NC Mars Hill, Mars Hill, NC Spiritual Direction

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individual contributors

April 2018–March 2019

Thank you to the many generous individuals who give directly to the mission and ministry of CBFNC. Your financial partnership is necessary for our ministry and that of our many ministry partners around our state. We are grateful for everyone who contributes to the mission of CBFNC. Please continue to give through your church, but also consider joining those listed below by making a contribution directly to CBFNC. While the largest portion of CBFNC financial support comes from local church budgets (93%), individual gifts are extremely important to our financial and missional well-being. Some individual contributors are not members of partner congregations, but most are. These folks choose to make an “over and above” gift to CBFNC beyond their church contribution.

Name

City/State

Rennie & Sandy Adcock.......... Pfafftown

Kenneth & Trishia Chapman...................

Nell D. Garner......................... Greenville

Charlotte-Anne Allen.....................Ronda

Russell & Ka’thy Chappell......................

Jack & Barbara Glasgow............Zebulon

Belle Allen...................................Clayton Jacqueline H. Allen................Chapel Hill Davina Altman..................East Flat Rock Larry & Jan Ballard.....................Raleigh Marc Barber.....................................Apex

Keith Bastow-Cox..................... Charlotte John & Nancy Baxley.............. Pfafftown

Cecelia M. Beck............................ Shelby

John & Gwen Bell............. Elizabeth City Leigh Berrier........................ Wake Forest David Betz........................ Knoxville, TN

Albert Blackmon.............................. Cary James & Sarah Blackwell........ Matthews

Karon Blount...............................Zebulon

J.C & Ann Boone.................... Albemarle Randy L. Brantley...................... Concord

Erich & Karen Brewer.................Raleigh Charles I. Bridger...................Bladenboro James & Renee Bridges................... Cary

Mary Brown.................................Raleigh Steve Brown.............................Burnsville Grace U. Bullard.......................Asheboro

Linden & Alice Burch..... Lake Junaluska Lucille Burkett-Hoffman............ Durham Rick & Ellen Burnette..............................

.............................. North Fort Myers, FL David & Penny Burns..............................

.................................... St. Petersburg, FL

Gwen Canady...............................Clayton Annie Carlton....................Richmond, VA

Randy & Rebecca Carter.... Hillsborough Tony & Susan Cartledge..................Apex

Jack & Mary Causey................Statesville Nichole & Patrick Cella...............Raleigh 8 • The Gathering

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................................................Cullowhee ........................................ Winston-Salem

Deborah Chrystal...................... Belhaven Greer & Glenn Clayton............... Durham

Anthony Cobb..............................Raleigh Jason Cogdill............................ Pfafftown

M. Austin & Betty Connors.........Raleigh Stephen & Amy Cook..............................

..................................... Germantown, TN

Hiawatha Cook........................... Shallotte

Bill & Jana Cottingham........ Wilmington Gail Coulter......................Hendersonville

Wally Cox................................Lexington Jim Cross.......................................Oxford

Mary Cunningham.......................Candler Sharon Currin................................Oxford

Barbara Dallas.................................. Eden

Sandra Davis.......................... Mocksville Sarah Davis..................................... Sylva Michael Deehan.................... Tucson, AZ

William & Diane Dennis.........Henderson

Kathy Driver................................Raleigh

Patricia Dunn.......................... Greenville Pam Edmondson..........................Raleigh Deborah Edwards....................Henderson

Trudy H. Elkins............... Winston-Salem F. Sue Fitzgerald........................... Gretna Heather T. Folliard...................... Durham Scott Hudgins & Mary F. Foskett............

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

Jorge Fournier........Long Island City, NY

Jim & Judy Fryar................ New London Chris & Joy Gambill................................

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

Roger & Deidra Gilbert........ Mount Airy

James Glasslock................ Knoxville, TN

John & Julia Glover.....................Raleigh Michael Gooden............... Morehead City Paul Gray.........................Hendersonville C. I. Grigg............................ Kernersville Sam & Marilyn Haithcock.......... Durham

Pamela Hall........................ Hilllsborough

Edward H. Hammett........Hendersonville Jeffrey & Jodi Harris.......................Tryon

David & Vaness Hawes.......... Lumberton William & Rena Henderson.....................

....................................... Black Mountain Brandon Hendricks......................Raleigh Christopher & Amanda Hensley..............

................................................. Ellenboro

Dennis & Betsy Herman..............Raleigh Garin & Rachel Hill............... Forest City Seth & Genelle Hix................Greensboro

Jeffrey K. Hobart.........................Raleigh Christy Holland............................Clayton Y.L. & Elizabeth Holmes.........................

......................................... Carrollton, GA

Don & Jo Ann Horton.................Zebulon

Larry & Kim Hovis........ Winston-Salem Billy & Mary Ann Howell.......Whitakers

Barbara L. Huggins......................Raleigh

Jane Hunnicutt...................... Weaverville Jim A. Hylton............................. Advance Nancy Isenhour........................... Hickory

Holly Ivel & Matthew Smith ......Raleigh

Franklin & Nancy Ivey............Statesville Darrell R. James............. New Albany, IN

A. R. & Elaine Jeffcoat............... Durham

Jont & Jo Johnson................... Albemarle

William & Phyllis Parkerson...................

Sarah Stanley.........................Greensboro

Joseph & Linda Jones.............Clemmons

John & Stella Perrin........... Cape Carteret

Gary Stevenson................................Apex

Barry & Beth Jones......................Raleigh Van & June Jones.........................Raleigh

Rick & Susan Jordan............... Lewisville Andy & Amy Jung.................. Albemarle Mary T. Kaylor................ Winston-Salem Larry & Rebecca Keesler...... Mount Airy

Dan & Wanda Kidd.................Cullowhee

Stuart & Sara Lamkin........... Weaverville Bill & Crystal Leathers............................

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

Robert & Catherine Lee......... Lumberton Will & Lisa Love..........................Canton Cecil Lowe.............................Wilkesboro David & Barbara Matthews..................... ........................................ Winston-Salem

John & Marcia McCarley........... Cashiers Barbara S. McEntire......................... Cary

Marcus & Brittany McGill............ Shelby Michael & Donna McKnight...................

................................................ Greenville

Marcia J. McQueen.......................... Eden Steve & Angela Merlone..........................

....................................... Menlo Park, CA

Angela Mills............................ Albemarle Linda Minor.................................... Sylva

Carlos Mir....................... Winston-Salem Fannie M. Mitchell.......................Raleigh

Rob Moench................... Black Mountain Tim Moore & Magay Shepard ................

.................................................. Charlotte

Kevin & Kasey Moore.........Spring Hope

Paul & Bonnie Mullen............Clemmons Thurman & Lois Murphy........Henderson Douglas & Candace Murray...................

.............................................. Weaverville

Jerry & Jane Myers................. Albemarle Charles & Susan Neaves..................Elkin James & Twyla Nelson............................

........................................ Winston-Salem Robert & Mickie Norman............. Leland Christopher & Stacy Nowell....................

............................................. Huntersville

Ray Owen........................ Winston-Salem Joshua & Lindsey Owens.............Monroe

Tim & Esther Parker....................Raleigh

Stephanie Parker....................... Charlotte

...............................................Greensboro

Estate of Cleo G. Perry...............Zebulon

Jason Perry..................................Whittier Meredith Phillips....................... Charlotte Nancy Pickard..............................Sanford

Timothy Pierce.................. Winton-Salem Dixie C. Porter.............................Raleigh Christina Powell...........................Raleigh Lawrence & Heather Powers...................

...........................................Holly Springs

Robert Pridgen............................. Norlina

Michael & Barbara Queen.... Wilmington Jerry Radcliffe..............................Raleigh

Donnie & Ann Ramsey......... Weaverville Robby & Kim Ray.................... Charlotte Paul Raybon..............................Asheville

Nathan & Kristin Rice.................Raleigh Thomas M. Riley..........................Wilson David & Dawn Roberts....... Emporia, VA

A. Paul Rogers........................ Tabor City

Gregory & Leslie Rogers........ Greenville Ken & Layne Rogerson...............Cheraw

Monica Rollins............................Edenton

Kenneth & Lisa Rust.............. Lumberton

Gary & Karen Sain................ Taylorsville Katrina Salter-Wood & Patrick Wood ..... .................................... Hawkinsville, GA

Hilda W. Scarborough..... Winston-Salem Cecelia Schroeder................McHenry, IL

Fred & Jeanette Schuszler.......Morganton

Tiffany Seaford...................... Mocksville

Jane Steinmetz.................Hendersonville Doris Stocks......................... Thomasville Bob Stump...............................Lexington

James E. Summerville............Chapel Hill

Cheryl Sutton-Torres............. Fayetteville John & Margaret Swanson.....Greensboro Ruben & Margie Swint............................

...................................... Clarkesville, GA

Bob & Jennifer Talley.......... Wake Forest Tommy & Elizabeth Thompson...............

................................................ Greenville Jerry & Audry Thompson......Greensboro Scott & Michelle Thrailkill..... Goldsboro

Norma S. Turnham.......... Winston-Salem Paul & Linda Vaughan...........Greensboro

John Vestal........................... Wake Forest Oliver & Gayle Wager.............................

..................................... Baton Rouge, LA

R. D. Wagner...........................Burlington

Ann B. Wall..................................Raleigh DL & Mary Scott Webster.......... Durham

Gloria J. Wells................. Carolina Beach Winfry & Helen Whicker........... Concord

Dail White......................................Efland

David & Harriet Whiteman......Lexington Mark & Alana Williams...........................

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

Dick & Candace Wilson................ Shelby

David & Ann Wilson................ Maryville

Richard Wood & Amber Cockman-Wood ....................................................Sanford

Stephen & Terry Shaw..........Norfolk, VA

James L. Wright.............................Lenoir

Bob & Dolores Shepherd........Morganton

Estate of Agnes Yost ...................Raleigh

Shirley K. Shelburne................ Lillington Randy & Susan Sherron................... Cary

Wilbert & Martha Simmons...... Charlotte John & Priscilla Singletary........Pittsboro Michael Sizemore.............Fuquay Varina Robert C. Sizemore...........Fuquay Varina Brenda Smith............................. Madison

Charlotte B. Smith.......... Winston-Salem Kay Smith................................... Hickory

Luther & Marjolein Smith...........Raleigh Tony & Becky Spencer.......... Forest City Margaret Spragens.........Windermere, FL

Marc & Kimberly Wyatt..............Raleigh Bert & Tiffany Young............Wilkesboro

Ken & Faye Young...................Burnsville Sally Young............................... Charlotte

individual contributors April 2018–March 2019

Kathryn Spruill.............................Raleigh November/December 2019

The Gathering • 9

College/Adult Mission Trip to Kosice, Slovakia First Baptist Church of Marion, NC | May 17–28, 2019 As students are returning home for vacation, this is the time to be discussing a summer mission trip. Here is one church’s experience . . .

R

ecently, 16 college students and adults from First Baptist Church of Marion NC journeyed to Kosice, Slovakia to work among the Roma people. Upon arrival in Budapest, Hungary, the team was greeted by Jon and Tanya Parks, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Field Personnel, who work among the Roma People. Exhausted from nearly two days of travel, the Parks guided the team north to Kosice, opening their home, providing dinner, and helping prepare the team for ministry.

The Parks taught the team some basic Slovak language along with background information about the Roma people and their unique history and culture.

Over the next five days, the mission team spent time in three different predominantly Roma schools. The first was in an urban neighborhood in Kosice; the other two were in small,

On the last full day in Slovakia, the team returned to the first school where they had worked, prompting Pyatt to reflect on her overall experience among the Roma children. “Seeing again the same building, I had time to look around and realize how neglected the facility was. The building was old, dirty, and falling apart. On the outside, the grass was overgrown and trash was all around, much different from schools I attended in the states.

However, as I looked at all the beautiful faces, I realized that the children did not notice the broken windows or peeling paint. They saw a place to learn and spend time with their friends and gain new skills to help them in life. These children and teachers helped me to see God while I was with them because they knew how lucky they were to be able to attend school and learn Bible stories. This was truly one of the best

rural villages, Cakanovce and Backovik.

Not only did the team engage children of all ages, they also worked with children who spoke little or no English.

The Roma speak Slovak in school but usually their native Romani language at home.

Shelby Pyatt, a rising junior at UNC Charlotte, said, “When we arrived, we were greeted with smiles and hugs from students and teachers. In the three schools, we helped the children create flip books filled with basic life lessons and simple English. We also told Bible stories about David, sang songs, and played countless bingo games. Most importantly, we were able to interact with the children, not only sharing our love but also God’s love.”

experiences I have had on a mission trip.

These experiences with the children in Kosice and the small villages showed me how God works in so many different types of people.”

This North Carolina mission team also worshipped with two local Christian congregations and had daily debriefing and learning times led by Tanya and Jon Parks. These sessions helped process the group’s ministry and introduced basic missiology and community development concepts. The team also spent time seeing the sights and history of Kosice and Budapest, Hungary.

While in route back to North Carolina, they also enjoyed a 48hour stopover in London, which included dinner and a show.

10 • The Gathering

November/December 2019

YOUR GIFTS TO A CBFNC ENDOWMENT FUND

CBFNC HONORARY & MEMORIAL GIFTS Given by . . . in Honor of John Vestal in memory of Cindy Vestal Kaylee Godfrey in honor of Emily Hull McGee Fannie Mitchell in memory of Thornton W. Mitchell

PLEASE REMEMBER CBFNC IN YOUR WILL OR ESTATE PLAN. Contact Jim Hylton at 336.759.3456 for more information.

MINISTERS ON THE MOVE

Our encouragement and support go to the following ministers who have recently moved:

Gifts from individual supporters established this endowent fund to supplement the CBFNC annual operating budget. Gifts to this fund assist all areas of CBFNC ministry as we strive to join the work of God in the world.

www.cbfnc.org/give

Designate a gift for scholarships, new church starts, or where it is most needed.

Donate to CBFNC today!

CAN PLANT SEEDS OF BLESSING, HOPE, & HELP.

Joshua Barrett to First, Hickory as Pastor Doug Buttram to Warrenton, Warrenton as Pastor Brent Hardy to First, Rowland as Pastor Heath Nunn to Rosemary, Roanoke Rapids as Minister of Youth and Children When you make a move or know of someone who has changed places of ministry, please let us know (cbfnc@cbfnc.org).

For assistance to search committees and ministers seeking vocational discernment, visit the Equip Ministers and Churches page on our website at www.cbfnc.org or call 336.59.3456 or 888.822.1944.

COORDINATORS’ VISITS August – September 2019

Boiling Springs, Boiling Springs Campbell University—Hispanic Program Centro Familiar Cristiano, Siler City Duke Divinity School (Elevating Preaching) First, Clemmons First, Hickory First, Marion Frist, West Jefferson First, Whiteville First, Wilson Greystone, Raleigh Hope Valley, Durham Iglesia Cristiana Sin Fronteras, Winston-Salem Jubilee, Chapel Hill Macedonia, Raleigh Oakmont, Greenville Peace Haven, Winston-Salem Ridge Road, Raleigh St. Johns, Charlotte The Memorial Baptist Latino Church, Greenville Trinity, Raleigh Yates, Raleigh

Jim Hylton | CBFNC Business Cleo Glover Perry – A Lady of Generosity byAdministration Coordinator

C

leo Perry demonstrated great appreciation and love for the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina and for CBF Global. She believed the best Baptist traditions and commitments were lived out through partnering with CBF.” These are the words of Jack Glasgow, pastor of Zebulon Baptist, describing the lady who had served for more than fifty years in this church.

So who was Cleo Perry? What did she do to deserve such adoring words from her pastor? Cleo was a lifetime resident of Zebulon. She was proud graduate of Meredith College and supported her alma mater in many ways. Retiring after thirty years from Wake County Schools, Cleo went to work in the alumni affairs office at Meredith and soon became the director of alumni affairs.

And that’s just the beginning. As a member at Zebulon, she sang in the choir for more than fifty years. She and her husband, Elwood, taught youth Sunday School for twenty-five years and then Cleo taught an adult Sunday School class for another twentyfive years. She was a deacon and even served as the church clerk.

“

Cleo and Elwood established a scholarship for a graduating high school senior of the church that is awarded annually. As Jack Glasgow said: “Cleo modeled a life of service, commitment, and generosity.”

Several months ago, CBFNC Executive Coordinator Larry Hovis received a phone call from a member of Cleo’s family. The phone call was to inform Larry that Cleo Perry had left a sizeable estate gift to CBFNC. The instructions received by Larry were simply to use the gift in accordance with the mission of CBFNC. Cleo is a wonderful example that few things bring more joy to philanthropic people of faith than making meaningful contributions to their favorite charitable organizations. Like Cleo, many have discovered the added pleasure of knowing they can continue to support our mission beyond their lifetimes. May more and more of our constituents find the same satisfaction that Cleo found in this selfless act of charity.

November/December 2019

The Gathering • 11

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID WINSTON-SALEM PERMIT NO. 162

Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina Bringing Baptists of North Carolina Together for Christ-Centered Ministry 2640 Reynolda Road Winston-Salem, NC 27106

888-822-1944 www.cbfnc.org

Return Service Requested

Upcoming Events NOVEMBER

JANUARY | 2020

November 2 Greystone, Raleigh

Year-Long Dectur, GA

Children’s Mission Days

November 9 Oakmont, Greenville November 16 First, Morganton

CBFNC Webinar:

Growing Young Cohort

CBFNC Webinar:

Living the Loaves and Fishes Story January 21 11:00 a.m. to noon

Youth Ski Retreat

Teaching the Four Senses of the Text: Combining Devotional and Critical Approaches to the Bible November 4 11:00 a.m. to noon

January 24-26 Winterplace, WV

CBFNC Webinar: 5 Things (You and) Your Church Can Do to Minister to Refugees November 19 11:00 a.m. to noon

Where is Church Going from Here?

DECEMBER

CBFNC Webinar:

Encourager Churches December 10 11:00 a.m. to noon

FEBRUARY

February 29 Providence, Charlotte

MARCH CBFNC Annual Gathering March 19–20 Trinity, Raleigh

CBF Annual N C Gathering Embracing Kingdom Community Trinity Baptist Church, Raleigh Thursday, March 19 – Friday, March 20, 2020

www.cbfncag.com The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor.

He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. ­— Luke 4:18-19