Page 3 Page 4 Page 5
The Gathering
Eddie Hammett to Serve as CBFNC Church and Clergy Coach
Missional Collaboration Conversations
Collegiate-Congregational Internships Through CBF by Wanda Kidd
Theological Education –Foundational to Our Fellowship by Larry Hovis
Pages 6-8
Page 8
Page 9
Page 10
2010 CBFNC Theological Education Scholarship Recipients
Cultivating Quality Leadership for a Sustainable Church by Stephen Lewis
Win-Win with Interns by Rick Jordan
Creating a Village of Hope by Len Keever
It’s Raining…Kids by Jenny Folmar
November/December 2009
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
Rick Jordan ......... Church Resources Coordinator RJordan@cbfnc.org
Linda Jones Missions Coordinator LJones@cbfnc.org
Jim Hylton .... Business Administration Coordinator JHylton@cbfnc.org
Coordinating Council
Greg Rogers, Greenville, Moderator
Gail Coulter, Hendersonville, Past-Moderator
Steve Little, Marion, Moderator-Elect
Glenda Currin, Wilmington, Recorder
Donna Bissette, Winston-Salem, Treasurer
Ray Ammons, Gastonia
Tommy Bratton, Asheville
Don Gordon, Durham
Gary Knight, Winston-Salem
Martha McDowell, Laurinburg
Glenn Phillips, Goldsboro
Bert Young, Bladenboro
Janice Young, Whiteville
Endowment Management Board
Scott Hudgins, Winston-Salem, Chair
Jack Buchanan, Shelby
A. G. Bullard, Raleigh
Joe Harris, Mocksville
John Hewett, Charlotte
Jack Causey Ministerial Resources Coordinator JCausey@cbfnc.org
Wanda Kidd ... College Ministry Consultant WKidd@cbfnc.org
Eddie Hammett...Church and Clergy Coach EHammett@cbfnc.org
Faith Development Ministry Council
John Vestal, Raleigh, Chair
Allen Winters, Hillsborough, Chair-Elect
Todd Blake, Fayetteville
Gay Gulick, Winston-Salem
Beth Heffner, Rutherfordton
Garin Hill, Shelby
Rebecca Husband Maynard, Elkin
Kathy Naish, Hickory
Katie Fam Roscoe, Southern Pines
Tony Spencer, Forest City
Leadership Development Ministry Council
Mark Ashworth, Kernersville, Chair
Scott Hovey, Durham, Chair-Elect
Joseph Alexander, Winston-Salem
Ed Beddingfield, Fayetteville
Larry Glover-Wetherington, Richlands
Rendell Hipps, Hickory
Tommy James, Sylva
Shane Nixon, Burlington
LeAnne Spruill, Durham
Mari Wiles, Murfreesboro
Nancy Parks Programs Manager NParks@cbfnc.org
Natalie Aho .... Communications Manager NAho@cbfnc.org
Laura Barclay Ministry Support Manager LBarclay@cbfnc.org
Gail McAlister ..... Financial Assistant GMcalister@cbfnc.org
Missions Ministry Council
Kenny Davis, Wise, Chair
Kent Cranford, Gastonia, Chair-Elect
George Fuller, Raleigh
Christopher Ingram, Smithfield
Andrea Jones, Raleigh
Len Keever, Dunn
Alicia Porterfield, Wilmington
Susie Reeder, Fayetteville
Jose Villasenor, Durham
Linda Winslow, Jamestown
CBF National Council Members from NC
Paul Baxley, Henderson
Lee Canipe, Murfreesboro
Jack Glasgow, Zebulon, CBF Past-Moderator
Betsy Newton Herman, Raleigh
Don Horton, Zebulon
Beth McConnell, Charlotte
Jim McCoy, Weaverville
Robin Roberts, Raleigh
Financial Report: July 2009 Contributions Undesignated - $129,985 Designated - $194,450 August 2009 Contributions Undesignated - $54,974 Designated - $108,934 April 2009 - March 2010 Monthly Undesignated Goal: $98,798
2010 CBF
General Assembly in Charlotte, NC
June 23-25 is the date for the CBF GA at the Charlotte Convention Center. Many volunteers from nearby churches will be needed for the numerous assignments necessary to host the event in the tradition of Carolina hospitality. Jim Martin, chair, local arrangements, is hoping that every CBFNC church will provide volunteers. Enlistment will begin in earnest in January, but please consider now what you can do for North Carolina to “put our best foot forward” as we host the annual General Assembly. You can contact Jim (jmartin@providencebc.org) to volunteer as an individual or as a team from your church. Registration is now open at www.thefellowship.info/assembly.
Eddie Hammett to Serve as CBFNC Church and Clergy Coach
CBFNC Press Release
Eddie Hammett was elected as the Church and Clergy Coach for CBFNC during a meeting of the CBFNC Coordinating Council on September 17 at Millbrook Baptist Church in Raleigh.
Hammett served 19 years with the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, most recently as the regional discipleship and leadership consultant in western North Carolina. In this new part-time role, Hammett will work with CBFNC churches and the CBFNC employed staff and elected leadership as a consultant and coach in the areas of clergy coach training, lay leadership and church staff team development, spiritual formation, transitioning issues for churches, discipleship, and deacon ministry.
Larry Hovis, Executive Coordinator, stated that Hammett has achieved national recognition as an author, consultant, and coach in his work with clergy, churches, and denominations across the country.
“We are pleased to welcome Eddie Hammett to the CBFNC leadership team,” Hovis said following Hammett’s election. “Eddie brings
to the table a unique awareness of the challenges and needs of congregational life in the 21st century. His background as a staff minister in local churches, coupled with his experience and expertise in coaching and consulting, will be an invaluable asset to what CBFNC is already doing in bringing Baptists together in North Carolina for Christ-centered ministry.”
Hammett, a founding member of The Columbia
“The days of challenge and opportunity are here for churches that embrace their calling and giftedness...”
Partnership that offers consulting and coaching services to churches and clergy, expressed his desire to complement the work of the current CBFNC leadership team.
“I look forward to my partnership with CBFNC with excitement, openness, and the privilege of serving in and among very capable CBFNC leaders and congregations,” Hammett said. “As Church and Clergy Coach for CBFNC, it is my desire to provide coaching and consulting that will maximize the dreams and leadership of CBFNC congregations that desire to impact and influence those in the pew and those in their communities.”
“The days of challenge and opportunity are here for
Missional Collaboration Conversations
For several months, CBFNC has been facilitating a process with our ministry partners that we’ve referred to as “missional collaboration conversations” (partners are those who participate in the Mission Resource Plan: WMU of NC, Baptist Men, NC colleges and universities, Baptist Children’s Homes, Baptist Retirement Homes, School of Pastoral Care, NC Baptist Foundation, BWA, BJC, BCE, ABP, and Baptists Today). The purpose of these conversations is to discover how we can better work together to pursue God’s mission in our state and world.
Conversation teams have been formed for each partner. These teams consist of representatives from the partner, CBFNC elected and employed leaders, and representatives from among CBFNC congregations.
leaders, churches, and groups that embrace their calling and giftedness in ways that renew and preserve traditions, as well as the hopes and dreams that birth the future for all generations that move forward with faith, courage, and intentionality.”
Hammett, a native of Greenville, South Carolina, also served as senior coach for Lake Hickory Learning Communities at Hollifield Leadership Center from 2004 through August of 2009. A graduate of North Greenville College, Furman University, and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Hammett has led conferences across the country, and has consulted and coached churches and clergy across denominational lines. He is a professional certified coach with the International Coach Federation, and has written six books.
Learn more about Eddie at www.thecolumbiapartnership.org or www.soulful-leadership.com.
For more information, contact Larry Hovis at LHovis@cbfnc.org or Eddie Hammett at EHammett@ cbfnc.org.
Though the conversations may cover different topics, depending on the type of ministry performed by each particular partner, all conversations were asked to include four basic factors:
• Missionally appropriate uses of Mission Resource Plan contributions
• Avenues for missional collaboration beyond financial
• Missional enhancement of congregations and CBFNC
• Strategies for mutual public affirmation
As of this printing, at least an initial meeting had been held with all except three of our partners, and those meetings have been scheduled. The result of these conversations will be written agreements or plans that will provide specific ways CBFNC, congregations and partners will work together to pursue God’s mission in the months and years ahead.
We will include an expression of celebration and commitment to missional collaboration at the CBFNC General Assembly at First Baptist Church, Winston-Salem, March 19-20, 2010
Collegiate-Congregational Internships Through CBF
by Wanda Kidd, CBFNC Collegiate Ministry Consultant
www.thefellowship.info/collegeinternship
www.thefellowship.info/collegeinternship
Collegiate-Congregational Internships
• College students serve in CBF churches in NC and other states for 10 weeks, summer of 2010
For the student:
• Grant-funded $1,200 scholarship
• Pre-field orientation and a post-field debriefing
• Coaching from off-site church coaches
The church provides:
• Mentoring
• Living expenses for the summer
Mid-Winter College Retreat
February 6-7, 2010
Mundo Vista, NC
Conversations around social justice
Cost: $35 (includes lodging and food) for early bird regist. by January 22. Cost is $40 after this date. Register by January 29 at www.cbfnc.org.
addition of children, and the “church bounce” is delayed from their midtwenties to early thirties, if at all.
The trend of moving away from local church involvement has even been reflected in those who are attending mainline Protestant divinity schools. Statistics show that over 50% of those entering seminary in 2006 did not want to serve in a local congregation upon graduation. Those statistics are somewhat altered when they graduate and need employment, but the fact remains that young adults are not as connected to the local congregation as they were twenty years ago.
www.thefellowship.info/collegeinternship
ministry and for churches to mentor a student to serve alongside the staff to get an up close look at ministry in a local church.
A great deal of conversation is happening in Christian circles about young adult involvement in church or the lack thereof. The rule of thumb for several decades has been that those in their late teens and early twenties will probably drift away from regular church attendance, but when they marry and have children, they will return to the fold and take up leadership and be an integral part of the congregation.
That trend has shifted as children and youth have lived their church lives in separate programs and, in many cases, separate buildings from the rest of the congregation. By the time they graduate from high school and move on to college or careers, they are increasingly disconnected from the church. Added to that disconnection is the cultural shift of later marriages and an even later
Last summer Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, Fayetteville, offered Meghan Beddingfield, recent UNC graduate and FBC Fayetteville member, an opportunity to serve in their church for the summer with funds from CBFNC. The pastor, Todd Blake, was so pleased with the impact that the experience had on Meghan and their congregation, that he encouraged a group in a CBF gathering recently to take advantage of any internship that brought a young adult into their congregation. He felt it was a growing experience for all involved.
Maybe a college intern is just what your church needs to work through the changes in young adults. Or maybe you need a healthy environment to discover if God is calling you to ministry. Whether you are a church or student interested in this opportunity, more information and expectations can be found at www.thefellowship.info/ collegeinternships.
You can also contact Wanda Kidd at asyougo5@aol.com for more information.
Learn more about CBFNC and Collegiate Ministry at cbfnc.org.
Theological Education - Foundational to Our Fellowship
by Larry Hovis, Executive Coordinator, CBFNC
Editor’s Note – This is the sixth in a series of articles describing the ministries of partners who participate in the CBFNC Mission Resource Plan (MRP). To learn more about the MRP, visit www.cbfnc.org.
When the Fellowship movement was birthed in the early 1990s, the first ministries that we collectively supported were missionaries who were losing funding from their traditional sources of support. Funding for and engagement in Global Missions has been central to our shared identity and ministry since the beginning of our movement.
Close on the heels of Global Missions came support for emerging channels of theological education. Though CBF does not own and operate institutions, from the beginning our movement has embraced a partnership approach to relating to a large network of ministries. None of these ministries has been as foundational to our congregations and our Fellowship as theological schools.
Of the fifteen schools who relate to CBF, four are in North Carolina. The Baptists of North Carolina have been strong supporters of theological education throughout our history, first with Wake Forest College, then Southeastern Seminary. The best of that tradition is carried on through the divinity schools at Campbell, Duke, Gardner-Webb and Wake Forest.
Before the establishment of the Mission Resource Plan, CBFNC included funds in our budget for scholarships for students at the four North Carolina schools, as well as for students from North Carolina engaged in theological studies outside our state. With the advent of the Mission
Resource Plan, that support has grown significantly. The basic version of the Mission Resource Plan allocates sixteen percent of its funding for theological education. In our 2008-2009 fiscal year, CBFNC facilitated over a quarter of a million dollars in financial support for theological education. We estimate that figure will grow to over $330,000 in the current fiscal year!
Baptists believe strongly in the Reformation doctrine of the priesthood of all believers. We also believe strongly in the role of educated vocational ministers to “equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ” (Eph. 4:12).
In addition to funding, CBFNC works closely with the leaders of our theological schools. We meet twice a year with the deans of the schools to share ideas and collaborate on joint ministries. A significant number of students participate in the General Assembly and other CBFNC ministries. Many of these students serve on the staffs of North Carolina congregations. Students have provided leadership for CBFNC youth events and other ministries. Our Fellowship is richer, deeper and stronger because of the students, faculties and staffs of our partner schools.
After speaking in a church about the changes in Baptist life and the ministries of Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, an older lay leader shared a wise insight: “I think I figured out what all this fuss is about. We love our pastor. But some day our pastor will retire or move to another place of service. This is about where our church is going to get our next pastor!”
Baptist Theological Education Institutions in North Carolina Baptist House of Studies at Duke Divinity www.divinity. duke.edu
Campbell Divinity www.campbell. edu/divinity
Gardner-Webb Divinity www.gardnerwebb.edu
Wake Forest Divinity www.divinity. wfu.edu
Learn more about CBFNC and theological education at www.cbfnc.org
2010 CBFNC Theological Education Scholarship Recipients Each scholar included their hometown, church and vocational goal. To learn more about giving to theological education through CBFNC, visit www.cbfnc.org.
Scholars from North Carolina who attend Out-of-State Schools
Baptist University of the Americas
Eduardo Alvarado, Sanford, NC
Iglesia Bautista Nuevo Comienzo
Pastor
Baptist University of the Americas
Carlos Chavez, Sanford, NC
Primera Iglesia Bautista, Sanford
Pastor
Vanderbilt Divinity School
Dustin Frye, Bakersville, NC
Pine Branch BC, Spruce Pine
Chaplaincy, Pastoral Counselor
George W. Truett Theological Seminary
Chris Howell, II, Huntersville, NC
First BC, Cleburne
Serve teenagers in an urban setting
Baptist University of the Americas
Yessenia Juarez, Sanford, NC
Primera Iglesia Bautista, Sanford
Minister of Ministries to the Community
McAfee School of Theology
Phillip Stokes, Charlotte, NC
Hickory Grove BC, Charlotte
Professor
The Divinity School at Wake Forest University
www.divinity.wfu.edu, Winston-Salem, NC
Degrees Offered: Master of Divinity, MA of Religion, M Div/Juris
Doctor
Bert Sanders, Winston-Salem, NC
No photo available
Ardmore BC, Winston-Salem
Chaplaincy, Pastoral Care-Leadership, Legal
George W. Truett Theological Seminary
Jessica Chastain, Murphy, NC
Cullowhee BC, Sylva
Master of Divinity
Baptist University of the Americas
Ada Cruz, Sanford, NC
Primera Iglesia Bautista, Sanford
An educator of the word of God
Beeson Divinity School
Peter Haley, Gastonia, NC
First BC, Monroe Minister of Music
Baptist University of the Americas
Luis Juarez, Sanford, NC
Primera Iglesia Bautista, Sanford
Youth Pastor
School of Theology at the University of the South
Rebecca Mathis, Whiteville, NC
First BC, Chattanooga Missions, Social Justice Ministry
Union Theological Seminary
Chrissy Tatum, Davidson, NC
First BC, Huntersville
Social Justice Ministry
Brian Layman, Howe, TX
Churchland BC, Lexington
Senior Pastor
Charles Smith, Independence, MO
Emerywood BC, High Point
Youth Ministry
M. Christopher White School of Divinity at Gardner-Webb
www.gardner-webb.edu/admissions/graduate/divinity, Boiling Springs, NC
Degrees Offered: Master of Divinity, Doctor of Ministry
John David Barnette, Lincolnton, NC
First BC, Lincolnton Chaplaincy
Jeremiah Childers, Shelby, NC
First BC, Shelby Minister
Sheila Gibson, Sylva, NC
First BC, Sylva Minister of Christian Education
Meredith Jones, Charlotte, NC
University City Fellowship, Charlotte Church Planter
Brian Simpson, Gastonia, NC
First BC, Lincolnton Pastor
Campbell University Divinity School
www.campbell.edu/divinity, Buies Creek, NC
Degrees Offered: Master of Divinity, MA in Christian Education, M Div/MBA, Doctor of Ministry, M Div/MA in Community Counseling
Joshua Breazeale, Raleigh, NC
Oakmont BC, Greenville
Minister of Christian Education
Kyle Chastain, Canton, NC
Double Springs BC, Shelby Pastoral Work
Rick Hollings, Fayetteville, NC
Forest Hills BC, Raleigh
Master of Divinity
Barrett Freeman, Lenior, NC
College Avenue BC, Lenoir Pastor
Stuart Greene Asheville, NC Pastoral Care
Aileen Mitchell Lawrimore, Asheville, NC
First BC, Asheville Ministry in a church
Thomas Whitley, Charlotte, NC
Eastside BC, Shelby Professor
Cindy Bolden, Cary, NC Westwood BC, Cary
Pastoral, Preaching
Judy Butler, Mebane, NC
FBC, Mebane
Pastoral Counseling, Senior Adult Ministry
Diane McClary, Mooresville, NC
Grace Community, Angier
Counseling, Youth/College, Higher Education
Baptist House of Studies at Duke Divinity School
www.divinity.duke.edu/programs/baptisthouse, Durham, NC
Degrees Offered: Master of Divinity, Master of Theology, MA of Theological Studies, Doctor of Theology
Andrew B. Herring, Reidsville, NC
First BC, Reidsville Minister
David John Hailey, Raleigh, NC
Hayes Barton BC, Raleigh Pastoral or Music Ministry
Aaron J. Walton, Gates, NC
New Hope Missionary BC, Gates
Pastoring, Teaching, Social Justice
Cultivating Quality Leadership for a Sustainable Church
by Rev. Stephen Lewis, National Director, Calling Congregations, The Fund
for Theological Education
The roots of quality leadership run deep in the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina.
That’s something I know as well as I know my own story—growing up as a Baptist in Charlotte, discerning a call at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, following that call to Duke University Divinity School and forming enduring bonds with colleagues throughout the state and region.
The ability as a church to gather together and serve the community in creative ways depends on leadership. It depends on an intergenerational conversation that captures the imagination of gifted young leaders among us who feel called to serve the church. For North Carolina churches and communities—for the entire church—quality leadership is the foundation for vital and sustainable Christian institutions. It’s about thriving, not just surviving.
Strong congregations depend on strong leaders. And we know that God calls them. But the church across denominations must reawaken to the essential role of congregations in God’s call.
Week after week, your congregation calls people to faith. But within your congregation, young people – and even those who are not so young – want to know that what they do with their lives matters. They want to know that their faith bears on the choices they make. They need congregations who will prepare them to hear and respond to God’s call in their lives, whatever it may be.
These “calling congregations” engage in practices that build a capacity to notice, name and nurture Christian vocations and the call to ordained ministry. They understand that a robust “culture of call” – shared
practices and habits developed over time – ensures that the church has the leadership it needs with gifted men and women serving in church professions now and in the future.
That is why, with visionary funding from Lilly Endowment Inc., The Fund for Theological Education in 2005 launched a national movement to engage congregations and church-related organizations in these practices. The goal? To form an energized network of people and institutions committed to the cause of quality leadership for the church. What’s at stake is nothing less than the future church and the quality of leadership that will help guide it.
This Calling Congregations movement is taking shape across the country and across the North Carolina landscape in particular.
Ask Paul Baxley and Rusty Edwards at First Baptist Church in downtown Henderson, a vital connecting point for the community. First Baptist was awarded a 2009 Fund for Theological Education “Cultures of Call” grant to launch Vocational Mystagogy. This innovative program helps students explore vocation and pastoral ministry through an Early Church teaching model.
Ask Jack Glasgow at Zebulon Baptist Church in Wake County, known for its intergenerational Samuel Project, which engages members in open conversation around the question of vocation. It’s a model program that is inspiring others.
Among a generation of new leaders, ask Charlene Brown, a 2009 FTE Ministry Fellow attending Duke University Divinity School. “As a future pastor,” Brown says, “I will preach, teach and remind others that a message of hope and reconciliation is at stake, that we are called to resurrect places in our communities that are perishing.” This young leader is bolstered by a caring network of support rooted in her congregation, and the whole church has a stake in her future.
We invite you to join us. You’ll be joining a movement to ensure sustainable leadership and a thriving, sustainable church. Call us, come see us in Atlanta, invite us for a visit, or learn more at www.thefund.org/calling.
Win-Win with Interns
by Rick Jordan, CBFNC Church Resources Coordinator
Many Baptist churches are discovering an amazing opportunity that has win-win written all over it. Students from CBF-partner divinity schools are available to be ministry interns in their congregations.
First Baptist, Kernersville had been in the search for a children’s minister for 18 months and for a youth minister for two months when they interviewed students from the nearby Wake Forest Divinity School. Two students especially impressed the church, so they invited both.
Jeremy Fox was one of the student interns. “I sensed excitement in the way they carried themselves. They had a very positive demeanor. Also, they were willing and insightful enough to adjust my job description to match my passions and strengths. That spoke loudly to me. The fact that they had enough insight to not make a person fit a job description, but instead make a job description around a person was icing on the cake. From a practical standpoint, I needed a place that was close to Winston-Salem so my spouse could go to school. Because of the nature of ministry to younger generations, the church needed someone they knew would be around for a while – at least long enough to develop strong relationships. Honestly, the situation could not have worked out any better than it did.”
Ward Page is the other intern. He reflects, “Being a minister and a student is a special position in which I find myself. On the one hand, it’s very taxing and often difficult to maintain balance and sanity! On the other hand, I get a sense from my congregation that the understanding that I am a student as well as a
minister better allows for me to apply the wonderful things I’m learning at school in my ministry, and that they are welcome to the experimentation. They tell you that it’s never good to rock the boat when you first begin in a new church position, but I think being a student allows for a little more grace. I think a church that is attracted to divinity school students to serve as ministers, interns or other supervisors expresses a willingness to adapt to the changing
“If it weren’t for these mentors, I honestly doubt I’d be working in a church today.”
world around us, and a little more perspective never hurts anyone.”
Dr. Stephen Martin has been the pastor at FBC for six years. He recommends internships to fellow pastors and churches. “The student receives the experience of working in a church and the church receives the energy and enthusiasm of a young ministry student who brings a fresh approach to the ministry demands of the local church. The experience does demand sometimes a more ‘hands on’ involvement with the interns, but they in turn offer a great contribution to the overall ministry of our church. It has been a wonderful experience for both the church as well as myself.”
Rob Tennant, pastor of HillSong Church in Chapel Hill, is sold on internships as well. Heather Thomas Folliard was a church member who attended Duke Divinity School. Although there were many candidates for the position, “We knew what she could do and we
expected her to grow and become a dynamic leader in our church.” Heather began a ministry to graduate students in the area. “It’s a win for her because in interpreting her responsibility creatively, she experienced a success. It’s a win for us because these young adults, in addition to making the small group she leads lively and a rich experience, have become needed volunteers on the worship team and in youth ministry.”
Rob feels that, likewise, an internship challenges the student. “When I was a seminarian and a part-time church youth pastor, I wanted to do everything. Now that I am a pastor of 12 years, I let the seminarians do everything. When they don’t want to, I tell them they need to give it a try. By everything, I mean baptisms, preaching, leading communion, benedictions, speaking at funerals. The only thing I have not had seminarians do is speak at weddings, and as the opportunity comes, I will do that too.”
Heather feels fortunate to be serving in a local Baptist congregation. “So many of my fellow Baptist students have had to do their field education in Methodist churches because there are so few Baptist churches offering their resources for our divinity school students. Baptist students need the experience of pastoral ministry within their own tradition so they can think about the history and develop their theology in order to faithfully serve a Baptist church upon graduation.”
Such experiences lay the groundwork for a sustained ministry. Jeremy concludes, “I have learned a lot from the mentors I have had the last several years. They have taught me about life in church – how to conduct myself, how to listen to the needs of others, how to gently guide people. They have also taught me how to maintain a balance in my personal life. They wanted to make sure that I started the habit of taking care of myself and my relationships – especially my marriage. If it weren’t for these mentors, I honestly doubt I’d be working in a church today. It is cliché, but it is honest.”
Ministry internships are required for students at each of the divinity schools, but there is always a need for more churches to invite students to join their staff. Will your church take up the challenge?
Ministry Internship Contacts
Baptist House: Curtis Freeman, cfreeman@div.duke.edu
Campbell: Irma Duke, duke@campbell.edu
Gardner-Webb: Robert Canoy, rcanoy@gardner-webb.edu
Wake: Melissa Clodfelter, clodfem@wfu.edu
Creating a Village of Hope
by Len Keever, Pastor, First Baptist, Dunn
God often works in neighborhoods to form and shape us; this was certainly true in my life. Being a Christian was a part of our community identity. As a child my faith was nurtured and encouraged by the examples of faith my neighbors demonstrated.
At the Village of Hope in Bucha, Ukraine, CBFNC is working with others to help create a Christian community in which children may be shaped and formed by God through a common witness. Imagine growing up in a place where Christianity is not the norm or where faith is spoken of in hushed tones behind closed doors. Imagine not having had parents, grandparents, and an extended family who share your faith in Jesus Christ.
What we are attempting to create at the Village of Hope is a neighborhood where children may
It’s Raining ... Kids
grow up with the advantages of a fostering Christian community. The Village of Hope is not an orphanage where children live in dormitories. It is a neighborhood where they grow up in a home. They don’t have house parents to watch over them, they have a mother and a father, sisters and brothers who are committed to helping them grow up in a safe and faith-shaping environment. They aren’t wards of the state; the children are family members loved and adored, celebrated and blessed. Their neighbors aren’t atheists or agnostics; they are also Christian parents who are caring for and sharing in providing a place where the witness of faithful living may become a part of their story just as it has become a part of our own faith stories.
Soon, we hope to have as many as 40 children living in the Village
of Hope. Progress is slow, but steady. By God’s speed we are right on schedule helping to create what God has called us to do. We are not just helping a child; we are participating with God in creating a Village of Hope. Perhaps one day Maria or Sasha, Vlad or Lena will look back on their younger years and remember their neighborhood with fondness. When this happens they too will be grateful for all that God has done to help them to grow in Christ. Then they too will want to be good neighbors to someone else. I’m glad to be a part of this vision. Do you share it too?
Foster Families of Village of Hope
• A total of three families with 16 children (7 biological and 9 foster) now reside at VoH.
• Four more foster children are coming - the process takes much longer than we would want.
• Pray for all the families at the Village of Hope.
• Specifically pray for the Dershanovskiy family who is greiving the loss of Edward, one of their foster children, who had a brain tumor and died after unsuccessful surgery this past summer.
• Pray for the placing of more foster children.
• Learn more at www.cbfnc.org.
by Jenny Folmar, Minister to Youth and College Students, Memorial Baptist Church, Buies Creek
When the Memorial BC van pulled into Mount Zion Baptist Church in Independence, Belize one Tuesday afternoon in June, the windows were full of faces. The children piled out like clowns getting out of a small car in a circus trick.
By the end of the week, 140 kids attended the Vacation Bible School led by the 34-member mission team. The team included families, youth, and individuals from the church who ranged in age from the 4th grade to grandparents!
Katelyn DeVane, who worked with the story-telling team, said one little boy hugged her and asked her what was in her mouth. He had never seen someone with braces.
Amber enjoyed “swinging on the new swing with my friend Giovani.” The team built the swing-set from scratch. The new pine swing-set was a big hit with the children. “Kids jumped out the window to go swing during class,”
Claire said.
The mission in Independence that week was twofold: in addition to VBS, our physical labor produced an expanded building with new Sunday School rooms for children, finished walls on the outside, restored doors, tiled bathrooms, and a new swing. For more detailed stories on this trip and to hear the experiences of the Memorial team members, you can visit the blog site: http://memorialbaptistchurch.typepad.com/. Learn more about CBFNC & Belize at www.cbfnc.org.
New Ministers to NC Luncheon
January 19, 2010 (snow date: January 26) ~ 11:30-2:00
• For ministers (pastors & staff) and spouses who moved to church/ministry position in NC during 2009
• Complimentary luncheon, CBFNC Offices, Winston-Salem
• Fellowship, meet CBFNC staff & learn about CBF-NC
• Register at www.cbfnc.org or call 888-822-1944.
• Please invite ministers who are new to our state.
New Contributing CBFNC Partner Churches
(As of September 30, 2009)
First, Clinton (Formerly CBF only; new MRP* contributor)
Mount Pleasant, Liberty (New MRP* contributor)
Rock Creek, Nashville (New MRP* contributor)
Athens Drive, Raleigh (Formerly CBF only)
Richfield, Richfield (Formerly CBF only)
First, Taylorsville (Formerly CBF only)
Falls, Wake Forest
*Mission Resource Plan - visit www.cbfnc.org to learn more.
Ministers on the Move
Church Start Academy
Knowing yourself, your leadership team, your possibilities
Compiled by Jack Causey, Ministerial Resources Coordinator
Our encouragement and support go to the following ministers who have recently moved:
Jason Braswell has been called as Minister of Youth at Memorial BC, Williamston.
Kenny Byrd has been called as Pastor at New Hope BC, Whiteville.
Richard Childress has been called as Pastor at New Hope BC, Raleigh.
Kerrie Clayton has been called as Minister of Music and Senior Adults at First BC, Smithfield.
Bill Fryar has been called as Pastor at Double Springs BC, Shelby.
Rich Giersch has been called as Minister of Youth at First BC, North Wilkesboro.
Jan Hemrick has been called as Minister to Children and Families at Peace Haven BC, Winston-Salem.
Matt Johnson has been called as Minister of Worship and Education at Piney Grove BC, Mt. Airy.
Tom Kinman has been called as Pastor at Hickory Grove BC, Gastonia.
Josh Powers has been called as Minister of Youth and Education at First BC, Rutherfordton.
Jonathan Redding has been called as Minister of Youth and Families at Peace Haven BC, Winston-Salem.
Mark Reece has been called as Pastor at Piney Grove BC, Mt. Airy.
Andy Smith has been called as Minister of Youth & Their Families at Providence BC, Charlotte.
Wayne Smith has been called as Pastor at Fishing Creek BC, Whitakers.
Keith Vaughn has been called as Associate Pastor at Westwood BC, Cary.
Dave Williamson has been called as Pastor at First BC, Maiden.
Matt Wilson has been called as Minister of Youth, Children and Families at Mount Carmel BC, Chapel Hill.
When you make a move or know of someone who has changed places of ministry, let us know at jcausey@cbfnc.org. For vocational placement or search committee requests, visit our vocations page on our website at www.cbfnc. org or call 336-759-3456 or 888-822-1944.
888-822-1944 www.cbfnc.org
Bringing Baptists of North Carolina Together for Christ-Centered Ministry
Return Service Requested
Upcoming Events ~ November/December Edition
Youth Ministry Summit II
November 5, 2009
Peace Haven BC, Winston-Salem
Registration and details at www.cbfnc.org.
Children’s Missions Days
November 7 - Hickory, NC
November 14 - Raleigh, NC
Details at www.cbfnc.org.
Antiphony College Event
December 29, 2009 - January 2, 2010
FBC, Decatur, GA - outside Atlanta
Registration and details at www.thefellowship.info/antiphony.
New Ministers to NC Luncheon
January 19, 2010 (snow date Jan. 26)
CBFNC Offices, Winston-Salem, NC
See page 11. Registration and details at www.cbfnc.org.
Youth Ski Retreats
January 22-24, 2010 or January 29-31, 2010
Winterplace, WV
Registration with CTI Adventures at 800-285-7273 or twilson@skicti.com.
Details at www.cbfnc.org.
New Church Start Academy
February 4-6, 2010
Village Inn, Clemmons, NC
See page 11. Registration and details at www.cbfnc.org.
Hispanic Retreats
Men’s - February 5-6, 2010
Women’s - March 5-6, 2010
Family - June 4-5, 2010
Children - July 30-31, 2010
Youth - August 6-8, 2010
Contact Linda Jones at LJones@cbfnc. org or 888-822-1944 for more details.
Mid-Winter College Retreat
February 6-7, 2010
Mundo Vista, NC
See page 4. Registration and details at www.cbfnc.org.
Children’s Choir Festival
February 20, 2010
First Baptist Church, High Point Registration and details at www.cbfnc.org.
Staff Ministers Retreat
March 1-4, 2010
Myrtle Beach, SC
Details at www.cbfnc.org.
Choir Festival
March 5-6, 2010
First Baptist Church, Greensboro Registration and details at www.cbfnc.org.
CBFNC General Assembly
March 19-20, 2010
First Baptist Church, Winston-Salem Follow www.cbfnc.org for details.
Adult Spiritual Formation Retreat
April 9-11, 2010
Caraway Conference Center, Asheboro Registration and details at www.cbfnc.org.
Missions Initiative - Eastern
April 23-25, 2010
Halifax, Warren and Vance Counties Registration and details at www.cbfnc.org.
CBF General Assembly June 24-25, 2010
Charlotte, NC
Registration and details at www.thefellowship.info/assembly.
Youth