CBMC INTERNATIONAL: FROM THE SECRET SERVICE TO THE SACRED SERVICE

hris Simpson knew that God was orienting him and his wife Ana (an accomplished artist from Nicaragua) down a new path but the destination, had he been asked years before, would have been surprising

The new president of CBMC International brings a history of service to both the Church and the nation A father of three, this Tennessee native spent the first thirty years of his professional life traveling the world in public sector leadership positions

As an officer in the Marine Corps and then subsequently as a Senior Special Agent in the United States Secret Service, he learned first-hand the meaning of servant leadership and the power of the Gospel His winding career path took him from the jungles of Colombia to the right hand of the most powerful men in the world Yet this new chapter with CBMC International has him more excited than ever

He has a dogged enthusiasm that comes through clearly when you hear him speak as he insists the global CBMC ministry family is set for an abundant future “God has been working on business and professional men and women in every city on earth They are ready to serve That is where CBMC comes in We are their path of obedience, but we can’t whisper it to them The culture is too loud; we ’ ve got to shout it”

One would naturally sense the weight of the responsibility by surveying the landscape of a culture that seems to be moving further away from a Christian moral framework combined with declining church attendance But Chris Simpson’s spirit of optimism is infectious “I have seen too many Christians worldwide ‘back on their heels’ out of a fear of the culture I’ll have none of it I see a thousand lights on a thousand hills, and when the Lord returns, I want the men and women of CBMC to be remembered as shining bright”

In Chris’ first three months on the job, he has seen donations increase and travel surge as he has determined to create a clarity of vision and mission for the 96, and growing, CBMC countries worldwide “To understand who we are as a ministry is essential,” he says, “to strengthen what God has blessed for 93 years ” When asked about our identity, he responds without hesitation, “We network, but we are not a ‘networking group; ’ we talk about leadership, but we are not a ‘leadership forum with a sprinkling of Christianity;’ we are a ministry of Jesus Christ whose marching orders are Matthew 28:19-20 The moment we do anything else, it becomes an exercise in selfinterest, we become lukewarm, and Christ takes our lamp-stand”

There is no doubt that CBMC International has a distinctive tenor now To find out more and to connect with Chris and the CBMC International team, message them at csimpson@cbmcintorg or jmarple@cbmcint.org.

CHUCK SCHERER: