CBMC Connector Spring 2025

R E ACHI NG BU S I NE S SM EN FOR CHRIST

SPRING 2025

MINISTRY GROWTH FORGING NEW MISSIONS PUTTING GOD FIRST THROUGH YP FRUITFULNESS IN RETIREMENT

cbmc.com

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IN THIS ISSUE

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FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT A brief message from David Meyers, President of CBMC, USA

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MINISTRY GROWTH SNAPSHOT

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CURT GOLIKE

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CBMC RELAUNCHED

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TIM CAMPBELL

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WAYS TO GIVE

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JIM WAYMAN

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LEAVING A LEGACY

A summary of this year’s growth in the ministry and our impact in the marketplace for Christ

From Oil Fields to Soul Fields: How a Business Crisis Forged a New Mission

CBMC launches new website

Young Professionals Teaching Men How to Put God First

Investing His Retirement Years for Maximum Fruitfulness

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F R O M

T H E

D E S K

O F

T H E

P R E S I D E N T

Dear Friends, God is on the move through CBMC - and I couldn’t be more encouraged by what we’re seeing. Men are coming to Christ. Lives are being changed. Businesses are being led with greater integrity. And across the country, we’re watching God work as men connect in real ways— growing in their faith and sharpening each other to become the leaders, husbands, and fathers they were created to be.

This issue of the Connector is full of stories that remind us why this mission matters. You’ll read about men who’ve discovered purpose, found brotherhood, and taken bold steps of faith­—because someone invited them into the CBMC journey. These aren’t just feel-good stories. They’re evidence that the Gospel is still transforming lives.

But we know the work isn’t done. If we’re going to reach the next generation of business leaders, we’ll need to think differently, lead courageously, and stay laserfocused on what God’s called us to do. We’re not just building programs—we’re building a legacy.

Thank you for being a part of it. Your prayers, your support, and your personal involvement are helping fuel this movement of men who are living out their faith in the marketplace. I’m grateful to be in this with you.

Through Jesus Alone,

David Myers President, Christian Business Men’s Connection

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MINISTRY GROWTH SNAPSHOT 576 TEAMS (26 NEW TEAMS*) 126 TAF 42 YP 306 C3 93 TRADITIONAL

18,871

NATIONWIDE

ADVANCE USERS (445 NEW*)

372,054 CONNECTED

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5-STAR AREAS

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AREAS (IN 38 STATES)

19,662 ENGAGED (380 NEW*)

339 CITIES

683

COMMITMENTS TO CHRIST*

1,863

ACTIVE PAUL OT “RELATIONSHIPS”

5,126

ACTIVE TIMOTHY OT “RELATIONSHIPS”

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COUNTRIES * Fiscal year growth since July 1, 2024 4

FROM OIL FIELDS TO SOUL FIELDS: HOW A BUSINESS CRISIS FORGED A NEW MISSION CURT GOLIKE In the rugged landscape of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, Curt Golike’s journey began far from the hallowed halls of theological seminaries. His early career was steeped in the tangible world of petroleum engineering and geology, a path that led him across continents and through the volatile boom-andbust cycles of the oil and gas industry.

Yet, Curt shared it was a significant business downturn that ultimately rerouted his trajectory, leading him to a profound engagement with CBMC and a passionate commitment to mentoring the next generation.

might seem disparate, but as Curt reflects, God has woven these threads into a unique tapestry of experience.

“I worked in oil and gas for 45 years,” Curt recounts, his voice carrying the weight of decades spent navigating international markets and complex projects. His career took him to over 50 countries, with extended stays in Scotland, Russia, South America, and the Middle East, where he even picked up Spanish and Russian. This global exposure cultivated a rich understanding of diverse cultures, a foundation that would later prove invaluable in his ministry work.

Curt’s academic pursuits were as diverse as his professional life. He traversed the intellectual terrains of the Colorado School of Mines, the University of Southern California (UCLA), culminating in theological studies at Middle East Baptist Seminary. This eclectic educational background, spanning engineering, business, and biblical studies,

However, it was the sting of a personal financial loss in 2017—a staggering $1 million—that served as a pivotal turning point. This wasn’t a market correction or an external crisis; it was, as Curt candidly admits, a 5

hoping to provide them with a supportive network as they navigate their early careers.

His commitment to mentorship extends beyond the college campus. For the past four years, Curt has also led a weekly C3 team, a small Bible study group within CBMC. His dedication to these 10 men is palpable. “At this point in my life, I have the bandwidth to pour into those guys,” he shares, highlighting the newfound value he finds in studying scripture and the power of prayer.

His meticulous prayer notebook, organized monthly, serves as a testament to his disciplined approach to intercession, a practice he believes is crucial for spiritual warfare.

consequence of his own pride and a desire to operate independently. It was in this vulnerable moment that CBMC stepped into his life, introduced by his cousin Tim. “The guys with CBMC came in at a critical time in my life, they stood alongside me,” Curt explains, emphasizing the supportive community he found within the ministry. This experience resonated deeply with scripture, particularly Romans 12:2, which speaks of transformation through the renewing of the mind. For Curt, this loss became a catalyst for profound personal growth and a deeper understanding of God’s will.

Drawing a parallel to Winston Churchill’s meticulous preparation, Curt emphasizes the importance of investing time in prayer and studying God’s Word to be ready for the daily spiritual battles. This wisdom, gleaned over 68 years and refined through personal trials, underscores his deep conviction in the transformative power of faith.

This transformation led Curt down an unexpected path: ministry. He now dedicates his time to working with college students, including those at his alma mater, the Colorado School of Mines. During the isolating period of the COVID-19 pandemic, Curt and his church recognized the unique challenges faced by students. Recalling his own days as a hungry student seeking connection, Curt began inviting students for meals and engaging them in studying the Word of God.

Curt reflects on the profound friendships he has forged through CBMC, relationships built on mutual support and accountability, echoing the principles found in James 5:16. His prayer life is intentionally structured, focusing first on God’s character, then on inward reflection, and finally on outward requests, a rhythm that sustains his ministry and his connection with others.

What began as a small outreach blossomed into a comprehensive 11-semester program, designed to equip future engineers­ —whom Curt believes make “great theologians”—with a robust biblical foundation.

Over 200 students have participated in this program, learning how to integrate their faith into their future workplaces. Curt’s vision extends beyond graduation, as he actively seeks to connect these students with CBMC,

Curt Golike’s journey from the demanding world of oil and gas to the fulfilling realm of mentorship is a powerful reminder that even in the face of setbacks, God can orchestrate a new purpose. His story is an inspiring testament to how a business crisis, coupled with a willingness to embrace faith and community, can lead to a life dedicated to pouring into others and shaping the next generation of Christian leaders.

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GROW FORWARD

Log in at advance.cbmc.com

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CBMC RELAUNCHED

Our New Website is Live!

We have redesigned it to better equip, encourage, and connect men living out their faith where it counts: on the job and shoulder-to-shoulder with others. Whether you’re leading a team or punching a clock, you’re not alone. Dive in, find your crew, and let’s get to work! A huge thank you to our generous donors for making this vital new resource possible.

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YP TEACHING CAMPBELL HOW TO PUT GOD FIRST TIM CAMPBELL When a friend invited Tim Campbell to a CBMC meeting, he resisted. But the friend was persistent, and a few months later Campbell decided, “Why not? I’ll check it out.” Now he wonders why he took so long.

that area, his first thought was whether or not he could make some CBMC connections there.

He asked Pat O’Neal, a former President of CBMC he had gotten to know in Raleigh. O’Neal put him in touch with Steve Solomon, the South Florida area director for CBMC.

A lifelong resident of Raleigh, N.C. until about two years ago, he attended an initial Young Professionals meeting and then became a regular participant over the next six months. He said it was, in a word, “Fantastic! I had a great time spending time with peers, hearing about what they were going through and discovering we shared many of the same issues.”

“I met Steve in April 2022, and connecting with him has been one of my greatest blessings. I was drawn to his maturity, spirit, and commitment to the Lord and serving others. He’s relentless, and many of the friends I have today in South Florida I met through Steve.

When he’s in the room, good things happen.”

Then Campbell had an opportunity early in 2022 to take a key sales and marketing role related to the horse racing industry in South Florida. Not having many contacts in

Campbell initially lived in the Miami-Dade area and commuted monthly to be a part of a Young Professionals

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group in Fort Lauderdale. Then in January he moved to the Fort Lauderdale/Broward County area, making his YP involvement more convenient.

After being introduced to CBMC and YP, “it was like turning on a light switch. I’m a different person today.

The way I carry myself at work, how I interact with my coworkers, is radically different. I want to put the Lord at the center of my life, in everything I do.”

He has found meeting with 10-12 other young leaders “spiritually uplifting and encouraging, being able to interact and support one another as we go through various struggles and challenges.”

Campbell marvels at how entrepreneurs and business executives “pay large sums of money for highly successful mentors and coaches to help them advance their careers.

In YP, for a very small fee each month, we have the opportunity to hear from accomplished business leaders who share their expertise and their testimonies.

Looking back at his initial hesitation to attend a CBMC meeting in Raleigh, Campbell said, “I think I was among the majority of Christians who privatize their faith, never taking it outside their church or inner circle of friends. I had grown up in a Christian home and faith was always a part of my life, but for a long time I tried to do things my way—until I realized it wasn’t working. God brought me to my knees literally and figuratively.”

“The value is unbelievable in terms of what they deliver.

There’s never been a YP meeting where I walked out without having been blown away by what I learned from our guest speaker. In other settings, people pay thousands of dollars for that. I can’t say enough for what CBMC and YP have meant to me.”

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WAYS TO GIVE Your support fuels CBMC’s mission to transform the lives of Christian businessmen nationwide. Here’s how you can help:

Gifts of Cash Make a one-time or recurring gift online, by mail, or through planned giving.

Monthly Investor A monthly commitment ensures our programs continue year-round.

IRA Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) If eligible, you can direct RMDs to CBMC, helping avoid taxable income.

Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) Use a DAF to give assets like cash or stocks to CBMC as part of your giving strategy.

Gifts of Stocks & Bonds Donating stocks, bonds, or mutual funds is a taxwise way to support our mission.

Always check with your CPA, financial planner, and/or tax advisor before making decisions or actions affecting your account distributions.

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INVESTING HIS RETIREMENT YEARS FOR MAXIMUM FRUITFULNESS

JIM WAYMAN “I needed CBMC even back then,” said Jim Wayman, reflecting on advancing through the ranks in his banking career of nearly 45 years.

“I learned to set aside time to stop and listen to the Lord for further instructions,” Wayman said, but being introduced to CBMC about nine years ago became a turning point for him in many ways.

Now chairman of the board of ESB Financial in Emporia, Kan., Wayman had committed his life to Jesus Christ as a teenager through the influence of a high school friend. While in college and from the time he started working at the family-owned community bank, he had determined to honor God in how he conducted himself at work.

After meeting Gary Tenpenny, CBMC area director, he was invited to visit a Trusted Advisors Forum and discovered he already knew several men in the group.

At the time he had risen to president of the bank. “Being introduced to TAF hit me at the right time,” Wayman said. “I’d been striving to incorporate God in my work for a long time, but I wanted more, to understand how to do that more effectively.”

“There were few others I could turn to for advice in making faith-based decisions, so I did it on my own through Bible study and prayer.

I wanted to include Jesus in whatever decisions I had to make and found as I depended on Him for what I needed, I could trust Him more and more.

Through the other men in the TAF group, he began to learn how others were applying their faith in their businesses. “Meeting once a month, we would encourage each other, and it was good to benefit from the godly wisdom of others.”

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“I’ve discovered that when I live in the light of my identity in the Lord, my life becomes more consistent – it’s all interrelated and flows together,” he stated.

One specific need CBMC helped to meet for Wayman was in evaluating how he would be spending his impending retirement years.

“As I was getting closer to time to retire, I knew I wanted to spend my retirement years fruitfully. There were a lot of good things I could do, but wanted to do what was the best thing for me.”

CBMC’s Advance website offered a number of useful resources, including a spiritual gifts inventory, a personal strengths assessment, and guidance for adopting a life purpose statement.

One of the things Wayman learned from his friends in CBMC and the TAF group was the importance of spending more time in prayer. “When I heard about CBMC’s Soul Care retreats held twice a year, I jumped at the chance.

That’s where I learned more about the importance of intimacy and solitude with God.

“The process of developing a life purpose statement helped me discover what God wanted my life to be,” Wayman said. “I wanted to spend the rest of my life wisely, being as fruitful as possible, in keeping with John 15:16 in which Jesus said we’re to ‘go and bear fruit— fruit that will last.’”

“A brother in my TAF group gave me a copy of Waiting on God by Andrew Murray, and this process has been transformational for me. Our will, mind, body and social relationships comprise the soul, and when they are in harmony as they’re supposed to be, I can truly say all is well with my soul.”

His purpose statement incorporated a number of key areas in his life, including personal, family, relationships, physical and financial. He also wanted it to focus on his identity in Christ, knowing that Galatians 2:20 teaches that as believers we have been “crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me….”

CBMC has provided a number of ways for Wayman to invest his time in ministry with others. He serves as a

“I wanted to spend the rest of my life wisely, being as fruitful as possible...”

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facilitator for the TAF group in Emporia. And he has spoken to a Young Professionals group, sharing leadership principles learned during his career and explaining the value of developing a life purpose statement, regardless of one’s stage of life and career.

His retirement years definitely are focused on fruitfulness.

He wants to introduce men in his church to CBMC and OT, and since he is still chairman of ESB Financial, he’s hoping some relationships there will eventually turn into disciplemaking opportunities.

Perhaps most significant has been his involvement with Operation Timothy, which began about five years ago.

“Gary (Tenpenny) helped to familiarize me with some of it, but mainly I just started taking other guys through it.

When they first agree to go through OT, they’re not sure what it’s about, but before long we start building strong one-on-one relationships. We’re drawn together as we both grow in Christ.”

“CBMC has helped me to focus my purpose, through relationships with other godly men I could talk to, as well as learning about how to wait on God and listen to Him. I was doing this before, but they’ve helped me take it to another level,” Wayman said. “I’ve learned to practice Proverbs 3:5, which tells us to ‘trust in the Lord will all your heart and not lean on your own understanding.’

“For 15 years I’ve been meeting with a couple guys, two or three times a year, to talk about spiritual things. But since I’ve been involved with CBMC they’ve said, ‘Man, you are different. You’re on fire for God.’ And now I’m also using Zoom to do Bible study with five other guys from my college fraternity. CBMC has been the impetus for this.”

These disciplemaking relationships aren’t limited to the Emporia area. In fact, via Zoom Wayman meets regularly with one man in Kansas City and another in New York City.

“It’s exciting to be able to use that kind of technology for building into other men,” he said.

These spiritual bonds aren’t short-term either, Wayman noted. “I maintain relationships with the men I started with. I just this morning saw one man who is now taking somebody else through OT as a Paul, and I stay in contact with the others as well, encouraging them to find their own Timothys.”

Wayman’s attendance at the October CBMC Men’s Conference in St. Louis gave him another spiritual boost.

“It was really inspiring. There were lots of great speakers, and I was able to establish some new relationships, as well as go deeper with the guys from Emporia as we drove to and from the conference.

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LEAVE A LEGACY OF ETERNAL IMPACT By including CBMC in your will or trust, you’re not just making a financial decision—you’re making a spiritual declaration. Your legacy will shape generations of spiritual leaders, fathers, husbands, and disciples, extending the Gospel’s reach far beyond your lifetime. This investment in CBMC fuels spiritual growth, ignites Christ-centered leadership, and advances God’s kingdom for generations to come.

Why Estate Giving Matters Estate gifts are powerful because they don’t just support today’s ministry—they secure tomorrow’s mission. Through your planning, you can: • • •

Equip men to walk faithfully with Christ Advance discipleship in the marketplace Multiply spiritual leaders in families, churches, and communities

Simple Ways to Give Through Your Estate You can include CBMC through: • • • •

A bequest in your will or trust Retirement account or life insurance beneficiary designations Gifts of stock, property, or other assets Donor Advised Funds or Required Minimum Distributions

These gifts cost nothing today but leave a lasting spiritual impact tomorrow.

Already Named CBMC in Your Estate Planning Documents?

Let us know. We want to honor your commitment and thank you personally.

Need Help Getting Started?

If you’re exploring how to include CBMC in your estate plans, we’re here to help— whether you’re creating a will for the first time or updating an existing plan.

Invest in What Matters Most To learn more or notify us of your estate gift, email plannedgiving@cbmc.com or return the response card using the enclosed envelope. For completing and sending back the response card, we’d love to send you a small token of appreciation.

Build a future rooted in faith.

Leave a legacy that points to Christ.

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Leave a Legacy That Multiplies Support CBMC’s mission beyond your lifetime with a simple step today.

Your legacy can shape lives for Christ— today, tomorrow, and generations to come.

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