CBFNC November/December 2014 newsletter

The Gatheringof the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina

November/December 2014 • Vol. 19 Issue 6 Bringing Baptists of North Carolina Together for Christ-Centered Ministry

identity and

covenant

2 • The Gathering – November/December 2014

Remembering by Larry Hovis, CBFNC Executive Coordinator who we are

I recently had a conversation with a pastor I know well, who serves a congregation I know well. It’s a county seat First Baptist Church characterized by all of the assets and liabilities that designation implies. This church, fortunately, is experiencing renewal and growth, including numerical growth. I asked the pastor to explain why the church seems to be doing better than many of its peers. He described its vital worship, strong lay leadership, generous financial stewardship, engagement with young adults, excitement over a new building project, and other factors. Then he added, “And we are very clear about our identity with new people.”

“What do you mean?” I asked him.“Let me give you an example,” he went on.

“Recently, members of our church invited friends to visit the church with them. They liked our worship services and youth programs. When I visited with the family, the father said, ‘We like your church very much. We are interested in joining the church. There’s just one problem. We noticed in the worship bulletin that your female youth director is referred to as Reverend. How can you justify ordaining a woman?’”

“Let me answer that one very quickly,” my friend interjected. “The equality of women in the home and the church is a value our congregation holds dear. It is very important to us. If you are uncomfortable with that, we’re not the church for you. There are other churches in this county you might find more compatible, and I’d be glad to help you connect with one of them.”

The pastor said that when newcomers come their way, they are quick to explain what kind of Baptist church they are. Sometimes, that means people don’t join. But those who do are a good fit, and it makes their church even stronger. As a result of clearly articulating their identity, they are a healthier church experiencing healthier growth.

For CBFNC partner churches, congregational identity is shaped by many aspects, including:

Christian – Along with about 2 billion other people in the world, we are Christian. We confess that we are created, redeemed and sustained by the Triune God, Father, Son and Spirit, in whom we live, move and have our being.

Baptist – We are Baptist. Our way of following the Triune God is shaped by concepts like soul competency, congregational freedom, religious freedom for all, Biblical authority, a regenerate church membership, and the call of all disciples to evangelism and mission.

Cooperative – We are Cooperative Baptists. We affirm both women and men, clergy and laity, as church leaders. We value other Christian traditions and respect other faiths. We share the Gospel in word and deed. We value servant leadership and authentic theological education. We practice mercy and justice. We emphasize serving the last and the least, in addition to the lost. We appreciate various shades of gray, not just black and white.

Local – Our identity is shaped by our local context. We are North Carolinians. Our churches reside in unique communities (Coastal Plains, Piedmont, Mountains) with particular histories. Each has its own personality, strengths and peculiarities.

I have experienced two significant listening processes in recent years. The first came as part of the CBF national 2012 Task Force; the second,

as part of the CBFNC 20th Anniversary Vision Team. In both cases, Cooperative Baptist Christians expressed

a strong desire to clarify identity – both the identities of individual congregations and the

identity of our Fellowship. Implied in this request is the desire that we clarify what it means for us to live and serve together, as a covenant community. In the coming months and years, CBF leaders (in NC and beyond), will facilitate conversations to help us meet this expressed need.

One of the most influential people in my life as I was growing up was Isabelle

P. Graham, my Great Aunt Belle. She never married, and worked in the business

world long before many women did. She was my grandmother’s sister, who came to live with

her when my grandfather died. My dad was only six years old at the time. Aunt Belle not only helped

to rear him, she did the same for my sister and me, even though we had the blessing of two parents. Aunt Belle was wise

both in the ways of God and the ways of the world. She dispensed a great deal of good advice through the years. Perhaps the greatest wisdom she passed on to me was to tell me about my ancestors, most of whom I never had the opportunity to meet personally, but her introduction of them was the next best thing. On several occasions she said to me, “You are a Graham. You come from good stock. Always remember who you are.”

Dear CBFNC family. You come from good stock. Christian. Baptist. Cooperative Baptist. North Carolina. Always remember who you are.

The Gathering – November/December 2014 • 3

Transforming... together

Romans 12:1-2

new date and schedule!

March 19-20, 2015 Providence, Charlotte

Proclaimers:

Andrea Dellinger Jones Pastor, Millbrook Baptist Church — Raleigh, NC

Steven Porter Global Missions Coordinator, CBF — Decatur, GA

2015 CBFNC General Assembly

Baptist University of the Americas is a private Baptist university in San Antonio, Texas. Founded in 1947, the school is associated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas. Be-cause of our strong partnership with the Hispanic network, Companerismo Cristiano Emanuel, CBFNC sup-ports BUA in the theological educa-tion scholarship of North Carolina students. At present, Alex Alvarado, Alvaro Cisneros, Jonathan Juarez and Miriam Juarez-Custodio are CBFNC Scholars attending BUA.

The mission of BUA is to train leaders, future pastors and church planters in their language, at a reason-able cost, with the purpose of return-ing to their home state (or region) for service. CBFNC has been on the receiving end of the BUA mission as year after year our Hispanic scholars and their families return to North Carolina to preach, teach, and serve in new church starts. CBFNC has the unique opportunity to be the presence of Christ with our Hispanic brothers and sisters in North Carolina and beyond.

Javier Benitez, CBFNC Hispanic Ministry Leader Coach, described his experi-ence as a student at BUA as very good and emphasized the importance that BUA places on preparing students as pastors and church staff leaders. In our interview, Javier commented that each student is encouraged to use his/her Spanish, develop his/her English skills and learn the importance of understanding people.

When asked how CBFNC can be bridge builders with the His-panic network, Javier responded passionately that the Companerismo Cristiano Emanuel is starting new churches every year which means that more pastors and staff need to be educated at BUA for service in these new church starts in North Carolina. CBFNC theological education scholarships are crucial in the support of these students financially.

In celebration of the partnership with CBFNC, Javier Benitez affirmed that lives are being changed. The overall support by CBFNC of Companerismo Cris-tiano Emanuel through theological education scholarships, family and community building, work and service opportunities in new church starts, and ordination of women and men are transformative.

Building by Ka’thy Gore Chappell, CBFNC Leadership Development Coordinator

bridges


It used to be that “missions” meant traveling overseas to share Jesus’ powerful redemption story with people in different cultures.

Today those different cultures often live right next door.

Partnering with BUA bridges cultures and builds lives for the future.

–René Maciel, BUA President


Have you taken a “selfie” yet?As you probably know, a selfie is a picture you take of

yourself on your phone. Then, according to the outcome, you may share it with others or you may not. Selfies are popular today. Personally, I have not had the courage to take a selfie, but the day may come.

Congregations need to take a selfie from time to time. Taking a congregational selfie doesn’t mean getting the congregation out on the front steps of the church building to take a picture. That would be hard to do! What I mean by taking a congregational selfie is that periodically a congregation needs to clarify who they are as the followers of Christ at their time and place.

There is no better time in the life of a church to take a selfie than during an interim. Before you start looking for your next pastor, you need to take a selfie to clarify your identity. This step will help the search committee know what qualities they need to be looking for in their pastor. There are at least two things you need in order to take a selfie of your church before the search actually begins.

First of all, you need to clarify your core values. Core values are those things that are important to you as a congregation ... what drives you to do what you do. They could include things like meaningful worship, a sense of community, in-depth Bible study, an understanding of what it means to be Baptist, reaching others for Christ or being missional as you meet the needs of the community. You may quickly say that all those are important — and they should be — but what are the things that your church values most of all? Taking a selfie means determining what your core values are.

Secondly, in light of your core values, you need to clarify a vision for the future. To establish a vision you may need to take a selfie of what you are currently doing. Ask yourself the following questions: What are some of the things we are doing well? What are the things we are doing well, but we need to improve on? What are some things we aren’t doing, but should be doing because of

our core values? What are some of the things we are currently doing that we should discontinue? These questions and others, along with your core values, should help you see where God is leading you and clarify the vision for your church.

The selfies that the congregation takes clarifies its identity. The congregation and the Pastor Search Committee can then determine what qualities and abilities your next pastor may need to lead you to accomplish your vision as determined by your core values.

The interim is the time by Jack Causey, Ministerial Resources Coordinator for a selfie

A congregation is rarely able to take a selfie of itself. It often needs a facilitator/coach to guide the process. On the support staff of CBFNC are four Transition Facilitators who can assist your congregation in clarifying its identity. They are situated in four sections of the state:

Western: Terry Hamrick / [email protected] / (404) 428-6171 Central: Jack Causey / [email protected] / (704) 838-3436 Northeast: Mike Cogdill / [email protected] / (910) 893-4641 Southeast: Mike Queen / [email protected] / (910) 520-6244

Get in touch with the Transition Facilitator in your area for help taking a selfie of your congregation!

[ [

mission AND

ministry EMPHASIS


To contribute individually or as a congregation, or to learn more about CBFNC’s mission, visit www.cbfnc.org/give.

Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina

Please consider conducting the 2014-2015 CBFNC Mission and Ministry Emphasis (MME) in your church. Resource kits have been mailed to each church address; additional ones can be ordered from the CBFNC website, www.cbfnc.org/give. Materials may also be downloaded from the CBFNC website. The MME is a great way to accomplish the following:

• Provide an avenue to educate churches and individuals about the work of CBFNC and ways to become more engaged in that work.

• Strengthen the identity of CBFNC among partner churches and individuals.

• Encourage individuals (on their own and through their congregation) to sustain and grow our missions and ministries through prayer and financial support.


Scholarships2014 CBFNC Theological Education Scholarship Recipients Each listing includes hometown, church, vocational goal and school. To learn more about giving to theological education through CBFNC, visit www.cbfnc.org.

Scholars from North Carolina who attend Out-of-State or Non-Partner Schoolsleft column:Meghan Alexander BeddingfieldFayettevilleFirst, FayettevilleCongregational Ministry/EducationPrinceton Theological Seminary

Alethia Ellen ChappellWinston-SalemCalvary, Waco, TXCongregational Ministry/Youth LeadershipTruett Theological Seminary

center column: J.D. GranadeWilkesboroFirst, AshevilleCongregational MinistryMcAfee School of Theology

Jessica MosesWilmingtonDayspring, Waco, TXCongregational Ministry/ChildrenTruett Theological Seminary

Dylan PriddyKingFirst, Waco, TXCongregational Ministry/Christian EducationTruett Theological Seminary

right column: Robin Marie Price PriddyRaleighFirst, Waco, TXCongregational/Family MinistryTruett Theological Seminary

Michael Scott Rotolo, Jr. HendersonFirst, HendersonCongregational Ministry/EducationPrinceton Theological Seminary

Karen ZimmermanMebanePeachtree, Atlanta, GAMissionsMcAfee School of Theology

Thanks to you ...

CBFNC has been able to scholarship 31 outstanding North Carolina divinity students in 2014! CBFNC partners with our four NC divinity schools (Campbell, Duke Baptist House, Gardner-Webb and Wake Forest) to scholarship students and support theological education in state. In addition, CBFNC also scholarships students from NC who attend out-of-state divinity schools. This year, those recipients attend Baptist University of the Americas (BUA) in San Antonio as well as Princeton, Truett (Baylor) and McAfee (Mercer). The 2014 financial gifts provided by congregations and individuals totaled $388,495.


M. Christopher White School of Divinity at Gardner-Webb

left column:Susan BordersShelbyWashington Missionary, ShelbyChristian Counseling

Emily DavisRoxboroFirst, RoxboroCongregational Ministry/ Youth Ministry

David HodgeMurfreesboro, TNCollege Park, Winston-SalemCongregational Ministry/ Youth Ministry

right column: Elizabeth MayeWingateZion, ShelbyCongregational Ministry/ Christian Education

Haven ParrottKannapolisFirst, KannapolisCongregational Ministry

Lynnette James SillsAshevilleFirst, AshevilleCongregational Ministry/ Christian Education

Wake Forest University School of Divinity

left column:Larke Alexandria GriffinBrevardPfafftown, PfafftownSummer Camp Ministry

center column: Brian HollingsworthRaleighGreystone, RaleighPastoral Care

Rachel RevelleMurfreesboro, NCKnollwood, Winston-SalemSocial Justice Ministry & Community Engagement

right column:Nicholas StewartMartinsvilleMt. Gilead, PittsboroChaplaincy

Alyssa SzymanskiOcala, FLFirst, Winston-SalemPastoral Care/Associate Pastor

Baptist University of the Americasleft column:Thomas Alexander AlvaradoSanfordInglesia Nuevo Comienzo, SanfordCongregational Ministry/Youth Pastor

Alvaro G. CisnerosSanfordLife Church of San Antonio, San Antonio, TXEvangelism/Missions

right column: Jonathan Juarez HurtadoMarionPrimera Iglesia Ebenezer, MarionCongregational Ministry/Youth Pastor

Miriam S. Juarez-CustodioMarionPrimera Iglesia Ebenezer, MarionCongregational Ministry/Youth Minister


Campbell University Divinity School

left column:Steven Charles Chewning IIWadesboroFirst, WadesboroChaplaincy

Christian DavisWilmingtonTrinity, RaleighCongregational Ministry/ Student Ministry

right column:Libby JohnsonWilmingtonWinter Park, WilmingtonSpiritual Formation/Pastoral Counseling

Taylor SmithSmithfieldFirst, SmithfieldCongregational Ministry/Youth Ministry

Chris WilsonClaytonRolesville, RolesvilleChristian Education/Seminary Professor

Baptist House of Studies at Duke Divinity School

left column:Mary Elizabeth Hill HancheyDurhamWatts Street, DurhamPastoral Ministry

right column:Brandon MerrittBuford, GAMt. Gilead, DurhamPastoral Ministry

Breana Nicole van VelzenWilmingtonWinter Park, WilmingtonPastoral Ministry

CBFNC Local Mission Engagement Grants seek to encourage churches to minister beyond their walls and partner with com-munity organizations and other churches, accomplishing far more together than they ever could alone. In the last 3 years, more than 35 grants have been awarded to a myriad of ministry endeavors. Here are just a few: Food for Days Backpack Ministry is in their second year of min-istry, providing weekend meals to 175 children in the Moores-ville Graded School and Iredell-Statesville School districts. Nine area churches partner together on this project. John Saunders, associate pastor of First, Mooresville, states, “All are seriously committed to this ministry. There is no turning back!” Winter Park, Wilmington, has used their grant to work with UNC-W international students. In addition to UNC-W, partners include three other Wilmington churches. Marc and Kim Wyatt initiated this project while on at-home assignment as CBF field

Accomplishing more by Linda Jones, CBFNC Missions Coordinator together

cooperative baptist fellowship of nCLocal Mission Engagement Grant

personnel. Winter Park is also pursuing the possibility of an intern through CBFNC’s Collegiate Ministry program. The community garden in downtown Clayton, created by Mo-saic, Clayton, has become a meeting place for business people having lunch; a gathering spot for VBS and visits from Santa; and even a performance venue for Mosaic’s live rendition of “A Char-lie Brown Christmas.” Partners include four other local churches. Do you have a great new ministry idea? A Local Mission Engagement Grant could help get it started. A grant application is available at www.cbfnc.org/grant. Forge connections with another organization and other churches to make your great idea come to life! Deadline is November 30th.


Ministers on the Move Compiled by Jack Causey, Ministerial Resources Coordinator

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

Josh Owens has been called as Associate Pastor of First Baptist Church of Monroe.

Bryant Moxley has been called as Minister of Music and Worship at Wake Forest Baptist Church.

First Baptist Church of Asheboro has called Scotty Carpenter as Pastor.

Thomas Allen has accepted the call to become Pastor of First Baptist Church of Rowland.

Lisa Wolfe is now serving as Associate Pastor of First Baptist Church of Taylorsville.

Providence Baptist Church of Charlotte has called Tim Hill to the staff as Minister of Music.

Kevin Gray has accepted the call of St. John’s Baptist Church in Charlotte to become Minister of Music and Worship.

New Hope Baptist Church in Hickory has called John Daley as Pastor.

Patricia Turner is now serving as Children’s Minister for First Baptist Church of West Jefferson.

Mallory Monroe has been called by First Baptist Church of Shelby as Children’s Minister.

Lambeth Memorial Baptist Church of Roxboro has called Tyler Garrard as Associate Pastor for Children, Youth and Families.

Graham Byrum has been called to the staff of Longview Baptist Church in Raleigh to serve as Associate Minister for Youth and Community Engagement.

Allan Smith is now serving Greystone Baptist Church of Raleigh as Associate Minister for Students.

When you make a move or know of someone who has changed places of ministry, let us know at [email protected]. For assistance to search committees and ministers seeking vocational discernment, visit our reference and referral page on our website at www.cbfnc.org or call 336-759-3456 or 888-822-1944.

CBFNC Honorary and Memorial Gifts Larry and Gail McAlister, Winston-Salem; Susan Fouts, Sylva;

College Ministry in memory of Virginia Hardee.

Dennis and Betsy Herman, Raleigh; Collegiate Ministry in memory of M. Kay Huggins

and in honor of Barbara Huggins

Your gifts to a CBFNC endowment fund can plant seeds of blessing, hope, and help. Designate a gift for scholarships, new church starts, or where it is most needed. Contact Jim Hylton at [email protected] or (336) 759-3456 for more information.

November 13-15, 2014 Forest Hills, Raleigh More information at www.cbfnc.org.

First, Asheville

First, Biscoe

First, Buies Creek

First, Elkin

First, Elon

First, Farmville

First, High Point

First, Jamestown

First, Lenoir

First, Mount Airy

First, Raleigh

First, Statesville

Forest Hills, Raleigh

Greystone, Raleigh

Coordinator Visits August-September 2014

CBFNC ministry coordinators are available to visit your church to speak, preach, teach, consult, lead and minister in ways appropriate to your context. Contact the CBFNC office for more information.

Iglesia Bautista Misionera Roca Fuerte, Pittsboro

Longview, Raleigh

Memorial Baptist, Buies Creek

Morningside, Asheville

Mountain Grove, Hickory

Nobles Chapel, Sims

Oakmont, Greenville

Pritchard Memorial, Charlotte

Sardis Baptist, Charlotte

Wake Forest Baptist, Wake Forest

November/December 2014


phone: 336.759.3456 • phone: 888.822.1944 • fax: 336.759.3459 • [email protected] • www.cbfnc.org

The Gatheringof the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina

Larry Hovis ............. Executive Coordinator.................... [email protected]

Ka’thy Gore Chappell ... Leadership Development [email protected]

Rick Jordan ............ Church Resources Coordinator ......... [email protected]

Linda Jones ............ Missions Coordinator ..................... [email protected]

Jim Hylton ............. Business Administration Coordinator ... [email protected]

Jack Causey ............. Ministerial Resources Coordinator ..... [email protected]

Coordinating CouncilRay Ammons, Gastonia, ModeratorLisa Rust, Lumberton, Moderator-ElectMarion Horton, Knightdale, RecorderDonna Bissette, Winston-Salem, Past-ModeratorMike Eddinger, Cary, TreasurerKathy Driver, RaleighHeather Folliard, DurhamWayne Hill, Wake ForestJeff Matthis, SylvaRick Matthews, Winston-SalemDoug Murray, WilsonMike Queen, Winston-SalemSusan Taylor, Chapel Hill

Endowment Management BoardAndrew Barnhill, WilmingtonRon Cava, HendersonAustin Connors, RaleighScott Hudgins, Winston-SalemNorman Jameson, Winston-Salem

Faith Formation Ministry CouncilStella Perrin, Taylorsville, ChairKatie Fam Roscoe, Southern Pines, Chair-ElectGiles Blankenship, FayettevilleBeth Cockman-Wood, SanfordBrian Harrington, LibertyKerrie Clayton Jordan, SmithfieldBarbara Glasgow, ZebulonLouisa Monroe, FayettevilleTyler Roach, MorgantonScott Thrailkill, Goldsboro

Leadership Development Ministry CouncilLayne Rogerson, Greenville, ChairShane Nixon, Mocksville, Chair-ElectSarah Boberg, Red SpringsJerry Chiles, RaleighBuddy Corbin, AshevilleJeanell Cox, DurhamJohn Daniels, WaynesvilleKheresa Harmon, ShelbyMark Reece, Mount AiryNathan Rice, Southern Pines

Missions Ministry CouncilBlake Dempsey, Nashville, ChairPaula McCosh, Fayetteville, Chair-ElectElba Benitez, PittsboroGreg Burriss, Siler CityKent Cranford, GastoniaAllison Gallimore, OxfordSarah Lamkin, LouisburgMichael Lea, West JeffersonNate Leonard, Morehead CityChrista Warise, Winston-SalemMike Womble, WilmingtonTiffany Young, Bladenboro

Financial Report: August 2014 Contributions Undesignated - $78,963 Designated - $153,007September 2014 Contributions Undesignated - $100,458 Designated - $225,184

April 2014 - March 2015 Monthly Undesignated Goal: $123,657

Wanda Kidd ........ College Ministry Coordinator [email protected]

Eddie Hammett ... Church and Clergy Coach [email protected]

Javier Benitez .....Hispanic Network Leader Coach [email protected]

Rebekah Ayers ... Programs Manager [email protected]

Sarah Mitchell .... Communications Manager [email protected]

Gail McAlister .... Financial Manager [email protected]

Derek Wilhelm .. .. Administrative Assistant [email protected]

Regional CoordinatorsRegion 1 – Western: Gail Coulter .............. [email protected] 2 – Foothills: David Smith ............ [email protected] 3 – Triad: Bill Leathers ................ [email protected] 4 – South Central: Drag Kimrey ...... [email protected]

Region 5 – North Central: Tom Jackson ..... [email protected] Region 6 – Capital: (open)Region 7 – Southeast: Mike Johnson ........ [email protected] 8 – Northeast: Jesse Croom .......... [email protected]

CBFNC College MinistersAshley Mangrum ... UNC Chapel Hill ........................ [email protected] Powers .. East Carolina................................ [email protected] Privette ...... Appalachian ..................... [email protected]

Danny Steis ......... Duke University ..................... [email protected] Stone ......... Western North Carolina [email protected] Towles ........ Wake Forest ................................. [email protected]

Established in 2008 by CBFNC, the Randall and Lou Lolley Endowment for Theological Education provides financial support to Baptist students enrolled in theological education in preparation for leadership and ministry. The fund honors Randall and Lou Lolley, whose courage and commitment to prophetic ministry, freedom, and educational excellence laid the foundation for a new era in the education of men and women for ministry and service. Up to four scholars will be chosen each year. Please consider nominating a student from your congregation or institution today! The nomination deadline is January 16, 2015. Visit www.cbfnc.org/lolley for more information.

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8025 North Point Blvd., Suite 205Winston-Salem, NC 27106

Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North CarolinaBringing Baptists of North Carolina Together for Christ-Centered Ministry

Return Service Requested888-822-1944www.cbfnc.org

Upcoming Events ~ NOVEMBER/DECEMBER EDITION

2014 Children’s Mission DaysNovember 1 - Zebulon, ZebulonNovember 8 - Zion, ShelbyNovember 15 - Oakmont, Greenville

WNC Baptist Ministers’ Fall Retreat November 3, 2014Lutheridge Conference Center, Arden

Deacon Ministry: Leadership Training for 21st Century WorldNovember 8, 2014Viewmont Baptist Church, HickoryFocus: How Deacons Function in an Inward-Focused Church & Model Missional-Focused Ministry

Dawnings RetreatNovember 13-15, 2014Forest Hills, Raleigh

Recovering Hope for Your Church November 18, 2014Calvary, Asheville

Youth Ski RetreatJanuary 9-11, 2015Beckley, WV

Collegiate Mid-Winter RetreatJanuary 31 - February 1, 2015Camp Mundo Vista, Sophia

Youth Choir FestivalMarch 6-7, 2015Knollwood, Winston-Salem

Children’s Choir FestivalMarch 14, 2015First, Lumberton

CBFNC General AssemblyMarch 19-20, 2015 New date and schedule!Providence, Charlotte

Coaching opportunities:

n Congregational Coach Certification

n Coach Approach to Mgmt and Leadership (510)

n Coaching Change, Transition and Transformation (503)

Documents

CBFNC November/December 2014 newsletter