The Power of We
North Carolina CBF leader encourages CBFVA to be "spiritually-healthy, missionally-faithful." read more ...
Crossing Boundaries in Ministry Poses Opportunities, Challenges
"Are we missing the big picture?"
That's the question some Christian leaders are asking as America's centuries-old denominational patterns unravel, while denominational distinctions seem as entrenched -- and unbridgeable -- as ever.
In a post-denominational society, can churches retain theological integrity and still find common ground with people who hold differing beliefs? read more ...
Free Resource Coming to CBFNC Partner Churches!
Watch your mail for your free copy of CBFNC-sponsored "Gospel Without Borders" DVD, featuring Hector Villanueva's story.
Please find discussion guide, Bible study and additional resources at Ethicsdaily.com
Good News for Pastor Hector!
Thirty-three people packed the Charlotte Immigration Court to attend Hector Villanueva's deportation hearing. Hector, a CBFNC pastor, testified before Judge Pettinato that he had been arrested and was threatened to be deported because he had applied for citizenship. Hector spoke passionately about transforming his life and starting to serve God while in prison, and later becoming ordained into ministry. He shared news about his church, Iglesia Bautista la Roca in Siler City, and his ministry in the community.
Judge Pettinato ceased proceedings at the end of Hector's testimony, called in Hector's wife Martha and their six children, and told them that their father would be staying in the United States. Hector and his family were elated to have a resolution and know for certain that their family will not be forced apart. After the proceedings, we gathered to pray and give thanks for this blessed day. Hector's cancellation of removal will allow him to stay indefinitely in the U.S. as a legal resident, but current immigration law dictates he can never be a citizen because of the prior felony.
The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina worked hard to get ministers and laity to stand in support with Hector, calling local ministers and putting announcements in all of our communication channels. We want to thank those who attended in support of Hector, as well as those who followed his story and prayed for Hector, his family, and his congregation.
New Baptist Covenant II finalizes speaker lineup for Nov. 17-19 gathering
Social activists Marian Wright Edelman and Tony Campolo will join former President Jimmy Carter and seven other speakers on the program of the New Baptist Covenant II, a Nov. 17-19 gathering of diverse Baptists in Atlanta that will be linked by satellite and Internet to dozens of viewing locations around the country.
The multiracial lineup of speakers includes Carter’s wife, Rosalynn, a longtime champion for mental-health research, along with two justice-system advocates and four pastors – three African-American and one Asian.
The New Baptist Covenant, started by Carter in 2008, is a loose-knit, grassroots effort to unite disparate Baptists groups in North America around a platform of progressive social and justice ministries.
read more ...
Good News for Pastor Hector!
Thirty-three people packed the Charlotte Immigration Court to attend Hector Villanueva's deportation hearing. Hector, a CBFNC pastor, testified before Judge Pettinato that he had been arrested and was threatened to be deported because he had applied for citizenship. Hector spoke passionately about transforming his life and starting to serve God while in prison, and later becoming ordained into ministry. He shared news about his church, Iglesia Bautista la Roca in Siler City, and his ministry in the community.
Judge Pettinato ceased proceedings at the end of Hector's testimony, called in Hector's wife Martha and their six children, and told them that their father would be staying in the United States. Hector and his family were elated to have a resolution and know for certain that their family will not be forced apart. After the proceedings, we gathered to pray and give thanks for this blessed day. Hector's cancellation of removal will allow him to stay indefinitely in the U.S. as a legal resident, but current immigration law dictates he can never be a citizen because of the prior felony.
The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina worked hard to get ministers and laity to stand in support with Hector, calling local ministers and putting announcements in all of our communication channels. We want to thank those who attended in support of Hector, as well as those who followed his story and prayed for Hector, his family, and his congregation.
Resources for Observing September 11
NC Baptist Disaster Relief Efforts are Underway
NC Baptist Men and women disaster volunteers are currently working all over eastern NC following Hurricane Irene. Local churches and associations (especially those with disaster recovery units) are already doing assessments and helping people with chainsaw work and debris removal. NCBM Disaster Relief coordinators are establishing large areas where we can set up feeding and recovery operations. The following sites have been selected so far for feeding and recovery operations: Manteo Baptist, Memorial Baptist in Williamston, FBC New Bern. The Memorial Baptist Church in Greenville will also serve as a disaster recovery operation center. Volunteers will be based out of these sites (and others) to serve many areas across the affected area.
For more information or to sign up go to this website.
Storm Response from NC Baptist Men and Women
We wanted to give you an update on NC Disaster Relief efforts in preparing for Hurricane Irene. Right now we have all of our volunteers and equipment on alert. We have staged all units and are making appropriate plans to respond. Feeding, Recovery, Communications, Showers, Laundry, Chaplaincy and others are ready to respond. A number of churches have been identified as potential disaster response sites and we are in regular contact with Emergency Management, Red Cross and other organizations for response.
We expect this to be a major disaster. Pray for the storm to move back east, and reduce intensity. Pray for the folks in harms' way. Pray for the volunteers that respond! More info. at http://baptistsonmission.org/Projects/Type/Disaster-Relief/Hurricane-Irene
After the Hurricane moves through we will know more about the areas of greatest need and the type of needs. We will keep you informed as plans progress. God has blessed us with excellent equipment and volunteers. Our prayer is that God will use our efforts to Glorify Him.
Please remember the NC Missions Offering at your church. September is the NCMO emphasis and there are excellent resources to tell the NCMO story at your church. All the ministries of NCBM are supported through the NC Missions Offering. For more information on the NCMO go to www.ncmissionsoffering.org
Angier's Youngest Citizens
Some of Angier’s youngest citizens experienced firsthand what the mayor and board of commissioners do in a mock town meeting last week. Mayor R. H. Ellington hosted the children from Summer Club, a children’s afternoon ministry sponsored by Baptist Fellowship of Angier, and coordinated by Campbell University students. The Angier Municipal Building was one of many places the children visited this summer as they learned about possible vocations and were encouraged to stay in school so that they could pursue their dreams. read more ...
CBFNC Shifts Emphasis with Mission Grants
CBFNC has sponsored Mission Initiative Weekends for the last four years. They were well attended, rewarding and effective in teaching churches how to minister in their own communities.
Recently, more and more churches are sponsoring mission initiatives like Operation Inasmuch in their own city, with fewer churches and individuals traveling to CBFNC-sponsored regional events. Working in our own communities and neighborhoods is a key ingredient of the missional church.
To support and encourage this shift, churches may request funding through CBFNC’s new Local Mission Engagement Grant. Churches can find the application here. read more ...
Oasis Conference Scholarship Giveaway
CBFNC is giving away three scholarships to the Oasis Music Conference, July 19-20, 2011, at Campbell University Divinity School. The scholarship will cover the conference, but not the $20 room fee. Email lbarclay@cbfnc.org with your name, email, phone and address. Preference will be given to people who have to pay out of pocket, and you aren't eligible if you've already registered. Visit the this website for more information about the conference. Deadline is Friday, July 1.
Jack Causey Fund for Young Leaders
Dr. Jack Causey, wise counselor and friend to all in ministry, will retire from the Center for Congregational Health at the end of May. To honor him, the Center’s board of directors has established the Jack Causey Fund for Young Leaders.
The Jack Causey Fund for Young Leaders will provide scholarships for the Young Leaders’ Program. Tax-deductible contributions to the fund can be mailed to the Center for Congregational Health, Inc., Medical Center Boulevard, Winston Salem, NC 27157-1098. Write “Causey Fund” in the subject line. Credit card donations can be made by calling the Center at (336) 716-9722. read more ...
A Death in the CBFNC Family
The CBFNC community extends its sympathy and prayers to the family of Ed Vick, who passed away on Friday afternoon. Ed, a lay leader at First, Raleigh, was a leader in the CBF movement since its beginning - in North Carolina, nationally, and in several partner ministries.
The family will receive friends Monday evening at First, Raleigh (99 N. Salisbury St.) from 6 pm to 8 pm. The memorial service will be held at the church on Tuesday at 11 am. A graveside service will be held at 2:30 pm on Tuesday at Nashville Cemetery in Nashville, NC.
The obituary can be found at this link. read more ...
Two CBF Ministers Quoted in "USA Today"
"Female pastors with one flock at home and another in the pews say being a minister and a mom is a perpetual juggling act, with high expectations, never enough time and challenges that their male colleagues will never face." Tonya Vickery from Cullowhee and Amy Bulter from Calvary, Washington, D.C., discuss some of these challenges. read more ...
A Message About NC's Prison Chaplains
From Terri Stratton -- Until yesterday, the NC legislative budget proposal aimed to "replace prison chaplains with volunteers"--all 54 of us, from a system with a shade fewer than 40,000 prisoners (we cost a shade less than $3 million). Yesterday an amendment passed unanimously to put back into the budget 20 chaplains. We need 50 (we could use 100!). Please consider helping us out as you think best for you. This link takes you to a petition that says "20 chaplains is not enough." Thanks for thinking of us--and the correctional employees and prisoners we serve.
Sights and Sounds from CBFNC's 2011 General Assembly
NC Tornado Relief
Many North Carolina communities were affected by the tornadoes that struck our nation Palm Sunday weekend. CBFNC leaders have been working to communicate with pastors and church leaders in the affected counties to discover needs and offer prayer. If your church (or the homes or businesses of members) suffered damage from the tornadoes, please contact our office so that we pray for the needs and discern ways to offer help.
CBFNC is not a first responder when disaster strikes. We are blessed to have a strong partnership with North Carolina Baptist Men, which is in the midst of doing damage assessment. We encourage our Fellowship to volunteer and give financially through NCBM. For the latest information including volunteer opportunities, visit their website.
As this tragedy unfolds and needs are uncovered, CBFNC will discern opportunities to mobilize congregations in long-term rebuilding efforts in partnership with Baptist Men or through regional mission initiatives with the most neglected in our state.
CBFNC has a disaster tool trailer that can be made available for your church's use. Call the CBFNC office at (336) 759-3456 for information on how to utilize the trailer.
Pray for those who are grieving.
Many are recuperating and there have been deaths.
Pray for those who have lost their home.
Pray for their patience as well as their comfort.
Pray for the relief workers and the churches and all who are trying to help.
Pray for their safety, stamina and perseverance.
Pray that all of us stay attuned to the heart of God and how we are called to help!
CBFNC Calls Ka'thy Gore Chappell as new LDC
The Coordinating Council of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina (CBFNC) has called Ka’thy Gore Chappell as Leadership Development Coordinator. Chappell was introduced March 25 during the evening worship of the CBFNC General Assembly at First Baptist Church of Asheville. read more ...
General Assembly Audio Recordings
You'll find many audio recordings available for download from our 2011 General Assembly in Asheville. Check back often -- we'll be adding more recordings and resources as we receive them. read more ...
CBFNC Offers Challenge Gift for CBF Global Missions
At the General Assembly in Asheville, the CBFNC Coordinating Council announced that it would offer a challenge gift for the CBF Offering for Global Missions. During the time between the 2011 CBFNC General Assembly in Asheville and the 2011 CBF General Assembly in Tampa, Florida, all gifts from North Carolina (congregations or individuals) will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $100,000. The matching gifts apply whether the contributions are sent directly to the CBF resource center in Atlanta, or pass through the CBFNC office in Winston-Salem. read more ...
Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center Announces New Names
Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center announced on March 17, 2011, a change in the names of its integrated clinical structure, educational and research enterprises, and a new visual identity.
The new name of the integrated clinical operation is Wake Forest Baptist Health, which includes North Carolina Baptist Hospital, Brenner Children’s Hospital, and other affiliated entities. This name honors the hospital’s Baptist heritage of quality and compassionate care, leverages the powerful academic reputation of Wake Forest, and captures the Medical Center’s health-focused mission. read more ...
Responding to the Crisis in Japan
As the tragedy unfolds in Japan following a major earthquake and tsunami, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship is channeling its response through its ministry partners around the world, including the Japan Baptist Convention and Asia Baptist Pacific Aid. Right now, the best way for you to respond is by giving financially to the relief and recovery effort. You can also keep up-to-date on the latest news from Japan on CBF’s blog. The Fellowship does not have field personnel in Japan, but our thoughts and prayers are with our brothers and sisters of the Japan Baptist Convention as they respond to this devastating event. read more ...
Baptist Rescuers Head to Japan After Quake and Tsunami
Baptists are responding compassionately to a major earthquake and tsunami that have hit Japan in the afternoon of March 11.
Baptist World Alliance (BWA) General Secretary Neville Callam sent letters of support and solidarity to BWA member bodies in the East Asian country. Callam expressed concern for the people of Japan and informed Baptists in the country that BWA will make appropriate responses in the wake of the disaster.
Baptist Leaders Denounce Muslim Hearing
Leaders of four national Baptist organizations signed a statement released March 10 critical of the hearings by the U.S. House of Representatives' Committee on Homeland Security on the subject of radicalization within the American Muslim community.
Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Executive Coordinator Daniel Vestal and Roy Medley, general secretary of American Baptist Churches USA, signed as steering committee members of Shoulder-to-Shoulder, a campaign of faith-based organizations and religious denominations to promote tolerance and fight anti-Muslim bigotry. read more ...
Baptist Rescuers Head to Japan After Quake and Tsunami
Baptists are responding compassionately to a major earthquake and tsunami that have hit Japan in the afternoon of March 11.
Baptist World Alliance (BWA) General Secretary Neville Callam sent letters of support and solidarity to BWA member bodies in the East Asian country. Callam expressed concern for the people of Japan and informed Baptists in the country that BWA will make appropriate responses in the wake of the disaster. read more ...
A New Article from Eddie Hammett
"When Change is Needed but Not Wanted" is the lead article for The Columbia Partnership this week and the focus of a free Travel Free Learning Dialogue on Wed, February 23, 2011, at 2pm EST. The article can be downloaded free and call in info for the conference call can be found at this website. read more ...
Fellowship Leaders Join in CCT Response to MLK Jr's "Letters from Birmingham Jail"
Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Executive Coordinator Daniel Vestal and Moderator-elect Colleen Burroughs issued a historic letter today in response to Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1963 “Letter from Birmingham Jail.”
BJC’s Walker named winner of First Freedom Award
Baptist Joint Committee Executive Director J. Brent Walker will receive an award from the Richmond, VA-based First Freedom Center for his work advancing freedom of conscience and basic human rights for people of all faiths, traditions and cultures.
Hopeful Imagination videos - NEW!
Visit the Hopeful Imagination page and you'll find links to three videos from the conference, as well as information about upcoming teleclasses and webinars, audio recordings from the conference, and printed resources.
Baptist Children's Homes of NC celebrates 125 years
As friends, trustees, staff and supporters of Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina (BCH) gathered for the organization’s 125th anniversary celebration on Thursday, Bro. Steve Little called the audience to BCH’s spiritual roots.
from CBF National: Live Meeting from Slovakia
Participate in a special live webinar Wednesday, November 3, at 6:30 p.m. Invite your church to listen in on a live presentation from Kosice, Slovakia, during Wednesday prayer meeting tonight. There will be an opportunity for Q&A. This program should last 45-60 minutes. Follow this link, type in your name and click on "Enter Lobby."
Prayer requests from Belize and Haiti
Hopeful Imagination Slide Show
Were you there? Click here to view FBC Wilmington's slide show from the Hopeful Imagination conference that was held October 22-23 in Wilmington. Audio recordings and speaker handouts will be available later this week.
Read Eddie Hammett's latest article for CBFNC
Pastoral Care that Fuels Pastoral Leadership (the consequences of caring too much)
Many congregations (districts, judicatories, associations) and pastoral leaders are crying out for clear, focused pastoral leadership amidst rapid change in our culture ... and most are primarily getting/giving pastoral care. What's that about? What are the consequences of minimal leadership in our churches, judicatories, districts and denominations? read more ...
CBF issues statement condemning plan to burn Quran
In its regularly scheduled meeting Sept. 10, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship’s Advisory Council endorsed a statement condemning the plan by a Florida church to burn the Quran on Sept. 11 and encouraged Baptists to pray for peace and understanding among all religions.
CBF issues statement condemning plan to burn Quran
In its regularly scheduled meeting Sept. 10, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship’s Advisory Council endorsed a statement condemning the plan by a Florida church to burn the Quran on Sept. 11 and encouraged Baptists to pray for peace and understanding among all religions. read more ...
New Church Start Academy Audio Files
Audio recordings of Tex Sample from CBFNC's recent New Church Start Academy are now available for download. read more ...
Update on Hector Villanueva
Our Missions Coordinator, Linda Jones, was in attendance at Pastor Hector Villanueva's bond hearing and called to say that the judge granted his request for bail. Hector should be released this evening after the paperwork and bond money is filed, and will be able to return home to his family for the rest of the proceedings. read more ...
Urgent Prayer Request for Hector Villanueva
One of our pastors in the Hispanic Network was arrested last Thursday. Hector Villanueva has a green card, has a social security card, has been a legal resident since the 1980s, and has been in the United States since he was three. He and his wife Martha, a US citizen, have four children, and are in the process of adopting two foster children. read more ...
Hopeful Reading
CBFNC Seeks Leadership Development Coordinator
Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina seeks a coordinator for leadership development. Reporting to the Executive Coordinator, the Leadership Development Coordinator will provide strategic direction and support to all ministry areas with a particular focus on ministries designed to nurture current and future ministerial leaders. read more ...
Read about CBFNC's Racial Reconciliation Workshop
Click here to view the article from the Biblical Recorder about CBFNC's Racial Reconciliation workshop.
"Covenant People" song from CBFNC state meeting
Here is a link to "Covenant People," the song written by Ashworth & Richardson for the North Carolina Meeting at the 2010 CBF National General Assembly. read more ...
Baptist leaders applaud work of President Obama's Advisory Council
Religious leaders representing the Baptist denominations and groups that comprise the Baptist Joint Committee have joined to applaud the work of a 25-member advisory council created by President Barack Obama to help the administration partner more effectively with private groups — including religious ones — that provide social services.
In a letter to President Obama that was endorsed by Larry Hovis, Baptist Joint Committee Executive Director J. Brent Walker expressed appreciation for the president's leadership in reforming the White House faith-based office and urged him to implement the recommendations of the Council. read more ...
Join the Collegiate Ministry ENewsletter mailing
This is a brand-new monthly email about collegiate ministry happenings from Wanda Kidd. read more ...
Listen to CBFNC's General Assembly Audio Files
We have eight sessions of the General Assembly available for download. Speakers include Bo Prosser, Brent Walker, Bill Leonard, Curtis Freeman, Eddie Hammett, Tony Cartledge and Rob Nash. read more ...
A gift from First Winston-Salem - General Assembly video
Look at this wonderful video of CBFNC's recent General Assembly. Carlos Mir, a talented videographer from First Baptist Winston-Salem's congregation, created the video using pictures from Doug Broadway.
CBF field personnel safe, disaster response mounting for Haiti quake
In the aftermath of the devastating 7.0 earthquake in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship is preparing its response, and you can be part of it.
Nancy and Steve James, CBF field personnel co-appointed with American Baptist Churches USA, are safe. They were in the U.S. attending a conference and will return to Haiti this week. read more ...
Offering for Global Missions
Goal: $6.1 million. Give so all may hear. Give so all may live.
Did you know that $9.60 supports one of CBF's field personnel for one hour, $230.40 supports one of CBF's field personnel for one day, and $1,612.80 supports one of CBF's field personnel for one week?
To read more about how your gifts change lives around the world, visit www.thefellowship.info/ogm.
CBFNC/CBF Covenant
A Covenant of Partnership and Missional Collaboration between CBFNC and CBF National was entered into on June 24, 2010, at the National General Assembly in Charlotte, NC. This covenant acknowledges the autonomy of both organizations, but also recognizes a strong mutuality in our mission that leads us to covenant together in prayer, affirmation and partnership. Read more.
Collegiate-Congregational Internships
For the next three summers, national CBF is offering a summer internship program called Collegiate-Congregational Internships.
These internships are designed to help students get a broad based experience in congregational 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.
Learn more.
CBFNC has made a choice
By creating a special hunger fund, CBFNC is seeking to address the needs of those confronted with agonizing nutritional choices.
This fund will allow CBFNC to contribute to the work of congregations in their own hunger relief efforts. CBFNC can also partner with on-going community programs.
Find out more about this fund - how to donate, how to apply for funding, and how to become involved.
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'. The purpose of these conversations is to discover how we can better work together to pursue God's mission in our state and world. Read more.
Offering for Global Missions
Goal: $6.1 million. Give so all may hear. Give so all may live.
Did you know that $9.60 supports one of CBF's field personnel for one hour, $230.40 supports one of CBF's field personnel for one day, and $1,612.80 supports one of CBF's field personnel for one week?
To read more about how your gifts change lives around the world, visit www.thefellowship.info/ogm.