by Larry Hovis, Executive Coordinator in the January/February Newsletter

Rick Bailey, associate pastor at The Memorial Baptist Church in Greenville where I served as pastor before joining the CBFNC staff, has a great sense of humor. We were frequently blessed with "Rick-isms," funny quips or retorts delivered at exactly the right moment, often diffusing a tense situation. On numerous occasions, when an event went surprisingly well, or when we experienced a positive outcome that was completely unexpected, Rick would say, "I love it when a plan comes together!"

In CBFNC life, we also find ourselves blessed with grace gifts, when we experience positive outcomes with no direct correlation to our prior plans. At the same time, we also take seriously the responsibility to plan our ministries as best we can, knowing that both God and circumstances can change our plans. We believe God blesses our planning efforts, acknowledging that our plans are always subject to God's greater plan for creation and redemption through Jesus Christ. That's why planning has been one of the features of CBFNC life since the early days. We have undertaken four formal planning processes during our fourteen-year history, the most recent one taking place last year, completed in time for the 2007 General Assembly held in Hickory.

    This most recent strategic plan featured two parts: a 2007-2008 Ministry Plan, the goals of which are being addressed at the present time; and a section entitled "Initiatives Shaping Future Ministries," issues which were identified as critical to our future but requiring further study in order to develop specific goals. Some of these Initiatives called for the creation of special task forces to address them; others are being undertaken by one or more of our elected Councils. These Initiatives include: Diversity, Resourcing Missional Congregations, North Carolina Missions, College Ministry, Evangelism, Hispanic Ministry, and Foundational Beliefs.

    I'm excited about the ways our attention to these critical concerns will open new doors of ministry and mission, some of which we can envision today and others which have not yet been revealed to us. In the process, we'll experience some outcomes we hoped for as well as some surprises we never anticipated. Either way, I look forward to hearing someone say, "I love it when a plan comes together!"

Help shape the future of CBFNC.