Regional Fellowship groups are meeting all around our state. Each group is autonomous and locally led, though all share values and principles common across the CBF movement.
If there is not a regional fellowship in your area, contact the CBFNC office for help in starting one! (888) 822-1944
Asheville/Western North Carolina
"Free and Faithful" Baptists have been meeting in Asheville for fellowship and support for over a decade, making this the "granddaddy" of all the CBF-related regional fellowship groups in our state. There are actually two different expressions of this fellowship (see below). Joe Babb, retired Director of Missions and member of First, Arden, coordinates communication efforts for both groups.
Asheville CBF Lunch Group
A diverse group of laity and clergy meets monthly for lunch and fellowship. There is no formal program, but all are welcome to share announcements or introduce topics for conversion.
Convener - Fred Werhan, retired pastor of Hominy, Candler
Where & When - First Monday of every month (2nd Monday if 1st Monday is a holiday) from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Ryan's Restaurant on Brevard Road (next to Biltmore Square Mall). The group voted to move back to this Ryan's from the Ryan's on Patton Ave.. When you make your lunch order, let the cashier know that you are with the CBF group and he/she will add a 15% gratuity to your bill (a requirement for groups).
Western North Carolina Baptist Network
The Network emerged approximately five years ago in an effort to support the new church start in Hendersonville that became Providence Baptist Church. The Network has developed bylaws and a budget and supports various missions ministries. It is led by a steering committee and several task teams. The annual meeting of the Network is usually held the last Sunday in May with breakout sessions, dinner, business and worship. Two other gatherings take place, usually the last Monday evening in October and February. The Network states its purpose as follows: "In order to fulfill the Great Commission, we are a network of churches, individuals and other interested parties for the purpose of education, fellowship, and worship."
Catawba Valley CBF Fellowship Group
This group began meeting in September 2005. The participants are primarily pastors and church staff ministers who meet for fellowship and mutual support.
Conveners - Layne Smith, pastor of Viewmont, Hickory
Where & When - This group is currently not meeting.
North Central Region of CBFNC
Laity often join pastors and church staff ministers for the monthly fellowship meal of the CBFNC North Central Region, which has been meeting for several years. Monthly meetings typically include a program in addition to fellowship. Also, periodic events are planned for the congregations. These have included joint worship services, deacon and leadership training, and conferences on Christian education and family ministry.
Convener - Dennis Hill, pastor of Mount Carmel, Chapel Hill
Where & When - Meets monthly on the second Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. at the Golden Corral in Durham (located on 15-501 Business, in front of Target).
Northeastern CBFNC Regional Fellowship
This group first met in Creedmoor in February 2005. The meeting place was later moved to Henderson to accommodate people located to the north and east. Though most of the participants are pastors and church staff ministers, laity are welcome to participate. The primary focus of the group has been fellowship, though missions ministries in the community are a future goal.
Convener - Paul Baxley, Pastor, FBC Henderson
Where & When - Meets monthly on the fourthTuesday at 11:30 a.m. at the Western Sizzlin' in Henderson (across from the hospital).
Raleigh Area CBF Fellowship
This group began meeting in September 2005. Jack Watson, pastor of Woodhaven, Apex, served as the initial convener. The participants are primarily pastors and church staff ministers who meet for fellowship and mutual support.
Convener - Irma Duke
Where & When - Meets quarterly on the third Thursday at 11:30 a.m. at the Golden Corral at Cary Crossroads shopping center.
Triad Baptist Network of North Carolina
This group has been meeting since 2005. In January 2006, the group adopted a statement of organizational identity which includes the following: "We are a network of individuals, churches and other interested parties in friendly cooperation with national and local Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF) organizations; however, we are neither a branch of, nor a competitor with, either of these groups. Our network is open to all who share our common purposes." Monthly luncheon gatherings include fellowship and a program. A six person steering group leads the Network to accomplish its stated purpose: "As followers of Jesus Christ, we are a voluntary network of individuals, churches, and other interested parties cooperating for the purpose of worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry, mission and the sharing of resources."
Convener - Nathan Parrish, pastor of Peace Haven, Winston-Salem
Where & When - Meets monthly, usually the third Thursday at 11:30 a.m. at the Golden Corral at Hanes Mall in Winston-Salem. Group meets from January - October on third Thursday and holds a combined November/December meeting (contact Nathan for date).