College students intuitively know whether they are wanted and respond with their feet when they feel un-welcomed.

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1 The Gathering of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina Bringing Baptists of North Carolina Together for Christ-Centered Ministry September/October 2008 Volume 13, Issue 5 In This Edition ~ Page 3 Pages 4-6 Page 6 Page 7 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 NC Missions Initiative CBFNC Scholarship Recipients UNC Co-op...To the Work of the Gospel Ministry by Larry Hovis CBFNC Churches: Fields of Hope by Tommy Justus Asset-Based Community Building Conference CBFNC Fellowship Opportunities Ministers on the Move New Contributing CBFNC Partner Churches Common Threads in Successful Church-Based Collegiate Ministry by Wanda Kidd, CBFNC College Ministry Consultant When we met for the third annual college ministry discussion at FBC Greensboro in August, there seemed to be some common threads that connected churches that are engaged in effective ministry with college students. First and foremost, there is an understanding that college ministry is all about relationships. It is more than just having some programs for college students to join. Effective ministry must truly be about developing a relationship. Words like mentoring, patience and trust enriched the concept of how to form relationships. These concepts are true for everyone but particularly for people under thirty. Another theme that was explored in our discussion was the idea that collegiate ministry must be seen as a mission opportunity and not simply an extension of the church s internal ministry. The days of just opening the doors and thinking students will come to us is gone. Thinking that it should be true simply does not make it true. Students need more intentional acts of invitation and hospitality, and we must be willing and able to offer them. College students intuitively know whether they are wanted and respond with their feet when they feel un-welcomed. An additional issue that must be understood in a successful ministry to and with college students is that the ministry must be part of the church s overall culture: it cannot be the pet project of just a few people within the church. Students intuitively know whether they are wanted and respond with their feet when they feel un-welcomed. Brandon Belcher, Tiffany James, Kenny Chapman, Melissa Calhoun, Jessica Chastain Finally, an engaging college ministry celebrates and affirms the whole ministry to and with college students, rather than angst over what the church is doing and how it is being received. Finding a way of connecting with young adults is essential and not merely an option for the church. However, it is not as mysterious and daunting as we have been told. It is about offering Christ to a group of people who want to know that they are loved and who desire the tools to know how to love others. Where better than the church for this to take place? Then why do we find college ministry so difficult? First, churches are notorious for lingering so long in the past that the future passes us by. Christ is the constant, not people. People and cultures change, and we have to acknowledge and adjust not the message but the vehicle by which we deliver the message. There is absolutely nothing wrong with remembering when students filled our pews and volunteered to work in our churches. Continued on page 8.

2 September/October 2008 The Gathering of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina phone: phone: fax: Larry Hovis... Executive Coordinator Rick Jordan... Church Resources Coordinator Linda Jones... Missions Coordinator Jack Causey...Ministerial Resources Coordinator Jim Hylton...Business Administration Coordinator Wanda Kidd...College Ministry Consultant Nancy Parks...Programs Manager Natalie Aho...Communications Manager Gail McAlister...Financial Assistant Laura Barclay...Administrative Assistant Coordinating Council Greg Rogers, Greenville, Moderator Gail Coulter, Hendersonville, Past-Moderator Steve Little, Marion, Moderator-Elect Glenda Currin, Wilmington, Recorder Donna Bissette, Winston-Salem, Treasurer Ray Ammons, Gastonia Mack Dennis, Mount Gilead Carolyn Dickens, Raleigh Don Gordon, Durham Gary Knight, Winston-Salem Glenn Phillips, Goldsboro Bert Young, Bladenboro Janice Young, Whiteville Endowment Management Board Tom Smith, Greensboro, Chair A. G. Bullard, Raleigh Joe Harris, Mocksville Scott Hudgins, Winston-Salem Drag Kimrey, Laurinburg Faith Development Ministry Council Blythe Taylor, Charlotte, Chair Elizabeth Edwards, Nashville, Chair-Elect Jennifer Baxley, Henderson Garin Hill, Burlington Cindy Joy, Oxford Rebecca Husband Maynard, Elkin Kathy Naish, Hickory Tony Spencer, Forest City John Vestal, Wake Forest Allen Winters, Hillsborough Leadership Development Ministry Council Steve Zimmerman, Mebane, Chair Burke Holland, Belhaven, Chair-Elect Mark Ashworth, Kernersville Larry Glover-Wetherington, Richlands Rendell Hipps, Charlotte Terry Honeycutt, Rutherfordton Scott Hovey, Durham Jerry Richards, Apex Sheila Russ, Winston-Salem Mari Wiles, Murfreesboro Missions Ministry Council Shirley Kool, Sylva, Chair Kenny Davis, Wise, Chair-Elect Kent Cranford, Gastonia Jim Everette, Wilmington Christopher Ingram, Smithfield Judy LeCroy, Lexington Alicia Porterfield, Wilmington Susie Reeder, Fayetteville Jose Villasenor, Durham CBF National Council Members from NC Lee Canipe, Murfreesboro Scott Hagaman, Marion Betsy Newton Herman, Raleigh Don Horton, Zebulon Crystal Leathers, Hickory Jim McCoy, Weaverville Mickie Norman, Leland Financial Report: June 2008 Contributions Designated - $96,228; Undesignated - $143,524 July 2008 Contributions Designated - $62,964; Undesignated - $95, Monthly Budget Goal: $90,746 Children s Mission Day Grades 1-6; 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturday, November 8, College Park Baptist Church, Winston-Salem Saturday, November 15, Hayes Barton Baptist Church, Raleigh Youth Ski Retreat Winterplace, West Virginia Jan or Jan Feb. 1, 2009 Cost is $160 p/p (includes two night s lodging, one-day lift ticket and ski rentals, two meals). Additional options available. Register with CTI at or twilson@skicti.com. For details, visit 2 The Gathering September/October 2008 Games, art, mission projects, worship, drama, cooking, CBF Field Personnel Ben and Leonora Newell Cost: $15 p/p. 1 adult per 5 children Register by October 17 at

3 Family-Friendly Mission Weekend where you, your family and your church can come minister with us to our neighbors in need! Born out of a desire to see Christ s riches significantly impact the lives of neighbors living in poverty, the North Carolina Missions Initiative is an opportunity for faith and action to meet. Eastern Halifax, Warren and Vance Counties Western Madison and Rutherford Counties Friday - Travel Day and Leader Orientation. Plan to make your own lodging reservations. Options for lodging, meals and recreation are available on the CBFNC website Saturday - Day of missions and ministry throughout the community. Mission opportunities include: yard work, light construction and painting, Kid s Carnival, clean up, feeding the hungry, ministry to women, skilled trades, and more. Light breakfast and lunch included. The evening will include dinner and a time for shared reflection, fellowship and celebration. Sunday - Participants will join in worship before departing. This weekend is for individuals, families, small groups, Sunday School classes, youth groups, and others. We will share with communities living in intense poverty the riches of Christ s love, presence, and compassion. Cost is $25 per person ($65 max for families). Register at as an individual (as a part of a group or alone), as a family (or couple) or as a youth group by September 29. For more information, including registration and lodging suggestions and directions, visit Sponsoring churches: East: First Baptist Church Henderson, Littleton Baptist Church, Warrenton Baptist Church, Wise Baptist Church; West: Western NC Baptist Network, Rutherford Housing Authority, CBFNC Partnering Churches of Madison and Rutherford Counties The Gathering September/October

4 CBFNC Scholarship Recipients The CBFNC family values education, and we show our support in many ways. Church donations through the Mission Resource Plan fund our NC Baptist Schools for undergraduate education. It also funds our seminaries and divinity schools in theological education. In addition, there is a newly established Lolley Endowment Fund for Theological Education. When combined with CBFNC budgeted funds, the amount supporting education will exceed a quarter-of-a-million dollars this year! The primary way this money is used is in providing Theological Education scholarships. The four North Carolina seminaries and divinity schools (Campbell, Duke, Gardner-Webb, and Wake Forest) select recipients. In addition, the CBFNC Leadership Development Council selects scholarship recipients who are from North Carolina that attend out-of-state theological schools. Over the next three pages, we introduce you to this year s scholarship recipients. Each student has provided their hometown, church membership and vocational goal. To learn more about giving to theological education through CBFNC, visit Campbell University Divinity School Buies Creek, NC Degrees Offered: Master of Divinity, MA in Christian Education, M Div/MBA, Doctor of Ministry, M Div/MA in Community Counseling Cindy Bolden, Cary, NC Westwood BC, Cary Preaching/Teaching Ministry Joshua Breazeale, Raleigh, NC Forest Hills BC, Raleigh Christian Education in Local Church Judy Butler, Mebane, NC FBC, Mebane Chaplaincy/Pastoral Counseling Rick Hollings, Fayetteville, NC Forest Hills BC, Raleigh Master of Divinity Bill Peery, Greenville, NC Oakmont BC, Greenville Pastor/Chaplaincy The Divinity School at Wake Forest University Winston-Salem, NC Degrees Offered: Master of Divinity, MA of Religion, M Div/MA in Counseling, M Div/Juris Doctor Leah Creel, Roanoke, VA Lynn Haven BC, Vinton, VA Child Disaster Psychologist Will Henderson, St. Simons Island, GA FBC, St. Simons Island Counseling or Teaching Erin James, Garland, TX Crosspoint Fellowship, Abilene, TX Professor of Christian Ethics Brian Layman, Howe, TX FBC, Howe Pastor Charles Smith, High Point, NC Emerywood BC, High Point Professor of Religion and Literature Chrissy Tatum, Charlotte, NC FBC, Huntersville Youth Ministry/Social Justice Ministry 4 The Gathering September/October 2008

5 CBFNC Scholarship Recipients Baptist House of Studies at Duke Divinity School Durham, NC Degrees Offered: Master of Divinity, Master of Theology, MA of Theological Studies, Doctor of Theology Tyler Atkinson, Burlington, NC Westside Fellowship, Elon Teaching Church/Academy Chris Breslin, Daytona Beach, FL Mt. Hermon BC, Durham Pastoral Ministry LeAnne Spruill, Edenton, NC St. Johns BC, Raleigh Teaching Ministry of Church Scholars from North Carolina who attend Out-of-State Schools North Park Theological Seminary Lori Carter, Winston-Salem, NC FBC, Winston-Salem Christian Ministry Harvard Divinity School Scott Dickison, Charlotte, NC Providence BC, Charlotte Pastoral Ministry George W. Truett Theological Seminary Amber Essick, Raleigh, NC Dayspring BC, Waco, TX Pastoral Ministry or Hospice Chaplain Yale Divinity School Allison Hagar, Alexis, NC Mt. Zion BC, Alexis Pastor Baptist University of America Luis Juarez, Wallace, NC Iglesia Cristiana Emanuel, Wallace Music or Theology Baptist University of America Yessenia Juarez, Wallace, NC Iglesia Cristiana Emanuel, Wallace Christian Organization Work School of Theology at the University of the South Rebecca Mathis, Whiteville, NC FBC, Chattanooga, TN Social Justice Ministry Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond Ralph Stocks, Greensboro, NC College Park BC, Greensboro Missionary in Residence McAfee School of Theology Amanda Miller, Shelby, NC Zoar BC, Shelby College Professor McAfee School of Theology Phillip Stokes, Charlotte, NC Hickory Grove BC, Charlotte Biblical Studies Professor McAfee School of Theology Jarrett Wallace, Zebulon, NC Zebulon BC, Zebulon Corporate or Church Minister McAfee School of Theology Laura Wheeler, Raleigh, NC Ridge Road BC, Raleigh Congregational Ministry The Gathering September/October

6 CBFNC Scholarship Recipients M. Christopher White School of Divinity at Gardner-Webb Boiling Springs, NC Degrees Offered: Master of Divinity, Doctor of Ministry Kenny Chapman, Sylva, NC East Sylva BC, Sylva College Ministry Jeremiah Childers, Shelby, NC University BC, Chapel Hill Missions or Pastoring Sheila Gibson, Sylva, NC FBC, Sylva Children s Minister Stuart Greene, Asheville, NC Calvary BC, Asheville Minister of Youth, College and Career Keely Harris, Shelby, NC Boiling Springs BC, Boiling Springs Teach Biblical Studies Darrell Humphrey, Valdese, NC Ranlo BC, Ranlo Chaplain or Youth/Pastor Meredith Jones, Charlotte, NC University City Fellowship, Charlotte Church Planter Tannis Shipley, Shelby, NC Central Methodist, Shelby Teaching Jeff Spargo, Gastonia, NC Covenant BC, Gastonia Chaplaincy or Christian Counseling Karen Taylor, Forest City, NC Caroleen BC, Caroleen Missions UNC Co-Op The Cooperative Student Fellowship, aka The Co-op, is a gathering for students at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, who are seeking a Christian community. As a community, we hope to encourage thoughtful exploration of what it means to be a follower of Christ in a complex and divisive world. What we bring on this journey together is a fearless engagement of the Scriptures and a willingness to participate in conversations that are open and respectful. In doing this, we hope to develop leaders who can participate in the next generation of Christian faith communities. The Co-Op gathers once a week on Wednesday nights at 7 pm in Odom Village. Community Projects: Cooking breakfast for the homeless on Franklin St. with the Interfaith Council of Chapel Hill, Sept 4th, October 2nd, and October 30th. Other projects TBA. Contact Amy Canosa at amy.canosa@gmail.com or Wanda Kidd at asyougo5@aol.com for more. Facebook group: The Co-op at UNC 6 The Gathering September/October 2008

7 To the Work of the Gospel Ministry by Larry Hovis, CBFNC Executive Coordinator CBFNC On the wall behind my desk hang seven framed objects. Two are famous prints of frescoes (the Last Supper and the Crucifixion) by Ben Long, the originals of which grace the walls of churches in the North Carolina mountains. Three are diplomas (college, seminary and doctor of ministry). Two are certificates (clinical pastoral education and ordination). The ordination certificate serves as a tangible reminder that on April 26, 1987, the good folks at my home church, University Hills Baptist in Charlotte, laid hands on me, and in that action I was solemnly and publicly set apart and ordained to the work of the Gospel Ministry. Because of our radical interpretation of the Protestant doctrine of the priesthood of all believers, Baptists hold that all Christians are ministers (literally, servants ) of Christ. All serve Christ and minister in the church and in the world. Even so, most Baptists have also supported the idea of an ordained clergy, whose purpose is to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:12). Stanley J. Grenz, in The Baptist Congregation: A Guide to Baptist Belief and Practice, explains: There are three aspects to the meaning of ordination. First, ordination is a recognition that the Holy Spirit has invested this person with certain gifts for ministry. The laying on of hands symbolizes in part the coming of the Holy Spirit on an individual to empower that person for the task to which that one has been called. Second, ordination is an act of commissioning by the church. Through this act the community places a person into a signifi cant area of service within the body of Christ. Third, ordination is a public declaration of ministerial position. In our society clergy status is recognized in the civil sphere as well as the ecclesiastical. In ordination, public testimony is given to the fact that the candidate has been entrusted with this position and may be called upon to fulfi ll whatever functions society relegates to clergy (pp ). While ordination is the prerogative and responsibility of the local church, Baptists have also encouraged the involvement of the larger community of faith in the ordination process, including examination and the ordination service. For Baptists in the South, this involvement has usually occurred, in a practical sense, through an Associational ordination council. In recent years, some congregations have chosen not to involve such a council of persons outside their congregation because of the theological and political conflict that has engulfed us for almost three decades. (My ordination process, which involved the local Associational ordination council, was tainted because of such conflict). Even so, I believe we eliminate the involvement of the larger body of Christ in the ministerial ordination process to our peril. When a congregation sets a person apart for the Gospel Ministry, it does so not only for ministry in that congregation, but also for ministry in other churches of like faith and order. Rarely will a person exercise his or her ministry in only one congregation. Most ministers will serve several congregations throughout a ministerial career. There are also non-congregational ministries that require or encourage ordination, such as chaplaincy. The involvement of the larger church community in the ordination process signifies that though Baptist churches are autonomous, they are not independent. Churches that cooperate together in mission will naturally cooperate together in calling, educating and ordaining the ministerial leaders they share with one another. For these reasons as well as others (including the fact that we have four divinity schools in our state with which we closely partner, and who produce graduates needing ordination), the time has come for CBFNC to consider how best to assist congregations with ordination matters. Our assistance might cover a range of possibilities from providing or suggesting resources for congregations to creating ordination councils on a state-wide or regional basis. If you have ideas or feedback or input on this issue, I would love to hear from you ( ; LHovis@cbfnc.org). When hands were laid on my head in 1987, I had no idea of the road that lay ahead. Since then, my ministry journey has taken me through several congregations in two states, and now connects me to hundreds of congregations in North Carolina and the larger CBF family around the world. There is nothing I would rather be doing than serving as a Baptist minister. It is who I am and what I do. Thank you, Baptist family, for recognizing God s gifts in my life and for enabling me to use those gifts. May we in CBFNC continue to be good stewards of those God continues to call to the work of the Gospel Ministry. Larry Hovis The time has come for CBFNC to consider how best to assist congregations with ordination matters. Our assistance might cover a range of possibilities from providing or suggesting resources for congregations to creating ordination councils on a state-wide or regional basis. The Gathering September/October

8 CBFNC College Ministry Common Threads in Successful Church-Based Collegiate Ministry by Wanda Kidd, CBFNC College Ministry Consultant, Continued from page 1. However, if that memory is informing how you think college ministry must or even can be done today, your ministry with them will fail. Today s students were not taken to church every time the doors opened; they do not know much about the biblical story, and they are not deeply connected to any institution. Therefore, Wanda Kidd we have to know, love and value them personally to be able to teach them an appreciation of the things that we believe are important. They will not tell you what they are feeling immediately. That takes time. They will smile politely, and they will act like they are listening, but inside their internal monologue is, That might be what you think, but that is not what I think. And I will just keep looking until I find a place that thinks like I think even though I have never told you what I think. DO NOT be afraid of that internal discourse; just smile back at them and say, What do you think? Give them space to tell you. There is a good chance they will not tell you immediately, but they will remember that you asked. Trust issues are a major barrier in this generation s life, and we must keep loving them and asking them their opinions and then incorporate some of their thoughts into our worship, our mission activities and committees. The chairman of the college committee at Mars Hill Church in Mars Hill, NC, is a young man who is under 25. The committee however, is made up of total representation of the congregation. Some are students, some are people with a relationship to the college, some are young adults and some are retired, but all have made a commitment to invest in the college students that are their closest neighbors, and it is working. Mars Hill church s pews are not full of students, but they are adopting college sports teams and showing up at their games and feeding them. We heard similar stories at the college discussion from FBC Smithville, who invests in their home-grown students with letters and visits and a sense that their young people are not forgotten when they leave home. They are prayed for and sent care packages, and their opinion on issues count and are taken into consideration 8 The Gathering September/October 2008 even when they are not present. Most of their college committee could not be at the discussion because it was their back-to-school cook-out for students, and they had to stay home to make it just right. FBC Elon has empowered their pastor to be the volunteer Baptist Student Minister at Elon. It takes up a good bit of his time, but they encourage him to minister to students because they feel called to represent Christ on that campus. FBC feeds the group regularly, but more importantly, they provide authentic hospitality by providing a welcoming place that offers no expectations until the guest decides to join with them on their journey. By giving students time to develop trust and explore their gifts, some students have joined them in working with the youth and children. However, it took time. This is a generation who grew up with the mantra of Do not trust strangers. Do not talk to strangers, and certainly do not let them feed you or touch you. Yet the majority of our student ministry revolves around politely speaking to them, hugging them at the passing of the peace, and offering them free food. These are effective techniques, but they have to trust us, and we must be trustworthy. So if you try these things, and they don t respond immediately, do not lose heart. We must speak to them week after week and learn their names, we must keep asking them if we can hug them, and when we feed them, please sit and talk to them. Ministry with college students is life-giving to a congregation that understands that this is a calling and a mission. Conversely, churches that do not understand that young adults are the future of the church are cutting themselves off from tomorrow. So, how do we do ministry to college students? The same way we do any ministry: AJ Walton, Ashley Thomas, Jessica Newton, Adam Canosa and Wanda Kidd We build relationships, We build trust among each other and the world beyond, We develop a church culture that says that this ministry is important and informs all that we do, We keep on, even when it is not cost-effective or fun, We celebrate our successes, We encourage young adults to seek Christ in all that they do, and Then we celebrate when that happens! If you want to know if you are doing ministry to student, well, ask them. If they trust you, they will tell you. If you love them, you will listen. To learn more about CBFNC s Ministry to College Students, visit

9 Fields of Hope by Dr. Tommy Justus, Pastor, Mars Hill Baptist Church CBFNC Churches A community garden is not a new idea. For centuries folks have been compelled to grow gardens in places where space may be limited. Community gardens are a way to share public or donated space. Others have followed the Lord s Acre model of growing more than they need and donating it to those in the community who did not have enough to eat. Eating is a basic need. It draws us together as humans. Jesus seemed to love to gather around the table. Fresh food is always better than processed or packaged, especially with the current issue of diseases being carried through these foods. Also, fresh food not only tastes better, it is healthier for us. As costs increase for all food products, those who struggle the most for basic needs will be less likely to have the food they need, particularly fresh food. All these ramblings are to introduce you to Fields of Hope, a garden project that incorporates all the ideas above. It is a ministry started by members of Mars Hill Baptist Church to help feed those in need in our community. It has become a process of spiritual growth for all those involved. The idea began with a dream from A.C. and Susie Honeycutt, a banker and retired schoolteacher, as they struggled with how God was calling them to use their gifts in their community. They both have green thumbs and farming backgrounds. They are good organizers and enjoy working with others. All these gifts helped prepare them for this ministry. The project is simple: take family property that had not been farmed for years, add some hard work and planning, use contacts through the church and community and the final product is Fields of Hope. The approximately seven acres of land in Mars Hill has so far this season produced 27,000 pounds of potatoes, beans, corn and squash with cabbage and sweet potatoes still to come! It has promoted fellowship among friends from near and far. It has involved folks from eight to eighty. It has prompted us all to think about stewardship of land and our own resources. It has connected folks in a new way to ongoing ministries in our area like our food banks and food distribution ministries, as well as provided food for safe houses and homeless ministries. In a season of drought, it has been a blessing to all of us. I was even asked to cut down the praying because the squash was coming in faster than we could pick it! The learning curve has been significant for the leaders of this project. Good notes have been taken, and we hope to produce a guide for others who may be interested in reinventing this old idea into a new ministry. To learn more about this project, contact Tommy Justus at tjustus@ mhc.edu or visit Once the guide is ready, it will be on our website. Asset-Based Community Building Conference How to reach out beyond our churches to our community... As churches on mission, we struggle with connecting to our community in meaningful ministry. Focusing on a community s needs and problems is one way to start. Many churches have done that through Operation InAsMuch. An even more long-lasting approach is to discover the community s assets, capacities and abilities and build a future together. Looking at the community s strengths leads us to new opportunities and possibilities. What people create, people support. You are invited to a one-day conference with Doris Littrell, author of Practicing Community Development. Doris spent forty years working with people in communities, nurturing the process of community development. Come learn the next step after Operation InAsMuch. $20 registration includes lunch. Learn more, get directions, and register at by October 2. Thursday, October 9, :00 am 4:00 pm CBFNC office, Winston-Salem The Gathering September/October

10 CBFNC Fellowship Fellowship on the Move (The 2008 CBFNC Regional Tour) fellowship meal ministry workshops worship Theme: Rooted for Action You received Jesus Christ, the Master...You re deeply rooted in him...now do what you ve been taught. Colossians 2:6-7 (The Message) Keynote Preacher: Jack Glasgow, Pastor, Zebulon Baptist Church and Moderator, CBF National FBC Mount Airy September 22 FBC Rutherfordton September 23 FBC Weaverville September 25 FBC Bladenboro October 20 Edenton Baptist Church October 21 Join others in your region for a gathering of the CBFNC family for a time of fellowship, ministry and missions workshops and worship. This is a great opportunity to learn more about and introduce others to the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship movement. $10 per person, pre-registration is requested. For more details, including workshops, or to register, visit CBFNC Fall Fellowship Dinner November 11, 2008 First Baptist Church, Greensboro 5:30 p.m. Speaker: Dr. Jerry McGee, President, Wingate University Register online at by October 30. Dinner is $10 per person. Have You Heard... Did you know that the Missions Initiative is looking for Puppetry, Clowning, skilled trades and roofers?... Or that Tony Cartledge is speaking at FBC Waynesville October 17 through the Smoky Mountain Institute for Christian Studies?... How to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Baptist beginnings from the Baptist History and Heritage Society? All this news and more is shared in the CBFNC weekly e-newsletter. Subscribe online or read more about these news items at Use Words if Necessary: Embracing Authentic Evangelism 2009 CBFNC General Assembly March Snyder Memorial Baptist Church Fayetteville, NC Keynote Speaker: Dr. Fred Craddock, the Bandy Distinguished Professor of Preaching and New Testament, Emeritus, in the Candler School of Theology at Emory University; selected by Newsweek as one of the 12 most effective preachers in the English speaking world Save the date now! More details including workshops, lodging and registration coming soon to 10 The Gathering September/October 2008 CBFNC Road Trip to Festival of Homiletics in Atlanta One of the premiere preaching conferences in the United States is the Festival of Homiletics. Many CBF pastors find this conference to be the well from which they draw sermonic living water throughout the year. The 2009 festival will be held May 18-22, 2009 at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church in Atlanta. Conference leaders include Fred Craddock, Will Willimon, Barbara Brown Taylor, Desmond Tutu, Tom Long, Brian McLaren and many more. CBFNC will sponsor a group road trip to the festival. The first twelve persons to register through CBFNC will receive a reduced registration fee ($175 as opposed to $250), free transportation from Winston-Salem or Charlotte, and a hotel room rate of $300/person for four nights (not including tax, based on double occupancy). For general information about the festival, visit www. goodpreacher.com/festival. For more information regarding the road trip and how to register with our group, contact Nancy Parks (nparks@cbfnc.org).

11 CBFNC Needs Your Summer Mission Stories Every year, CBFNC publishes stories from our partner churches about their mission experiences. We would like to share your 2008 adventure in our November/December edition and on our website. To submit your story, go to and complete the online form found on the home page by October 10. Pictures are desired and can be ed to Natalie Aho at Please provide your church name and city in the body of the . Contact Natalie Aho or Linda Jones with questions cbfnc.org, , ). We desire all types of stories: individuals, adults, youth, local, international, short or long-term! Thank you for sharing the impact of missions on your church with the greater CBFNC fellowship. Watch for our next edition and visit our website to hear about what your CBFNC family is doing to share the love of Christ with our neighbors around the world. CBFNC New Contributing CBFNC Partner Churches (July-August 2008) Oakhurst Baptist Church, Asheboro Teachey Baptist Church, Teachey (Formerly CBF only) Maplewood Baptist Church, Yadkinville (Formerly CBF only) Ministers on the Move Compiled by Jack Causey, Ministerial Resources Coordinator Our encouragement and support go to the following ministers who have recently moved: Mandy England Cole is the Associate Pastor at Sardis Baptist Church, Charlotte, NC. Phyllis Crane is the Minister of Education at Tabernacle Baptist Church, Raleigh, NC. Felicia Fox is the Minister of Youth at Caroleen Baptist Church, Caroleen, NC. Gay Gulick is the Minister to Children at First Baptist Church, High Point, NC. Gil Gulick is the Ministerial Resident at First Baptist Church, High Point, NC. Brian Harrington is the Pastor at First Baptist Church, Liberty, NC. Bob Johnson is the Pastor at Jackson Baptist Church, Jackson, NC. Reece Jones is the Pastor at First Baptist Church, Scotland Neck, NC. Susan Pasour is the Pastor at Adar Baptist Church, Mebane, NC. Karen Taylor is the Minister of Missions at Caroleen Baptist Church, Caroleen, NC. Andy Tuttle is the Minister of Youth and Children at Grace Baptist Church, Asheville, NC. Mark White is the Pastor at First Baptist Church, Clayton, NC. Darrell Williams is the Associate Pastor / Minister of Education at First Baptist Church, Morehead City, NC. When you make a move or know of someone who has changed places of ministry, let us know at jcausey@cbfnc. org. For vocational placement or search committee requests, visit our Vocations page on our website at www. cbfnc.org or call or The Gathering September/October

12 Upcoming Events ~ September/October Edition Fellowship on the Move September 22 - FBC Mount Airy September 23 - FBC Rutherfordton September 25 - FBC Weaverville October 20 - FBC Bladenboro October 21 - Edenton Baptist Church Visit to register and learn more. Register one week in advance. Youth Fall Retreat September or 26-28, 2008 Myrtle Beach, SC Asset-Based Community Building Conference October 9, 2008 CBFNC office, Winston-Salem $20 p/p includes lunch. Register by October 2 and learn more at www. cbfnc.org. NC Missions Initiative October 24-26, 2008 Eastern NC - Vance County, Warren County, Halifax County Western NC - Rutherford County, Madison County Register by September 29 and learn more at Fall Fellowship Dinner November 11, 2008 First Baptist Church, Greensboro $10 per person, pre-registration required. Register by October 30 at Children s Mission Day November 8, College Park Baptist Church, Winston-Salem November 15, Hayes Barton Baptist Church, Raleigh More information and registration at Deadline is October 17. Youth Ski Retreat Jan or Jan. 30-Feb. 1, 2009 Winterplace, WV Details at Register with CTI at Staff Ministers Retreat February 16-19, 2009 Myrtle Beach, SC Details and registration coming soon to Children s Choir Festival February 21, 2009 First Baptist Church, High Point Details, repertoire, and registration at Register by February 3, Adult Spiritual Formation Retreat March 6-8, 2009 Caraway Retreat Center, Asheboro Details and registration at org. Register by December 1. Youth Choir Festival March 13-14, 2009 First Baptist Church, Greensboro Details, repertoire, and registration at Register by February 20, CBFNC General Assembly March 20-21, 2009 Snyder Memorial Baptist Church, Fayetteville, NC Details and registration coming soon to Youth Spring Mission Weekends March 24-29, Raleigh April 24-26, Asheville More information coming soon to www. cbfnc.org. The Gathering is published six times a year. All questions may be directed to Natalie Aho, or naho@cbfnc.org. For story submissions, contact Natalie Aho for requirements and newsletter deadlines. Bringing Baptists of North Carolina Together for Christ-Centered Ministry 8025 North Point Blvd., Suite 205 Winston-Salem, NC NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID WINSTON-SALEM PERMIT NO Return Service Requested