FACEBOOK: Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina
INSTAGRAM: cbfnorthcarolina
TWITTER: CBFNC
WEBSITE cbfnc.org
EQUIP MINISTERS & CHURCHES
CBFNC supports and strengthens ministry leaders and the congregations they serve in three primary ways:
• Ministerial Transitions – Assisting ministers and churches navigating changes in ministry placement and employment.
• Ministerial Resources – Providing resources for ministers to grow spiritually and professionally, including the Lilly-funded Helping Pastors Thrive initiative.
• Church Resources – Connecting churches with resource providers (sister churches and ministry partners) that can respond to congregational needs.
ENGAGE STUDENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS
CBFNC invests in emerging generations of Cooperative Baptists by offering faith formation experiences for youth, sustaining student ministries on college campuses across our state and supporting quality theological education for current and future congregational leaders. We engage students and young adults by
• Hosting retreats for children and for youth that focus on deepening discipleship and missions.
• Supporting Cooperative Baptist Student Fellowship (CBSF) ministries and campus ministers on 16 college campuses.
• Offering Growing Young, in partnership with Fuller Youth Institute (FYI), to help churches better welcome and engage young people ages 15–29.
• Providing scholarship assistance to students engaged in theological education.
EMBRACE NEIGHBORS THROUGH MISSIONS
CBFNC partners with churches and missional catalysts to embrace neighbors with the love of Christ through close, meaningful relationships. We embrace neighbors by
• Providing grants to churches for causes such as disaster and hunger relief.
• Assisting congregations in ministries of racial equity and justice.
• Supporting the Red Latina (Latino) state-wide ministry.
• Ministering to refugees and immigrants through Welcome House Community Network.
• Partnering with CBF field personnel and other missional advocates.
• Funding nearly 30 missions and social ministry partners; theological and higher education partners; and Baptist identity partners.
FROM YOUR EXECUTIVE COORDINATOR
Facing the Challenge
Now
give me this hill country… (Joshua 14:12)
Joshua and Caleb were rare people. When Moses sent 12 spies into Canaan to determine whether the Israelites could conquer the Promised Land, only Joshua and Caleb were willing to try. The majority said, “No way.” Joshua and Caleb had the courage not only to undertake a challenging task, but to go against their colleagues and issue a minority report.
Forty-five years later, with Joshua now in charge and some but not all of the land in Israelite possession, 85-year-old Caleb asks for another challenge. Rather than asking for the easy reward from his old friend, he demands another challenge. “Give me this hill country,” the land still occupied by giant warriors in fortified cities. Throughout his life, Caleb believed in facing any challenge that came his way.
We inhabitants of earth have been facing a pretty big challenge since March 2020, the challenge of COVID-19. That challenge has affected every area of our lives, including the church. I’m proud of the way our Fellowship has faced this challenge.
Churches have faced the COVID-19 challenge
CBFNC partner churches have faced a whole series of challenges since the pandemic first struck—how to stop gathering; how to meet online; how to resume gathering; how to conduct our ministries in a “hybrid” format. Though some churches have suffered financially, many churches have actually experienced financial growth.
CBFNC has faced the COVID-19 challenge
Churches are at the heart of our Fellowship but our life and ministry together are more than the sum of the parts. From resourcing churches, expanding missions, ministering to students whose educational life has been disrupted for three academic years and supporting partners, CBFNC has bravely and effectively faced this challenge.
Thanks to the generosity of many churches and individuals, financial support for CBFNC’s ministries has remained strong, much stronger than we could have hoped for early in the pandemic. We cannot adequately express how grateful we are for the generosity of all our contributors – both churches and individuals.
There are more challenges to come
Though we can deservedly celebrate how, together, we are facing the challenge of COVID-19, we must be honest that our ministry context (for churches and our Fellowship as a whole) was quite challenging before March 2020. And many challenges remain.
When will we “fully open?” Who will finally “come back?” What will the “new normal” be like? What must we do differently? What can remain as before? Will giving remain strong? How can we reach young people?
While there are no easy answers to these questions, one thing’s for sure: these are challenges that we can face much better together than if we try to face them alone. Now, more than ever, we need each other. And CBFNC stands ready to be the bridge that joins pastors, churches, partners and individuals across our Fellowship together.
There are more challenges to face, more hills to climb. There are giants in the land. They occupy fortified cities. Like Caleb, let’s not back down. Let’s commit to facing the challenges, together.
Larry Hovis CBFNC Executive Coordinator
Rather than asking for the easy reward from his old friend, Joshua demands another challenge.
Y our Gifts
Assisted 105 ministers through ministerial transitions and engaged with 99 congregations through pastoral staff transitions.
Hosted the 425th refugee/immigrant guest at Welcome House this past year.
Promoted 80 ministry and non-ministry staff positions on the CBFNC Ministry Job Board, representing 66 congregations.
Collegiate Ministry leaders held monthly “Growing Stronger” town hall meetings on Zoom to talk about racial and social justice issues with college students, garnering upwards of 250 views on social media..
Hosted 10 Helping Pastors Thrive virtual workshops and events to inspire pastors spiritually and professionally.
Provided 53 webinars and online roundtable discussions for pastors and lay leaders about relevant issues facing churches in the midst of a pandemic.
Launched the Welcome House Community Network, a signature missions program of CBFNC that seeks to provide temporary housing and community outreach to vulnerable and housing insecure in every city and town in our state.
Gave over $59,000 in grant money as Missions Engagement, Global Partnership (CBF Field Personnel), Hunger Fund and Disaster Relief grants to churches and partners across our state and world.
Red Latina ministry held 40 webinars and events for ministers and families throughout the year and provided financial support to pastors in need.
Over 200 students participated in campus ministry groups with 13 campus ministers and interns on our CBFNC staff who discovered new and creative ways to connect with young adults during the most tumultuous year of their lives.
Awarded $92,000 in theological education scholarships to 33 current and future Baptist ministers pursuing their M.Div., D.Min., Th.D., Ph.D., or taking non-degree, continuing education courses.
Welcome Ride 2020, the inaugural fundraising and awareness building event for Welcome House Community Network, raised over $21,000 for start-up grants for congregations and ministry partners to establish new Welcome House ministries.
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TRUSTED PARTNER FOR CHURCHES
Having served First Baptist, Wadesboro as interim pastor on more than one occasion, Dr. Harry Workman enlisted CBFNC to help guide the church through its next transition when he was called to serve a second interim. He had led the church through a partial discernment process following the departure of its previous Intentional Interim Pastor and partial church split. But Harry quickly realized they needed a trusted ministry partner to walk with them through a full, faithful discernment and identity process in order to heal and move forward.
He invited CBFNC leaders to facilitate listening/ discerning retreats for the congregation. Several CBFNC leaders were also invited to preach and conduct teaching exercises on the Four Fragile Freedoms of Baptist identity. Then, COVID-19 struck and Harry found himself once again serving First, Wadesboro as an intentional interim.
During this time, Harry continued to seek guidance from CBFNC and invited leaders to speak to the congregation a couple more times about the cooperative ventures among autonomous congregations. He believes the integration of CBFNC leadership into First, Wadesboro’s process was key to the congregation taking on a new sense of identity and empowering them to move forward as a smaller, but stronger body. The process also resulted in the church calling Harry as its next pastor. He says he realizes it is unusual for an interim, especially a two-time interim, to become the called pastor. But he believes that he and the church both know what and who they are, flaws and all.
GUIDING THE PASTORAL SEARCH PROCESS
Discerning God’s will through a pastoral transition process involves a lot of contemplative prayer and conversations with others who are also intentionally aware of His presence. Dr. Matt Riggsbee knew that conversations with CBFNC leaders would help provide clarity as God was guiding him to a new pastoral opportunity.
It was through authentic conversations with CBFNC friends and leaders that Matt says he and his family understood their ministry at Jersey Baptist in Lexington was nearing completion. Those faithful discussions allowed him to define in detail how God was guiding him and his family toward their next opportunity of service. The advice and collaboration with CBFNC allowed Matt to see God at work aligning his family’s context with congregations searching for their next pastor.
At the same time, CBFNC was also engaged with First Baptist, Hillsborough in its pastoral search process. This provided fruitful moments of overlapping interactions as the church and Matt were in the midst of similar conversations about how God was guiding both their futures. CBFNC provided that bridge between Matt and First, Hillsborough. Ultimately, this resulted in the church calling Matt as its new senior pastor. Together, he and his new congregation are discerning how God provides kingdom-oriented priorities through prayer and relationships with other partners in ministry such as CBFNC.
S tories SUPPORT IN A CHALLENGING SEASON
When the global pandemic pushed us all into unknown territory, CBFNC leaders and staff were forced to find new ways to support pastors, churches and partners. Initial efforts focused heavily on equipping churches and their leaders by offering webinars and online roundtables or gatherings.
People were cooped up at home, removed from meeting with their peers and support groups in-person. As Kevin McDaniel, pastor to students at Hominy Baptist, Candler shared, “I felt added, self-inflicted, stress due to the fact I had only been at Hominy Baptist a couple of months when the pandemic hit. I didn’t really know my people and I was trying to build relationships with students I didn’t know over Zoom, which was a great tool but doesn’t compare with being in the same room and face-to-face.”
Kevin participated in a CBFNC roundtable for youth ministers. “That was a point of inspiration, affirmation and support that I needed,” he said.
The experience of engaging in that CBFNC virtual roundtable reminded Kevin that he wasn’t alone in the turmoil of ministering in a global pandemic. And the discussion gave him ideas of how to do better virtual ministry going forward.
Kevin adds, “Galatians 6:2 tells us to ‘bear one another’s burdens, and in this way we fulfill the law of Christ. In my ministry, I typically look at myself as a burden lifter for others, but this pandemic and the amazing group of ministers I interacted with through this roundtable convened by CBFNC, reminded me that I need help from my brothers and sisters with my burdens too.”
PREPARING FUTURE BAPTIST MINISTERS
Have you ever had a dream that followed you into the day? Alden Gallimore has and it changed his life. Alden first felt God’s calling when he was 14. His faith was strong, but had not necessarily pulled him into ministry. However, one night in 2018 that all changed in a dream.
“I felt God’s presence and I saw myself as a divinity student. I had never considered going back to school, but in my dream, I loved being a student again,” Alden remembers.
Alden woke up and understood God had a plan for him. He would go back to school. He would pursue a divinity degree. And perhaps through congregational ministry or perhaps chaplaincy, he would share God’s love with his community.
Alden is making his dream come true as a student at Wake Forest University School of Divinity thanks in part to support from a CBFNC Causey Fund Scholarship. With one year behind him now, he says he feels a pull towards both congregational ministry and chaplaincy. He adds that he appreciates CBFNC’s commitment to higher education by not only offering scholarships, but also by encouraging young ministers to pursue a divinity degree.
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KEEPING STUDENTS CONNECTED
Trying to navigate through schoolwork and keep up with community friendships in the midst of a pandemic was stressful and depressing for UNC-Chapel Hill student Mackenzie Smith. “It was difficult to keep in touch with friends when we couldn’t go to restaurants, libraries or in-person classes,” she said. “It took a global pandemic for me to realize how much I took advantage of giving hugs, sharing meals and just sitting to talk with a friend within six feet.”
WELCOMING THE STRANGER
Refugee and immigrant ministry is an important expression of how CBFNC promotes embracing neighbors through close, meaningful relationships. Since 2015, CBFNC has been partnering with Marc and Kim Wyatt, CBF field personnel serving in the Raleigh area, in Welcome House Raleigh and the new Welcome House Community Network Because of the generosity of so many across CBFNC, Welcome House has served over 425 refugee and immigrant guests since it launched with the primary goal of sharing the love of Christ through hospitality and friendship.
Mackenzie credits the weekly Cooperative Baptist Student Fellowship meetings with allowing her a safe escape from the isolation of last year. It was an opportunity to feel somewhat normal again for an hour with the UNC group meetings over Zoom and some in-person, socially distanced in a parking lot with masks, along with a one-couchper-person Christmas party. “These meetings were incredibly therapeutic, particularly for me as an extrovert who thrives in big groups,” she said.
She says the Zoom meetings allowed for sharing fun highs and lows and engaging in deeper discussions of what Heaven and God look like. The gatherings were a nice change after a whole day of serious online classes. “Being able to meet in-person some, having conversational hangout time while making blankets for the Ronald McDonald House and playing Among Us, was for me a glimpse of the return to normalcy I really needed during that time,” Mackenzie adds.
Thanks to CBSF, Mackenzie says she remained connected with her community but more importantly, she maintained her connection with God.
Temple Baptist Church in Durham has embraced the Welcome House ministry and church member Delores Stimpson shares what that experience has been like.
“When we received our first guest, Ebtesam, it was a special blessing to provide her with temporary housing. I met her as she was entering the house for the first time. As we were introduced, I looked into her eyes and saw exhaustion after a long journey, a sense of being overwhelmed as she was receiving information and a hint of fright without knowing exactly where she was at that moment,”
“Before leaving to give her time to complete her orientation, I told her ‘You are safe here and we love you.’ She looked up and a slight smile came across her lips as the interpreter translated my message. She looked at me and locked her arms across her heart, shaking her head in agreement. followed outside just as a young man from down the street arrived to use our basketball goal, a daily after-school routine. I explained that he was a neighbor and introduced them and asked if she was ok if he played ball. Her interpreter again explained and she responded in her language resulting in laughter from the interpreter. She said it was beautiful to see the young man’s smile and she looked forward to him playing basketball. She also said that she felt safe and at peace.”
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EXTENDING OUR MISSION THROUGH PARTNERS
In addition to CBFNC’s core constituents of churches and individuals, we also support 30 ministry partners, including the four divinity schools in North Carolina. CBFNC, along with its churches and individuals, have generously supported the mission of Wake Forest University’s School of Divinity since its inception in 1999.
Jonathan Lee Walton, dean of the School of Divinity and Wait Chapel, shares that CBFNC provides crucial scholarship funding that allows Wake Divinity students to pursue theological education and preparation for their call. In addition, he adds that the relationship with CBFNC has also led to funding for the school’s new Baptist Commons, which is a hub of resources and support for all Baptist students. “The Baptist Commons not only speaks to Wake Divinity’s rich Baptist traditions, it also celebrates the diverse voices of Baptists who, like our CBFNC students, seek to create spaces of acceptance and welcome,” he said.
Dean Walton says that with the care and attention as partner, CBFNC offers so much more than financial support. “You provide encouragement, connections, internships and networking opportunities.”
FEEDING THE HUNGRY
When COVID-19 struck in 2020, Temple Baptist Church in Raleigh saw a need for a food ministry to help local neighbors struggling with hunger as many feeding programs were forced to shut down. As a CBFNC partner church, Temple reached for assistance through CBFNC’s Hunger Fund. Temple was awarded a Hunger Fund Grant from CBFNC, which has allowed it to provide lunches to those in need over the last year. The church partners with the Wake County Urban Ministries to provide food for the Helen Wright Women’s Shelter as well as the Salvation Army Women’s Shelter. In addition, Temple, Raleigh has partnered with Princeton Church of God in Johnston County to distribute lunches to those in need.
The Hunger Fund Grant from CBFNC also enabled Temple Baptist to partner with New Bern House to distribute lunches to the homeless and Spring Forest Apartments to feed children who were doing virtual school at home during the last school year.
Because of the generosity of many to CBFNC’s Hunger Fund, the church was able to provide over 1,700 lunches to those in need on a weekly basis. Volunteers with Temple, Raleigh estimate that they made and delivered over 46,000 in the first year of this ministry. Mike Parnell, pastor of Temple, Raleigh said, “We are grateful to CBFNC for providing the funding for this vital ministry. Because of CBFNC’s support and the labor of many volunteers, there are people in our community that are able to eat that otherwise would go hungry.”
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ANNUAL GATHERING GOES VIRTUAL IN 2021
For two days on March 18 and 19, the CBFNC family enjoyed a wonderful time of worship, learning and fellowship through the virtual 2021 Annual Gathering The all virtual format was a first in our history. We are so grateful to all those who worked hard to make it possible and to all those who took the time to engage with us.
Annual Gathering is by far CBFNC’s premier event and one of the most cherished things that we get to do as a fellowship. It is one of the ways through which we are working to build the beloved community as we seek to equip, embrace and engage CBFNC’ers.
While we missed gathering in-person this year, there were still aspects of Annual Gathering offered that many have come to expect over the years. There was engaging worship (both in word and in music), 17 informative workshops and several opportunities to connect with others across the state via Zoom. More than 500 people registered to participate. Videos of the main sessions, Opening Plenary with Emily Hull McGee and Timothy Peoples and Closing Worship with Jerusha Neal, reached well over 1,000 views across multiple platforms. So though we were not able to be together physically, in many ways we were able to reach more people through the virtual format.
Additionally, we were blown away by the generosity of our fellowship in giving to the Annual Gathering Offering. Because of many of you, we surpassed our goal and raised over $20,000. We are so grateful for each dollar that was given and for the support that will enable CBFNC to remain your steadfast partner in the year ahead, innovating and
CBFNC UPDATES LOGO
During Annual Gathering, CBFNC unveiled its updated logo! You have probably seen the new logo in use across all CBFNC communications platforms by now.
The logo refresh was one of the projects undertaken last year by our new director of communications, Jamie Rorrer, working in collaboration with a consulting firm, the CBFNC staff and the Communications and Marketing Committee of the Coordinating Council.
The updated logo features a bolder, more modern look, created with several design goals in mind: simplification, modernization, flexibility and better alignment with the larger CBF family.
It retains some of the elements from our previous logo such as the dogwood flower, the centrality of the cross and shades of blue and green.
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THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIPS
LOLLEY SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Duke University School of Divinity
Maggie Kennedy
Luke Perrin
Elizabeth Swett
Sean Timmons
Wake Forest University
School of Divinity
Kristina Meyer
Campbell University
School of Divinity
Tanner Brown
CAUSEY FUND SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Asbury Theological Seminary
Elmer Amaya
Campbell University
School of Divinity
Amanda Allard
Jonathan Boggs
Adrian Bullock
Steven Chewning
Brydon DeWitt
Mark Gibson
Benjamin Gurganus
Anita Laffoon
Delaney Metcalf
Timothy Pearce
Cari Willis
Audrey Langley Wilson
CBFNC COLLEGIATE MINISTRY CAMPUSES
Appalachian State University
Charlotte Area:
Kings College
Queens University
UNC Charlotte
Duke University
East Carolina University
North Carolina Central University
Triangle Area:
Meredith College
North Carolina State University
William Peace College
Wake Tech Community College
UNC Asheville
UNC Chapel Hill
UNC Greensboro
Duke Divinity School
Tarsha Wiggins-Banister
Micah ‘Benji’ Belong
Claudia Grainger
Hunter Greene
Michael Jones
Ryan Reed
Stefan Weathers
Christopher West
Fuller Theological Seminary
Dane Jackson
Gardner-Webb
School of Divinity
Davina Corn Altman
Santiago Reales
Jordan Tripp
McAfee School of Theology, Mercer University
Justin Cox
Chris Hensley
Wake Forest University
Western Carolina University
Partnerships on Other Campuses:
Campbell University
Chowan University
Gardner-Webb University
Mars Hill University
Wingate University
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THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROUS SUPPORT of the mission and ministry of CBFNC. Because of you, the love of Christ has been shown to newcomers, young leaders, struggling congregations, transitioning clergy and many individuals across our state. Your generosity honors the work that CBFNC does and supports our ministries to equip churches and their leaders, engage students and young adults and embrace neighbors through missions.
Not including contributions to CBF Global and other designated causes.
We rely solely on your financial support and are grateful that you have chosen to partner with us again. CBF of North Carolina, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and does not receive operational support from any denominational group, including CBF Global. As a result, CBFNC is dependent on your financial support. Your contribution ensures we can continue to support congregations, their leaders and their communities. $3,000,000 $2,500,000 $2,000,000 $1,500,000
2020-2021
FUNDING (excludes CBF Global) Missions & Social Ministries (32%)
Plan YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT IS VITAL. As we go into churches and communities to serve in Christ’s name, your financial partnership is necessary for our ministry and that of our many ministry partners. Many individuals give through their church budgets. Continue to give through your
C ontributing
Angier Baptist Church - Angier
Antioch Baptist Church - Taylorsville
Ardmore Baptist Church - Winston Salem
Athens Drive Baptist Church - Raleigh
Bear Swamp Baptist Church - Littleton
Benson Baptist Church - Benson
Bethlehem Baptist Church - Youngsville
Blackwell Memorial Baptist Church
Elizabeth City
Boiling Springs Baptist Church - Boiling Springs
Boonville Baptist Church - Boonville
Brunswick Islands Baptist Church - Supply
Bullock Baptist Church - Bullock
Burningtown Baptist Church - Franklin
Calvary Baptist Church - Asheville
Calvary Baptist Church - Mars Hill
Calvary Baptist Church - Mount Airy
Calvary Baptist Church - Reidsville
Canton First Baptist Church - Canton
CBF Global - Atlanta, GA
CBF South Carolina – Columbia, SC
Chadbourn Baptist Church - Chadbourn
Chowan University - Murfreesboro
Churchland Baptist Church - Lexington
Clemmons First Baptist Church - Clemmons
College Park Baptist Church - Greensboro
College Park Baptist Church - Winston Salem
Connaritsa Baptist Church - Aulander
Cornerstone Baptist Church - Valdese
Covenant Baptist Church - Gastonia
Crabtree Valley Baptist Church - Raleigh
Cullowhee Baptist Church - Cullowhee
Dortches Baptist Church - Rocky Mount
Durham Memorial Baptist Church - Durham
Early's Baptist Church - Ahoskie
Eatons Baptist Church - Mocksville
Ecclesia Baptist Church - Fairview
Edenton Baptist Church - Edenton
Emerald Isle Baptist Church - Emerald Isle
Emerywood Baptist Church - High Point
Enfield Baptist Church - Enfield
Enon Baptist Church - Oxford
Fellowship Baptist Church - Winston Salem
First Baptist Church - Ahoskie
First Baptist Church - Albemarle
First Baptist Church - Asheville
First Baptist Church - Biscoe
First Baptist Church - Black Mountain
First Baptist Church - Bladenboro
First Baptist Church - Boone
First Baptist Church - Bryson City
First Baptist Church - Burnsville
First Baptist Church - Butner
First Baptist Church - Carolina Beach
First Baptist Church - Clarkton
First Baptist Church - Clayton
First Baptist Church - Clinton
First Baptist Church - Cramerton
First Baptist Church - Danville
First Baptist Church - Dobson
First Baptist Church - Drexel
First Baptist Church - Dunn
First Baptist Church - Elizabeth City
First Baptist Church - Elkin
First Baptist Church - Elon
First Baptist Church - Fairmont
First Baptist Church - Farmville
First Baptist Church - Fayetteville
First Baptist Church - Forest City
First Baptist Church - Four Oaks
First Baptist Church - Gastonia
First Baptist Church - Graham
First Baptist Church - Greensboro
First Baptist Church - Hamlet
First Baptist Church - Henderson
First Baptist Church - Hickory
First Baptist Church - Hillsborough
First Baptist Church - Huntersville
First Baptist Church - Jamestown
First Baptist Church - Jonesville
First Baptist Church - Kannapolis
First Baptist Church - Kernersville
First Baptist Church - Laurinburg
Fair Bluff Baptist Church - Fair Bluff Falls Baptist Church - Wake Forest
