As I continue to reflect on CBF’s General Assembly in Jacksonville last month, I find myself returning to the words of CBF Executive Coordinator Paul Baxley as he reflects on the many ways he sees compelling boldness lived out across the life of CBF. Baxley said, “I see congregations courageously asking new questions. I see congregations considering new ways of doing ministry. I see congregations standing courageously in the face of opposition. I see congregations making possible ministries of healing in this world that would otherwise be impossible without them…By the power of Jesus, congregations can still be instruments of healing in communities.” (https://cbf.net/compelling-boldness-marks-cbfs-next-35-years-baxley-says/)
I agree wholeheartedly! One of my favorite parts of serving as one of your coordinators is hearing about the creative and courageous ways your congregations are living out God’s call. It is a privilege to walk alongside you, cheering you on as you serve your communities.
I’ve heard stories that make me smile—of churches taking children and youth to camps, including Passport Camps, and creating spaces where young people can encounter God. I’ve also heard stories of congregations doing the hard work of advocating for neighbors experiencing injustice and churches finding faithful ways to feed those who are struggling to make ends meet.
You are willing to step out in faith, to love boldly, and to serve courageously. You are the Bold Type, and we are deeply grateful for you.
For example, let me share two stories of Virginia churches that applied for CBF Ministries grants and were recognized for their good work:
“Madison Heights Baptist Church in Madison Heights, Va., is partnering with a local leadership network to offer retreats for women in ministry. Through restorative arts practices, worship, nature-based reflection and peer support, the retreats create intentional spaces of renewal and belonging where women can reconnect with their calling while tending to their emotional, spiritual and creative well-being.”
“Central Baptist Church in North Chesterfield, Va., is focusing on the well-being of families in its community. In partnership with a local elementary school, the church is responding to the felt needs of working families, including food insecurity, financial stress and limited time for rest and connection. Its new ministry includes free dinners, family gatherings, playground events and parents’ nights out, all of which help foster intergenerational service, compassionate care and healthier families inside and outside the church.” (https://cbf.net/in-opening-plenary-kenda-creasy-dean-calls-churchs-shipwreck-a-story-of-hope/)
As we begin celebrating CBF Virginia’s 35th anniversary, we’d love to hear stories of the ways your congregation has faithfully lived, and continues to live out God’s call through compelling boldness!
As you determine what you would like to write about, consider the following questions: If you were telling someone a story about your experience, what moment would you start with, and what made it meaningful? What’s a specific moment that has stayed with you? What impact has this made in your community and church? Please reach out to Mark, Msnipes@cbfva.org or Laura, Ldavis@cbfva.org to share your stories- we can’t wait to hear them!