CBF Moderator

10/20/2026

If you're in Alabama, make plans to hear Dr. Paul Baxley, Executive Coordinator of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, at the Alabama CBF Fall Gathering Thursday, November 5. Learn more in the link. ~debbie, former moderator

We are thrilled to welcome Rev. Dr. Paul Baxley, Executive Coordinator of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, as our keynote speaker at this year's Fall Gathering.

Unanimously elected as CBF's fourth Executive Coordinator in January 2019, Paul leads a Fellowship that spans nearly 1,400 congregations, thousands of individuals, 19 state and regional organizations, and 60-plus field personnel serving in 20 countries. He is a gifted preacher and teacher who has spent his tenure walking closely with this diverse, faithful community.

At Fall Gathering, Paul will cast a vision for the future, sharing how he sees CBF not just surviving, but truly thriving over the next 30 years. If you've ever wondered where this Fellowship is headed, this is the conversation you want to be part of.

We can't wait to gather around that vision together on November 5.

Register at alabamacbf.org/fall-gathering-2026

10/20/2026

This week is Spiritual Care Week.
Join CBF in celebrating and recognizing the chaplains and pastoral counselors who offer compassion, hope and healing through their ministry of presence.
Reach out to a chaplain you know to share your support and prayers. ~debbie, former moderator

🌟 Happy Spiritual Care Sunday!

Today, we celebrate the chaplains and pastoral counselors who offer compassion, hope and healing through their ministry of presence.

Whether serving in hospitals, congregations, communities or other settings, these dedicated ministers embody God's love by walking alongside others through life's most challenging moments.

As we begin Spiritual Care Week, join us in recognizing and giving thanks for those called to this important ministry.

Follow along throughout the week as we share reflections, resources and stories celebrating the impact of spiritual care.
https://cbf.net/spiritual-care-sunday/

10/20/2026

It's not too late to send Christmas Boxes to our friends at Olive Branch Ministries. Not able to assemble a box? Donate to purchase gift cards to help purchase necessities and food. Link in the comments!

CBF North Carolina is partnering with Olive Branch Ministries to provide Christmas boxes for children and teens in Appalachian communities facing economic hardship. Last year, more than 4,000 boxes were distributed! Let's help make Christmas brighter for even more children this year!

📦 Pack a box and drop it off by November 1 at one of these collection sites:

-Eastern NC: Oakmont Baptist Church, Greenville | Contact Alicia Porterfield
-Central NC: CBFNC Office, Winston-Salem | Contact Amy Gallaher
-Western NC: Mars Hill Baptist Church, Mars Hill | Contact Wanda Kidd

Learn more here: https://cbfnc.org/sharing-the-joy-of-christmas-across-appalachia/

10/09/2026

WHOO-HOO! What a wonderful thing to celebrate!

🎉 $3 MILLION GOAL SURPASSED!

Thanks to the generosity of Cooperative Baptists, the 2025–2026 CBF Offering for Global Missions raised $3,045,000, exceeding its goal and supporting the long-term presence of CBF field personnel serving around the world!

But what could another $500,000 make possible? 🌎

From strengthening existing ministries to opening doors for new field personnel, continued generosity creates opportunities to serve alongside communities and build lasting relationships.

Keep reading to celebrate this milestone and discover what's next for CBF Global Missions ➡ https://cbf.net/abundantly-grateful-offering-gifts-surpass-2025-26-goal/

💜 Give today or become a monthly donor at www.cbf.net/presence

09/15/2026

Registered to vote? Are you sure?
And why is CBF encouraging voters to vote?

💫 NOW is the time to love our neighbors to the voting booth through nonpartisan get-out-the-vote efforts in CBF churches!

Check out www.cbf.net/voting for all the resources to:

1️⃣ Check YOUR registration

2️⃣ Help your neighbor check their registration AND for everyone to make their plan to vote!

For more info on WHY NOW? Check out Brooke’s blog on the CBF blog: https://cbf.net/why-now-loving-our-neighbors-to-the-voting-booth/

08/19/2026

"Today’s decision is a powerful reaffirmation of the values that have defined the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship from our beginning. We remain steadfast in our commitment to religious liberty, local church autonomy and the clear separation of church and state....While our work continues, we celebrate this important victory as a testament to the bold faith that rises from freedom rather than coercion.” - Paul Baxley, CBF Executive Coordinator

"CBF looks forward to continuing to defend religious freedom as we seek permanent protection for our partner congregations.” –CBF Director of Advocacy Jennifer Hawks

Today the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit upheld a preliminary injunction that protects CBF churches from unbridled immigration enforcement activity. CBF Executive Coordinator Paul Baxley celebrated today’s ruling:

“Today’s decision is a powerful reaffirmation of the values that have defined the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship from our beginning. We remain steadfast in our commitment to religious liberty, local church autonomy and the clear separation of church and state. For decades, our congregations have faithfully engaged in ministry among immigrants and refugees, offering a bold and courageous witness to the remarkable and relentless love of Christ. We give thanks that the court has preserved these protections while the case moves forward, allowing our congregations to worship and minister freely. While our work continues, we celebrate this important victory as a testament to the bold faith that rises from freedom rather than coercion.”

Learn more about the ruling and find CBF Advocacy resources to help congregations understand their rights and serve their immigrant neighbors: https://cbf.net/cbf-injunction-upheld-by-fourth-circuit/

08/18/2026

Want to spend your summer learning, serving and growing in ministry? Learn more about StudentServe and explore internship opportunities for next summer. Applications are due Sept. 10! 👇
https://cbf.net/global-missions/student-serve/

🙌 From leading Bible study to helping care for the church’s facilities, this summer was full of lessons in ministry for StudentServe intern Garrett Carney.

As the College Ministry and Facilities Intern at First Baptist Church Jefferson City, Missouri, Carney discovered that serving a church means more than what happens on Sunday morning. It can look like planning events, building relationships and teaching Scripture—but it can also mean painting, making repairs and helping create a welcoming space for the church community.

This summer offered a new perspective on ministry, leadership and the behind-the-scenes work that helps a church welcome and serve its community.

Find Carney's reflection here. 👉 https://cbf.net/behind-the-scenes-of-ministry/

Want to spend your summer learning, serving and growing in ministry? Learn more about StudentServe and explore internship opportunities for next summer. Applications are due Sept. 10! 👇
https://cbf.net/global-missions/student-serve/

08/12/2026

The CBF MODERATOR newsfeed is filled with pictures of congregations serving their communities and their world! This month we’ve witnessed many congregations packing and praying over backpacks as they are prepared for community distribution.
It really is meaningful for a child to have her own brand new school supplies to take out of her new backpack to place in her desk.
Thank you, Fellowship churches, for sharing your love. ~debbie, former moderator

08/11/2026

Need a Catch Up Sunday offering? I think if you walked around your church campus and saw these you'd know and remember Catch Up Sunday! Surely I'm not the only one who thinks this is clever! ~debbie, former moderator

Mark your calendars for September 13!

08/11/2026

𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐢𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬. 𝐈𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐲 𝐛𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥, 𝐄𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐘 𝐢𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐝𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞.

Maybe you've seen this post in your newsfeed. Have you been able to read it? The book recommendations are on point and conversation starters for kids are easy to understand. It's worth your time. ~debbie, former moderator

By Ellen Sechrest, CBF Director of Mission Engagement As the new school year begins, we want to offer some suggested readings, ways to meet new friends that may be new...