Cooperative Missions Resources

Cultivating Beloved Community

We cultivate and sustain relationships that reflect the peace and acceptance of God’s Kingdom, on earth as it is in heaven.

The Gospel equips us …

• To offer radical hospitality to newcomers and neighbors, because we were strangers as well.
• To reconcile all peoples, because Christ as broken down the wall of hostility between us.
• To demonstrate the Kingdom we proclaim through the character of our life together in the local church.

Ephesians 2:13-14, 17-22

13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us, 17 So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near, 18 for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then, you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, 20 built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone;,* 21 in him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling place for God.

Revelation 7:9-12

9 After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands. 10 They cried out in a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne and to the Lamb!”
11 And all the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 singing,

“Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom
and thanksgiving and honor
and power and might
be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”

For further thought:

• What vision does God have for Woodland’s ministry of hospitality?
• How is our church proclaiming God’s kingdom through our life together?

More Resources

• Prayers of the People: The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship’s Year-long Guide to Prayer
• Poraka Facebook
• More videos about Cultivating Beloved Community from CBF

Bearing Witness to Jesus Christ

We bear witness to the Gospel through words that invite faith in Jesus and actions that embody the ways of Jesus.

The Gospel invites us …

• To practice the Great Commission and the Great Commandment
• To confess Jesus Christ as Lord to the glory of the Triune God.
• To share the Good News of Jesus, who healed the sick, fed the hungry and befriended sinners.

For further thought:

• How do we bear witness to Jesus Christ?
• What do effective witnesses do and say?
• What does a commitment to God’s mission look and sound like?

More Resources

• Move videos about Bearing Witness to Jesus Christ

Seeking Transformational Development

We seek to transform systems that suppress the capacity of individuals and communities in order to recognize, claim and celebrate the God-given gifts of all people and places

The Gospel compels us …

• To celebrate the image of God in every human life and the gifts of every community.
• To develop sustainable local assets with community stakeholders through advocacy, education, and solidarity.
• To make long-term commitments to transform structures that oppress people and degrade God’s creation.

For further thought:

• How do we seek God’s transformation in our communities?
• How will God’s transforming ways change us—and the systems and structures of which we are part?
• How can we maintain a long-term commitment to God’s transforming work in the world?

More Resources

• Move videos about Seeking Transformational Development

Global Poverty

Inspired by the Gospel of Jesus Christ and committed to social justice, Cooperative Baptists collaborate to address issues of poverty and injustice. We value all life and honor the image of God in each person.

CBF is engaging in innovative projects to end poverty through access to education and self-sustainability, combating food insecurity, and end modern-day slavery and poverty.

A few examples include:

• In Danville, VA, we work with rural communities, addressing needs of housing, hunger, drug dependency, and food insecurity.
• In North Macedonia, we partner with the local community to equip Albanians and others with sustainable farming techniques to produce food year-round for families and those experiencing hunger.
• In Togo, West Africa, and Haiti, we build health clinics and develop community health programs.

For further thought:

• What does Scripture teach about poverty?
• What does poverty look like today in our world?
• As a church, how do we respond to poverty?

More Resources

• County-level relative poverty data for the United States
• Additional resources on global poverty
• Global Calculator: Disparit of Our Wealth with that of the rest of the world
• PlaySpent.org
• More videos about Global Poverty

Global Migration

Worldwide, 100 million individuals have been forced from their homes as a result of persecution, conflict, global warming, violence, or human rights violations. This represents the highest level of human mobility on record.

CBF is extending hope and hospitality to those who are driven by circumstance or drawn by opportunity away from their homes.

A few examples include:

• On the Texas/Mexico border, we welcome and advocate for migrants while partnering with local churches and agencies.
• In Uganda, we educate and empower refugees to live self-sufficient lives through counseling and skill development.
• In Louisville, KY, Virginia, and North Carolina, we welcome refugees in tot he community by addressing their cultural, spiritual, and housing needs and by offering hospitality.

For further thought:

• How does our reading of Scripture inform our understanding of human migration?
• What is the status of global migration in our day?
• How are we personally challenged on this topic, given our current global and local context?

More Resources

• Why the Stories of Ellis Island Matter Today
• Migration Data Portal
• Learn more about Pastor Carlos Navarro and see a video from him about his ministry.
• “My Experience at the Texas Border” by John Whisler
• “To Be Free of Border Delusions, You Must Know the Truth” by Elket Rodríguez
• “Looking at Refugees, but Seeing Jesus” by Elket Rodríguez
• Christians at the Border by M. Daniel Carroll R. Used book at Amazon. Digital book at Apple Books.
• Video with Elket Rodríguez and Cameron Vickrey talking about the immigration policy changes that are leading to the increased numbers of people coming through the Brownsville port of entry and why your help is needed.
• “What Happens After Title 42” by Elket Rodríguez
• Story on the Darien Gap by CNN (in 5 parts)
• More videos on Global Migration

Global Church

We live in the era of a Global Church where no single tradition or culture can lay claim to the center of Christianity.

CBF is partnering with churches around the world to share and receive gifts and to engage in God’s mission together through worship, fellowship, education, and service.

A few examples include:

• In Japan, we partner with local churches to offer training, teaching, and preaching opportunities alongside internationals.
• In Barcelona, Spain, we engage local churches to connect with the secular community as well as welcome migrants.
• In Indonesia and Southeast Asia, we offer support and training as we work with local churches to meet the urgent needs of their communities.

For further thought:

• Recall a time when you were able to worship among those of a different culture. What was that experience like?
• What perceptions and biases keep us from joining God in expanding the Global Church?
• What particular strengths or perspectives could ethnic congregations in your community offer you and your church?

More Resources

• America’s Changing Religious Landscape
• The Church is growing, and here are the figures that prove it
• More videos on the Global Church