Jennifer Clamon, Yale Divinity School student, moved from Virginia to Connecticut almost 2 years ago. Perhaps her story can help to encourage you if you are looking to find ways to plug into CBF life, even in unfamiliar places. Jennifer (Jenny) shares her story below as a part of a new series on CBF Young Baptists.  

Most people thought I crazy when I told them I was going to divinity school at Yale and going to be living in New Haven, Connecticut.  I can’t say that I blame them because I had plenty of my own misgivings.  It was terrifying moving from Virginia, the only place I’d ever lived, to New England.  But every minute that I’m here I feel affirmed that this is where God wants me to be.  I grew up in a CBF church and always felt very spiritually and theologically comfortable there, so as soon as I got here I searched for CBF churches nearby.  There are, in fact, about ten CBF churches in New England, and the longer I live here the more baffled I am by it, because the society and culture of New England fits so well with what CBF is and stands for. 

I found an amazing place, Wilton Baptist Church, where I am currently a pastoral intern.  The people are magnificent and I know I am blessed to get to experience practical ministry amongst such loving and encouraging people.  The pastor, Reverend Jason Coker is deeply involved in CBF life which has kept me connected and up to date.  I’ve also had the opportunity to attend the Baptist Fellowship of the Northeast retreat and meet some of the wonderful CBF ministers and individuals who live up here.  I’ve also been blessed by getting to act as the Student Representative of the BFN and have been searching for other CBF students in New England to form a Northeastern network.  In the summers I am deeply committed to and have a passion for Passport Camps, which are a wonderful and truly meaningful ministry experience.

So although CBF life may seem sparse up here, there are still many ways for me to stay involved and maintain my CBF connection because I do feel that denominationally CBF is who I am.  Attending an ecumenical seminary and getting to have daily interdenominational dialogue has done nothing but affirm me in being a Baptist and made me appreciate my tradition even more, while still allowing me to see the beauty and sacristy of other traditions.

How do you find ways to be a CBF Baptist in your context? Or are you looking for ways to become involved? Let us know! Leave a comment below.