The Ministries Council of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship is meeting this week in Decatur, Ga., and continuing its work focused on strengthening the Fellowship’s ministry initiatives. As an elected advisory body to the CBF Governing Board, the Ministries Council collaborates with Cooperative Baptists to identify, develop and deploy the assets of the Fellowship and to empower shared ministry networks. The Ministries Council focuses its work in the following four priority areas: supporting congregations, equipping ministers and lay leaders, nurturing young Baptists, and cultivating partnerships and encouraging advocacy.

During its sessions this week, the Ministries Council is hearing updates from CBF staff about current projects, new initiatives and exciting developments such as the $1 million Lilly Endowment grant announced January 11 to assist CBF in addressing economic challenges facing its pastoral leaders. As a participant in the Lilly Endowment’s new national initiative, CBF will develop financial literacy programs for congregations and pastoral leaders as well as offer financial services, including grant awards for immediate debt relief. Read more about this grant and initiative here. 

Learn more about the work of the Ministries Council and its members for 2015-2016 here. You may also view photos from this week’s meeting here.

Please join us in prayer for the Ministries Council as they form together to strengthen and support Fellowship congregations, ministers and lay leaders.

Members of the CBF Ministries Council gathered at First Baptist Church in Decatur, Ga.