August 14, 2023
By Lauren Lamb
Dianne McNary has been named CBF’s new Offering for Global Missions Advocate. Dianne and her husband, Shane, served as a field personnel in Slovakia and Czechia for almost two decades. Shane serves as coordinator of ministry for CBF Great Rivers Fellowship in Little Rock, Arkansas. As part of GRF’s enthusiastic support of CBF Global Missions, GRF will provide office space for Dianne.
Dianne is a native of Arkansas. She holds a Bachelors in Science in Nursing from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Dianne worked for 18 years as a Registered Nurse in several specialties— primarily critical care and education—and locations prior to moving to Slovakia.
The McNarys were commissioned by CBF in June 2004 and moved to Slovakia along with their two children. During their time in eastern Europe, the McNarys worked with the Romani people in Slovakia and Czechia. They worked with local congregations, offered Bible studies for Roma believers, assisted with establishing two community centers, and hosted hundreds of short-term mission team members in Slovakia and Czechia.
With Dianne’s nursing background, one of primary her focuses was on health education among the Roma. She began her training in Community Health Evangelism (CHE) in 2010. Dianne completed Training of Trainers I, II and III as well as several specialty courses. She was active in providing training for other CHE workers as well as using CHE in her ministry settings. Dianne was also active with English language education. She facilitated several English conversations groups in Kosice, Presov and Poprad, Slovakia as well as teaching English classes in local schools.
I had the opportunity to speak with Dianne about her work as a field personnel and her future with CBF. Read our conversation below:
Lamb: What was the most meaningful experience (or experiences) from your time as a CBF field personnel?
McNary: Some of my most meaningful experiences were with the Roma children in Cinobana and Vazec, Slovakia, getting to know them and seeing them grow or spending time with the young Roma moms in Vazec while learning to make flowers or bake gingerbread.
Another high point for me was facilitating an English discussion group through the State Scientific library in Kosice. Through that group I made friends for life and learned so much about Slovak culture.
Lamb: How has your experience serving as a field personnel influenced your future with CBF?
McNary: My experience is vital to the new role I am undertaking. Without field experience, I cannot adequately tell the stories of other field personnel or understand the nuances of life on the field.
Lamb: Why you feel called to the Offering for Global Missions Advocate role?
McNary: I have always been a strong supporter of the Offering for Global Missions (OGM). I have never stood before a group of people without thanking them for their support of the OGM. As a person who has benefited from the OGM for 19 years, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to thank those who have supported the Offering in the past and to encourage their increased giving to the OGM to support those who feel a call to the mission field so they can live out their calling without the worry of raising funds for living expenses.
Lamb: What do you consider to be the challenges of the role?
McNary: For me, one of the challenges will be planning the annual promotion. This is something I have not had an opportunity to do. The education of our constituents is also a challenge. While I am familiar with several churches in the southern states, I hope to visit and get to know people from the more eastern and northern areas of CBF.
Lamb: What are your immediate goals in the position?
1. Setting up a rhythm for my work as this role is completely different from what I have done for the past 19 years.
2. Promoting the new theme for 2023-34 – Equipping with Every Good Thing.
3. Collaborating with others on next year’s OGM theme and how to educate and encourage our supporters to give to the OGM.
McNary: What excites you about your new role?
Meeting new people and communicating stories about my friends and colleagues who are sharing the love of Christ in unique ways around the globe.
Learn more about the CBF Offering for Global Missions at www.cbf.net/OGM. Connect with Dianne McNary at dmcnary@cbf.net. Donate to Global Missions here.
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CBF is a Christian network that helps people put their faith to practice through ministry efforts, global missions and a broad community of support. The Fellowship’s mission is to serve Christians and churches as they discover and fulfill their God-given mission.