CBF Fellows Covenant

CBF FELLOWS COVENANT AGREEMENT
2020-2022 COHORT

The CBF Fellows program, originally funded by a generous grant by the Lilly Foundation, provide young Baptist ministers in their "first-call" positions with practical ministry resources in the context of a supportive peer-based cohort. CBF Fellows makes a two-year commitment to support, learn from, and encourage each other in a variety of ways and settings. The ultimate goal of the CBF Fellows program is to offer young Baptist leaders support, networking opportunities and resources to guard against burnout or isolation in their ministry positions.

CBF Fellows is a covenantal relationship between the first-call minister, their congregation and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. The task of providing nurture and support for first-call ministers requires a clear and intentional focus from all parties. Together, we will work to provide an environment in which a solid foundation for life-long congregational ministry is formed. This covenant establishes the framework for this good work.

THE MINISTER WILL COVENANT TO:

Participate in all cohort events as scheduled:
- October 19-21, 2020: Session 1, Decatur, GA
- March 1-5, 2021: Session 2 (after ChurchWorks), Baton Rouge, LA
- July 5-9, 2021: Session 3 (before General Assembly), Washington, DC
- October 18-20, 2021: Session 4, Nashville, TN
- March 7-11, 2022: Session 5 (after ChurchWorks), Location TBD
- June 2022: Session 6 (before General Assembly), Location TBD
Complete all cohort learning assignments
Participate in online communication group setup by CBF for use in-between sessions for sharing of resources, ideas, and community building.
Participate in all monthly Zoom video check-in calls and mentoring opportunities
Utilize coaching resources as provided
Provide periodic feedback and assessments as needed
Communicate learnings from cohort with congregation and/or Minister Encouragement Team
Continue and deepen affiliation with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship
Pray for their congregation, the other members of the cohort, and for themselves as they invest in this work together
Continue current first call ministry position
- If in transition or discernment during the cohort, the minister will communicate with the Director of CBF Fellows (or another member of the Fellows Faculty) so that both parties can work together for mutual understanding and support.

THE CONGREGATION WILL COVENANT TO:

Grant the minister time away from the church to participate in the cohort sessions. This time away is not to be considered as vacation time
Assist the minister in naming a Minister Encouragement Team. This team focuses on the encouragement and growth of the minister during the cohort
Provide opportunities for the minister to share their learnings with the congregation after each session of CBF Fellows
Pray for the minister, your congregation, and other CBF Fellows
Provide periodic feedback and assessments as needed
Continue and deepen affiliation with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship

THE COOPERATIVE BAPTIST FELLOWSHIP WILL COVENANT TO:

Offer six cohort learning experiences
Provide 16 one-hour coaching sessions with a trained coached offered through the CBF Coaching Network
Provide intentional, focused support for the CBF Fellows participant as they transition into congregational ministry
Invest program resources (faculty support, curriculum, assessments, travel/logisitical support, etc.) valued at $15,000/CBF Fellow during the Cohort
Maintain and deepen the commitment in supporting the ministries and missions of each CBF Fellow's congregation
Prayerfully support the ministry of the CBF Fellow, their congregation, and the work of each CBF Fellow Faculty member