FAQ

1. How is KBF related to CBF?

The KBF is one of 18 state and regional organizations that relate to the CBF. Like our churches, we are an autonomous body; we elect our own leaders and make our own decisions as to how we will operate. However, we receive resources from the CBF; we cooperate in mission and ministry with the CBF; we participate in CBF annual meetings as well as in many other opportunities sponsored by the CBF in which we can learn and share with other state/regional groups.

2. Why does CBF exist?

During the ‘70’s and ‘80’s, the Southern Baptist Convention moved more and more toward Fundamentalism. In 1990, the moderate Baptists, whose voice had been stifled in SBC gatherings, held a conference in Atlanta to discuss the possibility of forming a separate organization. The basic disagreement centered on three things: 1) a hierarchical structure that threatened to erase equality among Baptists; 2) an interpretation of scripture that denied the possibility that God might call women to pastoral roles; and 3) an insistence that the Bible be held to a strict literalist interpretation, denying the right of the individual to draw conclusions about scripture based on his/her own prayerful study. The support for a separate organization was overwhelming, and in 1991, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship was born. For more information, see thefellowship.org.

3. Is CBF a denomination?

People who align with the CBF believe that as Baptists, we adhere to such principles as the Lordship of Christ, the authority of the Scriptures, the priesthood of all believers, local church autonomy, separation of church and state, baptism of believers, and religious liberty. CBF has therefore not identified as a denomination, but as a fellowship of churches and individuals who hold these beliefs in common. These beliefs also include celebrating diversity, upholding women who are called by God to pastoral roles, and the non-authoritarian role of the pastor.

4. What does the KBF do?

The KBF is a fellowship of churches and individuals who are committed to the Great Commission of Jesus Christ. The KBF’s mission is three-fold: 1) to help churches partner with one another and with other organization that share a similar philosophy and goal; 2) to provide resources for churches and individuals as they do their work; and 3) to encourage involvement in missions and ministries in local communities, throughout the state, and globally.

5. How many KBF cooperating churches are there?

Currently there are between 75 and 100 churches that cooperate with KBF in varying degrees. Some churches support KBF/CBF totally; others are dually aligned, sending some funds to KBF/CBF and others to KBC/SBC. Besides these churches, there are also many individuals who support the KBF although they may be members of churches who do not support KBF.

6. How can I find a KBF cooperating church near me?

There are two ways to find a KBF church in Kentucky. Go to www.thefellowship.info and click on “find a church”, then “KY”. You will see a map and a list of churches in Kentucky that have asked to be identified as KBF churches. Or, on this website, simply click Church Directory under “About Us” pull down menu option.

7. What statewide events does KBF hold?

The biggest event is the Spring Gathering, which is held in April on a Friday and Saturday. In addition, there is a Children’s Mission Day held in September and a Christian Education Conference in October in conjunction with the Baptist Seminary of Kentucky. Also, various mission events are held throughout the year, such as “Extreme Build” during July.

8. How may a church or individual support KBF?

There are two ways to support KBF. One is through your involvement; the other is through your gifts. Attending the Spring Gathering is a first step in being involved. Taking part in other KBF-sponsored events either as individuals or as a church helps to keep you aware of what is going on in KBF life. Contact the KBF office at office.kybf.org to be sure you are on the mailing list and that your email address is on file. Watch the web site for opportunities to be involved.

Your gifts are necessary for KBF to do its work. Churches may choose to put KBF in their budget and send money regularly. Individuals and churches may send money directly to the KBF office. Contact the office for envelopes. Also, there is a KBF mission emphasis in the fall of each year and a missions offering is taken at that time. This important offering helps to fund our our work in Eastern Kentucky and our partnership in Morocco. The office has posters, bulletin stuffers, and envelopes for this special offering.

9. With which theological schools does CBF/KBF partner?

Unlike other Baptist bodies, CBF/KBF does not “own” any theological schools, but rather partners with them. There are currently 13 schools that provide the kind of theological education desired for those who wish to serve in a CBF-related church.

• Brite Divinity School, Baptist Studies Program (Ft. Worth, TX)
• Baptist Seminary of Kentucky (Lexington, KY)
• Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond (Richmond, VA)
• Campbell University Divinity School (Buies Creek, NC)
• Candler School of Theology, Baptist Studies Program (Atlanta, GA)
• Central Baptist Theological Seminary (Kansas City, KS)
• Duke University, Baptist House of Studies (Durham, NC)
• Gardner-Webb University (Boiling Springs, NC)
• Logsdon School of Theology, Baptist Studies Program (Abilene, TX)
• Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary Baptist Studies Program (Columbia,SC)
• McAfee School of Theology (Macon, GA)
• Truett Theological Seminary (Waco, TX)
• Wake Forest University (Winston-Salem, NC)

10. Does CBF or KBF publish its own missions and Bible Study curriculum?

CBF does publish graded missions material. For a complete description of these materials and to find out how to order them, go to Missions Education. For other study materials, CBF partners with Smyth and Helwys (www.helwys.com) and Cokesbury. Also visit the links on this web site for more published material.