By Daniel Vestal
Feb. 1, 2011

I don’t usually quote bumper stickers, but this one caught my eye: “Gratitude is Therapy.” Perhaps one reason I noticed it is because, in all honesty, I needed some therapy after last week. As you may have read in a news release we implemented staff cuts by eliminating 13 positions because of the budget shortfall. This has been a difficult and painful experience for all of us in the CBF Resource Center, especially since these colleagues were friends and cherished co-laborers.
 

So when I saw the bumper sticker it challenged me to consider the possibility of giving thanks in the midst of disappointment and concern. The more I reflected on reasons for gratitude, while not ignoring real challenges, the more determined I became to give energy and effort at confronting those challenges. The more I thought on why I should be grateful the more reasons came to mind. And though it didn’t erase my feelings of grief, it did give me perspective, encouragement and hope.
 

God has blessed CBF and God continues to bless CBF. Our presence in Haiti in the last year is significant. We have facilitated more than 530 volunteers in short term engagement. We have partnered with a number of organizations from around the world to provide care and ministry to a hurting people. More than $1.6 million dollars has been given to Haiti relief. Our moderator, Christy McMillin-Goodwin will be going to Haiti in just a few weeks to be a part of CBF’s response to a great crisis.
 

Just last week I read the report on the “Ecosystem for Missional Leaders,” which we have implemented in the past two years. It was exciting to read about this interactive web of encouragement and support for present and future leaders. A CBF Youth Ministry Network has been implemented with 125 participants. Last summer 95 college students served for 10 weeks as congregational interns. Also this past year, the Pastors and Scholars Studio commenced with its first gathering of 17 CBF Pastors and 17 CBF scholars exploring how to strengthen ties between local congregations and institutions of theological education. A Doctoral Student Network was started with 65 persons on the roster. Also 600 pastors are in peer learning groups.
 

This week I read a letter from a congregation that received a $5,000 “It’s Time Missional Church Grant.” Let me share just a portion of that letter: “We are excited about what God has done over the past year in and through our community of faith. Families are experiencing reconciliation. Individuals are being transformed by the power of God’s love. We are meeting the needs of our community. In short, we are learning what it means to be a progressive voice of faith in southwest Louisville.”
 

Another recent experience took place in Georgia CBF where Malkhaz Songulashvili, the pastor of the largest Baptist church in the Republic of Georgia, discovered a chalice that had found its way to Macon, Georgia. The partnership between Georgia CBF and the Baptists of the Republic of Georgia has resulted in an amazing and inspiring story that will continue into the future.
 

In our efforts to help churches discover staff members we participate in a “Leader Connect” initiative. This past year 981 ministers completed profiles and more than 1,900 resumes were sent to churches. On an almost weekly basis we hear of congregations finding a pastor or staff member because of our efforts in reference and referral.
 

Beginning in January CBF became a sponsor of the multi-religious campaign against Anti-Muslim bigotry. Rev. Michael McCullar will be our official representative on the steering committee, thus extending our witness in interfaith dialogue. Christian Churches Together in the U.S. (CCT) met in Birmingham, Ala., two weeks ago. It is the broadest ecumenical body in America and we were well represented by Colleen Burroughs, our moderator elect. The focus of the gathering was on poverty through the lens of racism. CBF’s presence and influence in these conversations is another cause for gratitude.
 

The more I reflect on how God is blessing, the more gratitude I have. CBF field personnel serve sacrificially in difficult and dangerous places. My colleagues in the resource center have a commitment to CBF’s mission and vision that is inspiring. CBF endorsed chaplains and pastoral counselors are being the presence of Christ to the most vulnerable. And in thousands of churches across this land the gospel is being proclaimed and lived.
 

I confess by the end of last week it was difficult for me to sing the “Doxology” or the “Gloria Patri,” but I can honestly say that as I give praise and thanks for God’s goodness and grace, it brings healing. Deep within me I know that gratitude is therapy, but it is also the right thing to do.
 

I will bless the Lord at all times;
  His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul makes its boast in the Lord;
   Let the humble hear and be glad.
O magnify the Lord with me,
   And let us exalt his name together.
Psalm 34:1-3

 

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