CBF’s mission statement of “serving Christians and churches as they discover and fulfill their God-given mission” places congregations squarely in the center of what CBF is about. And the focus of Leadership Development is in concert with that mission in a number of ways.
CBF’s initiative for leadership development is committed to helping provide congregations with the best in qualified leadership through its emphasis on discovering, developing and nurturing of those who are called out to professional ministry.
Our focus on chaplaincy and pastoral counseling encompasses ministries in a variety of specialized settings – including the U.S. Armed Forces, hospitals, correctional institutions, businesses and corporations, pastoral counseling centers and others – as chaplains and pastoral counselors seek to be the presence of Christ in these varied worlds.
Here you will find information on reference and referral (placement) services, theological education partners, scholarships for seminary students, chaplaincy endorsement and the Initiative for Ministerial Excellence -- with its emphases on Peer Learning Groups for ministers and a network of teaching congregations.
Meet CBF’s Leadership Development team
Terry Hamrick serves as coordinator of Leadership Development. A native of North Carolina, his world has always revolved around education. Terry spent more than 22 years as a minister of Christian education before coming to CBF in 1996. He holds degrees from Mars Hill College and Southern Seminary as well as a doctorate in adult education from the University of Georgia. A key part of his focus at CBF is working with the Fellowship’s partner theological schools. Terry’s wife, Judy, is also an educator, having been in public education for over 30 years. The Hamricks have two sons and two beautiful granddaughters.
Terry is available for consultation, conferences and preaching. He is particularly interested in working with churches who take developing leaders seriously. You may contact Terry at 770-220-1615 or by email at thamrick@thefellowship.info.
George Pickle is the chaplaincy and pastoral counseling specialist. He has served as a journeyman missionary in Vietnam and as a campus minister at the University of Southern California. He has been a pastor and served as the director of healthcare chaplaincy and pastoral counseling for the Home Mission Board (North American Mission Board). At the Fellowship, George provides support for and guides the endorsement process for chaplains and pastoral counselors.
George’s wife, Kathy, has been a professional dancer and currently teaches dancing in Marietta, Georgia. The Pickles have two daughters and one granddaughter.
You may contact George at 770-220-1615 or by email at gpickle@thefellowship.info.
Mary McCoy provides primary support for the team. Mary has been with CBF and the Leadership Development team for more than 5 years. She helps with the IME and CBF Leadership Scholarship programs. Mary enjoys gardening, watching old movies, reading and Bible study.
You may contact Mary at 770-220-1637 or by email at mmccoy@thefellowship.info.
Clarissa Strickland is a networking specialist whose major responsibilities include the coordination of CBF’s reference and referral system. Clarissa has served with the Fellowship since its inception in 1991, making her the longest-tenured CBF staff member. One of the few actual natives of Atlanta, Clarissa was Baptist-born and Baptist-bred, and expects that, when she dies, she will be Baptist-dead. She was educated at SamfordUniversity and has been a science teacher and a medical technologist in a past life. She has one adult daughter who lives in Miami and one cat whose name is Noel. Her passions include sewing of all types – but especially as related to clerical vestments and worship banners.
You may contact Clarissa at 770-220-1635 or by email at cstrickland@thefellowship.info.
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Steve Graham joined the Leadership Development Team as director of the Initiative for Ministerial Excellence. In that capacity, he focuses on Peer Learning Groups, Teaching Congregations and Ministerial Residents. Steve is a native of Oklahoma where he served as pastor of a young congregation for over 16 years. He comes to the Fellowship from Second Baptist Church in Liberty, Missouri, where he served as Senior Pastor. His doctoral project centered on discovering congregational narrative. Steve and his wife, Jennifer, have a son, daughter, and two grandchildren.
Steve is available for preaching and speaking for worship retreats and workshops. He may be contacted at 770-220-1675 or by e-mail at sgraham@thefellowship.info.
Leadership Development Links
Chaplaincy and Pastoral Counseling
Inititative for Ministerial Excellence
Ministry Partners:
Baptist Women in Ministry
Wilshire Baptist Church Annual Preaching Practicum
Reference and Referral
Partner Schools
Scholarships