Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Hispanic Initiative
(CBF of Missouri version)

Background:
Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF) has a vision to work with others to start 400 Hispanic churches in the next 8 years.  The partnership includes: the Hispanic Convention of Texas, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, and the Baptist University of the Americas (in San Antonio).

Resources CBF and CBF of Missouri bring to that vision include:

1)  New church starts – The goal is 400 new churches in 8 years.  CBF can provide a one-time $2000 start-up grant to the sponsoring church for the use by that new mission.

2)  Church–to-church linkage – Linking a newer Missouri church with an established church in Texas (the component with the Hispanic Baptist Convention of Texas). Bernie Moraga, the CBF Hispanic Initiative coordinator, helps these connections be made.

3)  Partnership with the Baptist University of the Americas (in San Antonio ) can help train young men and women with theological education. The BUA can also help us with graduates interested in new church starts.

4)  Peer Learning Groups – encourage monthly gatherings of Hispanic pastors. A $1200 grant that can be used to help with travel, books, etc.

 What we hope you can bring to this vision:

1)  A similar vision for and experience with reaching Missouri ’s growing Hispanic/Latino community.

2)  Contacts with the Hispanic/Latino community and understanding of the culture and what it takes to start and succeed with a new church.

3)  Willingness to help those of us who are part of CBF to learn, appreciate and respect Hispanic/Latino culture and needs.