ATLANTA (ABP) — Leaders of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and Global Women recently agreed to enter a three-year partnership to meet the needs of women around the world, CBF officials announced July 29.
The partnership will start with two specific projects already in place, Global Women Executive Director Cindy Dawson explained by phone July 31.
Some CBF field personnel will participate in the Global Women’s Global Voices 2008 Summit set for Sept. 12-13 at Trinity Baptist Church in San Antonio. In addition, CBF will help promote, in its partner churches, a special prayer focus for International Women’s Day, scheduled next year for March 8.
Dawson noted the agreement marks the first long-term partnership for the Birmingham, Ala.-based organization since its inception in 2001. Most Global Women partnerships have been short-term and based around specific projects, she said.
Global Women is a non-denominational group designed to provide opportunities for women to minister with and to women. It currently operates primarily through Global Women chapters based in local churchaes.
The two projects are only the beginning, Dawson added. “This is where we can start,” she said, noting that the two organizations will develop new ministries specific to the partnership.
“God seems to be drawing both of us [CBF and Global Women] to Central Asia. The needs of the women there are great,” she said. “We are investigating ways to empower women — to find ways to empower and encourage women to live out their call to ministry.”
Dawson, a former CBF field worker in Russia, is excited by the possibilities the partnership could provide. “It is a very complementary relationship. We want to enlarge the understanding of what Christ means for women around the world,” she said.
“I’m delighted that CBF is entering into this intentional and strategic agreement with Global Women at a moment when both groups have an opportunity to transform the lives of women around the world,” noted CBF Global Missions Coordinator Rob Nash, in a press statement.
Nash, who signed the agreement on CBF’s behalf, added, “My hope and prayer is that this connection will help to keep before our congregations the unique challenges that women face around the world and to provide many opportunities for ministry together.”
“We have found that Global Women really strikes a chord,” Dawson said. “Some churches maybe don’t do the women’s missions groups like they used to. Some churches are finding a void and have started Global Women groups, some of which include men.”
The organization faced internal struggles over generational and leadership-style differences in 2005 and 2006. Dawson was chosen to fill the executive post in 2006.
Global Women and CBF struck a formal partnership shortly after the women’s organization formed. That accord was renewed in 2002, but changes in Global Women’s leadership shifted the agreement to a more informal relationship, noted Chris Boltin with CBF Global Missions.
Boltin is happy the relationship once again has been formalized. “They keep us focused on women’s issues,” he said.
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