Fellowship Southwest has changed its name to FaithWorks.
Launched in 2017 as a project of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, Fellowship Southwest has grown in scope and moved beyond its original identity as a network of CBF-related churches in Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California. The organization quickly began networking with Christian groups of other denominations, including Methodists, Presbyterians and Pentecostals.
By 2021, Fellowship Southwest broke away from CBF to become an independent nonprofit.
Stephen Reeves
Executive Director Stephen Reeves said the new name will help clarify the group’s work beyond its Baptist roots. The name is inspired by a verse from James 2:14 in the New Testament.
“We’re grateful for all those who have contributed and partnered with Fellowship Southwest for the past eight years,” Reeves said. “I believe our future is bright and that a Christian organization that crosses boundaries of denomination and race and seeks to be faithful, thoughtful, courageous and kind is more important than ever.”
At its founding, Fellowship Southwest was a new model of cooperation birthed from CBF with the vision of then CBF Executive Coordinator Suzii Paynter, founding Executive Director Marv Knox and leaders of the Eula Mae and John Baugh Foundation.
“We are so grateful for the creative vision of our founders and the continuing partnership with CBF,” Reeves sad. “By taking a risk to start something new, they enabled us to find our lane, live into the vision of our board and staff and respond to the needs and opportunities before us. CBF is and will remain a close partner.”
Along with its new, nongeographical name, the organization has adopted a new tagline, “Bold Advocacy, Real Impact,” which Reeves said describes FaithWorks’ commitment to working for systemic change while meeting immediate needs.
A new logo suggests a monarch butterfly, symbolizing diversity, migration, resilience, hope, transformation and new creation.
“On the border, monarchs are everywhere,” explained Anyra Cano, director of programs and outreach. “One mural portrays the border wall dissolving into a flight of monarchs, with these words: ‘When communities stand in solidarity against injustice, borders disappear, justice knows no boundaries.’ This vision captures FaithWorks’ heart for justice and who we strive to be.”
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Reeves to lead Fellowship Southwest