Dear Friends:

 

When I arrived in Murfreesboro five and a half years ago I planned to stay until retirement. You know what happens with best-laid plans! How many times have I articulated in blog articles our plans must remain open and responsive to Spirit's work in our lives? After much prayer and discernment, I have accepted the call to become CBF of Virginia's next field coordinator.

 

You may remember I served churches in Virginia for almost 25 years. When invited to return to guide the work of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship in Virginia, I could not ignore Spirit's nudge. Embracing this new opportunity feels right. Therefore, I submit my resignation as field coordinator in Tennessee effective January 31, 2016.

 

I have thoroughly enjoyed serving as the first field coordinator in Tennessee and getting to know key leaders across the state. Thank you for entrusting me with this incredible opportunity and responsibility.

 

I'm grateful for the collaborative spirit of the Coordinating Council and its responsiveness to my leadership. I celebrate relationships formed and what we accomplished together:  gaining clarity about priorities, moving closer to CBF Global, engaging in partnerships across state lines, reshaping our state missions offering to provide congregational mission grants, incorporating mission projects into our general assemblies, improving communication tools and web presence, realizing financial stability and building reserves, restructuring to create a leaner organization, and much more.

 

While leadership transitions present challenges, I know Tennessee Cooperative Baptist Fellowship's future is bright! Committed leaders serving on the Coordinating Council are prepared and uniquely gifted to guide to the work of TCBF during this season.

 

Be assured of my prayers for you in days ahead. I also ask you to pray for my family as we leave Tennessee and relocate in Virginia.

 

With gratitude,

 

Terry L. Maples