In a move surprising only by its swiftness, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina has hired Eddie Hammett to a part-time position as “Church and Clergy Coach.” Hammett’s former position of western regional discipleship and leadership consultant for the Baptist State Convention (BSC) was eliminated in a cost-saving move August 14. Hammett had worked 19 years for the BSC, whose income is currently more than $4 million below budget and $1 million below last year’s giving.
Hammett, a founding member of the Columbia Partnership, a consulting and coaching group, is a nationally recognized consultant and the author of six books on leadership and congregational issues.
CBFNC coordinator Larry Hovis was enthusiastic about Hammett’s hiring: “Eddie brings to the table a unique awareness of the challenges and needs of congregational life in the 21st century. His background as a staff minister in local churches, coupled with his experience and expertise in coaching and consulting, will be an invaluable asset to what CBFNC is already doing in bringing Baptists together in North Carolina for Christ-centered ministry.”
For his part, Hammett said he is excited about the opportunity “to provide coaching and consulting that will maximize the dreams and leadership of CBFNC congregations that desire to impact and influence those in the pew and those in their communities.”
A certified coach with the International Coach Federation, Hammett is a frequent conference leader and coaching consultant across the country and with multiple denominations. He begins work with CBFNC on November 1.
Professor of Old Testament at Campbell University Divinity School in Buies Creek, North Carolina, and the Contributing Editor and Curriculum Writer at Good Faith Media.
