Some Things to Consider for 2023
MESSAGE FROM NACFM PRESIDENT HOMER CLARK

Happy New Year! It seems like 2023 showed up really quick. What a run we’ve all had during '22! For this new year I’m excited to experience what the Lord has prepared for us; a full twelve months during which God will be bringing blessings and opportunities to his children.

The following verse was shared with me recently:

Ezekiel 36:26-27 (AMP) - [26] A new heart will I give you and a new spirit will I put within you, and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. [27] And I will put my Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you shall heed My ordinances and do them.

As we move into the challenges and opportunities the new year will bring, I encourage you to pray for your families, staff, friends, and, yes, for yourself as well. Like most nations of the world, we as a people have struggled with global unrest, economic uncertainty, political turmoil, and the challenges of a pandemic over the last few years. With the arrival of 2023, it’s time to pray for the Lord's blessings, guidance, protection, and prosperity.

During the coming year the NACFM will also experience changes. We enter an election year when we select a new Vice President. Additionally, prayers are in order for current NACFM officers as they move forward into new roles with new responsibilities on our board. And, of course, the board is praying for members across the country as we all experience the challenges of increased responsibilities as FMs. I would kindly ask you to pray for your board during our upcoming board meeting, January 19-20th.

January is also the perfect time to start making plans to attend the 2023 NACFM National Conference in Sevierville, Tennessee this coming summer. Our host church will be First Baptist Church, Sevierville. We're working hard to complete the finishing touches for the conference that should be a wonderful time of learning, fellowship, and encouragement. And for those bringing along family members, we truly want to make this conference a blessing to you and your family. Sevierville and the surrounding area have a number of family-friendly activities. It’s a great place for a family vacation!

As our election cycle approaches, we are prayerfully looking to the Lord to raise up candidates for Vice President and Secretary. If you're an active CCFM member who would like to serve your organization and help guide us toward the future, please pray about this possible commitment. Talk with your church leadership and then, if that's positive, contact Chris Barron or myself. We can go over the process and requirements.

And for us all, let's remember the words of the Psalmist as we move into this new year serving the Lord, our churches, our families, and friends:

Psalm 16:1-11 (NLT) - [1] Keep me safe, O God, for I have come to you for refuge. [2] I said to the LORD, “You are my Master! All the good things I have are from you.” [3] The godly people in the land are my true heroes! I take pleasure in them! [4] Those who chase after other gods will be filled with sorrow. I will not take part in their sacrifices or even speak the names of their gods. [5] LORD, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine. [6] The land you have given me is a pleasant land. What a wonderful inheritance! [7] I will bless the LORD who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me. [8] I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. [9] No wonder my heart is filled with joy, and my mouth shouts his praises! My body rests in safety. [10] For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your godly one to rot in the grave. [11] You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.

Blessings to you and yours,
Homer Clark 
NACFM President

Featured Member: Bradd Johnson
Forest Hill Church, Charlotte, NC

Bradd Johnson labels himself as a "collector of adventures." This ambitious hobby is even more dramatic when you consider his responsibilities overseeing the facilities for a church with six campuses. More about the hobby later.

Bradd married his wife Corinne 19 years ago. They are the parents of three children ranging in age from 9 to 14 years old. Aside from the Lord, Bradd cites Corinne as his most important influence in life. As he says, "My wife and best friend offers grace, mercy, Christ-likeness, and often a good butt-kicking when I need to get my act together."

4 Tips for Winter Campus Safety

Winter hit hard during the Christmas holidays last month with the deadly "bomb cyclone" Elliott. Many are calling this winter storm the "storm of the century." Much of the country faced record-breaking snow, ice, and hurricane-force winds during the last days of December, 2022.

This powerful and dangerous winter weather is a good reminder for FMs to think about church campus safety! We still have two months of possible heavy weather to come.

What follows is a good article from Smart Church Management (January, 2022). At that time winter storm Izzy had just hit the country. Give this insightful article a read and be prepared!

Churches Need To Prepare For Winter

Welcome New NACFM Members!

Linda Bennett
Somerset, NJ

Tim Clark
Nicholasville, KY

Trevor Roa
Nappanee, IN