Strengthening Existing Churches
At the present time, CBF Midwest includes four member churches, three of which are led by bi-vocational pastors. The cumulative Sunday attendance of the four churches averages 225 people. One of the priority objectives of CBF Midwest is to strengthen these existing churches by providing a localized network of support, encouragement, and resource sharing.

Identifying “Fellowship Friendly” Churches
While the CBF movement is in its formative stages in the Midwest, there are other congregations and denominations that hold things in common with The Fellowship. The American Baptist Church (USA), for example, shares many of the same philosophical and ministry goals. Identifying and developing an extended network of churches will enhance the work of CBF in the Midwest.

Communicating the Work
CBF Midwest seeks to enhance communication with interested churches and individuals regarding the work of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. Through print and electronic media, CBF Midwest desires to keep people informed of events and available resources to help people in the Midwest become “the Presence of Christ.”

Planting Churches
Of the four member congregations in the Midwest Region, three are located in Iowa and one in Nebraska. The culture of the Midwest is very conductive to the work of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. The fields are open to opportunities to plant missional churches which will extend the movement throughout the region.

Providing Ministry Opportunities
CBF Midwest desires to strengthen churches through resource sharing, and to provide opportunities for churches and individuals to participate in ministry and mission that would be beyond the scope of what could be accomplished alone.

Developing Pastors and Leaders
Pastors and lay leaders in the Midwest do not have easy access to peer learning opportunities and continuing education. by developing a peer learning group for the Midwest region, pastors and lay leaders can receive the blessing of fellowship, encouragement, training, continuing education, and support.

Supporting Together for Hope
Together for Hope, the CBF Rural Poverty Initiative, has made a 20-year commitment to the 20 poorest counties in the United States. Four of those 20 counties are located in South Dakota. CBF Midwest has the goal of ministering to these counties by becoming the leader in providing support to Together for Hope in the High Plains.

Participating in Global Missions
While the work before CBF Midwest is vast, the region must be intentional about raising awareness for Global Missions. Thus, CBF Midwest desires to raise awareness for Global Missions through education, participation, and financial support to those who are the most neglected-least evangelized people of the world.