Bi-vocational CPI pastor Jeff Nugent runs the Hogs Breath Eatery in Fayetteville, Arkansas. (photo by Lori Collier)

Big Strides in Three Years for Arkansas Congregation

Fayetteville, Arkansas, is home to the University of Arkansas Razorbacks. The Community of Christ congregation in Fayetteville averages around 50 people in weekly attendance. Jeff Nugent is their pastor. “Our Fayetteville congregation has grown,” said Nugent. “This growth has been achieved by sharing my new experiences and what the World Church is doing in our worldwide faith communities.”

“It has been phenomenal,” said Lori Collier of the Fayetteville congregation. “Now we are parking cars for Razorback football games and wearing T-shirts so the community knows who we are and that we are proud of our faith. We never could have done it three years ago because there wouldn’t have been any support. Now the sky is the limit.”

“The congregation has responded by going to more retreats, mission center conferences, and even World Conference,” said Nugent. As a part of Co-Missioned Pastor Initiative (CPI) Cohort One, Nugent is attuned to the mission of Community of Christ International Headquarters. He is now able to share more with his church in northwest Arkansas. “Before my involvement in the CPI process, our congregation felt somewhat distant from the World Church,” remembered Nugent. “The training has certainly helped close that gap. The more you’re involved, the more you feel like you’re a part of the church.”

Jeff listens intentetly during a CPI presentation by Community of Christ president, Steve Veazey. (photo by Dirk Ellingson)

“Jeff has grown immensely in the three years we have been involved with CPI,” said Collier. “He has learned to listen to the needs of those around him and guide others on how to help those in our congregation.”

Nugent learned about the Co-Missioned Pastor Initiative in a 2004 Herald article. He had served as Fayetteville pastor for several years and figured it was time for a change in local leadership. Then CPI and a call to high priest changed his mind. “I’ve learned there’s so much more to learn to be an effective pastor,” said Nugent. “There are so many tools out there and people who are willing to help pastors if you just ask.”

Like most CPI (and other Community of Christ) pastors, Nugent works a full-time job besides shepherding his congregation. As restaurant owner of the Hogs Breath Eatery for 20 years, that means working more than 40 hours a week. The Hogs Breath Eatery seats 80 customers. Nugent oversees 11 employees. The demands of running a business would understandably discourage most from seeking new responsibilities. “The long commitment that has to be made to the CPI program is a bit scary,” admitted Nugent. “But once you see the congregational support and then meet those you’re in the sessions with, the fears go away.”

Fayetteville Congregation. The new classroom wing allowed Sunday school classes to move from the sanctuary to classrooms with provision for electronic technologies. (photos by Lori Collier)

“When Jeff was thinking about applying for it, we backed him and we still do,” said Gerald Blakely of the Fayetteville congregation. A pastor 60 years ago in Plano, Illinois (the inaugural headquarters of the Reorganization during the 1860s and 70s), Blakely remembers the challenges of leading a congregation. “I personally have noted a change in Jeff’s sermons and talks,” said Blakely. “He comes up with stories that have happened and brings them into the theme of the week.”

Fayetteville has added classrooms and a basement. They have started four new worship teams. “Now uninvolved people who have been members for 30 years are involved in worship,” said Nugent. “Team members freely exchange new ideas and help plan meaningful services,” explained Craig Updyke, a member of the congregation and its worship teams. “Before the worship teams, the planning was done by two or three people. Now with the teams functioning, everyone is involved in service participation.” “People participate in prayers, special readings, music, puppet plays, stories, and slide presentations,” shared Collier. “Our congregation is always looking for new ways to reach out and help one another.”

“I hope the community is more aware of our congregation now,” said Nugent. “I hope our church is a place looked to for meeting needs.”

“Jeff is a pastor who demonstrates a high regard and worth for each person,” said CPI coordinator Tom Mountenay. “He knows how to help people minister together.” “Jeff always looks forward to the CPI sessions and comes back consumed with his learning and desire to share,” noted Updyke.

The Fayetteville congregation has grown its building, its community visibility, its worship diversity, and its connection to the worldwide church. CPI has helped its pastor become a better one. “Of course there are lots of highs and lows in being a pastor,” revealed Nugent. “That’s just a part of being a servant of Christ.”

—Dirk Ellingson reporting
Herald, December 2007