FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT US

How is this ministry organized?
Christian Communications of North Carolina was operated as a 501(c)3 nonprofit ministry during 2003-2004, but donations were few and small to the point that the I.R.S. was no longer willing to grant tax-exempt status. Technically, the business is Drew Goettman d/b/a Christian Communications of North Carolina (no longer incorporated or nonprofit).

Can I make a donation to CCNC to support this ministry?
Sure, but we are no longer a tax-exempt nonprofit organization. Donations are gratefully accepted, but they are no longer tax-deductible. At the end of each year, we send out a letter of record to all donors. See Support Us.

How else can I help this ministry?
==> Prayer, for starters. This ministry goes nowhere without regular guidance from Him, the founder has learned. Intercessors are valued here.
==> Spread the word. Share the home page with friends, family, fellow church members. Encourage them to get on the e-mail list.

Who is Drew Goettman?
Drew is mathematics teacher at Garner High School, who also happens to be a former radio news director and newspaper editor. During 1997-99 while he lived in Greenville NC, Drew was led to begin a similar ministry there which involved a Christian newspaper for Pitt County; he wrote stories of God's handiwork in the community, and the paper served as a 'clearinghouse' for Christian events in the area. After 26 issues over 18 months, God closed the ministry so that Drew could meet and marry his wife Sheree -- and move to the Triangle! After three years of living here, he saw that the need for such a ministry here was just as great. Goettman holds a B.A. degree in Religion from Campbell University, and has earned more than 50 hours of graduate work at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville KY; he is also an experienced worship leader.

Why can't we have more local stories in the weekly e-mails?
To put it bluntly, it takes money that we don't have. First, it takes time for a writer to chase down stories, interview people, write the stories, and get them edited for distribution. At the moment, Goettman is the only writer, and his teaching responsibilities do not leave time for that. Either volunteer writers are going to have to appear, or God is going to have to bless the ministry financially so that Goettman can leave teaching and make writing/reporting the stories of God's movements his full-time calling.

Is there a charge for putting an event in the calendar?
The ministry is glad to include stories and events which are Christian in orientation. There will never be the intention of charging anyone for inclusion in the community calendar.

Are all religions going to be included in this ministry?
No. A formal Statement of Beliefs is 'in the works,' but the denominations under our 'umbrella' will be the ones which agree that Jesus Christ is the only means of salvation; this will leave out denominations such as Unitarians, Mormons (Latter- Day Saints), and Jehovah's Witnesses. For the moment, the Nicene Creed (I believe in God the Father Almighty...) would be a good starting point for inclusion.

Is it possible for this ministry to go beyond the Internet?
Yes! As a matter of fact, Goettman's experience with the Christian newspaper in Greenville gave him the experience and tools necessary to start another printed project when the Lord's timing is right. Understand -- working on the Internet is nearly free, while printing a newspaper requires about $1000 in hand every time one goes to the press! As far as other media are concerned, it is possible that this ministry could get involved with Christian radio and TV broadcasters, again promoting the idea of churches aware of each other and working together.

Why would someone give money here when there are starving people? It's a cutting question, but nonetheless valid. There's a phrase being passed around some circles in the Triangle -- Kingdom thinking. That's thinking beyond the walls of one's own church or denomination, and realizing that there are close to 1000 churches in Wake County alone, doing many of the same ministries with varying degrees of overlap. The sad part is that many of the ministries could be accomplished with much less expense if only the churches would work together instead of drawing lines across maps, both geographical and theological. How can churches and believers work together to reach out to meet the various needs of the community? Those who see this vision and participate in Kingdom thinking will be the ones God will lead to support this ministry financially.

If you have further questions, email: drewgoettman@onlinechristian.info