BGAV Express - Winter 2020

VOL 5, ISSUE 1

WINTER 2020

VIRGINIA BAPTISTS

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RENEW ROMANS 12:2

COMMITMENT TO GOD AND THE BGAV AT 2019 ANNUAL MEETING

Northern Seminary Partners with BGAV

Snapshots of the Annual Meeting

Learn about the seminary’s new distance-learning program with BGAV

Check out photos from the 2019 annual meeting held in Roanoke

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A Family Affair Read one lifelong Virginia Baptist’s perspective of BGAV’s annual gathering 20

A NEW YEAR’S SMILE: “IN THE BEGINNING”

by John Upton JOHN UPTON is the Executive Director of the BGAV.

Being the beginning of the new year, I thought it would be good to start with the first words of the first page of the Bible’s first book which happens to be, “In the beginning.” It goes on, hear it again,

cruel and ugly and absolute madness in our time. Maybe this glad song saddens us a bit, for it would mean a world that was very good is what we have poisoned and desecrated and turned into the scenes of our crimes against each other, against ourselves, against God. Can it be good again? Look around you; can it ever be good again? As Frederick Buechner asked, “Does the Spirit of God move over the face of the turbulent waters of our age, is the God who created us brooding over our darkness?”

“God created the heaven and the earth, and the earth was without form and void and darkness hovered over the face of the deep and the Spirit of God brooded over the face of the waters and God said, ‘Let there be light and there was light, and God saw that it was good.”

To answer that, let’s look at another scene. It is the scene of Jesus beginning his public ministry, which is another way of saying, “In the beginning.” On the first day, the first thing he does is go into the waters. There were many people there bringing their sins to the river, all wanting to wash their sins away and be re-created. Jesus wades into it until the waters surrounds him. He lets himself be taken hold of by a man called John, who lays him back until the muddy waters have covered his face. He sinks into the darkness, and John pulls him back up dripping into the light.

Such beautiful words. Actually, this is a song. It is a song of deep, deep truth about the world, about us, and about the creating ways of God. It is a song of magnificent understanding.

What the song imagines first is a fathomless expanse of water in pitch black darkness. The story doesn’t begin with nothingness; it begins with a world unlit, completely covered by deep water, void of any life, and all of it in total darkness.

This is not a song of nothing at all; it is a song of the absence of meaning, absence of boundary and order, absence of anything alive. It is a song of the Spirit of God in this darkness, hovering over the deeps.

Then, there in the sky, a dove is descending, hovering over the waters again. Again there is a voice, a glad voice, “You are my son, my beloved, in you I am well pleased.”

The Hebrew verb for hovering is the same for a bird hovering in air, as a mother bird broods and hovers over her young.

Here, above the formless void in utter darkness, is a presence of brooding love. Then, there is a voice, God’s own voice, breaking through infinite silence, “Let there be light!” And there was light. All it took was a word from that voice.

This is not only Jesus’ story; it is our story as well—those of us who ventured into those waters with him. What does this mean? You and I have a beginning. We have many beginnings.

In the beginning that was our birth. In the beginning that was our baptism. In the beginning that was beyond time when God first dreamed us all. In the beginning that is this very day, this very year. The Spirit of God hovers over you and me.

It hovers over us no matter how dark or in what depths we may find ourselves today. God is brooding over us to create newness, hope, strength, forgiveness, and purpose. The voice still says, “You are my beloved, my own child, live your life into my good pleasure in you. My love speaks over you and says, ‘Good, good, very good.’”

There is even a refrain in this song. Isn’t it nice there is a refrain in the first song of creation? After each day’s creative work— after God speaks into being the land, the sun, the moon, the fish, the birds, and all the animals—there is this chorus every single time, “And God saw it was good.” After humans were made, the refrain gets an extra word, “God saw it was very good.” Another way to translate it would be, “It was umm, umm, good.”

Happy New Beginnings from your BGAV family!

At first glance, this glad song in today’s world may ring a little hollow. There is no need to go over all the litany of what is 2

4 // BGAV News & Notes 7 // A Letter from the BGAV President 8 // Virginia Baptists Renew Their Commitment to God and the BGAV at 2019 Annual Meeting 12 // Upton Celebrates & Challenges Virginia Baptists in Executive Director’s Report 14 // Northern Seminary & BGAV Announce Partnership to Train Church Leaders 16 // BGAV Approves 2020 Budget

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18 // Snapshots from the 2019 Annual Meeting 20 // More Like a Family Reunion: The 2019 Annual Meeting 23 // Latest Ministry Jobs

BGAV Advancing the Kingdom Together

ISSN 2573-5101 (print) ISSN 2573-511X (online)

A publication of the Baptist General Association of Virginia Volume 5, Issue 1 Winter 2020 BGAV Express is published quarterly by the Baptist General Association of Virginia, 2828 Emerywood Parkway, Henrico, VA 23294.

Send subscription requests and address changes to: Jennifer Law jennifer.law@bgav.org 800.255.2428, ext. 1223 BGAV Express Baptist General Association of Virginia 2828 Emerywood Parkway Henrico, VA 23294 toll-free 800.255.2428 Or visit BGAV.org/Express.

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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: John V. Upton, Jr. BGAV EXPRESS EDITOR: Jennifer Law ART DIRECTOR: Meghan Wilson

BGAV Scholarships and Ministerial Education Funds Deadline Approaching

Through Cooperative Missions offerings, the Baptist General Association of Virginia (BGAV) provides scholarships and ministerial education funds for eligible Virginia Baptist students who need aid in financing their education.

BGAV Scholarships and Ministerial Education Funds can help students earn an undergraduate degree, pursue undergraduate or graduate education in preparation for vocational ministry, or access training and continuing education opportunities.

Give a Present and a Future This Year with a Gift from Our International Missions Gift Catalog

With so many opportunities to give gifts throughout the year— anniversaries, birthdays, weddings, and other celebrations— why not give “a present and a future” by purchasing one of our new international missions gift catalog items!

Applications for 2020–2021 scholarships are now being accepted! Get more information and apply online by visiting BGAV.org/Scholarships. Applications are due April 1, 2020.

For example, a food parcel shared with a refugee family will provide physical sustenance and a loving touch longed for by those fleeing the stability of their homelands.

You can purchase a gift from our online catalog to meet an immediate need of people around the world while also providing an opportunity for the Gospel of Jesus Christ to be shared with an individual, family, or an entire community.

Please view the new international missions gift catalog at BGAVMissions.org and change the life of someone in need this year.

BJC Fellows Program

BJC is now accepting applications for our 2020 BJC Fellows program, offering young professionals the chance to deepen their legal, historical and theological understanding of religious liberty. It includes a seminar in Colonial Williamsburg from August 12-16, 2020. There is no cost to apply, and the program covers meals, lodging, and most travel costs.

The deadline for applications is February 21, 2020. For more information, visit BJConline.org/Fellows.

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NEWS + NOTES

Complete list of events at BGAV.org/Events

Event Calendar Kairos Missions Initiative Now Accepting Applications

January 1 9–10 17–19 19 28–29

New Year’s Day Virginia Baptist Executive Board Kairos Leadership Initiative (KLI) Retreat Sanctity of Human Life Sunday CAM 501: Building Blocks for Powerful Coaching, Henrico, VA 31–2/1 Virginia Baptist Combined Handbell Festival, Glen Allen, VA

Kairos Missions Initiative (KMI) is an immersive mission experience for young adults ages 18–25 from BGAV churches and collegiate ministries. Our 2020 team will travel to Lebanon in late May to serve alongside BGAV partner the Lebanese Society for Educational and Social Development (LSESD) as they minister to refugees and displaced families throughout their region.

February 2 8 9–16 14–16 15 16 20 22

Baptist World Alliance Sunday WMUV Come to the Table, Hampton, VA WMU Focus Week Camp Piankatank Winter Blast, Hartfield, VA WMUV Children’s Missions Day Virginia Baptist Colleges and Schools Day Church and Clergy Tax Seminar, Henrico, VA WMUV Standing Rock New Volunteer Training and Site Leader Meeting 22 WMUV Lite Retreat 25–26 CAM 504: Coaching and the Brain as a Learning Catalyst, Henrico, VA

Applications open in January. Go to KairosInitiative.org/KMI for application details and to sign up for our email notices to receive updates on future Kairos opportunities.

BGAV Staff Changes

On October 3, Minda Templeton began her position as part-time Administrative Assistant for Uptick.

March 1–8

Week of Prayer and Missions Study for North American Missionaries and Annie Armstrong Offering 10 Virginia Baptist Executive Board 13–15 Journey, Lynchburg, VA 19–21 WMUV Panelist Planning Retreat 28 WMUV Come to the Table, Fredericksburg, VA

Glenn Maddox was named National Missions Director effective November 1, a new role in which he’ll coordinate Disaster Response, Impact! Mission Camps, and other nationally based Minda Templeton efforts. Other support positions have been created in those areas as needs have increased; those new positions will be filled and announced in early 2020.

April 1 1–3 12 18

BGAV Scholarships Deadline (12:00 noon) Fresh Expressions National Gathering, Herndon, VA Easter Sunday WMUV Standing Rock New Volunteer Training and All 2020 Participants 20–22 CAM 501/Chaplaincy Conference, Henrico, VA 24–25 WMUV Mom & Me I 25–26 WMUV Mom & Me II 26 Cooperative Missions/Cooperative Program Sunday 27 Virginia Baptist Executive Board 28 Virginia Baptist Mission Council 30 Church Financial Administration Seminar, Henrico, VA

As of December 12, Taylor Terrill concluded his work as BCM Associate at Virginia Tech to pursue his career in architecture, and Chris Wondree concluded his service as BCM at James Glenn Maddox Madison University to become the Minister to Students at Bon Air Baptist Church in Richmond.

For more BGAV news, visit BGAV.org/News 5

EXPERIENCE THIS INCREDIBLE EVENT WITH YOUR BGAV FAMILY Visit bit.ly/BGAV-Rio for details about travel options.

TOGETHER

2020

BAPTIST WORLD ALLIANCE CELEBRATION

July 22-26, 2020 RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL

bwa2020.org WORSHIP • FELLOWSHIP • PRAY • NETWORK • SERVE

A LETTER FROM THE BGAV PRESIDENT

by Adam Tyler

ADAM TYLER is the 2020 BGAV President.

Our annual meeting theme this year was Renew, and I see that as a providential theme for us as we move into 2020. The BGAV has been a thriving part of the kingdom of God for almost 200 years, but we are certainly not done yet. More accurately, we should say, God is not done with us.

As his first order of business as the 2020 BGAV president, Adam Tyler bangs the gavel to conclude the 2019 BGAV annual meeting.

Thirty-seven years--that’s how long I have been a Virginia Baptist.

That may not seem that long to many Virginia Baptists, but to me that has been a lifetime!

In a changing world, we can be God’s loving hands and feet in new and exciting ways, telling the good, old story with freshness and energy. My hope is that we will not shy away from needed conversations and new beginnings that the year ahead will bring, but instead will step forward into “what’s next” with hope and unity and love that bears witness to our Lord in faithful and powerful ways.

I grew up in a BGAV church, my parents were (and remain) committed BGAV lay leaders, and I was surrounded by Virginia Baptists who cared about the local church, missions, and fellowship around our Lord Jesus Christ. I went to Eagle Eyrie for BGAV camps, I served at home and abroad through BGAV partnership missions, I was part of a BGAV Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BSU to us at the time), and I was educated in part with BGAV scholarship dollars. I was also part of the second class of the BGAV Uptick initiative. Since graduating from a BGAV partner seminary, I have served as pastor in two BGAV churches.

As we move into new mission fields, embrace new opportunities, and form new partnerships, my prayer is that we will see God’s Spirit move in our midst, revitalizing our churches and renewing our commitment to the kingdom of God that we serve—together.

In everything that we already do, and are about to do, the BGAV is about the movement of the Spirit of God in our midst and in our actions. God is at work with us and in us. May 2020 be the year that we take that next step in faith together as we follow our Lord.

I guess you could say I am a Virginia Baptist through and through.

This is why I am deeply humbled to serve as president of the BGAV this year. I know Virginia Baptists, I’ve been blessed by Virginia Baptists, and I’ve seen the good that Virginia Baptists do for God’s kingdom in our communities and around the world. I look forward to a year of deeper involvement and service with the BGAV as we partner together in advancing God’s kingdom.

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Uptick Artists lead the congregation during worship.

VIRGINIA BAPTISTS

RENEW ROMANS 12:2

COMMITMENT TO GOD AND THE BGAV AT 2019 ANNUAL MEETING

The Baptist General Association of Virginia (BGAV) held its 196th Annual Meeting from Monday, November 11, through Wednesday, November 13, at Bonsack Baptist Church in Roanoke, VA. Richard Martin presided throughout the meeting.

Five hundred fifty-two messengers attended along with 265 guests and exhibitors for a total of 817 meeting participants.

Events began on Monday afternoon with the annual Pastor’s Conference and Korean fellowship and focused on missions.

This year’s theme, “Renew,” is based on Romans 12: 1-2 and challenges attendees to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

other boomers in their communities rather than churches solely focusing on reaching younger generations.

Thornhill challenged participants to be better about being inclusive, and to realize that God loves all people. We must build a big tent where everyone can belong, he argued, saying, “I don’t think Jesus was in the pushing-away business; he was in the bringing-people-together business.”

The day continued with an afternoon filled with breakout sessions spotlighting the work of a wide array of BGAVaffiliated ministries and missions partners. Leaders from Fresh Expressions and the V3 Church Planting Movement shared engaging ways for participants to creatively think about church in their communities. Elijah Brown, General Secretary of the Baptist World Alliance, gave a report on the growth of the global church. BGAV missions partnership focus:refugees partners from as close as Richmond to as far as Lebanon told stories and shared ways Virginia Baptists can get involved in refugee work.

After a shared community meal, Todd Combee honored veterans with a prayer and opened the evening session focused on the future of the Church.

BGAV Executive Director, John Upton, closed the evening reflecting on the two speakers, praying that participants will be renewed this week. He welcomed the BGAV family and asked that God may do something unique and powerful in the BGAV in these next days.

On a snowy Tuesday morning, Chris Cadenhead, pastor of Bonsack Baptist Church, brought warm greetings before the Uptick Artists led a spirit-filled acoustic set of worship.

Alia Abboud, Director of Development and Partner Relations at the Lebanese Society for Education and Social Development (LSESD), spoke about her ministry with and among Syrian refugees, who are historically enemies of Lebanon. BGAV is partnering with LSESD as a part of the missions partnership focus:refugees.

Several reports were offered, including those from the clerk and program committee. Nominations were made for boards and committees.

Kristen White, pastor of Antioch Baptist Church in Red Oak, VA, challenged the notion of convenience in church, preaching from the story of Lydia in Acts 16. She encouraged messengers to “be found faithful, especially when it is inconvenient.”

“God is transforming our churches,” she concluded.

Matt Thornhill, a founder of SIR’s Institute for Tomorrow think tank in Richmond, VA, was the keynote speaker Monday evening.

He utilizes his organization’s focus on understanding trends that matter and the people who are shaping them to think critically about the future church.

In his treasurer’s report, David Washburn, BGAV Treasurer, reviewed the current BGAV budget and expenditures. He thanked the messengers gathered for their faithful giving to BGAV in 2019, noting that as of the time of the Annual Meeting, the BGAV was in “a favorable position” for meeting the expected 2019 budget.

“The most important shift that we are seeing is that we are growing older,” he noted, citing statistics showcasing how by 2030 there will be as many young people as old people in Virginia. Thornhill sees this as an opportunity, not necessarily a death sentence, encouraging churches to “activate the boomers” to reach out to

Under Dr. Kevin Meadows’ leadership, reports were offered from the Executive Board regarding actions, observances, and special offerings.

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BGAV Field Strategist, Brian Williams, speaks to residents of the Tidewater region during his regional meeting Tuesday afternoon.

John Upton presented resolutions of appreciation for William J. ( Jeff) Cranford, who retired from BGAV’s Congregational Field Staff after serving as the Central Region Field Strategist and Compensation Planning Specialist, and Stephen Richerson, who retired as President and Executive Director of HopeTree Family Services.

and prosperity for those in their cities, sharing Christ and praying for those around them regardless of their context.

David Washburn then presented the proposed 2020 budget. It includes projected Cooperative Missions gifts of $9.1 million, which is the same as last year, and additional revenue through designated gifts and new initiatives that total $20.5 million in anticipated annual giving. The budget was discussed in an afternoon breakout session.

In the afternoon, participants attended a wide array of breakout sessions, including sessions ranging from topics on church governance, to creating a culture of discipleship in churches, to ways to revitalize the church, and many more.

Uptick Artists finished the morning session in worship, and then a lunch was provided by the Virginia Baptist Disaster Response team.

The evening worship service, presided over by Jay Lawson, began with a beautiful and diverse set of songs by the Bonsack Baptist Church choir and musicians, led by Grant Frederick, Bonsack’s Minister of Music.

After an intermission, attendees joined together in worship, led once again by the Uptick Artists.

John Upton gave the Executive Director’s report, emphasizing BGAV’s continued commitment to theological education in Virginia. He welcomed William Shiell, President of Northern Seminary in Chicago, to announce a new partnership offering online theological degrees from Northern Seminary for students from BGAV churches.

Alia Abboud, the Director of Development and Partner Relations at the Lebanese Society for Education and Social Development (LSESD), shared inspiring stories of God working through Lebanese Baptist churches.

Dean Miller, BGAV Mission Development Staff Coordinator, shared more about how the BGAV is partnering with organizations doing refugee work in Lebanon, Croatia, Austria, and Virginia, in a new partnership called focus:refugees. He introduced the online BGAV Missions gift catalog and invited participants to give towards refugee work as Toma Magda, director of Croatian Baptist Aid prayed over the offering.

Upton continued on to highlight the deep roots of the BGAV and how those roots have brought forth exciting green shoots. He welcomed participants into a conversation over the next year to explore and discuss what the BGAV will look like as it honors its commitment to both the local church and broader movemental ministries. He wrapped up his report announcing that BGAV had reached the goal of a six-year partnership with the Ghana Baptist Convention called “More Than Nets,” distributing 100,000 mosquito nets and planting over 5,000 churches in villages across northern Ghana.

Scot McKnight, the Julius R. Mantey Chair of New Testament at Northern Seminary, gave his first keynote address after a delayed arrival due to inclement weather. He started by addressing the recent uncovering of widespread abuse of power and sexual misconduct of the church across the world.

Dr. Don Davidson, pastor of First Baptist Church of Alexandria, shared the second message of the morning, drawing from the words of Jeremiah 29. He encouraged those present to seek peace

In a heartfelt plea, he said, “I long for a culture where pastors and leaders and congregations promote a kind of Christianity...where 9

(others) look...and say: that is a safe place.” He then outlined three ways churches can build cultures of goodness and become safe places.

He charged his listeners to build churches that are built on people first, that are committed to work of Christlike formation, and where members take their priestly responsibility seriously as they are in community with others.

After a resounding chorus of “How Marvelous, How Wonderful,” Melanie Lassiter gave the final benediction, closing out a spiritfilled day.

On Wednesday morning, the Uptick Artists led the congregation in a spirit-centered time of worship. Richard Martin presided over the conclusion of the business meeting.

The 2020 budget was passed with no questions followed by a unanimous affirmative vote.

Reggie Warren, chair of the Committee on Resolutions, expressed his thanks as he proposed a Resolution of Appreciation for Bonsack Baptist Church and for the many BGAV leaders who hosted, organized, and implemented this year’s annual meeting.

Adam Tyler, a lifelong Virginia Baptist, long-time BGAV church pastor, and current BGAV First Vice President, was nominated and elected to serve next year as president.

Ronald Gravatt was elected as 1st Vice President. Additionally, messengers elected Carol Johnston as 2nd Vice President, and Herbert Ponder was reelected to serve as clerk. The body also approved new Mission Council members.

Becky McKinney was approved as chair of the Executive Board.

Boyce Brannock, Kevin Meadows, Rachel Pierce, and Herbert Ponder were all nominated and elected to serve on the Executive Board.

BGAV Executive Director, John Upton, expressed appreciation and administered certificates of gratitude for standing committee chairs including, Patty Spragg, Committee on Credentials; Lora A violinist leads in worship along with the Bonsack Baptist Church Adult Choir (top); attendees join in a prayerful worship service during the annual meeting (above).

Virginia Baptist Foundation’s Jeff Ukrop talks and gives ice cream to those visiting the ministry fair (above); Richard Martin presents plaques to outgoing standing committee chairs(right).

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The Bonsack Baptist Church Adult Choir leads in worship during Tuesday evening’s worship service.

Gravatt, Tellers Committee; Tommy McDearis, Committee on Scholarships and Ministerial Education Funds; Scott Curtis, Committee on Program; Mat Brown and Shawn White, Committee on Christian Life; Nancy Stanton McDaniel, Committee on Memorials; Tim Madison, Committee on Boards and Committees; Rick Clore, Committee on Religious Liberty; and Reggie Warren, Committee on Resolutions.

Upton then expressed gratitude for two outgoing members of the Executive Board. Michael Cheuk and Michael Jordan, for their service the past years.

Richard Martin, outgoing BGAV president, signed his name in a commemorative Bible signed by all past BGAV presidents.

Upton then prayed for and commissioned the new officers.

BGAV’s 2020 officers are (from left to right) Carol Johnston, Adam Tyler, Ronald Gravatt, Herbert Ponder, and Becky McKinney.

After an intermission, the meeting continued with a worship time with music led by BGAV’s Uptick Artists. Nancy Stanton McDaniel then presided over a time of memorial and reflection, remembering those BGAV pastors and friends who have passed away in the past year.

Scot McKnight, the keynote speaker for the week, brought his final message. McKnight shared an interactive and lively reading of the letter of Philemon. Through the interpretive reading, he parsed out the Kingdom spirit of reconciliation found in Paul’s words and encouraged those to mirror that spirit in a divisive culture.

“As children of God, we are called to a peace and a unity that transcends while recognizing that we are not always going to agree,” he said. He finished by noting that in heaven, all will be reconciled together before joining in singing God’s praises.

Following McKnight, Upton shared some closing remarks, thanking the speakers, pastors, Uptick Artist band, staff, and volunteers for their service during the week. He encouraged those present to go out in a spirit of renewal and reconciliation back to their communities.

New BGAV President, Adam Tyler, prayed the final benediction and officially adjourned the meeting.

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Clockwise from above: Welford Orrock, BGAV’s coordinator for Kairos Initiative, leads a breakout session on collegiate ministry; Rev. Kristen White shares an inspirational sermon as part of Tuesday morning’s main session; volunteers with Virginia Baptist Disaster Response prepare to serve lunch on Tuesday.

UPTON

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CELEBRATES CHALLENGES

VIRGINIA BAPTISTS IN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT During the Tuesday morning session of the 196th Annual Meeting of the Baptist General Association of Virginia (BGAV), John Upton continued the meeting’s theme, “Renew,” in his executive director’s report. He thanked God for all he has done in this past year and for the exciting places he is leading BGAV in the future. Upton highlighted BGAV’s continued involvement in theological education, plans for the future of BGAV, and the ending of the “More Than Nets” missions partnership.

School, Gardner-Webb University, McAfee School of Theology at Mercer University, and the Southern Baptist Convention seminaries.

Continuing with the topic of BGAV’s commitment to theological education, Upton invited William Shiell, President of Northern Seminary in Chicago, IL, to announce Northern Seminary as BGAV’s seminary partner for distance education. Through this new partnership, students from BGAV churches are able to apply for and complete online Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Christian Ministries degrees through Northern’s interactive livestreaming technology called Northern Live. Shiell welcomed students to apply for classes starting in January 2020.

He began by recognizing that though many are still mourning the closing of Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond in the past year, BGAV is still committed to theological education through its many other ministry partners.

Upton invited Katie McKown to the pulpit to spotlight BGAV’s partnership with the John Leland Center for Theological Education. McKown recently began her new position as Leland’s Associate Director of the School of Ministry, and she shared how the Leland Center is excited to connect with and to resource people who are “eager for training and eager to reach communities for Christ.”

Upton moved on to discuss the future of the BGAV. He explained BGAV’s mission statement, which defines the BGAV as “a missionary movement unleashing the power of the resurrected Christ through the local church for the renewal of all things.”

Unpacking the mission statement and the name of BGAV itself, he showed how the BGAV is an open, relationship focused collective of autonomous churches, rooted in Baptist principles, that is and always has been movemental. He cited the story of BGAV’s first missionaries, Jeremiah Bell Jeter and Daniel Witt, who were sent out on horseback to the western frontier in 1823 to share the Gospel.

Upton then noted new developments with BGAV’s educational partners including Averett University, Bluefield College, Fork Union Military Academy, Hargrave Military Academy, Oak Hill Academy, Campbell University Divinity School, Duke Divinity 12

Upton concluded his report by inviting BGAV Mission Development Coordinator, Dean Miller, on stage to announce that the BGAV’s goal of 100,000 mosquito nets had been reached—as part of the More Than Nets partnership with Ghanian Baptists—as several Virginia Baptists held up the final net.

“This is our base, these are deep roots,” Upton said, “Anything that is going to flourish has deep roots.” While the roots have always been in Virginia, the scope of BGAV’s mission has never been limited by geography.

Upton emphasized BGAV’s continued support and commitment to the work of the local church while recognizing the ways BGAV is already working in new, movemental ways far past the borders of Virginia. He showcased the work of the V3 church planting movement, Fresh Expressions, and Missio Alliance, all BGAV ministries that have church plants, partners, and audiences across the US and even the world.

Katie McKown spoke about the Virginia-based John Leland Center for Theological Studies, a BGAV partner for onsite seminary education. Upton emphasized the rich partnerships the BGAV has with many educational institutions before announcing a new partnership with Northern Seminary for distance education.

These are “green shoots coming from deep roots,” Upton observed. “We need to create a space where all our partners can be movemental with us.” He welcomed participants into a conversation over the next year to explore and discuss what BGAV will look like as it honors its commitment to both the local church and broader movemental ministries.

members and distributed across northern Ghana in cooperation with the Ghana Baptist Convention. Through this partnership, 1,000 churches were planted and 5,000 people were baptized in conjunction with the distribution of the 100,000 mosquito nets.

There was a 43% reduction of malaria incidents in the villages where the nets were distributed.

Upton wrapped up his report by inviting Dean Miller, BGAV Mission Development Staff Coordinator, to announce that the BGAV has reached the goal of a six-year partnership called “More Than Nets.” Participants celebrated by opening a mosquito net on stage, the last of 100,000 nets that have been purchased by BGAV 13

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NORTHERN SEMINARY BGAV ANNOUNCE

PARTNERSHIP

TO TRAIN CHURCH LEADERS Northern Seminary and the Baptist General Association of Virginia (BGAV) announce a new partnership to train the next generation of church leaders.

Northern Seminary President William Shiell explains the new distance education partnership during the 2019 annual meeting. faculty train students to exegete their local context and lead churches in the midst of a changing world.

As the BGAV’s seminary partner for distance education, Northern will deliver accessible theological education to students in Virginia via interactive live-streaming classes and local intensive gatherings. Students can complete degrees while still serving their local context or deployed overseas.

Fred Liggin, Pastor at Williamsburg Christian Church, described his education at Northern this way: “My experience at Northern has radically shaped my understanding in mission.

The diverse roster of professors who are not only academics, but also practitioners, combined with a mix of varying theological traditions has opened me up to many perspectives and conversations I do not believe I would get anywhere else.

There is no other institution I could recommend more highly for a formative missional theological education than Northern Seminary.”

Northern’s unique interactive live-streaming technology (Northern Live) allows students to engage in a vibrant classroom experience and interact with Northern’s premier faculty and classroom peers in real time, no matter where they live. Students will be able to take a one-week summer intensive class each year in Virginia, as well as gather for events each Fall and Spring.

With shared values and mission, Northern Seminary and the BGAV seek to develop women and men who are equipped with the skills necessary to become leaders within the Church.

Virginia-based Northern Seminary student Brendan Jamieson, Pastor of Worship and Small Communities at All Souls Charlottesville, says about his experience at Northern, “Northern Seminary has truly enriched me in my work as a pastor. Through my studies, I am arriving at a greater clarity as to my pastoral task, and to the shape of faithfulness. I’m so grateful to Northern for this opportunity.”

John V. Upton, Jr., Executive Director of the Baptist General Association of Virginia stated, “Our new partnership with Northern Seminary will offer excellent new opportunities for current and future ministers across the Commonwealth as they seek to complete their seminary education. The ability to pursue an MDiv while continuing to serve a local congregation means that our pastors and other staff ministers can get the education they want and need while living and serving in their communities.”

The BGAV’s Coach Network Director, Ken Kessler, will support and mentor students in Virginia: “I’m encouraged by this new partnership for many reasons, but I’ve been most impressed with Northern’s creative approach to the seminary classroom environment through their use of technology. And with Northern’s long-time commitment to diversity—promoting graduate-level theological education to people of all ages, races, ethnicities, and genders—this partnership will equip our BGAV ministers for the Church of both today and tomorrow.”

William Shiell, President of Northern Seminary, stated, “We are thrilled to partner with the BGAV to train church leaders in context. Our biblical, personal, and missional curriculum is designed for the called Christian to grow in their faith and engage their communities. Our goal is to transform a generation of women and men who want to share the gospel as educated servant leaders of Jesus Christ and his church.”

More information can be found at Seminary.edu/Virginia.

Northern is accepting applications for students to start as early as January 2020. Students from BGAV churches may apply for scholarships up to $5,000 annually from the BGAV and up to $2,000 annually from Northern Seminary.

Northern Seminary offers an educational context that is international, interracial, and intercultural for the preparation of men and women who are called by God. Northern’s mission is to educate leaders for the churches who will be personally whole and spiritually mature, biblically grounded and theologically competent, pastoral, evangelistic, and prophetic. Northern’s

Contact admissions@seminary.edu to connect or refer a student at Seminary.edu/refer.

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THE BGAV’S SEMINARY PARTNER FOR DISTANCE EDUCATION Northern Seminary delivers accessible, affordable theological education to students in Virginia via interactive live-streaming classes and local cohort gatherings.

• Learn how to exegete your local context and lead your church wherever you live • Complete your degree entirely from home • Scholarships for students from BGAV churches • Access to veterans benefits at home or deployed

seminary.edu/virginia

This figure represents the same budgeted amount as in 2019, with some slight changes in allocations, notably 9.25% formerly allocated towards Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond that will be allocated towards theological education in Virginia in 2020.

BGAV APPROVES

2020 BUDGET During the Wednesday business session of the 196th Baptist General Association of Virginia (BGAV) Annual Meeting, messengers voted to approve the 2020 Cooperative Missions budget of $9.1 million.

Within his budget report, BGAV Treasurer David Washburn also noted four other categories of revenue that are outside Cooperative Missions: Designated Gifts, Camp and Conference Center Registration Revenue, Program Revenue, and Other.

Those ministry resources total just over $7.1 million. With an additional $4.2 million in estimated revenue from giving to

BGAV $5,987,000

+

Cooperative Missions

Designated Gifts

$5,987,000

$3,270,424

+

L TOTA

BGAV Treasurer David Washburn explains the 2020 budget figures during Tuesday’s main session at the 2019 annual meeting.

2020 Cooperative Missions Budget Allocation $9,100,000

VIRGINIA MISSIONS & MINISTRIES (BGAV) $5,987,000

66%

BGAV

PARTNERS IN VIRGINIA $565,000

6%

WORLD MISSIONS CAUSES $2,548,000

28%

BGAV PARTNERS IN VIRGINIA Averett University......................................................$100 Baptist Extension Board.............................................. $1 Bluefield College...............................................$40,248 Center for Baptist Heritage and Studies..... $75,000 Fork Union Military Academy.................................$100 GraceInside..........................................................$44,515 Hargrave Military Academy....................................$100 HopeTree Family Services................................ $34,265 LifeSpire of Virginia..................................................$100 Oak Hill Academy................................................$16,450 Virginia Baptist Foundation....................................$100 Virginia Baptist Historical Society....................$29,022 Woman’s Missionary Union of Virginia.........$325,000

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2020 WORLD MISSION CAUSES WM1 - Distributed according to the Southern Baptist Convention Budget WM2 - Distributed according to BGAV approved items which may include Virginia, national, and international ministries WM3 - Distributed according to the Kingdom Advance New Initiatives budget

special offerings, together these total anticipated giving of just over $20.5 million—a slight decrease of $500,000 from 2019.

2020 Budget Materials

Washburn expressed deep gratitude to the individuals and church representatives present for giving in the midst of cultural challenges. He encouraged them that challenges should not invoke fear, but embolden the BGAV to carry out its mission to unleash the power of Christ.

BGAV SIONS/

BUDGET

’s church tiv istries Coopera s portion ofparyou CAUSES t of min for What is ative Missionrch to be a is a way one MISSION per chu nity. It The Cooenables your ls and commu causes with are WORLD 2020 budget your own wal their missionsions dollars ies.

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- WM2 ties = $2,548,000 h may N CAUSES ist Enti items whic s MISSIO 0 to BaptV approved nal ministrie BGA internatio WORLD 28% of $9,100,00 rding to

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C Board-SB C rating SBC Ope nal Missionion Board-SB s-SBC Internatio heading) rican Miss l Resource r WM1 ncia North Ame ne Fina list unde SBC GuideStoinaries (see Archives- mission-SBC SBC Sem l Library andLiberty ComInitiatives Historica Religious Mission s strie n Ethics andAdvance New ic Mini Kingdom o/Hispan tist Federatio f • Latinpean Bap Relie & • EuroDevelopment hip MissionsState Partners in Virginia al Studies to ation State al Educ for Theologic Theologic nd Center al Fund n John Lelaal Education Foundatio Ministeri ng to Ministerscs MinisteriCenter for Ethi Baptist World Allianceee Baptist Joint Committ Baptist News Global Baptist

2,638

2,44

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ssi tive Mi r Coopera r does ou rch. You Where actually go? s it your chu rings to and offering money r tithes and offethe tithes

of you You givegives a portione Missions. ative s Cooper in church to Cooperativ BGAV use ministries receives rch, the the and around your chu t missions por tes, and cted by As dire s gifts to sup United Sta and others.

Mission , throughout the SBC, BWA, with ip inia rsh Virg partne world in

8.00% 5.00% 9.25% 9.25% 4.88% 3.00% 2.00% 8.00% 4.00% 2.00%

rtion of ginia po the Vir s? s is the What is tive Mission perative Mission s that Coo e Mission BGAV Coopera tion of perativ and

100.00%

Ministry Resources IN VIR TNERS y BGAV PAR Universit d

n Boar Averett Extensio Studies Baptist College tage and Bluefield Baptist Heri emy for Center n Military Acad Fork Unioide emy GraceIns Military Acad Hargrave Family Services e HopeTre of Virginia pire LifeS n Academy Foundatiol Society Oak Hill Baptist Historica n of Virginia Virginia Baptist Virginia Missionary Unio inia in Virg Woman’s V Partners Total BGA

$7,171,602 WORLD TOTAL

Camp & Conference Center Registration Revenue $2,460,346

SES NS CAU

MISSIO

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00 $2,548,0 atives = N CAU New Mission Initidom Advance MISSIO KA ge WORLDof $9,100,000 to rding to the King et Percenta d acco atives budg 28% 100.00% Distribute Mission Initi New atives ion Initiinia Miss New ts in Virg Advance cation s Church Star Kingdom logical Edu enou & Training • Theornational Indig inars • Inte V Regional Sem 100.00% in Virginia • BGArch Planting Ministries ic • Chu o/Hispan • Latin

3 SES - WM

100 1 40,248 75,000 100 44,515 100 34,265 100 16,450 100 29,022 325,000

be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

RAL INIA T GENE BAPTIS N OF VIRG ATIO ay ASSOCI od Parkw

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9,100,00

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$1,223,200

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What might God want to RENEW in and through you?

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BGAV the Advancing

Together Kingdom

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BGAV Advancing the Kingdom Together

BGAV.org 800. 255. 2428

All BGAV church pastors and treasurers should receive a packet containing 2020 budget materials. For additional copies, please contact the BGAV business office at 800.255.2428.

565,000

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+

12:2

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2,548,00

Program Revenue

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ROMANS 12:2

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but

Meeting attendees had an opportunity to attend a breakout session with members of the executive board on Tuesday afternoon in order to ask questions and offer comments about the proposed budget.

2020

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BAPTIST GENERAL ASSOCIATION OF VIRGINIA RAL INIA T GENE BAPTIS N OF VIRG ATIO ASSOCI

Other Income +

$217,632

• Kairos/Collegiate Ministry • Pastor Networking & Leadership Development

= $13,158,6 02

• Pastor/Staff Transition and Assistance for Matching Churches & Ministers

2020 BGAV Ministry Emphasis

• Children’s Ministry & Youth Ministry

$13,158,602 DEVELOPING

46% PLANTING

SENDING

11%

20%

RESOURCING

24%

• Disaster Response • Partnership Missions

• V3/Church Planting

• Impact Mission Camps

• Fresh Expressions/ Innovative Discipleship

• BGAV Annual Meeting

• Multisites

• Emergency Assistance for Ministers • Church Staff Benefit Support • Retiree Benefits

TOTAL ANTICIPATED GIVING Cooperative Missions Budget Allocation BGAV Ministry Resources Special Offerings (estimated)

$9,100,000 $7,171,602 $4,240,898

$20,512,500

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For more information, visit BGAV.org/Budget

S T O SH

P A SN

E H T M G O N R I F T E E M L A U ANN

2019

Clockwise from top: During his Wednesday morning message, Scot McKnight invites an audience member on stage for a demonstration; musicians from Uptick Artists play a congregational song; Virginia Baptist Disaster Response volunteers serve lunch on site Tuesday afternoon; Baptist Collegiate Minister Ryan Goude and his wife, Kairos Initiative Program and Network Associate Karin Goude, attend to one of the newest Virginia Baptists—their son.

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Clockwise from left: Alia Abboud leads a breakout session on refugee ministry; Bland Ministry Center staff set up their exhibit space by showcasing statistics from the past year; attendees chat with NorthStar Church Network staff while visiting the ministry fair area.

BGAV Executive Director, John Upton, presents resolutions of appreciation plaques to Jeff Cranford (top) and Stephen Richerson (above) for their service to Virginia Baptists over the years.

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ly i Fam union Re

MORE LIKE A

The 2019 BGAV Annual Meeting

by Will Cumbia

The frigid morning air curled in around our ankles, while the smell of fresh baked cookies greeted every person who arrived.

A volunteer, one of the veritable army of our hosts from Bonsack Baptist Church, greeted me enthusiastically. Already handshakes, hugs, the soft drone of conversation, and laughter filled the space.

We call it an Annual Meeting, but really it feels much more like a family reunion. Folks who come from different places and walks of life, resuming conversations from past years as if almost no time has passed at all, share hugs and handshakes and catch up on all that’s transpired since they last saw each other.

There are nametags. There is a bountiful amount of food, coffee, lemonade, and cookies. Certainly business was done at the 196th Annual Meeting of the Baptist General Association of Virginia (BGAV), but it was just as much the 196th annual family reunion of Virginia Baptists.

This was my third time attending the BGAV Annual Meeting.

Each time I attend, the meeting becomes more and more special as I grow into my Virginia Baptist family.

John Upton spoke of the deep roots of the BGAV, roots that I especially appreciate as they parallel my own. John Weatherford, a Baptist pastor jailed in 1773 for preaching without a license, is an ancestor of mine. More recently, my grandfather, Dr. Phil Cumbia, was a Baptist minister in the Northern Neck and the Richmond area his whole life. These Baptist roots indeed run deep and have continued to deepen over the course of my life.

As a student at William & Mary, I was actively involved in the Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCM), even staying on as a staff member for a year after I graduated in 2016. The BCM was crucial to my faith walk; it was an open and loving community that walked with me through a serious faith deconstruction and a deep season of anxiety and depression. I would certainly have walked away from the church had it not been for this community.

It was through the BCM that I heard about the Kairos Missions Initiative (KMI), a yearly missions team of young adults sent by the BGAV. I was blessed to go on the May 2015 KMI trip to 20

Romania—my first time on a plane and my first time out of the country. This trip expanded my limited scope of mission work, helping me realize that is was never about saving people, but far more about others teaching me about the Kingdom of God. My work with Kairos reawakened a call to mission and ministry work in my life that led me to serve as a BGAV Venturer in Austria for the past two years. I continue to follow that call as I support the BGAV’s focus:refugees missions partnership as the partnership Field Coordinator in Europe.

The past two years have been a wild roller coaster journey, as I have lived and worked in a foreign place with a colorful, international community. God has blown my wildest dreams out of the water, and my concept of God’s Kingdom grows daily. My heart has been set on fire for God’s righteous justice to be realized on earth. Seeing the gross injustices that too many people face in the world, I am impatient for justice to come.

Serving abroad means I have experienced a great deal of reverse culture shock when visiting the U.S., especially American churches. Attending the Annual Meeting was no exception.

For the past two years, I have gotten used to working in Baptist Unions of 40 churches and being surrounded by mostly refugee church members. This has given me new eyes to see the American church. To be perfectly frank, I am quite frustrated with the church in America. Just as Kristen White preached about during the meeting, I worry that our American churches are far too comfortable.

Yet attending the Annual Meeting was a balm to my jaded spirit.

Walking around the Annual Meeting, grace and hope chipped away at my negativity. In my anger and frustration, I had been asking so many questions of the church.

What are we doing to take care of the orphans? And then I saw HopeTree Family Services, loving the fatherless and those in need of a home.

How are we taking care of the widow? And I saw LifeSpire and the homes they provide for the elderly.

The annual meeting is the perfect backdrop to catch up with old friends.

What are we doing about raising up leaders in the church? And I saw the rows of excellent theological schools BGAV works with, including McAfee School of Theology, where I am currently taking online classes.

I pray that we are not so comfortable that we do not take the injustices of the world as pressing issues that God calls us to engage with now. I pray that we are not so focused on our own self-preservation as a church that we forget the least of these in our communities both far and near. I pray that we can continue to push for unity and recognize that we have more in common, that brings us together in God’s mission, than we have differences that separate us. I pray that we continue to push for greater diversity and representation in our body.

What are we doing to care for those in prison? And I saw GraceInside, building community with our incarcerated brothers and sisters.

How are we encouraging women to follow God’s call on their lives?

And I saw the outstanding, powerhouse women of the Woman’s Missionary Union of Virginia and Virginia Baptist Women in Ministry using their gifts to make a huge impact for God’s Kingdom.

As our keynote speaker, Scot McKnight, pointed out, we live in a world that calls us to choose sides. To divide. To call our neighbors enemies. In this divisive world I see the BGAV positioned perfectly to be a prophetic presence. A deeply rooted tree that can stand firm in the middle of the storm and show a new way. To provide a space where all can love each other despite differences. A foretaste of the radiantly colorful and expansive Kingdom of God.

What are we doing to feed the hungry and uplift the downtrodden?

And I saw the yellow-and-blue-clad volunteers of Virginia Baptist Disaster Response, who have tirelessly worked to feed and support those in dire need of aid.

How are we loving the stranger both near and far? And I saw Alia Abboud from Lebanon, Toma Magda from Croatia, Walter Klimt from Austria, Kate Ayers from ReEstablish Richmond, and Virginia Baptists around them ready to pray for refugees, serve them abroad, and give towards refugee ministries.

This is a difficult place to be. It takes wisdom. It takes patience. It takes grace and mercy. But these are the gifts that God will give us in abundance if we only ask.

Being at the Annual Meeting filled me with a deep sense of gratitude. I am so incredibly thankful that firstly, I am a part of a body that believes in a risen Christ who has already saved the world, and secondly, that I am not alone in the fight for justice and goodness. How blessed am I to serve God with this beautiful family.

How are our churches engaging in art and creativity? And I heard the beautiful voices of the Uptick Artists band mix and mingle as they weave together old and new, hymn and inspiration, in worship that honored God. What are we doing to heal a broken world and fight for reconciliation?

And I looked down from the running track of Bonsack’s recreation center and saw a room filled with God’s people all with a variety of theological opinions, thoughts, backgrounds, and practices— all loving each other well.

With more hugs and handshakes, we bundled up and bid goodbye to our closest relatives and to our new family members we never knew we had. I look forward to next year’s family reunion.

Will Cumbia is currently serving as the field coordinator for BGAV’s focus:refugee missions partnership in Austria.

We are far from perfect, but I am filled with hope when I looked around at this beautiful mess of churches, organizations, and image bearers of God that is the BGAV. Yet still, I pray we do not become complacent.

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APPLY NOW FOR: BGAV College Scholarships BGAV Ministerial Education Funds Nontraditional Ministry Education Scholarships Church Internship Grants

Application Deadline: April 1, 2020

S M E

F

S M E

WHAT DO THE MIRACLES OF CHRIST MEAN TO YOU? The word “miracle� has been used extensively in our culture from movie names to song names to product names and more.

The use of the word “miracle� seems commonplace today. But as we study the miracles of Jesus, we need to understand what a miracle really is. One definition of miracle is: “an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs.�

The miracles of Jesus are unquestionable displays of God’s divine intervention.

Do you need a miracle today? A miracle doesn’t have to be Jesus walking on water or healing a leper. A miracle is when Jesus shows up and touches a person in need. When God forgives a sinner and accepts that person into His family, it requires a miracle. Salvation is the greatest miracle of all.

baptistwaypress.org

F bgav.org/scholarships

LATEST MINISTRY JOBS • PT Pastor @ New Hope Baptist Church, Appomattox, VA • Office Manager @ Branch’s Baptist Church, Richmond, VA • PT Preschool Director @ Richland Baptist Church, Fredericksburg, VA • PT Elementary Department Pastor @ Pilgrim Community Church, Burke, VA • Children’s Minister @ New Highland Baptist Church, Mechanicsville, VA • PT Pastor @ Fellowship Baptist Church, Chester, VA • Pastor @ Midway Baptist Church, Amherst, VA • Children’s Ministry Director @ Memorial Baptist Church, Arlington, VA

• PT Children’s Minister @ Spring Hill Baptist Church, Ruckersville, VA

• PT Music Minister @ New Bethesda Baptist Church, Mechanicsville, VA

• Accounts Payable @ Baptist General Association of Virginia, Henrico, VA

• PT Minister of Youth @ Mill Creek Baptist Church, Fincastle, VA

• Associate Pastor @ Green Valley Baptist Church, Lebanon, VA

• Minister of Spiritual Formation and Administration @ Wake Forest Baptist Church, Wake Forest, NC

• Teacher’s Aide @ Green Valley Baptist Church, Lebanon, VA

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