BGAV Express - Winter 2023

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ROMANCING THE STONE

by Wayne Faison

In 1984, an action-adventure romantic comedy film was released entitled Romancing the Stone. This movie was directed by Robert Zemeckis and starred Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner, and Danny DeVito. The film follows a romance novelist, played by Kathleen Turner, who is hurled into a reallife adventure beyond her New York City comfort zone to a Columbian jungle. Her mission was to save her sister from criminals who had kidnapped her for ransom, which was a treasure map that Turner had recently received in the mail from her deceased brother-in-law. This treasure map detailed the whereabouts of an enormous priceless emerald gem known as El Corazón (The Heart).

These criminals demanded that Turner travel to Colombia and exchange the map for her sister’s freedom. When Turner arrived in Colombia, she bumped unwittingly into a brash mercenary, played by Michael Douglas, who helped her and together they outwitted the criminals by getting her sister back and setting her free as well as searching, finding, and keeping this priceless gem for themselves. This action-packed hilarious movie full of twists, turns, and laughter, which kept audiences on the edge of their seats, won a Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture.

As I think about this movie, I’m reminded of the gospel story of the nativity scene as recorded in the Gospel of Luke 2: 8-14. It is in this pericope of scripture where an angel of the Lord appeared to a band of shepherds with some glorious news from a heavenly host as they watched over their flock in the field. According to verses 11-12, an angel told them “Today, in the city of David, a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped tightly in cloth and lying in a manger” (CSB). As we reflect upon these verses and this sign, almost instantly and instinctively, images from the multiple Christmas plays and programs over the years flood our brains with images of the traditional version of the nativity scene. These nativity scenes are often populated by Mary and Joseph, a few stable animals, some hay, a wooden lean-to shelter, and of course, the baby Jesus in swaddling clothes lying in a wooden box or woven-wicker basket.

Interestingly enough, and very surprising to me, it was during my seminary years when I discovered that the manger, often depicted in nativity scenes all across the globe, was not actually made of wood nor wicker. But, the manger, as depicted in the biblical text, was an animal trough made of stone. These stone troughs were often used to water the stable animals. Therefore, after Mary wrapped the baby Jesus in swaddling clothes, she

WAYNE FAISON

the Executive Director of the BGAV.

actually laid the baby Jesus in a stone trough. After giving birth to her Godchild, I can only imagine the love Mary must have had in her eyes as she laid the Savior of the world in his first place of rest. I’m certain that a mother-to-son romance filled with both excitement and mystery began on that faithful morning that not only engulfed her baby but also engulfed the stone manger that held her firstborn so securely.

This Christmas, we should remind ourselves of this gift of love God has given us by seeking to rekindle our romance and affection not only for our priceless treasure known as Jesus, but also the manger made of stone that served as a divine shell of protection for the Savior of the World. As a matter of fact, later in his life, Jesus encourages us to do this very thing in the following parable found in Matthew 13: 44-46. Jesus says, “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure, buried in a field, that a man found and reburied. Then in his joy he goes and sells everything he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls. When he found one priceless pearl, he went and sold everything he had and bought it” (CSB). Speaking of being buried, isn’t it interesting how God appears to have had his own romance with stones when it comes to his son, Jesus? Because 33 years after the birth of Jesus, the Bible tells us that Jesus died and was placed in a borrowed tomb, and a large stone was rolled in front of its entrance as a security measure. Isn’t it interesting how at the beginning of Jesus’ life, he was engulfed in stone in a stable, and at the end of his life he was once again engulfed in stone—this time in a tomb?

But here’s the good news: we can be certain that eventually Mary lifted the baby Jesus out of his stone trough in order to hold him in her arms from time to time. Much in the same way, 33 years later, we have faith that the Father lifted his son, Jesus, out of the stone tomb in order to hold him in his arms for eternity. If for no other reason during the Christmas season, we should be “romancing the stone,” simply because the stone was not sufficient or worthy enough to contain this enormous priceless gem at his birth, nor was it sufficient or worthy enough to contain him at his death. By romancing the stone, we ought to be filled with both excitement and mystery that not only has God received this divine treasure unto himself, but we too have also been set free.

is

+ NEWS NOTES

Staff Changes

We Welcome…

• Laura Cook, who joined the Kairos staff as Administrative and Project Assistant at Virginia Tech’s Baptist Collegiate Ministry on September 1.

• Jessica Cruickshank, who joined the Ascent/V3 staff as Movement Leader (Executive) on November 7.

• Tom Stocks, who joined the Congregational Field Staff as Field Strategist for the Southside Region on October 1.

• Artemia “Archie” Tamayo, who joined the Uptick staff as Catalyst Director on November 1.

We will miss…

• Mikayla Barnes, who left Impact Missions as Communications and Volunteer Coordinator on November 30 to assume the position of Coordinator of Missions for the Concord Baptist Association.

• Marilyn Hundley, who concluded her service with Impact Missions as DR Administrative Coordinator on November 10.

• Melody Fowler, who retired from Information Technology as Data Entry Specialist on November 30 and moved into a similar part-time role.

Retirees’ Christmas Luncheon

For the first time since 2019, several BGAV retirees gathered for an annual Christmas luncheon at the BGAV Office in December 2022. They enjoyed fellowship with each other and the BGAV Executive Leadership Team and spent some time getting to know Wayne Faison, the newly elected Executive Director.

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BGAV HOSTS 2022 ANNUAL MEETING

After two years of virtual annual meetings because of the global pandemic, this year we were finally able to join together in person again for the 199th annual meeting in Hampton, VA.

Guests for this year’s meeting included featured speaker Carey Nieuwhof, BGAV pastor Freddy Villarreal, and musician Kate Campbell. This year also marked the first time that a hybrid meeting was held—a separate livestream broadcast of the meeting, hosted by BGAV Chief Marketing Officer Gary Long, took place alongside the in-person sessions. At the conclusion of the meeting, Rev. Dr. Wayne D. Faison was elected by unanimous vote as the new BGAV Executive Director.

From top: Members of BGAV and WMUV sign a covenant renewal between the two organizations; John Upton, accompanied by wife Deborah, addresses the audience during his portrait unveiling on Tuesday morning, November 14; for the first time ever, a full-scale livestream broadcast of the in-person meeting was available for virtual attendees; BGAV Program Committee member Helen Foster awaits questions from attendees as one of her meeting duties.

For meeting video recordings, visit Meeting.BGAV.org

BGAV Elects New Executive Director, Approves Budget

AT 199TH ANNUAL MEETING

On November 14, 2022, the 199th meeting of the Baptist General Association of Virginia (BGAV) opened at the Hampton Roads Convention Center in Hampton, VA, with the Pastor’s Conference and initial breakout sessions.

After two years of virtual meetings because of the Covid-19 pandemic, this year’s annual meeting was the first to be held in a truly hybrid model, with nearly 600 in attendance in person and countless others joining online, through BGAV’s own ChurchPoint app and the event website.

Monday evening, hundreds gathered at First Baptist Church of Newport News, VA, to celebrate John Upton, who retired this past July. Attendees shared in an evening of music and memories in recognition of 27 years of Upton’s service at BGAV, the last 20 as executive director.

The evening concluded with Wayne Faison, the candidate to succeed Upton, leading a prayer of blessing for Upton and his wife, Deborah.

The initial business session of the meeting began on Tuesday morning with Ronald Gravatt presiding. Also starting that morning, virtual attendees watched live coverage of the inperson events and proceedings in a livestreamed broadcast hosted by Gary Long, chief marketing officer for BGAV/ Ascent, and enjoyed extras such as live interviews with program personnel, keynote speakers, and event sponsors.

Messengers approved committees for 2023. Treasurer David Washburn gave an update on the 2022 budget, reporting that as of September more than 89% of the current year’s budget had been met.

“This has been another challenging year for the entire Virginia Baptist family,” said Washburn. “Please accept my deepest appreciation, and thank you for your faithfulness.”

The executive board announced that BGAV will include two new days of special observance going forward: June 20 will be World Refugee Day, and October 17 will be World Poverty Day.

Attendees then shared in a time of recognition of retired executive director, John Upton. Executive Board Chair Becky

McKinney offered a resolution of appreciation and introduced the unveiling of a portrait of Upton. The picture, painted by artist Stanley Rayfield, will hang in the BGAV office building in Richmond alongside those of other former executive directors.

“He worked a miracle,” said Upton, with enthusiasm of Rayfield, who also recently painted the portrait of former governor Ralph Northam. “Art is the vehicle that God uses to build a bridge to our hearts,” he concluded.

Washburn then spoke about a legacy gift that he and others are spearheading in honor of Upton’s retirement. Washburn said it was Upton’s wish to raise $1,000,000 to support an initiative BGAV has been creating for nearly six years, called Ascent. Ascent is a movement of churches within and beyond BGAV to re-energize and re-engage North America with the Gospel of Christ.

Washburn reported that so far, individuals and churches have given $275,000 toward the million-dollar goal, which they hope to reach by next year’s historic bicentennial annual meeting in Richmond.

Messengers voted on amendments to BGAV’s constitution and bylaws. Amendments addressed the need to allow people attending virtual meetings in the future to vote remotely/ electronically. They also included some adjustments to the ways in which Mission Council members are voted on between sessions and the timing of regional cluster meetings.

The executive director search team officially nominated Wayne Faison to be the next executive director. Adam Tyler represented the committee in announcing Faison as the proposed candidate.

“We approached several candidates,” said Tyler. “Wayne came highly recommended. He has served for 21 years with BGAV. He is passionate about the work of BGAV. He is uniquely qualified and called to lead,” he concluded.

Valerie Carter Smith, president of Woman’s Missionary Union of Virginia (WMUV), then joined BGAV Executive Board Chair Becky McKinney to renew the covenant that WMUV has with BGAV. The two groups have worked together since the late 1800s, and the covenant is updated every five years.

From top: Executive Director Search Committee member Brooke Blake leads a prayer for newly elected BGAV Executive Director Wayne Faison as his wife, Carmen, and other search committee members stand with him on stage; BGAV Treasurer David Washburn presents the 2023 budget for approval; attendees in Wednesday morning’s main session participate in the prayer for newly elected Executive Director Wayne Faison; Gary Long interviews Carey Nieuwhof as part of the livestream broadcast; BGAV officers for 2023 are Herbert Ponder (president), Becky McKinney (first vice-president), Mark Hughes (second vicepresident), and Nathan Taylor (clerk).

“We work together,” said Smith, “for the purpose of missions.”

In the last business matter on Tuesday, Washburn presented the proposed 2023 BGAV budget at just over $8.2 million, down slightly from last year’s $8.6 million.

Business concluded the next morning. The 2023 budget, proposed in Tuesday’s business session and discussed in a breakout that afternoon, passed with no opposition. Messengers also approved all proposed constitution/bylaw amendments.

Next, Tyler brought Faison to the platform. Faison was approved by the executive board in August as the search committee’s nominee, so the final step in his election was an in-person vote at the annual meeting. Following Tyler’s motion, messengers unanimously elected Faison to the leadership role.

Shortly after being elected, Faison said, “God has called me to BGAV to keep hope alive! When we are able to recognize God for who he is, then we are able to keep hope alive.”

Faison said that his acceptance of the nomination was “a matching of callings. As the Lord was working with the search team, the Lord was also working with me. I don’t take this honor for granted.”

Also in Wednesday’s business session, messengers elected new leadership for 2023. Herbert Ponder, senior pastor of Mount Tabor Baptist Church in Richmond, VA, was elected president.

McKinney, member of Chatham Heights Baptist Church in Martinsville, VA, was elected as first vice-president. She was also honored at the event as the outgoing chair of the executive board.

Mark Hughes, pastor of West End Baptist Church in Dinwiddie, was elected second vice-president. Nathan Taylor, executive director of the Virginia Baptist Historical Society, was also elected to continue as clerk for the next year.

BGAV’s bicentennial meeting will be held November 13-15, 2023, at Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Glen Allen.

For more information, visit Meeting.BGAV.org

Nieuwhof and Villarreal Inspire Meeting Attendees with Messages of Truth & Hope

Both featured speakers at this year’s BGAV Annual Meeting brought messages of truth and promise at the first in-person gathering of this event since 2019.

Carey Nieuwhof, of Barrie, Ontario, Canada, is a best-selling leadership author, speaker, podcaster, former attorney, and church planter. He speaks to leaders around the world about leadership, change, and personal growth.

Freddy Villarreal is the senior pastor of Freedom Life Church, a BGAV-participating congregation which meets just a mile or so away from the Hampton Roads Convention Center, where this year’s event was held. His congregation shares space with Ivy Memorial Baptist Church and, as he stated in his messages, his church often reaches non-traditional churchgoers.

Nieuwhof said his Tuesday morning message was for “the Church.” He took time to explain his journey from lawyer to small, rural pastor of three churches. Those churches thrived, and now he shares his insights to a broader audience through speaking and writing books.

He said he initially doubted if he had what it would take to be an effective minister, because his strengths were in leadership and teaching. Yet God has used him, and his giftedness, to inspire millions.

He’d had second thoughts when he looked at the churches he had been assigned to lead. One of the congregations averaged six attenders and the biggest only had 23. None of the churches

had grown in decades, and the average age of those in attendance was over 70 years old.

“Almost immediately it started to grow. I was preaching the gospel,” he said. Five years into his calling to the three churches, they were averaging 1,000 attenders each weekend.

He then challenged listeners to consider what the Church will look like in 10 years. He proposed seven ideas that could materialize in the next decade.

1. Christian leaders who continued to look back never moved forward. Christianity as we know it could die in the next decade. If current trends hold, by 2050 Christians will be a minority faith group in America, and the biggest faith group will be those who claim no faith. Gen Z and beyond are looking for another kingdom—an alternative kingdom.

“The American church is in the process of dying. It’s simply happening,” Nieuwhof stated.

2. Growing churches will be digital organizations with physical locations. “You guys already get that,” said Nieuwhof, praising BGAV for hosting the annual meeting in a hybrid fashion and creating ways for those who could not be at the meeting in person to participate.

“More people will be taking in church through a camera lens than in person,” he asserted. “That’s the future of the church. Growing churches see it as an opportunity.”

3. Most church attendees will no longer be in the room. Currently work, shopping, food, fitness, and entertainment are regularly done online. That is the trend for the next 10 years and beyond.

“Dying churches confined ministry to their buildings. Growing churches didn’t. Pastors of growing churches long ago realized that full rooms never guaranteed a fulfilled mission,” emphasized Nieuwhof.

4. On-demand access will greatly surpass live events. “Ondemand sermon access reaches people when they’re ready, not when you’re ready,” he added.

5. Growing churches will shift their focus from gathering to connecting. “Churches that connect will eclipse churches who just gather,” he boldly said. He also predicted that microgatherings will be a key for growing churches.

6. Community and connection will matter more than content. “It’s still the Bible,” said Nieuwhof, “the message is always available. The goal is not to outpreach but to get others to come to Christ and connect with your church.”

7. Growing churches are staffed for digital. Nieuwhof said that Craig Groeschel’s advice in 2020 was incredibly accurate. Churches must be 100% in digital ministry and 100% in physical ministry. The answer is not one or the other, but both.

Rev. Freddy Villarreal interviews Winston Johnson, pastor of the Church of Dirt in Abingdon, VA, alongside church member Brandon Whited about the impact of the church’s unique way of reaching others for Christ through the dirt bike track ministry.

Carey Nieuwhof speaks to meeting attendees about burnout, managing time, and understanding personal productivity cycles.

Nieuwhof’s Tuesday night message was geared toward people who may be dealing with the problem of burnout, an epidemic for those in ministry. According to Barna, 70% of ministers are experiencing some level of burnout since the world-wide health scare. 42% of ministers are thinking about quitting—not just their current ministry—the ministry entirely. Even 70% of those in their 20s and 30s claim at least some level of burnout.

The key to overcoming this threat is time, energy, and priorities, claimed Nieuwhof, who went through a time of severe burnout during his thriving ministry.

His burnout story began with clinical depression after one of his biggest speaking engagements at that point in his ministry. What followed was a 3–5-year recovery. He finally realized that he was keeping an unsustainable pace and that he had to find a sustainable pace.

The three keys sound simple: time, energy, and priorities. But applying them is not easy.

“We need to stop just managing time,” he said. “Efficiency doesn’t solve the problem…Stop saying you don’t have the time, and start admitting that you didn’t make the time. This was so helpful to me.”

He said it’s important to make the time to do the things that are important. Drop the things that are not.

He also advised that everyone needs to understand their energy zones. Everyone has a different rhythm of energy use. Do most of your work at the time of the day where you are most energized. Pay attention to your energy patterns and use them to your advantage.

The final truth that he shared from his experience was to manage your own priorities. “Decide how you will spend your time instead of letting others decide for you,” he said. “We should live life today, so we can thrive tomorrow,” he concluded.

Villarreal said that he has proudly served as a BGAV pastor since 1997.

His Tuesday morning message was a theme interpretation of “Do It Again Lord,” from Psalm 126.

“In my church if I say, ‘If he did it before,’ the congregation responds, ‘he’ll do it again,’” he said. “I don’t know how he will do it, but I know who will do it!”

Villarreal gave personal examples of the various churches where he currently serves—how some are going really well, and at the same time, some are closing. He suggested that numbers don’t always indicate growth.

He challenged listeners, saying, “If Jesus submitted his resume to us right now, I don’t know how many of us would hire him.”

“Jesus was not looking for a crowd; he was looking for a group of committed people who believe him for the impossible. We have confused success with statistics,” he added.

He then pointed out that there was a period of silence before God sent Jesus to the world. “At the darkest time in the history of God’s people, God sent Jesus! Light shines greatest in the darkness.”

“Some of us are mourning the death of something that has served its time,” he said. “My Bible tells me that success is defined by obedience and perseverance.”

Villarreal’s Tuesday night message was filled with encouragement. He told the story about a phrase that is universally used when people are playing pick-up basketball games.

While the two teams are finishing the game on the court, the next group to challenge the winner says, “We’ve got next.” The group about to play gathers to prepare for the next game, so they’ll be ready when the time comes—and in a similar way, the Church needs to be ready for what’s next.

“What we have is a labor shortage,” said Villarreal after reading from Matthew 9: 35-38. “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” He explained that Jesus called the twelve, and he “gave them next,” telling them to pray to the Lord of the harvest and then do what’s next:

• Teaching: ministering God’s wisdom

• Proclaiming: ministering God’s presence

• Healing: ministering God’s power

• Moving with compassion: ministering God’s love

Villarreal concluded that in these ways, Jesus is giving the Church what’s next. Today’s churches need to declare, “In Jesus’ name, we’ve got next!”

Those who attended the Annual Meeting in person had several opportunities to meet and talk with Wayne Faison, who was elected as BGAV’s new executive director at the business session on Wednesday, November 16.

In October and November 2022, the Ascent Marketing Group produced three videos to help BGAV churches and individuals learn more about Wayne—his calling, his experience with BGAV and Ascent, and his role as senior pastor of his church.

The composite video (all three segments) is viewable and downloadable by scanning this QR code with a mobile smartphone or tablet:

Open your camera app and scan this code to watch the composite video introducing Wayne Faison to our BGAV family.

Rev. Faison preaches to his congregation at East End Baptist Church in Suffolk, VA.

Meet Wayne Faison, Newly Elected Executive Director

BACKGROUND AND CALL TO MINISTRY

Wayne grew up in Ocala, FL. He was the youngest sibling and the only one to graduate from a four-year university. While at the University of Florida, Wayne earned a Bachelor of Science in mathematics and soon began his career in the field of banking.

When he sensed a call to pastoral ministry, he’d spent 15 years in the banking industry. He pursued his call by furthering his education, earning a Master of Divinity degree in Missions, Evangelism, and Church Growth from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry degree in Black Church Leadership from the School of Theology. He also holds a mini-MBA from University of Richmond.

From top: Wayne Faison poses with his wife, Carmen; attendees at the 2022 annual meeting had fun with the cardboard cutout of Wayne that was present at the Executive Director Search Committee area.

Here are some highlights of those videos and Wayne’s introduction times at the annual meeting:

DISCERNMENT PROCESS TOWARD A CANDIDATE

Upon John Upton’s retirement announcement in November 2021 (to be effective in July 2022), the BGAV executive board named a search committee to find and recommend a candidate to become BGAV’s next executive director. Through a ninemonth process comprised of many meetings, much prayer, and several interviews, the committee brought a unanimous recommendation in late August, and the executive board approved Wayne as the nominee to be elected at the November annual meeting in Hampton.

Members of the board and search committee described the process as led by the Holy Spirit, confirming to them that Wayne, whom they initially consulted only for input, stood out as the candidate to fill the role. When he reflects on the process from his perspective, Wayne recalls how he initially had no interest in the position, but much later he felt God telling him that he should be open to the call if the committee asked him. The very next day was when the committee called—and in what he describes as a “meeting of two callings,” Wayne said yes.

He was a bivocational minister for a time, working in banking and the pastorate, but soon felt God telling him it was time to quit his job in banking and do ministry full time—which he did immediately. Soon after that experience, Wayne accepted a leadership position at BGAV and has served on staff there—in several roles—for the past 21 years.

Physical fitness is a big priority for Wayne, and he enjoys working out, running, swimming, and playing golf. He also loves reading and writing. He is married to Carmen Clark Faison, and they have two adult children, Andrea and Chasity.

ROLE AS SENIOR PASTOR

In November 2014, Wayne accepted the call to become senior pastor of East End Baptist Church in Suffolk, VA, after serving as the interim pastor there. While working in that role for the past eight years, he has continued to serve at BGAV—in a secondary capacity as team leader for the National Ministry Team (formerly known as Growth Venture Development). That team has focused on several new initiatives, among which are Fresh Expressions US, V3 church planting, and Missio Alliance. Since his election in November, Wayne’s primary role is now as BGAV’s executive director. He continues to serve as pastor of East End, where staff and lay members wholeheartedly support his focus on his new role with BGAV.

A Movement of Churches in North America A Movement of Chur ches

WHAT IS ASCENT?

For the past six years, BGAV has been in conversation with like-hearted partners across North America about the need for a national, collaborative platform whose aim is to create space for centrist, orthodox beliefs that are faithful to scripture, the historical Christian faith, and free of ideological and cultural baggage. These conversations have led us to a national platform called Ascent. Ascent is a catalytic movement of the Spirit focused on a common kingdom mission to re-engage and re-energize North America with the Gospel. BGAV is the supporting foundation and host of this collaborative platform, with the BGAV Executive Board as Ascent’s governing entity.

Ascent will:

• Connect leaders and networks, organizations, and movements so that new alliances and friendships may form, and unique synergies of the Spirit developed.

• Curate relationships and resources that lead toward effectiveness in mission.

• Convene and join others in courageous conversations concerning the pressing issues that affect the church and her mission.

• Champion ideas, practices, relationships, and resources that lead toward effectiveness in mission.

Ascent is named for the Psalms of Ascent, Psalms 120-134, which were songs reminding people of God’s grace, mercy, provision, and protection. The Ascent logo is intentionally reminiscent of Kintsugi—a Japanese art form of putting broken pottery pieces back together with gold. In this usage, it is a metaphor for embracing flaws and imperfections. All God’s children live with some form of brokenness, and Ascent’s aim is to re-engage that brokenness with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Currently there are two signature projects of Ascent:

• Strengthening and equipping rural churches

• Developing methodologies for reaching and discipling 20and 30-year-olds

From those who have been involved from the first day to those who have joined along the way, there is much enthusiasm. People and organizations from different denominational affiliations— bringing a variety of experiences and gifts—are among those who want to be part of Ascent and its commitment to reengaging and re-energizing North America with the Gospel.

WHY IS THERE AN ASCENT FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN?

Initiating a movement, and pressing it forward, requires those involved to make many different kinds of contributions. Ascent

needs partners to donate time, spiritual giftedness, wisdom, ingenuity, and funds.

In summer 2022, as John Upton retired and brought his tenure as executive director to a close, BGAV held its first fundraising event for Ascent in Richmond. At that time, many longtime supporters and friends came together to celebrate John and to hear his wishes for those who want to honor his legacy: for individuals, churches, and organizations to give financially to Ascent.

John’s bold vision of Kingdom Advance, which he cast in 2001, was focused on BGAV’s commitment to advancing the Redeemer’s Kingdom through four teams: Empowering Leaders, Courageous Churches, Emerging Leaders, and Glocal Missions and Evangelism. In the past 20 years, those four teams have evolved into six entrepreneurial enterprises – Uptick, V3 Church Planting, Fresh Expressions US, Missio Alliance, Impact Missions, and Kairos. Kingdom Advance’s success has uniquely positioned BGAV to live into where God is leading— and that bright future is Ascent.

This fundraising campaign, commissioned by BGAV’s executive board, is currently being led by Treasurer David Washburn and a team including Jim Baucom, Kent Brown, Sarah Burnette, Darrell Foster, and Todd Fuller. They’ve spoken with individuals, churches, and partner organizations about making initial gifts to help ensure a successful Ascent launch. The overall goal is to raise $1 million between now and

next November’s annual meeting, when BGAV will celebrate its 200th anniversary.

At this year’s annual meeting, David Washburn reported that reaching that goal is well underway: numerous donors have already given $260,000 to the campaign—and more are committing to give, day by day.

HOW CAN I BE A PART OF THIS MOVEMENT?

You and your church can participate in Ascent by:

• PRAY for the Ascent movement and those who are partnering in its leadership and mission.

• LEARN by subscribing to the Ascent e-newsletter, soon to come in 2023.

• GIVE to Ascent by visiting AscentMovement.org/donate or mailing a check to Ascent c/o BGAV, 2828 Emerywood Parkway, Henrico, VA 23294.

SCAN THE CODE TO SUPPORT ASCENT!

David Washburn, treasurer, announces the Ascent campaign as part of the 2022 BGAV annual meeting.

Ascent is a collaborative movement of like-hearted partners committed to re-engaging and re-evangelizing North America with the Gospel and carrying the Gospel around the world.

BGAV COMMEMORATES UPTON’S RETIREMENT AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The words of the master in Jesus’ parable found in Matthew 25: 21 serve as inspiration to all Christians: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

The hundreds of attendees at John Upton’s retirement celebration, held at First Baptist Church of Newport News on Monday, November 14, 2022, voiced a similar sentiment for the recently retired BGAV executive director. Upton retired at the end of July after serving the BGAV for 27 years.

The evening was filled with key leaders who have worked with Upton. Tommy McDearis, pastor of Blacksburg Baptist, began by thanking Upton for 25 years of friendship and leadership.

McDearis recalled April 16, 2007, the day of tragedy at Virginia Tech. McDearis, who also serves as a chaplain with the Blacksburg police, was on the scene of the mass shooting when he received his first call from outside of the town. The call was from Upton in Richmond, asking if there was anything he or BGAV could do to help.

“I will never forget that phone call,” said an emotional McDearis. “You have earned our trust, respect, and love.”

Randy Shepley, senior pastor of FBC Newport News, welcomed the gathering. “It is a privilege for us to be a part of this,” he said. “This is a good day. It’s been an amazing journey, John.”

Shepley told a story about the first BGAV state meeting he attended. One of the speakers said that in our lives we are all either building fences or building tables. “John Upton is a person dedicated to building tables,” he concluded.

When Upton had his chance to speak, he was humble and thankful. “This is totally underserved,” he said. He added that including his grandchildren in the program by recording them reading scripture was special.

“How do you sum up 27 years of working as us?” he asked.

He answered his own question. “You kept reminding me not to forget God’s joy. We didn’t forget God’s joy. You made this a wonderful walk.”

Upton also took time to encourage his successor, Wayne Faison, who would be elected two days later. “Thank you for surrendering to God’s call,” he said to Faison. “Let’s continue to build it. I’m still going to be around.”

BGAV Treasurer David Washburn took the stage after Upton. He spoke about how Upton’s vision from 2001, called Kingdom Advance, has been extremely successful. Many of the thriving ministries of BGAV today were birthed out of Kingdom Advance: Uptick, Kairos Initiative, Impact Missions, V3 Church, Fresh Expressions, and more.

Washburn said that for the last six years, BGAV has been seeking what God has for its future. Upton and other Virginia Baptist leaders have been in ongoing conversations with other leaders in North America. The movement that has come from those discussions is called Ascent (read more about Ascent on pg 14–15).

Washburn said that Upton’s wish for his legacy is for people to give to Ascent. Washburn and a group of BGAV leaders have been planning how to raise money for the new movement to honor Upton’s retirement. The group has set a goal of raising $1,000,000 for the cause before next year’s historic 200th annual meeting of the BGAV in Richmond.

The leaders have already raised $275,000 toward the goal, stated Washburn. Some churches and ministry partners of BGAV have already stepped up to make an initial gift.

“We are better when we are a part of something bigger than ourselves,” said Washburn, after pointing out that BGAV helped launch some of the groups that are still leading the Baptist world today, including the Southern Baptist Convention and the Baptist World Alliance.

The evening was also full of music led by the combination of a multi-church choir and the Uptick Artists worship team. Rachel Pierce, an Uptick alumna and the worship leader at FBC Ashland, led much of the night’s music, which reflected some of Upton’s favorite hymns.

Two musical highlights were the choir’s rousing rendition of “Shall We Gather/Down to the River to Pray” and a male quartet from the home church’s a cappella version of “Wonderful Grace of Jesus.”

The evening concluded with a prayer of blessing by Faison and a moving version of “The Blessing” led by Uptick Artists.

See photos and video recording: BGAV.org

Clockwise from below: Uptick Artists worship team perform with a multi-church choir; John Upton and Wayne Faison shake hands at the conclusion of a prayer led by Faison; John Upton and family members enjoy a compilation of videos submitted by friends, family, and colleagues in honor of his retirement.

Laura McDaniel presents John Upton with a custom book of memories shared by friends and family.

For the last century, VBF has faithfully served the Christian community — empowering donors, strengthening ministries and supporting the next generation of leaders. Today, that meaningful work continues as EverBless. Our name has changed, but our mission remains the same. Leveraging sophisticated financial tools and decades of experience, EverBless works to maximize the impact of your finances, so you can maximize the impact of your mission — today and tomorrow. Discover how we can move your mission forward.

2828 Emerywood Parkway, Henrico, VA 23294 (804) 672-8862

Kairos Leadership Initiative Celebrates 10 Years

In January 2013, 12 young adults gathered to retreat at Eagle Eyrie Conference Center outside of Lynchburg, VA, to begin a year-long journey of discovery and discernment called the Kairos Leadership Initiative (KLI). As they gathered for that initial retreat over the MLK holiday weekend, it was not quite clear at the time what exactly they had signed up for. And truthfully, for the ministers who would form the content, shape, and direction of KLI, it was not quite clear where we were going.

Like many new things, KLI was built in motion. We set out hopeful that what we did know would be enough to carry us toward what we still had to learn. We knew where we wanted to start: Identity. And we knew where we hoped to end: Calling. Everything else in between would come along the way. Ten years later, a core conviction of KLI continues to be that healthy, effective leaders in the Kingdom of God must have a clear sense of their identity in Christ.

Leadership development was the seminal defining element as we began. How could we more effectively identify, equip, and deploy high-potential leaders within our ministries and out into the world? From the very beginning we knew that KLI had to be about something deeper and richer than just a program that outfitted young leaders with a few additional pieces of gear for their journey to the top of whatever mountains God invited them to climb.

So what exactly is KLI? The KLI program is designed to provoke high-potential young adult leaders in our campus and congregational ministries to 1) discover their identities in Christ, 2) consider their educational and vocational goals in light of this identity, and 3) live out their lifetime call to love and serve their communities and their world as they align their unique God-given strengths and gifts with their vocation. The KLI program guides each participant through individual and corporate learning and reflection to discern important aspects of their unique character, competencies, and context, in order to align their strengths and values to cultivate a clear sense of calling toward their vocational future. An emphasis on Christian leadership emerges as each participant comes to understand how to draw from their strengths in order to actively engage in Christ’s ministry of reconciliation—of making all things new—through their vocational setting.

There are four central activities to KLI which all work in support of one another through the course of the year-long experience. These four major components are 1) three retreats for corporate learning and reflection, 2) distance learning through reading assignments with online conversation and reflection, 3) monthly meetings with a mentor, and 4) monthly conversations with a professional life coach.

by Welford Orrock

Over the first ten years of the KLI program we have learned that we are less concerned with developing leaders and more interested in calling out missionaries into a world that is desperate to experience creative, applicable, and authentic expressions of the Gospel. The funny thing is, when someone is confident in their identity, clear about their gifts and talents, and called to love and serve in their present context, that person emerges as a leader. We learned that prioritizing missionary formation enriched our leadership development practices.

We have seen the truth of this lived out through many examples of KLI alumni who have responded faithfully to God’s unique calling on their lives. There is Sara Amos (KLI ’17) who is now the director of Generations Central Adult Day Center in Culpeper, VA. Generations provides programs for senior adults in the community with regular intergenerational opportunities for senior adults and children to build meaningful relationships. There’s Austin Williams (KLI ‘18) who was recently called as the senior pastor of Mulberry Grove Baptist Church in Buckingham, VA. Austin previously served as the campus minister at the Longwood/Hampden Sydney BCM in Farmville, VA. And there is Brandess Holmes (’21) who serves as the campus minister at the Baptist Campus Ministry at ODU in Norfolk, VA. Brandess grew through the ODU BCM ministry as a student and intern before answering the invitation to lead the ministry as director in 2022.

These and so many of the more than 100 KLI alumni give witness to the impactful formational experience provided by the KLI program. As we enter our next decade, we are more committed than ever to the important work of journeying with young adults as they uncover God’s dream for their lives.

We are pleased to open applications for the 2023-24 KLI cohort and enter a second decade of vocational formation. If you are between the ages of 18-25 and have a sense that God is inviting you to align your education, career, and personal mission in the world, we would love to invite you to learn more about the KLI program and apply for next year’s cohort by visiting KairosInitiative.org/kli!

Welford Orrock is the coordinator for Kairos Initiative.

For more information, visit KairosInitiative.org

Avery Betz

Mathews Baptist Church Mathews County, VA Liberty University

Calvina Birch

Lighthouse International Church Henrico, VA Randolph Macon College

Allison Blake

Olivet Baptist Church King & Queen, VA The College of William and Mary

Benjamin Caldwell

Corinth Baptist Church New Kent, VA James Madison University

David Cipolletti

River Road Church, Baptist Richmond, VA Bridgewater College

Garrett Croxton

Beech Grove Baptist Church Gloucester, VA Liberty University

Glynncarynn Croxton

Beech Grove Baptist Church Gloucester, VA University of Virginia

Morgan Curtis

Heritage Baptist Church Farmville, VA Samford University

Emily Dankenbring

Second Baptist Church Petersburg, VA Longwood University

Katelyn Dear

Thalia Lynn Baptist Church Virginia Beach, VA Bridgewater College

Katherine Duffett

First Baptist Church of Alexandria Alexandria, VA Virginia Tech

Kendall Dunnavant

King’s Grant Baptist Church Virginia Beach, VA Averett University

CONGRATS TO OUR 2022–2023 RECIPIENTS!

Christian Esleck

Second Baptist Church Richmond, VA James Madison University

Addison Ford

West Main Baptist Church Danville, VA Averett University

Nicolette Ford

West Main Baptist Church Danville, VA Averett University

Ashten Fox

Harrisonburg Baptist Church Harrisonburg, VA James Madison University

Ella Glaze

River Road Church, Baptist Richmond, VA Wake Forest University

Jackson Hensley

Huguenot Road Baptist Church Richmond, VA University of South Carolina

Tyler Hopkins

Louisa Baptist Church Louisa, VA Liberty University

Sydney Howard

Cornerstone Baptist Church Greenville, NC Virginia Tech University

Dana Jensen

Shiloh Baptist Church King George, VA Germanna Community College

Abany Johnson

Uplift Church Weber City, VA Mountain Empire Community College

Brianna Jones

First Baptist Church of Alexandria Alexandria, VA

Christopher Newport University

Isabella Lee

Huguenot Road Baptist Church North Chesterfield, VA James Madison University

Constanza Mangieri

Parkwood Baptist Church Annandale, VA Longwood University

Emily McManamey

Chestnut Hill Baptist Church Lynchburg, VA Liberty University

Ethan McManamey

Chestnut Hill Baptist Church Lynchburg, VA Virginia Tech

Margaret Miller

River Road Church, Baptist Richmond, VA Reynolds Community College

Morgan Miller

Shalom Baptist Church Mechanicsville, VA Christopher Newport University

Kasey Mize

Warrenton Baptist Church Warrenton, VA Virginia Commonwealth University

Audra Murphy

Glenn Memorial Baptist Church Prospect, VA East Carolina University

Brianna Odle

Friendship Baptist Church Jonesville, VA Liberty University

Maureen Poe

Northside Baptist Church Mechanicsville, VA Randolph-Macon College

Tanner Poe

Northside Baptist Church Mechanicsville, VA Kent State University

Justin Pool

Aarons Creek Baptist Church Virgilina, VA NC State University

Sidney Rudolph

Beulah Baptist Church Aylett, VA Liberty University

BGAV College

Kristopher Schultz

New Prospect Baptist Church Hurt, VA Bridgewater College

Hannah Shockley

First Baptist Church of Bluefield Bluefield, WV Bluefield University

Nathanael Shumate

First Baptist Church of Bluefield, WV Bluefield, WV Bluefield State College

Timothy Sloane

Melrose Baptist Church Roanoke, VA Liberty University

Scholarships, continued

Matthew Stretton

Chancellor Baptist Church Spotsylvania, VA James Madison University

Annabelle Terry

Greenville Baptist Church Greenville, VA Bridgewater College

Elias Villarreal

Freedom Life Church Hampton, VA James Madison University

Kaelin Villarreal Freedom Life Church Hampton, VA Virginia Commonwealth University

Micah Willard

Cool Spring Baptist Church Mechanicsville, VA Liberty University

Samuel Witt

Cool Spring Baptist Church Mechanicsville, VA James Madison University

Bailey Wright

West Lynchburg Baptist Church Lynchburg, VA Virginia Tech

BGAV Ministerial Education Funds

Andrea Cofield

Jackson Memorial Baptist Church Chesapeake, VA Youth Regent University

William Cumbia

Tabernacle Baptist Church Richmond, VA Missions McAfee School of Theology

Tyler English

Cool Spring Baptist Church Mechanicsville, VA Children Bethel Seminary

Christian Hearl

New Life Christian Fellowship (NLCF) Blacksburg, VA

Preaching/Pastoral Northern Seminary

Jeremiah Hurst

First Baptist Church of Ashland Ashland, VA Missions

John Leland Center for Theological Studies

Jordann McMahan

Gayton Baptist Church Short Pump, VA

Preaching/Pastoral George W. Truett Theological Seminary

Derek Nicksich

Cool Spring Baptist Church Mechanicsville, VA

Preaching/Pastoral Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

Brandon Nuckles

Green Valley Baptist Church Lebanon, VA

Preaching/Pastoral Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

Rachel Pierce

First Baptist Church of Ashland Ashland, VA Music

Fuller Theological Seminary

John Pollock

Freedom Life Church Hampton, VA Christian Education Regent University

Connie Pumphrey

Awaken Church Virginia Beach, VA Missions Northern Seminary

Callie Revere

Harmony Grove Baptist Church Topping, VA

Preaching/Pastoral Northern Seminary

Margaret Rooney

River Road Church, Baptist Richmond, VA Student (College)

Candler School of Theology at Emory University

Matthew Simpson

Northstar Church Blacksburg, VA

Preaching/Pastoral Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

Neisha Smith Highlands Fellowship Abingdon, VA Ministry Bluefield University

Christie Thadikonda

Richmond’s First Baptist Church Richmond, VA

Preaching/Pastoral Union Presbyterian Seminary

Austin Williams

Mulberry Grove Baptist Church Buckingham, VA Student (College)

New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

• Part-time Custodian, Winfree Memorial Baptist Church, Midlothian, VA

• Chaplain, Indian Creek Correctional Center (c/o GraceInside)

• Pastor, Millfield Baptist Church, Wakefield, VA

• Accountant for Accounts Receivable, BGAV, Henrico, VA

• Receptionist, BGAV, Henrico, VA

• Worship Leader, Triangle Baptist Church, Triangle, VA

• Interim Pastor, Triangle Baptist Church, Triangle, VA

• Minister to Students, Buchanan Baptist Church, Buchanan, VA

• Pianist, Beale Memorial Baptist Church, Tappahannock, VA

• Chaplain, St. Brides Correctional Center (c/o GraceInside), Chesapeake, VA

• Children’s Pastor, Freedom Life Church, Hampton, VA

• Youth Pastor, East End Baptist Church, Suffolk, VA

• Financial Secretary, Walnut Grove Baptist Church, Mechanicsville, VA

• Youth Minister, Shalom Baptist Church, Mechanicsville, VA

• Children’s Ministry Director, Shalom Baptist Church, Mechanicsville, VA

• Preschool Director, Manassas Baptist Church, Manassas, VA

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Sign up to receive this enewsletter at BGAV.org/Newsletters.

Share Stories of How Your Church is Thriving We’d love to hear stories and testimonials of how your church is thriving! Give us a call at 800.255.2428 or email Jennifer Law, marketing services specialist, at jennifer.law@bgav.org

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Baptist General Association of Virginia 2828 Emerywood Parkway Henrico, VA 23294