Meet Wayne Faison, Newly Elected Executive Director

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.

Wayne Faison poses with his wife, Carmen.

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. 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.

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.

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.

Attendees at the 2022 annual meeting had fun with the cardboard cutout of Wayne that was present at the Executive Director Search Committee area.

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.

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