VOL 4, ISSUE 4
FALL 2019
JOINING GOD DIFFERENCE
TO MAKE A
// pg 10
Crisis Care
Missional Summer
The Least of These
Discover how chaplains help in the aftermath of a tragedy
Read about how many Virginia Baptist students made it a summer to remember
Learn how one church's community started the school year off on the right foot
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REGISTER NOW! BGAV.ORG/MEETING 196TH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE BAPTIST GENERAL ASSOCIATION OF VIRGINIA
BGAV ANNUAL MEETING NOVEMBER 11–13, 2019 BONSACK BAPTIST CHURCH ROANOKE, VA
main speaker SCOT McKNIGHT Julius R. Mantey Chair of New Testament, Northern Seminary
FEATURING... Pastor’s Conference and other special interest group gatherings Missions Monday: Missions-focused breakout sessions, a Disaster Response training opportunity, and evening program Breakout sessions addressing relevant issues Fellowship dinner available on site Monday and Tuesday evenings On-site childcare available for all main gathering times!
Schedule, breakout topics, lodging, and more:
BGAV.ORG/MEETING
BGAV Advancing the Kingdom Together
JOINING GOD TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE // pg 10
4 // BGAV News & Notes 6 // A Place at the Table
12 // Summer 2019 Recap
7 // A Letter from the BGAV President
16 // Revitalize!
9 // Crisis Care: How Virginia Baptist Chaplains Have Responded Since the Mass Shooting in Virginia Beach
18 // Disaster Response Rebuilding Efforts Continue in Jones County, NC
10 // Joining God to Make a Difference: New Collective Church
23 // Latest Ministry Jobs
20 // Dream Big, and the Least of These
BGAV Advancing the Kingdom Together
ISSN 2573-5101 (print) ISSN 2573-511X (online)
A publication of the Baptist General Association of Virginia Volume 4, Issue 4 Fall 2019 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.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: John V. Upton, Jr. BGAV EXPRESS EDITOR: Jennifer Law ART DIRECTOR: Meghan Wilson
RA Camp Staff Reunion Lunch Will Honor the Memory of Lloyd Jackson Camp Piankatank is hosting a Reunion Lunch for staffers from the Peaks of Otter and Piankatank Royal Ambassador camp staffs to honor the memory of Lloyd Jackson. The lunch will be followed by the presentation of a plaque with Lloyd’s picture, which will be placed in the dining facility. Anyone who knew or worked with Lloyd is welcome to attend. All three of Lloyd’s children, Frank Jackson, Susan Cook, and Tommy Jackson will be present.
David is in increasing demand as a clinician and guest conductor, and has led several national Handbell Musicians of America events as well as serving as the primary handbell clinician for denominational music events. Visit BGAV.org/ Handbells for more information.
Weekday Education Conference Offers Continuing Education Opportunities
Bon Air Baptist Church hosted 200 weekday preschool teachers and directors on August 3 for the BGAV’s annual Church Weekday Education Conference. The conference offered an opportunity to complete up to six hours of educational credit, choosing from 19 different breakouts. Topics included Super Fun Science, Bringing Bible Stories to Life, Speech and Language Development, Art, Music, and many others. Pastor Tom Stocks kicked off the day of learning by reminding participants to be aware of the dash—that small mark representing all our time between birth and death. He reminded the teachers of the huge impact they bring to the lives of preschoolers on a daily basis.
Lloyd Jackson
Lloyd Jackson dedicated his life to serving Brotherhood and Royal Ambassadors. He was particularly involved in camp ministry and in the lives of camp stafferes. He was a mentor to many, and God used his life to impact countless lives. His life and work should not be forgotten. This event will be held October 12, 2019, at the Camp Piankatank Dining Hall at 12:30 p.m. The cost will be approximately $10-12 per person. Anyone who wants to stay at the camp Friday or Saturday night can make arrangements with Camp Piankatank by calling 804-776-9552 or emailing Niki Gourley (niki.gourley@camppiankatank.org).
On September 21, another Church Weekday Education Conference was held at Mount Ararat Church in Stafford, VA.
Please RSVP for lunch by emailing Charlie Reynolds at goodmorningsoldier@gmail.com (preferred) or call him at 703706-1606 during work hours Monday – Friday.
Save the Date for the 2020 Virginia Baptist Combined Handbell Festival!
Concord Association Hosts Small Church Conference
The 2020 Virginia Baptist Combined Handbell Festival will be held January 31--February 1, 2020, at Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Glen Allen, VA.
On Sunday afternoon, August 25, 33 people representing 11 churches in the Concord Baptist Association gathered for a two-hour conference on “The Promising Future of Small Churches,” led by Chuck Warnock, BGAV Minister in Residence for Small Churches. The conference was organized by Concord Association Director of Missions, Joe McDowell, and was held at First Baptist Church in South Hill.
The guest clinician, David Harris, has been the director of The Raleigh Ringers since January 1990, when he was instrumental in the formation of the group. David has served Handbell Musicians of America (formerly the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers—AGEHR) as North Carolina State Chairman and as Area III Treasurer. 4
Chuck Warnock
NEWS + NOTES
Complete list of events at BGAV.org/Events
Event Calendar October 1 3 5 5 7–10 8 11–12
11–13 12 12 12 13 14
14–15 17 17
18–20 Special Needs Retreat, Lynchburg, VA 21–23 Better Than Ever: Fifty-Plus Retreat, Lynchburg, VA 21 Choosing and Evaluating Children’s Curriculum (online course) 22 Managing Legal and Financial Risks (online course) 25–27 Kairos Collegiate/Young Adult Fall Gathering, Lynchburg, VA 26 The Promising Future of Small Churches, Stanleytown, VA 28–29 Empower Class 502 - Establishing a Dynamic Coaching Relationship, Henrico, VA 28 Building Faith at Home (online course)
BGAV Academy Scholarship Applications Due Best Practices of Teaching Youth (online course) Best Practices of Teaching Children (online course) BGAV Disaster Response Training, Covington, VA Gathering of Silence Retreat, Lowesville, VA Financial Support of Church Staff (online course) Virginia Church Library Association Conference, Hampton, VA Ignite: A Retreat for Middle School Students, Lynchburg, VA Faith Formation in a Technological World (online course) The Promising Future of Small Churches, Roanoke, VA RA Camp Staff Reunion Lunch Honoring Lloyd Jackson, Hartfield, VA Global Hunger Sunday Inclusive and Supportive Children’s Ministry: Serving Children and Families with Special Needs (online course) Empower Class 506 - Personal Coaching, Ashland, VA "It Will NEVER Happen Here": Sexual Misconduct Summit, Stafford, VA The Family of God (online course)
November 1–3 4 11–13 28
WMUV Women’s Get-away, Lynchburg, VA Baptist Women's World Day of Prayer 196th Annual Meeting of the BGAV, Roanoke, VA Thanksgiving Day
December 1–8 25
Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions Christmas Day
Staff News
Chuck Warnock led conference participants as they explored questions such as: • “What’s the definition of a small church?” • “What has changed in our culture, and how do we adapt for the future?” • “How do we discern a new mission for these new challenges?” • “What are the three basics of community engagement?” and, • “What are some examples of churches who are effectively reaching their communities?”
On July 3, Virginia Otey left her part-time position as BGAV Financial Assistant to focus on being a full-time student at Union Presbyterian Seminary. She continues to serve as children’s minister at Tomahawk Baptist Church. On July 31, Linda Arthur retired from her position as Administrative Assistant after serving at BGAV for over 37 years! On August 1, Noah Rogers began serving full time in the position of Properties Manager, which was previously a parttime position.
Members of First Baptist Church provided refreshments during a break in the conference. Tony Brooks, field strategist, brought greetings to the group from the BGAV.
On August 12, Ryan Goude, who previously served as Associate Collegiate Minister at Virginia Commonwealth University, became the Baptist Collegiate Minister at University of Richmond (UR). Rusty Lee has concluded his service as the Interim Collegiate Minister at UR. For more BGAV news, visit BGAV.org/News 5
A PLACE AT THE TABLE by John Upton
It was to be a quick visit just before lunch with a homebound member of the church, Mrs. Hannah. While sitting in a rosecolored armchair Mrs. Hannah announced, “You’ll be staying for lunch.” I listed all the things I had to do, trying to excuse myself, but she insisted. She announced, “You are too busy. Everyone has to eat. I’ll get the table ready.” That was that.
JOHN UPTON is the Executive Director of the BGAV.
She burst forth from the kitchen with dishes steaming like incense and chanted, “Come to the table.” I sat in a large oak chair with arms. “Mr. Hannah’s chair,” she said, “give thanks, John.” I did. After a few wonderful mouthfuls and a few inane comments by me about how good everything was, she said to me, “Pastor, perhaps you have forgotten how difficult it is to eat alone. I never feel alone in my home, except at mealtimes. Mr. Hannah said when we invited company for dinner, which we did often, ‘The Lord never intended us to eat by ourselves.’”
“Please, don’t go to any trouble,” I insisted. Of course, out came the ancient linen tablecloth. The ritual of preparation had begun. She was undisturbed by my chatter placing the crystal glasses—rich, Irish-cut glass—a gift from her wedding day. The china was a pattern of over 60 years of marriage. “You’ll have to stop talking for now. I’m going in the kitchen for a few minutes; just make yourself at home,” she said, “and don’t follow me into the kitchen. I don’t like people staring at me when I’m cooking gravy.” Some small meal, I thought.
I understand why we call the Lord’s table the communion table. It is a place where all are welcome in the name of Christ. It is where, in the presence of Christ, we commune as his family. At this table we are reminded that Christ died to make us brother and sister. At this table we open ourselves to be kin with all who are kin to him—here and all over the world. It is for this reason that I have treasured the communion meal we have shared together at the BGAV Annual Gathering. We are family, and I love our family. Indeed, “the Lord never intended us to eat by ourselves.”
I settled back in the rose-colored chair as she disappeared into the holy of holies to concoct the meal. I could smell the biscuits rising to a golden brown, the ham sizzling in the pan, and I could hear the ice tinkling in the glasses. While waiting, a quick glance at the living room spoke volumes about her life. The browning pictures of “Mr. Hannah” as she called him, a tattered old Bible resting on the coffee table, not for show, but obviously used daily.
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A LETTER FROM THE BGAV PRESIDENT by L. Richard Martin, Jr. By the time you read this article, I will be in my last month as your President of the Baptist General Association of Virginia. While serving this past year as President and the previous year as First Vice President, I have had the good privilege of meeting many of you, and I have found working with our BGAV staff to be very rewarding. I will leave office confident that the General Association has a very bright future with the lay leaders, clergy, and staff that are working diligently every day to strengthen and spread our missionary movement throughout Virginia, the nation, and the world.
L. RICHARD MARTIN, JR. is the 2019 BGAV President.
life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.” (Romans 12:1-2 The Message)
Richard Martin, Jr. concludes the BGAV annual meeting in November 2018 as his first act as the 2019 BGAV President. We are now living in a time when much divides us in our churches, in our communities, and in our nation. We have become a people and a nation that dwell on the extremes. Most things seem either black or white; there is no grey area. Centrist and moderate views are harder to come by. Collaboration and cooperation happen less often. We are a polarized society.
We will explore this need to “Renew” and how to find God’s will in our churches, our communities, and in our nation when we gather for our annual meeting November 11-13 at Bonsack Baptist Church near Roanoke. Please make a special effort to join us for this special time in the life of the BGAV. Dr. Scot McKnight will be our guest speaker. Dr. McKnight is an American New Testament scholar, historian of early Christianity, theologian, and author who has written widely on the historical Jesus, early Christianity, and Christian living. He is currently Professor of New Testament at Northern Baptist Theological Seminary.
In this time of constant discord, we need change. The Apostle Paul tells us that the best way to bring about such change is to renew ourselves in Jesus Christ. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but 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.” (Romans 12:2 NIV) Rev. Eugene H. Peterson more clearly explains Paul’s charge in his interpretation of the first verses of Romans 12. “So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary
Thank you for the privilege of serving as your President this year. It has been an unexpected blessing.
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MINISTERS IN RESIDENCE
Baptist General Association of Virginia
Bob Dale
Mentor/Coach in Residence 804.741.8445 bob.dale@bgav.org
Kim Eskridge
Jeff Cranford
Minister in Residence for Church Finance 804.921.3945 jeff.cranford@bgav.org
Tom Ingram
Children’s Minister in Residence 703.299.3616 kim.eskridge@bgav.org
Minister in Residence for Traditional Worship and Church Music 804.921.4112 tom.ingram@bgav.org
Danny Quirin
Roger Roller
Youth Minister in Residence 540.580.4476 danny.quirin@bgav.org
Cynthia Shackelford Minister in Residence for Congregational Care 804-513-9125 cynthia.shackelford@bgav.org
Minister in Residence for Evangelism 434.665.4343 roger.roller@bgav.org
Tom Stocks
Minister in Residence for Deacon Ministry 804.399.5033 tom.stocks@bgav.org
The Congregational Field Staff team of the BGAV offers the initial visit and assessment from a Minister in Residence as a service to our churches. Should a church or individual decide to meet with them further, we would invite you to offer an honorarium and to cover their travel expenses.
BGAV.org 800.255.2428
BGAV Advancing the Kingdom Together
“..so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”
together as
NE
Offering Goal
$1,167,500
1 Corinthians 12:25-27
Donate Online!
AlmaHunt.org CRISIS CARE: HOW VA BAPTIST CHAPLAINS HAVE RESPONDED SINCE THE MASS SHOOTING IN VIRGINIA BEACH BY CAROL HORTON The Virginia Baptist Disaster Response Crisis Care Team Chaplains were called into service during the months of June and July after a fatal shooting by a disgruntled employee at the Virginia Beach Public Works Office claimed the lives of 11 employees and one citizen on May 31. Four other employees were also injured in the incident. The shooter, a 15-year veteran of the public works office and civil engineer, was fatally shot after a standoff with police.
provided green plants to add positivity to the new working environment. Therapy dogs made regular visits to the buildings, and a June 27 memorial service, sponsored by the City of Virginia Beach, was televised for the employees who elected not to attend the live service.
The Virginia Beach Emergency Management Services organized the incident aftercare services, which was headquartered in one of the public works buildings.
“I was very impressed by the support survivors were given by the city,” said Linda LeFever, a Virginia Baptist chaplain who helped with counseling and relocating employees.
Virginia Baptist chaplains worked alongside other chaplains and volunteer counselors in making themselves readily available for moral assistance and prayer-and-faith-based support if requested as employees gradually returned to work. Emotional and physical assistance was needed as the building where the shooting took place was closed and employees were relocated into various other buildings.
During the evenings, the Virginia Baptist chaplains were welcomed warmly by host families from Virginia Beach churches. Hosts provided meals, Christian companionship, and a comfortable place to stay for the responding chaplains, who each served several days as crisis-care providers.
Virginia Baptist chaplains were able to assist employees in private conversations when needed and also help employees adjust to their new surroundings. Snacks and bottled water were available for everyone at all times, and the Virginia Beach Garden Club
Carol Horton is a Virginia Baptist chaplain.
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For more information, visit BGAVDR.org
BY CAMERON LEE
JOINING GOD DIFFERENCE
TO MAKE A
Let’s join God to make a difference. These words are posted above the door as people leave New Collective Church (NCC), but they are much more than just a graphic. In 2018, Highlands Fellowship adopted new mission and vision statements. The vision statement started with that same concept of joining God to make a difference through our church, in our community, and around the world. None of us knew what that would look like when we agreed to this vision of joining God. In the fall of 2018, God was speaking to many staff members about what he wanted to do with the Johnson City campus of Highlands Fellowship. We had an opportunity to do things differently than ever before. That campus had existed for about 10 years, in three different locations throughout Johnson City. In the present location, there are approximately 60,000 people who live within a 15-minute drive. There was incredible potential to reach more people with the Good News of Jesus. As God was speaking to the staff, he was sharing bits and pieces with each of us. These pieces didn’t make sense in and of themselves, but when we came together, we realized that God wanted to do something special and he was already at work. 10
None of us is able to look back and say it was any particular person’s idea, but he was speaking to us collectively. We had an opportunity to do things differently than ever before, to join him, and to truly make a difference. Last fall, our church went through a restructuring process, in which the forming of the G3 Collective Network began. This network is comprised of five multi-site campuses, regional strategic partner churches, global strategic partner churches (i.e. South Africa, Pakistan, Côte d’Ivoire), and what we would refer to as Fresh Expressions. In December 2018, we shared this new vision with our church, and that the Johnson City campus would become one of these Fresh Expressions. We would become New Collective Church. We’d have a new name on the outside to communicate all of the changes being made on the inside. In February, while we were making some renovations to the building, we had three launch team gatherings on Sunday mornings, to prepare ourselves for what was about to happen. On March 3, 2019, New Collective Church launched, doubling the attendance of the week prior. We have continued to see growth, life change, and new faces every single week, many of which haven’t attended church in years. In the first four months, we’ve seen over 75 people accept Christ, and dozens more take their next steps in their walk with Jesus!
Clockwise from right: Lead Pastor Mark Estepp preaches during a service; NCC youth spend time together in the church's common area; The NCC praise band leads the congregation in worship; Church volunteers serve lunch at a local school in Johnson City, TN .
What changed: For 10 years we had been a multi-site campus of Highlands Fellowship. Our services looked the same at every location—the same songs and the same message, which was sent via satellite to every location from our campus in Abingdon, VA. There was a willingness among the staff, both at the Johnson City campus and at our central office, to do something different to reach people in our community. At NCC, our worship gatherings are now different than Highlands Fellowship, in order to reach the demographic in our specific area. Along with these changes, we also decided to change the name to communicate that God was doing something new.
I’m thankful for a leadership team that is willing to try something new, for a pastor in Mark Estepp who brings a passionate message every week that resonates with the hearts and minds of so many, and for a team of staff and volunteers who are willing to do whatever it takes and expect God to show up every week. We continue to try new things, including efforts in digital engagement to connect with people through podcasts, videos, and more.
For years we had been talking and praying about how the church could reach the thousands of local college students around us. As we were preparing to launch as NCC, we were introduced to Kaleb. Kaleb is in his early 20s and was leading a college small group at his house. These students were loving this small group but wanted something more. They asked us to launch what would become the NCC College ministry, which has a large monthly worship gathering and small group gatherings throughout the month. NCC College launched in April—with 100 college students in attendance—and it continues to grow. These college students are also coming on Sunday mornings, inviting their friends and families, volunteering in various ministries, and truly becoming active parts of the church! God used this small group to help us make an impact in the college communities around us.
When I think of all that has happened at NCC, it was only possible by joining God where he was already at work. Social media, advertising, and talented worship leaders have helped us get to where we are, but none of that would have mattered if we had not first made the decision to join God to make a difference. Cameron Lee is campus pastor at New Collective Church in Johnson City, TN, a BGAV-participating congregation.
For more information, visit BGAV.org 11
MC2 OFFERS LOCAL MINISTRY AND MISSIONS OPPORTUNITIES FOR FAMILIES No one could have known a Virginia storm would bring a poorly timed lightning strike and leave the opening ceremony for the 2019 Missions Connection Celebration (MC2) in the dark. In spite of this unforeseeable obstacle, it quickly became evident that God’s hand was already working in the hearts of those who came to serve. After Jansen Beals and the band led over 30 church groups in a time of spirit-filled worship, Pastor Ron Wyatt stepped on the stage and initiated what would become Lynchburg’s most impactful week of the summer. With the largest attendance since 2012, Eagle Eyrie hosted 433 campers and chaperones for MC2 this year. Of these attendants, there were 28 work teams volunteering at more than 40 different sites across the greater Lynchburg area. The work sites included HumanKind, the Rivermont Early Learning Center, Park View Mission, the Bedford Pregnancy Center, and Eagle Eyrie’s campus--just to name a few. In addition, over 14,000 meals were packed for the Source of Light orphanage in Haiti. With so many letters of gratitude flowing in from the work site hosts, we are excited to see how God will continue to use this camp in the future.
IMPACT MISSION CAMPS PROVIDE NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS TO SERVE Impact Mission Camps, in its 26th year overall and its second year of five-year partnerships with communities where it serves, gave students and partners new opportunities to share God’s love through service this summer.
And on the Eastern Shore, Impact participants helped expand Splash Camp, a summer camp that provides much-needed childcare and shares the gospel, to a second site. During our two weeks in Jones County, Impact participants served homeowners still displaced by Hurricane Florence as part of the overall BGAV Disaster Rebuild efforts there.
For the last several years, the theme for Impact has come from the parable of the sheep and the goats in Matthew 25, with themes such as Hungry, More than Welcome, and Robes of Hope. This year, we practiced Just Visiting—being one expression of the presence of Christ by visiting, forming relationships, and serving.
Participants went home ready to explore how they can be part of God’s mission, how God may be calling them, and how their worldview needs to expand in light of what they experienced this summer.
Over the course of the summer, over 700 participants served during six weeks of camp—repairing 60 homes—ensuring families would be safe, warm, and dry. Students also had new opportunities to serve this year and created new ways for partner churches to engage. They were part of a community lunch celebration in Chesterfield, hosted by the local faith community.
They learned new ways their churches can engage their communities by learning about Fresh Expressions, saw a glimpse of what a life of faith beyond high school may be like from collegiate ministers who served as camp pastors, and saw that they will always have a home away from home at Impact as several former staffers came back to serve as worship leaders and as the camp coordinator.
Kids in grades 3-5 got to be part of the overall mission experience in Bluefield, serving each other, the youth campers, a homeowner, and the wider community. In Danville, we saw a new partnership begin with the Pittsylvania Baptist Association, Averett University, and Impact to create pathways to year-round engagement.
The work for next year has already begun, and the work of our faith never really ends.
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CHILDREN AND YOUTH LEARN AND LEAD AT MUSIC AND WORSHIP ARTS CAMP This summer at Music and Worship Arts Camp 2019, the peaceful hills of the sanctuary called Eagle Eyrie were alive with the sound of singing, ringing, and dancing; stringed instruments, wind instruments, and clanging instruments; painting brushes, sketching pencils, and clicking shutters; newly composed songs, dramatic scripture interpretations, and meaningful theological discussions; crafting hands, missional hearts, and willing disciples; and everything that has breath praising the Lord!
of Bible study and worship, focusing on friendship qualities with Christ as the ultimate model. Followers of Christ should strive to be a friend to others in the same manner that Jesus modeled— with faithfulness, honesty, forgiveness, and sacrifice. On Friday morning, the final hours of camp were filled with art exhibits, demonstrations of new skills, and a worshipful concert presentation of instrumental interludes, rhythmic rejoicing, dramatic reenactments, children’s choir anthems, and youth choral presentations. The grand finale was a moving and majestic mass choir consisting of all MWAC campers singing John Rutter’s “All Things Bright and Beautiful!” As campers left Eagle Eyrie, they departed with a new song in their heart, fresh ideas for congregational worship, and a renewed determination to “praise the Lord for His mighty deeds!”
During the week of July 15-19, young people and chaperones from churches around Virginia came together for the annual Music and Worship Arts Camp. Three separate tracks were offered for 4th and 5th graders, 6th through 9th graders, and 10th through 12th graders—geared to their ages and skill levels—with an extra emphasis on leadership skills in the oldest group. In addition to participating in age-appropriate choirs and instrumental ensembles directed by professional clinicians, campers had the opportunity to practice and mature in their artistic skills, explore new areas of interest, and discover ways to use these skills in corporate worship, evangelistic ministry, and private devotions. Each day the campers came together for a time
Music and Worship Arts Camp is a powerful way to explore new expressions of worship, to improve at some traditional ways of worship, and to grow closer as a family of faith–joining together to praise the one who created us for relationship with him! Plan to join us next year at Eagle Eyrie, July 13-17, 2020!
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CAMP PIANKATANK: A SUMMER OF CHANGING LIVES AND HAVING FUN Camp Piankatank just finished up our 59th summer of ministry, and we couldn’t have asked for a better experience! We had 463 campers, the most we’ve had since 2013, and lots of new activities from primitive shelter building to hatchet throwing, and the new favorite: Bazooka Ball. Most importantly, every week, new campers made first-time professions of faith and recommitments. The Camp Piankatank mission statement is, “Developing dynamic disciples for Christ, through relationships and adventure.” We are intentional about creating exciting adventures for our campers in order to build relationships with positive role models and ultimately to grow their relationship with their Savior, Jesus Christ. This year’s theme was “Rooted,” based on Ephesians 3:14-19, and our campers learned about why it’s important to be rooted in Christ’s love rather than in the things of this world. When we are rooted in Christ, like a strong tree rooted in the ground, we can stand up to the things of this world. So many campers expressed their desire and resolve to be rooted in Christ. One parent who sent her two sons and a friend to camp messaged us to ask about recommendations for a devotion book so they can remain rooted. We were able to tell her about the partnership we have with Keys for Kids Ministries to send all of our campers a new devotion book every quarter. We also had another camper who was so excited about her new relationship with Christ that she wanted to surprise her mom by getting baptized at camp. We loved her excitement, but we told her that her mother would be just as excited to hear that she wanted to baptized so that she could share that milestone with her whole family. This was an exciting summer at Camp Piankatank, full of new games, activities, and lessons from God’s Word. Now we are turning to a busy retreat season with church youth groups, men’s groups, and women’s groups while we plan for summer 2020. We are also planning for our 3rd annual Winter Blast in February. To find out more information about our summer camp, Winter Blast, or booking a retreat, visit our website (CampPiankatank.org) or give us a call!
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FROM JON STEPHENS, AVERETT UNIVERSITY This summer, I had the opportunity to serve on the wonderful summer staff at CrossRoads Camp and Conference Center. I believe that this summer I saw God at work the most through us staff members when we led the campers in worship or prayed for them after they experienced the Prayer Labyrinth or Response Night. I worked in this position on the mountain this summer because I was looking for ways to better myself spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically as a person. I found so much peace on that mountain and have come back home a new and changed person. The way that I saw others changed this summer was how, as a staff, all of us were so close to each other and had a passion to serve God that we were all being changed and transformed through our spiritual connection to God. After this experience, what's next for me is being able to apply what I learned and experienced this summer to my college community and non-camp friends with the hope of being able to go back to the mountain next summer (or even sooner) to continue my spiritual journey and find out how I can continue to grow as a person.
Brittney Mumma (center) as a BGAV Venturer in Panama
FROM BRITTNEY MUMMA, UNIVERSITY OF MARY WASHINGTON For years I desired to learn Spanish fluently. I took all the required high school and college classes but knew I had to immerse myself into a Spanish speaking country in order to become fluent. I started searching for opportunities while attending the University of Mary Washington. In God’s perfect timing, God waited until I completed all my courses and then opened the doors when Carey Sims, the co-director of the UMW Center for Faith and Leadership, suggested I look into BGAV. It is through this connection that I was able to join the BGAV Venturer Program and spend the first four months of this year in Panama working with a wonderful group of people at La Primera Iglesia Bautista de La Chorrera.
FROM EBENEZER DANQUAH, OLD DOMINION UNIVERSITY This summer was very eventful and life-changing for me. I was a songwriting intern for Urban Doxology in the East End of Richmond, Virginia, specifically in Church Hill. This internship taught me leadership skills as well as how to write songs in the urban context, how to engage in intentional reconciliation, and how to fully live out this life being a follower of Jesus Christ. I saw God work in the community through reconciliation and through us seven interns, who were from different parts of the country. I solidified my identity as a child of God during the summer by really grasping and understanding what Jesus did for me on the cross. I also learned how to engage with and work with people who are not like me and have different backgrounds. What is next for me is developing the skills I learned over the summer as well as teaching and leading others on my ODU campus.
I returned home in May for my graduation from the UMW College of Business and was asked to return to work at SimVentions in Fredericksburg. I have had an awesome summer being blessed by God. Along with an amazing work environment and reconnecting with my peeps, I stepped back into the Student Ministry at Mt. Ararat Baptist Church with “my girls” that I had been leading for the past three years. Incredibly, I also was able to join the leadership team for the new Spanish church that “The Mount” will be kicking off in September. I am awed at God’s timing that I was a part of my church’s outreach to the Hispanic community as an active member of developing El Monte over the summer. My desire to speak Spanish for years has now been realized, but that’s not the end of the story!
FROM NATHAN BLACKA, VIRGINIA TECH This summer, I served as the summer intern for Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCM) at Virginia Tech, where I assisted with our summer community group, building maintenance and renovations, and connecting with incoming freshmen. I saw God work through our summer community group by bringing a wide range of students from different backgrounds and personalities together for the purpose of learning more about him. I was challenged to love all of God’s people and not just a select few. This summer I recognized different hesitations I had connecting with other students and with sharing the gospel, and I learned to set aside those hesitations for God’s glory. Other students were challenged in similar ways as I saw students setting aside their own needs for the needs of others. I don’t know what God has planned for me next; there are many challenges ahead, but I am excited to see how God uses me and this collegiate community for his glory.
I knew I wanted to go back to Central America even before returning to the USA. There had been so many God moments, and I was on a high to get back. I started reaching out to an assortment of Christian Ministries in Central America, including BGAV. God knew the plan; at the end of June, I received an invitation to return to Panama to work with a small Baptist church in another town. I had met the pastor and his wife while there this spring. I said, “Yes, yes, yes!” and flew out August 29. I will be spending eight months back in Panama rekindling past relationships and developing new ones while helping the church with their worship and youth/young adult ministries. I am delighted to be a witness to and a part of God’s plans and how God orchestrates everything. This verse comes to my mind as I write this: “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Proverbs 16:9. 15
Participants listen to one of the conference's guest speakers during one of the main sessions.
! e z i l a t i v Re by Tony Brooks
Many breakout sessions were offered during the day-long conference.
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. (Isaiah 43:19 NIV) On Saturday, August 24, at Heritage Baptist Church in Farmville, we saw God at work.
towards discipleship, how to use sports camps to reach new people, how to reach outside the church walls with evangelism, and how to deal with communication/health/conflict that stunts growth possibilities.
I should have known with our theme and verse that God was doing a new thing! I had prayed for months about what Southside churches needed. I had chosen advice from our Mission Council representatives months ago. I had met with associational leaders from all seven associations months ago. I met with Karl Heilman, Field Strategist for the Capital region, for guidance months before. I met with Dr. Adam Tyler, our First Vice-President for advice. I did a study leave to focus on Church Revitalization over a year ago, but I had no idea what God was about to do.
We gave out Energizer batteries to every person who came. They were asking, “Why?” I wanted them to know that God is in the energizing business! Every person got all the handouts to take back from every breakout session. Dr. John Upton inspired attendees in our opening session to understand we can do much more together than apart—which of course is the heart of BGAV! We can make the greatest difference for the Kingdom when we work together.
My goal was for 140 people to attend this conference and be reenergized with fresh ideas about what God is doing. When we closed reservations 10 days before the conference, we had 199 who were hungry to see what God was doing! Many wanted to add after the deadline, but we couldn’t safely handle any more. Why is this significant? In Southside Virginia, we have seen the census report: we are getting older with very little growth expected. Young adults are moving away. Many churches have turned inward in maintenance mode (which is one of the worst things you can do!). What did we focus on? Turn outward!
Associational leaders, Mission Council members, and more gave their input. The Virginia Baptist Foundation, Providence Baptist Church in Red House, and Grace Hills Baptist in Appomattox helped subsidize this event with donations. Heritage Baptist Church (and their pastor, Rev. Scott Curtis) in Farmville showed Christ to us through much work with lunch and setting up rooms. The BCM at Longwood, with the help of Rev. Janice Kiehm, provided chairs when the numbers grew.
We sought to improve programs like Children’s Ministry and Youth Ministry for what God may be doing. We sought to find new ways to promote the church through technology. We sought to find alternative revenue streams (Virginia Baptist Foundation), Fresh Expressions of church, ways to partner in the community, how to reach out to guests, how to assimilate new members
Perhaps the song at the beginning of our time should have been the clue…close to 200 people sang “Revive Us Again.” It sounded like angels singing. God is doing a new thing. Do you not perceive it? Tony Brooks is our Sunday School/Discipleship Specialist and Field Strategist for the Southside Region. 16
YOU ARE H
ERE
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DISASTER RESPONSE REBUILDING EFFORTS CONTINUE IN JONES COUNTY, NC BY KRISTEN CURTIS On September 13, 2018, Virginia Baptist Disaster Response (DR) began efforts to assist the residents of North Carolina affected by Hurricane Florence. What began as a feeding operation in Beaufort County quickly shifted into cleanup as needs for assistance became clear. About a week into our work there we started hearing of nearby communities that were not receiving any assistance, and we sent an assessor and a Crisis Care Team member to Jones County to assess the needs. Upon arrival in town, they stumbled on a community gathering to discuss options, because it seemed that no help was coming. Our volunteers were able to share the news that Virginia Baptist teams who could help were nearby. We began sending volunteers to Jones County within the week.
Refugee children enjoy some play time in the camp.
Toward the end of 2018, we saw that while most of the needs in Beaufort County had been met with clean up teams and minor repairs, the need in Jones County was much more extensive. So as we closed down our host site in Beaufort County in December, we made plans to move our equipment to Pollocksville, NC—in the heart of Jones County. In February, a few rebuild trailers, a mobile shower and laundry unit, a mobile toilet unit, and three mobile bunk units arrived at Pollocksville Baptist Church. Between February 7 and mid-August, over 500 volunteers from approximately 50 churches and associations have donated roughly 17,000 hours of labor, making a financial impact of about $471,350 in volunteer labor and donated materials in the Jones County rebuild effort.
Volunteers prepare meals to serve disaster victims. this too.’ You’ve shown people how we do missions. People on the receiving end see [your efforts] and they’re going to have a heart for others. I don’t know how to express how much we have appreciated this and what a witness it is. It’s a great help to people in need and a great witness to those who see this.” Larry Jones, with his wife, Linda, served as host site coordinators from the end of March through early July. He commented, “Honestly, it's hard to put into words some of the things that we saw and heard. The thing that stands out to me the most, and will be with me for some time, was the privilege of working with groups from all over the state of Virginia,--men and women who gave up a week of their time to help people—helping people whom they don't know, people who can't repay them, and people they are likely never to see again.”
These numbers tell part of the story, but within those numbers are real people whose real lives were impacted in a way that we can’t put a dollar figure on. Sharon Bender, pastor of Pollocksville Baptist Church, shared, “The main thing I think [the work of Virginia Baptist volunteers] has done for the community is that it has brought a real hope here. There’s just such a love for God and love for people that you see. Virginia Baptist signs are in a lot of yards here and families are just beginning to move back into the area—back into homes. A lot of them still haven’t moved back in, but [Virginia Baptists] have brought hope that it’s going to get better. You can see the smiles here in a place that’s been really sad.”
He said further, “One group shared during their devotional time, ‘If we come here and all we're doing is fixing up houses, we've missed our real purpose. Our real purpose is to show the love of Jesus and to share the gospel with others.’ How else can you explain why someone would give up the comfort of their home to labor and sweat and sacrifice in another state?” Jones also mentioned several significant encounters with residents of Pollocksville, including a deacon of our host church who told him with tears in his eyes, “If you all weren't here, I'm afraid Pollocksville might become a ghost town."
“I can’t thank Virginia Baptists enough for taking us on,” Bender said. “You have been outside of your state. You’ve set a great example, especially for this church, where I’ve heard people say, ‘When we get ourselves straightened out, we want to do 18
A Virginia Baptist Disaster Response trailer is parked and ready for service to the Jones County community.
Pastor Bender also commented on needs that still exist. “The majority of the homes have not been finished. The community is still trying to rebuild, and people need help with that. Because the damage was so widespread over such a large area, there aren’t construction crews available. Contractors are still a year out scheduling work and not even answering phones because they are so busy. There’s no one even available to do the work. That’s why we need volunteers to help with rebuild. A lot of people are still not home—still displaced. Because of the damage to places like New Bern, there is not a lot of temporary housing available in the area, so most people are still a county or more away until their homes are fixed, and that’s hard. That’s why it brings hope to see volunteers here.”
says of the work in North Carolina, “When my territory was expanded and we began to coordinate efforts to start rebuilding in Jones county, I was more than delighted to see the familiar vehicles and faces of my BGAV friends. After connecting with Jeff Montag, the Virginia Baptist construction coordinator, and spending time touring their base camp, meeting the pastor, and seeing volunteers that helped with tornado recovery in Evergreen, VA, I was hopeful to join forces here again in NC. It was such a great partnership. It's going to take a village to make this rebuilding a reality in Jones county NC from Hurricane Florence.” Bill Martin with NCBOM shared some insight into the tremendous need to continue our work. “We have 457 homes on our list right now that are being worked on or are scheduled to be worked on, and we’re learning of new houses every day that need rebuilding. I’ve heard that there are probably 1,5002,000 homes that need to be rebuilt, and it would be so nice [for Virginia Baptists] to keep sending teams down to Pollocksville. The Methodists and Baptists will still be working in that area, and we sure could use the help.”
Beginning in late August, the “footprint” of our response will be changing, but the need for Virginia Baptist volunteers will not change. As we have been working in Beaufort and Jones Counties, North Carolina Baptists On Mission (NCBOM) and North Carolina Methodists (NCUMC) have also been working in other parts of the state. As work winds down in some areas, they have begun work in and around Jones County as well. Rather than continuing with three separate operations, we will be partnering with these two North Carolina-based groups to coordinate the work of all our volunteers. These kinds of strategic partnerships will allow all of us to stretch donors’ dollars and maximize the time and talents of skilled and unskilled volunteers. Stephanie Hunt of the NCUMC is no stranger to working with Virginia Baptists. After the tornadoes that ripped across Virginia in February 2016, Stephanie moved to Appomattox and was the construction coordinator for the long-term recovery efforts there, guiding many of our Virginia Baptist volunteers in a multi-denominational effort on worksites to help residents of Appomattox return home after that natural disaster. Ms. Hunt
Given the great need, we are asking teams and individuals to partner with us as we continue to rebuild in Jones County, North Carolina. Check our website at BGAVDR.org or contact the Disaster Response volunteer coordinator, Kristen Curtis, at Kristen.Curtis@bgav.org or 434-609-0916 for more information or to register your group to respond. Kristen Curtis is the Virginia Baptist Disaster Response Volunteer Coordinator For more information, visit BGAVDR.org 19
by Tony Brooks
DREAM BIG, and the Least of These The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40 NIV) Sunday School/Bible study should lead our members to see people with God’s eyes. Some in our society discern whether to care or not based on socio-economic level, race, and appearance. They had heard the story of Emmanuel “Manny” Ohonme from Nigeria, who was challenged by a Christian missionary as a child to “dream big dreams.” He did, and as a Christian businessman years later, God led him to a special ministry to give shoes to all children who need them. Here is the link to learn a lot more.
We are called to look at the heart and see every person as a child of God. Though some may not feel comfortable at first coming to your church for Bible study, they may join you for a home Bible study or one in their community. First, they need to see you care— with Jesus’ compassion. When you do, you are ministering to Jesus himself, whether they come to your church or not.
Here is how the church does it: They publicize and register children a month in advance to get the right shoe sizes and colors for their order. (They had 303 children!) They are given a time on a specific Saturday to come. They are brought into the chapel in small groups with their families. Then Janet Hilliard shares “Manny’s story” and God’s story with passion to the children.
On Saturday, August 3, I saw Matthew 25:40 in action at Moffett Memorial Baptist Church in Danville. They decided a few years ago to help underprivileged children in their community prepare for school with new shoes, socks, backpacks, and school supplies.
Rev. Jonathan Hilliard speaks to a youth during the foot-washing ceremony.
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Church members wash the children's feet before presenting them with new socks and shoes. Once they have heard the story, they go to a larger room where volunteers of all ages are set up to meet each child, wash their feet, give them their socks and new shoes. They then pray over each child and send each one to get their school backpack with school supplies inside.
Are your classes involved in a service project in the community? As I have shared before: every class should have an ongoing service project in the community. Some of your members may not feel comfortable sharing in class, but they may be ready to serve alongside you!
Reverend Jonathan Hillard, Senior Pastor, shared with me how this really energizes the church. He asked me to pray for the volunteers while they were waiting on the next group to come in. What an honor!
When class members are involved in a service project with you, they are more likely to be invested in the class. People who feel they have something to contribute with a group will be more engaged in everything you do.
It just so happens they provide lunch on Saturdays throughout the year. They had the lunch set up downstairs for anyone who wanted a meal. As I consider this day, I am reminded that volunteers washed Jesus’ feet, provided a meal to Jesus, and set the example for all churches. What should you take away from reading this post?
Whatever you choose to do through service in the community… remember you are serving Christ! These are sacred moments to remind us every day we can serve Jesus. “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40 NIV)
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Ministry leaders need training – training that is practical, high-quality, and flexible to fit into their busy schedules. The BGAV Ministry Equipping Network is designed for pastors, ministers, and lay leaders to have access to single courses in a specific ministry area, or to be able to complete a comprehensive program that results in a Ministry Certification. The Ministry Equipping Network provides interactive, online courses so that participants have the benefit of logging in from their locations while still being able to interact with the instructor and network with fellow participants. Additionally, instructors will be available for in-person training if churches or associations want to schedule a training day in their area.
CHURCH FINANCE COURSE OF STUDY THE BIBLE AND CHURCH FINANCES AND THE CHURCH AS A LEGAL ENTITY
STATE AND FEDERAL TAX REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
THE ROLE OF THE CHURCH TREASURER, GIVING, SPENDING, AND SAVING
MANAGING YOUR FINANCIAL RECORDS
FINANCIAL SUPPORT OF CHURCH STAFF
MANAGING LEGAL AND FINANCIAL RISKS
CHILDREN’S, YOUTH, AND FAMILY MINISTRY CERTIFICATION CORE COURSES DEVELOPMENTAL STAGES AND AGES
TEACHING TECHNIQUES/ APPROACHES
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
BIBLE STUDY BASICS
YOUTH MINISTRY
THE FAMILY OF GOD
FAMILY MINISTRY
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY 101
YOUTH MINISTRY 101
FAMILY MINISTRY 101
BEST PRACTICES OF TEACHING
BEST PRACTICES OF TEACHING
MODELS OF FAMILY MINISTRY
CHOOSING & EVALUATING CURRICULUM
CHOOSING & EVALUATING CURRICULUM
BUILDING FAITH AT HOME
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY Elective
YOUTH MINISTRY Elective
LEADING AND CARING FOR OTHERS
YOUTH OR CHILDREN’S Ministry Elective
BGAV.ORG/EQUIPPINGNETWORK
YOUTH OR CHILDREN’S Ministry Elective
LATEST MINISTRY JOBS • Associate Pastor for Outreach @ Haymarket Baptist Church, Haymarket, VA • Associate Pastor of Families @ First Baptist Church, Martinsburg, WV • Pastor @ Central Baptist Church, Appomattox, VA • Gift Processing and Cash Receipts Assistant @ Baptist General Association of Virginia, Henrico, VA • Senior Pastor @ Monument Heights Baptist Church, Richmond, VA • PT Music Minister/Worship Leader @ Hatcher Memorial Baptist Church, Richmond, VA • PT Choir Director @ Mount Hermon Baptist Church, Moseley, VA
• PT Youth Minister @ First Baptist Church of Hillsville, Hillsville, VA
• Minister of Contemporary Worship @ First Baptist Church, Huntsville, AL
• PT Pianist @ First Baptist Church of Hillsville, Hillsville, VA
• PT Children’s Ministry Director @ Friendship Baptist Church, Chesterfield, VA
• PT Worship Music Director @ First Baptist Church of Hillsville, Hillsville, VA
• PT Children & Youth Director @ Antioch Baptist Church, Sandston, VA
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MISSIONS MONDAY
AT THE BGAV ANNUAL MEETING NOVEMBER 11–13, 2019 BONSACK BAPTIST CHURCH ROANOKE, VA
JOIN US ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11 FOR MISSIONS MONDAY! • Missions-focused breakout sessions • Introduction to Disaster Response training opportunity on site at Bonsack Baptist Church • Evening program challenging the Church about its future, featuring Matt Thornhill and Alia Abboud
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