BGAV Program Guide 2024

Free John 8:36

PROGRAM GUIDE 201ST ANNUAL MEETING OF THE BAPTIST GENERAL ASSOCIATION OF VIRGINIA NOVEMBER 11–13, 2024 FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH ALEXANDRIA, VA

connecting + developing congregations + leaders for an ever-changing world

Visit us outside the sanctuary near the registration area!

EXPERIENCE BGAV an immersive experience of BGAV missions and ministries

FEATURING FIVE AREAS! FIND YOUR PEOPLE.

KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS. LEVEL UP YOUR SKILLS. NAVIGATE CULTURAL CHANGE. GET THE TOOLS YOU NEED.

GET THE WHOVA APP TO MAKE THE MOST OF THIS YEAR’S MEETING!

FAITH-BASED LEARNING

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GIVEN TO 99% OF ON-CAMPUS STUDENTS

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Free John 8:36

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

.

EVENT MAP

6–7

MINISTRY FAIR MAP

8–9

ANNUAL MEETING PROGRAM

PS

F NTS

5

14–20

MONDAY

14

TUESDAY

16

WEDNESDAY

19

GUEST SPEAKERS

26–27

PROGRAM PERSONNEL

32–33

BREAKOUT SESSIONS

36–42

MONDAY SESSIONS (4:00 P.M.)

36

TUESDAY SESSIONS #1 (2:30 P.M.)

38

TUESDAY SESSIONS #2 (3:45 P.M.)

41

SPECIAL EVENTS

43

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www.leland.edu (703)812-4757

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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! GOLD-LEVEL SPONSORS Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty

International Mission Board

Baptist World Alliance Baylor University’s Truett Seminary

Old Town Community Church/ Building for Hope

Convergence

Stoneford Advisors/Auxilio Partners

EverBless

TAB Media Group/The Baptist Paper

Leland Seminary

Guardian Financial Group

SILVER-LEVEL SPONSORS Augusta Baptist Association

Oak Hill Academy

Christian Holiday Traditions

OneChild

Evangelical Council for Abuse Prevention

Peptalk Ministries, LLC

Food for the Hungry

Virginia Baptist Historical Society

Sitter Tree

BRONZE-LEVEL SPONSORS Ascent Bland Ministry Center Bluefield University Campbell University Divinity School Chaplaincy Relations CrossRoads Camp & Conference Center GraceInside GuideStone HopeTree Family Services

McAfee School of Theology, Mercer University Send Relief Virginia Baptist Committed Virginia Baptist Women in Ministry Virginia Church Library Association Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies Woman’s Missionary Union of Virginia

OTHER SPONSORS Baptist Extension Board

Capital Stewardship Services

Camp Piankatank

Center for Lifelong Learning at Columbia Seminary

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AV!” AREA

Y

IONS

CHAPEL

ATRIUM

MAIN LEVEL

350A

356

355

351

353

354

(FAC)

SECOND FLOOR

BGAV TAILGATE (MONDAY)

MINISTRY FAIR

352

341

342

343

ENTRANCE #3

ELEVATOR

336

335 ELEVATOR

334 333

320

SANCTUARY

MAIN SESSIONS

FOYER

STAIRS

300

STAIRS

332 325

324

“EXPERIENCE BGAV!” AREA

(SANCTUARY BELOW) ELEVATOR

BALCONY

REGISTRATION

FRONT PARKING LOT

STAIRS

STAIRS

SIDE PARKING LOT

STAIRS

FIRST FLOOR

340

6 STAIRS

CHAPEL

BGAV TAILGATE (MONDAY)

SIDE PARKING LOT

EVENT MAP FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF ALEXANDRIA, VA

STAIRS

ATRI 3

3

EL

STAIRS

350B

350A

356

355

351

353

354

THIRD FLOOR

352

341

335 336

342

343

340

STAIRS

334

303

ELEVATOR

302

333

300

332

(SANCTUARY BELOW)

BALCONY

STAIRS

301

325

324

320

A

7

STAIRS

8

HopeTree Family Services.......................................34

GuideStone................................................................28

Guardian Financial Group....................................... 17

GraceInside...................................................................1

Food for the Hungry................................................... 5

EverBless..................................................................... 37

Evangelical Council for Abuse Prevention............31

CrossRoads Camp & Conference Center............. 33

Convergence...............................................................14

Christian Holiday Traditions.....................................15

Chaplaincy Relations................................................ 23

Campbell University Divinity School....................... 2

Bluefield University...................................................12

Woman’s Missionary Union of Virginia................ 32

Virginia Baptist Women in Ministry........................10

Virginia Baptist Committed....................................30

Virginia Church Library Association...................... 26

Virginia Baptist Historical Society......................... 24

TAB Media Group/The Baptist Paper....................38

Stoneford Advisors/Auxilio Partners............... 21–22

Sitter Tree....................................................................16

Send Relief................................................................. 29

Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies.............................................. 25

Peptalk Ministries, LLC............................................. 35

OneChild...................................................................... 9

Old Town Community Church/ Building for Hope...................................................13

Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty...... 6

Bland Ministry Center.............................................. 27

Oak Hill Academy....................................................... 4

McAfee School of Theology at Mercer University............................................... 11

Baylor University’s Truett Seminary ......................18

Baptist World Alliance...............................................19

Leland Seminary.......................................................36

BOOTH #

Augusta Baptist Association/ messenger bag distribution.............................7–8

EXHIBITOR International Mission Board...................................20

BOOTH #

Ascent............................................................................ 3

EXHIBITOR

MINISTRY FAIR LOCATED ON FIRST FLOOR (FAC)

9

31

32

33

34

14

13

FOOD SERVICE

2

1

15

3

16

4

35

17

5

36

18

6 20

8

MAIN CHURCH AREA

19

7

BAG PICKUP

EverBless Meet & Greet Area

ATRIUM

SIDE PARKING LOT

21

9 22

10

37

23

11

24

12

30

38

29

28

25

27

26

While you’re visiting the Ministry Fair area, be sure to check out the Meet & Greet Stage­— sponsored by EverBless—for a comfortable place to chat and connect, or come during designated times throughout the meeting to hear from various special guests.

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From Start to Finish...

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MEETING SCHEDULE MONDAY AFTERNOON, NOVEMBER 11 Registration Open 12:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Ministry Fair Open 12:00 – 4:45 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

BGAV Tailgate (on-site lunch options available)

2:00 p.m.

BGAV Town Hall Gathering Sanctuary Facilitated by Wayne Faison with panelists: • Lisa Rodriguez-Watson, Missio Alliance • TaNikka Sheppard, North American Baptist Fellowship • Minho Song, Tyndale Seminary/Young Nak Korean Presbyterian Church in Toronto • Nathan Taylor, Virginia Baptist Historical Society

4:00 p.m.

Breakout Sessions (see pages 36–37)

Special Events • Virginia Baptist Pastor’s Conference (4:00 p.m.)

Sanctuary

• Food for the Hungry/Nicaragua Partnership Impact Missions Presentation (4:00 p.m.)

Room 350A

5:30 p.m.

Dinner (on-site for pre-registered individuals only)

Special Dinner Gatherings • Next Gen Track • Nicaragua Partnership Impact Missions Dinner

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Chapel Room 350B

• Korean Fellowship

Room 301

• Virginia Baptist Women in Ministry

Room 302

• Leland Seminary

Room 320

NOTE: items in BLUE will be livestreamed.

Access livestream coverage through the Whova app or at meeting.bgav.org.

MONDAY EVENING, NOVEMBER 11 MAIN SESSION #1: “FREEDOM IN CHURCH” FBC-Alexandria Sanctuary

Music: FBC-Alexandria’s Adult, Youth, and Children’s Choirs 6:45 p.m.

Prelude

7:00 p.m.

Special Music

FBC-Alexandria Choirs

Welcome Special Music

Wayne Faison FBC-Alexandria Choirs

Message: “Freedom in Church” Special Music

Robert Stephens FBC-Alexandria Choirs

Prayer

8:15 p.m.

Carter Tan

Voting Introduction

Becky McKinney

Closing

Becky McKinney

BOOK CLUBS THROUGHOUT THE MEETING! If you signed up for a book club meeting, don’t forget to attend at the following times:

Tuesday, November 12 at 7:30 a.m. - Room 341 All My Knotted-Up Life: A Memoir by Beth Moore (facilitator: Sylvia Hobgood) Tuesday, November 12 at 9:00 p.m. - Room 341 Jesus and the Powers by N.T. Wright and Michael F. Bird (facilitator: Adam Tyler) Wednesday, November 13 at 7:30 a.m. - Room 341 The Exvangelicals by Sarah McCammon (facilitator: Maria Lynn)

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TUESDAY MORNING, NOVEMBER 12 Registration Open 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Ministry Fair Open 8:00 – 4:45 p.m.

MAIN SESSION #2: “FREEDOM IN COMMUNITY” FBC-Alexandria Sanctuary

Presiding: Becky McKinney Music: Columbia Church Praise Team, Falls Church, VA 8:45 a.m.

Prelude

9:00 a.m.

Welcome and Call to Order

Becky McKinney

Report of Committee on Program Special Music

Stephen Gray Columbia Church Praise Band

Theme Interpretation Message: “Freedom in Community” Special Music

Miriam Swanson

Columbia Church Praise Band

Prayer

Austin Williams

Intermission Business Session: • Report of the Clerk

Nathan Taylor

• Report of Committee on Boards & Committees

Mark Mofield

• Nominations for the Committee on Boards & Committees

Becky McKinney

• Report of the Treasurer

David Washburn

• Report of Virginia Baptist Executive Board

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Brooke Blake

NOTE: items in BLUE will be livestreamed.

Access livestream coverage through the Whova app or at meeting.bgav.org.

• Report of BGAV Task Force on Women in Ministry

Brooke Blake

• Resolutions of Appreciation

Wayne Faison

• Executive Director’s Report

Wayne Faison

• 2025 Budget Presentation

David Washburn

• Miscellaneous Business Prayer

Lucianne Warren

TUESDAY AFTERNOON, NOVEMBER 12 12:00 p.m.

Lunch (on-site options available)

Special Lunch Gatherings • Next Gen Track

Chapel

• Uptick Luncheon

Room 343

2:30 p.m.

Breakout Sessions (see pages 38–40)

3:45 p.m.

Breakout Sessions (see pages 41–42)

4:45 p.m.

Dinner

Special Dinner Gatherings • BGAV Massed Choir Rehearsal and Dinner • African-American Fellowship of Virginia

Glory Days, 3141 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

Room 350A-B Off site

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TUESDAY EVENING, NOVEMBER 12 MAIN SESSION #3: “FREEDOM IN CHRIST” FBC-Alexandria Sanctuary

Music: Commonwealth Worship 6:45 p.m.

Prelude

7:00 p.m.

Welcome

Congregational Worship

Vernon Gordon, Lora Gravatt, and Jordan Allen Commonwealth Worship

Message

Elijah Brown

Congregational Worship

Commonwealth Worship

Interactive Prayer Moment

Commonwealth Worship

Congregational Worship

Commonwealth Worship

Giving Moment: Offering for Southwest Virginia Missions Prayer

9:00 p.m.

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Closing

Tim Brown

Danielle Bridgeforth and Commonwealth Prayer Team Becky McKinney and Jordan Allen

NOTE: items in BLUE will be livestreamed.

Access livestream coverage through the Whova app or at meeting.bgav.org.

WEDNESDAY MORNING, NOVEMBER 13 Registration Open 8:00 – 10:30 a.m.

Ministry Fair Open 8:00 – 10:30 a.m.

MAIN SESSION #4: “FREE INDEED!” FBC-Alexandria Sanctuary

Presiding: Becky McKinney Music: BGAV Massed Choir - Alan Miller, Director 8:45 a.m.

Prelude

9:00 a.m.

Welcome and Call to Order

Becky McKinney

Business Session: • 2025 Budget Approval

David Washburn

• Report of Committee on Resolutions

Pam Moyer

• Election of Mission Council Nominees

Becky McKinney

• Election of Executive Board Nominees

Rachel Pierce

• Election of Executive Board Chair

Rachel Pierce

• Recognition of Standing Committee Chairs

Becky McKinney

• Recognition of Retiring Mission Council Members

Becky McKinney

• Recognition of Retiring Executive Board Members

Wayne Faison

• Election of BGAV President • Election of BGAV First Vice President • Election of BGAV Second Vice President • Election of BGAV Clerk

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• Recognition and Prayer for Leadership

Wayne Faison

Intermission Special Music

BGAV Massed Choir

Memorial Service: • Introduction

Holly Nichols

• Scripture • Memorial Video • Prayer Special Music

BGAV Massed Choir

Message: “Free Indeed!”

Wayne Faison

Invitation to BGAV 2025 Annual Meeting

Stephen Gray

Closing Thoughts

Wayne Faison

Benediction

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Bryon LePere

BGAV President Elect

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Learn Together.

Worship Together.

Grow Together.

At Baylor University’s Truett Seminary, we believe that people can best prepare for ministry in the context of a caring, Christ-centered community. Our shared mission is fueled by common commitments, resilient relationships, academic instruction, and spiritual formation. At Truett, students, faculty, and staff journey together, united in the belief that we are better together.

Whether you are discerning your calling, preparing for pastoral leadership, or pursuing related professional goals, at Baylor’s Truett Seminary you will find a place where your unique gifts and calling matter. We are more than an institution where you can pursue theological education — we are a community of men and women dedicated to gospel work and witness and to one another.

Join us at Truett Seminary, where life together shapes our mission and strengthens our impact.

Learn more at baylor.edu/truett.

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Missio Alliance MARCH 6—8 Columbia Baptist Church, Northern VA

You’re invited to explore how the church can embody wholeness and beauty as a missional witness —through engaging workshops, storytelling, and interactive discussions, we aim to cultivate a vision for the church that reflects God's restoration and renewal.

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GUEST SPEAKERS ELIJAH BROWN

GENERAL SECRETARY AND CEO, BAPTIST WORLD ALLIANCE

Rev. Dr. Elijah M. Brown is the General Secretary and CEO of the Baptist World Alliance (BWA). Founded in 1905, the BWA is a Christian World Communion that draws upon 400 years of shared Baptist history with 253 member bodies in 130 countries and territories representing over 51 million baptized believers and 176,000 churches.

As General Secretary and CEO, Rev. Dr. Brown has the overall leadership responsibilities for the BWA and is its chief representative within the Baptist family and to governments, global organizations and institutions, and other Christian World Communions and faith traditions.

Elected as the ninth General Secretary and the youngest in the history of the BWA, Rev. Dr. Brown brings strategic and visionary leadership as the principal leader to the Baptist movement as well as a ministry passion for the vision of the BWA to “network the Baptist family to impact the world for Christ.”

WAYNE FAISON

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, BGAV SENIOR PASTOR, EAST END BAPTIST CHURCH, SUFFOLK, VA

Rev. Dr. Wayne Faison is the executive director of the Baptist General Association of Virginia. He was elected to the position by the messengers to the 199th BGAV Annual Meeting in November 2022. Dr. Faison previously had served on the staff for 21 years, contributing especially in the areas of African-American church development, evangelism, and church planting. At the time of his election as executive director, he was the leader of the Growth/ Venture Team as well as the national coordinating officer for the BGAV’s Ascent Team.

A native of Florida, Dr. Faison and his wife, Carmen, were easily and enthusiastically welcomed into the life and work of Virginia Baptists and have found a home among them. He serves as senior pastor of the East End Baptist Church in Suffolk. Prior to going into the Gospel ministry, he worked in the banking field. He holds a Doctor of Ministry degree as well as a Master of Divinity degree from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He also earned a “mini-MBA” from the University of Richmond.

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ROBERT STEPHENS

SENIOR PASTOR, FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, ALEXANDRIA, VA

Robert is the Senior Pastor at First Baptist Church of Alexandria, Virginia. Through a Divine intervention, Robert stepped into his first ministerial position at the age of 19. He currently has two decades of pastoral experience utilizing his gifts of teaching, leadership, and discernment. These gifts provide him with the ability to help people walk in obedience with the redemptive work of God. Robert is passionate about personally sharing the good news of Christ with people and he believes that every Christ follower should be actively sharing this news with others as well.

Robert holds a B.S. in Animal Science from Tarleton State University, a Master of Divinity in Theology from Logsdon Seminary at Hardin Simmons University, and a Doctor of Ministry in Biblical Studies from Liberty University. In addition, he currently serves as a Chaplain (MAJ) in the United States Army Reserves with the Office of the Chief of Chaplains working in the Proponency Assistant Directorate.

He and April were married in 2010 and they have three children, Allie (10), Kate (8), and Julia who is (6). They met in college and before starting a family, April was a veterinarian technician and dog trainer. The Stephens family enjoys RV traveling, visiting sights in our Nation’s Capital, family game nights and spending time together. They relocated from central Texas in 2023 to join the First Baptist family.

One of Robert’s favorite verses of scripture comes from Acts 20:24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

MIRIAM SWANSON

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, FUSION USA

Miriam has been equipping local churches to love, reach and disciple university students through the Fusion Movement for over a decade. She moved from the UK in 2019 and is now pioneering Fusion USA from her home in Florida where she lives with her husband Ben, and two small children. She travels to speak and train the church internationally, is passionate about mission and raising younger leaders, and adores this wild new adventure of being a mum.

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BUILDING FOR

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Equipping congregations to repurpose their underutilized facilities to advance their missions, serve their communities, and glorify God. Learn more at www.buildingforhope.org

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Helping Ministers We take pride in providing Ministers and other community Our clients have worked hard throughout their careers to serve others, and we understand that they don’t want to be a burden to their communities and congregations.

Our Core Services Housing Allowance for Ministers Tax Issues for Ministers Social Security Optimization Investment Strategies Retirement Planning Church Retirement Plans

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Together We Secure Faith Freedom For All Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty values the rich and historic relationship with the Baptist General Association of Virginia. Virginia is the birthplace of the First Amendment, and Virginia Baptists have long known that separation and church and state are good for both.

BJConline.org

As Christians, our faith teaches us everyone is created in God’s image and commands us to love one another. As Americans, we value our system of government and the good that can be accomplished in our constitutional democracy. Today, we are concerned about a persistent threat to both our religious communities and our democracy — Christian nationalism.

Christian nationalism seeks to merge Christian and American identities, distorting both the Christian faith and America’s constitutional democracy.

Christian nationalism demands Christianity be privileged by the State and implies that to be a good American, one must be Christian. It often overlaps with and provides cover for white supremacy and racial subjugation. We reject this damaging political ideology and invite our Christian brothers and sisters to join us in opposing this threat to our faith and to our nation.

Join thousands of Christians: Read and sign the full statement at ChristiansAgainstChristianNationalism.org

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PROGRAM PERSONNEL • Jordan Allen, Worship Director, Gateway Community Church, South Riding, VA • Brooke Blake, Chair, BGAV Executive Board; Associate Pastor of Youth and Media, Memorial Baptist Church, Arlington, VA • Danielle Bridgeforth, Member of the BGAV Mission Council; Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church of Clarendon, Arlington, VA • Elijah Brown, General Secretary and CEO, Baptist World Alliance • Tim Brown, Member of the BGAV Mission Council; Senior Pastor, Highlands Fellowship, Abingdon, VA • Columbia Church Praise Team, Falls Church, VA • Commonwealth Worship • Wayne Faison, Executive Director, BGAV/Ascent, Henrico, VA; Senior Pastor, East End Baptist Church, Suffolk, VA • First Baptist Church Choirs, Alexandria, VA • Vernon Gordon, Senior Pastor, The Life Church RVA, Richmond, VA • Lora Gravatt, Member of the BGAV Executive Board; Pastor for Discipleship, Columbia Church, Falls Church, VA • Stephen Gray, Chair, Committee on Program; Associate Pastor, Westwood Baptist Church, Springfield, VA • Bryon LePere, Senior Pastor, Gayton Baptist Church, Richmond, VA • Gary Long, Chief Marketing Officer, BGAV/Ascent, Henrico, VA • Becky McKinney, BGAV President; Member of Chatham Heights Baptist Church, Martinsville, VA • Alan Miller, Pastor, Orange Baptist Church, Orange, VA • Mark Mofield, Chair, Committee on Boards and Committees; Senior Pastor, Melrose Baptist Church, Roanoke, VA • Pam Moyer, Chair, Committee on Resolutions; Senior Pastor, The United Baptist Church, Annandale, VA

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• Holly Nichols, Chair, Committee on Memorial; Church Treasurer, North Fork Baptist Church, Purcellville, VA • Rachel Pierce, Member of the BGAV Executive Board; Member of First Baptist Church, Ashland, VA • Lisa Rodriguez-Watson, National Director, Missio Alliance • TaNikka Sheppard, General Secretary, North American Baptist Fellowship • Minho Song, Adjunct Professor, Tyndale Seminary; Senior Pastor, Young Nak Korean Presbyterian Church, Toronto • Robert Stephens, Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church, Alexandria, VA • Miriam Swanson, Executive Director, Fusion USA • Carter Tan, Member of the BGAV Mission Council; Associate Pastor, Grace Chinese Baptist Church, Manakin-Sabot, VA • Nathan Taylor, BGAV Clerk; Executive Director, Virginia Baptist Historical Society Member of River Road Church, Baptist, Richmond, VA • Austin Williams, Member of the BGAV Mission Council; Senior Pastor, Mulberry Grove Baptist Church, Buckingham, VA • David Washburn, Treasurer, BGAV, Henrico, VA; Member of Second Baptist Church, Richmond, VA • Lucianne Warren, President of Woman’s Missionary Union of Virginia; Member of Grace Hills Baptist Church, Appomattox, VA

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SA STONEFORD ADVISORS

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Management:

Organization: Health Insurance

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FOR THE BENEFIT OF BGAV MEMBERS

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Tax Insurance Investment advisory services offered through Mutual Advisors, LLC DBA Stoneford Advisors, an SEC registered investment adviser.

Stoneford Advisors, nor any of its members, are tax accountants or legal attorneys, and do not provide tax or legal advice. For tax or legal advice, you should consult your tax or legal professional.

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BREAKOUT SESSIONS MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11 (4:00 - 5:15 p.m.)

N

Building Bridges to Help Transition Next Gen through Important Life and Faith Stages in the Church CHAPEL

This session will focus on how to build bridges that help transition Next Gen through important life and faith stages in the church.

Led by Miriam Swanson (Fusion US), Doyna Illmer (Columbia, Falls Church), and Brandon Shook (Fusion US) P

The People, The Process, the Pulpit: How to Hire and Keep a Pastor ROOM 302

Empty pulpits abound; churches without pastors struggle to discern the best path forward.

Join the faculty of Leland Seminary in exploring how congregations must move in unity through the hiring process and into the caring process of calling and keeping a pastor.

Led by Ken Pruitt, John McNeil, and Andrey Shirin D

Disaster Response and Hands-On Ministry in Your Community ROOM 343

Participants will explore the principles of Disaster Response with a focus on how Impact Missions engages with local communities and how a church can develop a partnership with the key responders in their community and apply Disaster Response principles to local church ministry.

Led by Glenn Maddox and Kristen Curtis High-Speed Broadband Ubiquity ROOM 325

Learn how the Church can play a leading role in delivering high speed internet access to the local community. Particularly in rural areas, a church can provide the physical location, assets, and local relationships to deliver this connectivity to everyone.

Led by Tom York

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TRACKS DENOTED BY: P

Pastoral Wellness Track

N

Next Gen Track

D

Disaster Response and Church Security Track

Free in Christ: An Introduction to Biblical Justice ROOM 351

God’s love frees us to do justice and extend mercy. At times, the authentic, tangible promotion of realistic freedom for others in accordance with God’s love can put believers at odds with what is favorable in the eyes of the world. Leland Seminary invites you to learn the tangible love that motivates the Institute for Justice Formation and beckons us to promote God’s justice in this world.

Led by Sam Feemster Religious Liberty: Our Virginia Baptist Heritage and Future ROOM 324

The liberty for everyone to practice their faith – or no faith at all – free from governmental interference is a core freedom for both Baptists and Americans more generally. Where did that freedom come from, and what impact does it have on us today?

Led by Shelton Miles, BGAV Religious Liberty Committee

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12 (2:30 - 3:30 p.m.)

Executive Board and Budget Dialogue SANCTUARY

Do you have questions about any of the business being conducted this year or about the 2025 budget? Messengers and guests alike are welcome to attend this session to ask questions and discuss business-related items with BGAV leadership.

Led by David Washburn and BGAV Executive Board What’s at Stake for Young Leaders in Religious Liberty?

ROOM 343

Religious liberty is one of the core Baptist principles, and it has consistently proven relevant to the concerns of our constantly changing world. How can we, as rising generations of leaders in Baptist life, understand and engage with issues of religious liberty – and why is it so important?

Led by Adam Tyler, BGAV Religious Liberty Committee N

Developing a Culture of Leadership Who Provide Permission and Support to Next Gen CHAPEL

This session will help ministries develop a culture of leadership who provide permission and support to Next Gen. Led by Miriam Swanson (Fusion US), James Wilson (Freedom Life, Norfolk), and Lora Gravatt (Columbia, Falls Church)

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TRACKS DENOTED BY:

P

P

Pastoral Wellness Track

N

Next Gen Track

D

Disaster Response and Church Security Track

Why Stay ROOM 320

So many of us are feeling stretched thin as we try to address the complexities of our communities, the rapidly-changing cultural landscape, and the daily demands of the pastorate.

This 60-minute interactive breakout session offers a glimpse at how to examine the joys and difficulties of our ministry journeys and to look forward with curiosity and discovery regarding seasons of ministry ahead.

Led by Lisa Rodriguez-Watson, David Nishizaki, and Sarah Schepens P

God’s Call to Healthy Marriages for Ministry Leaders ROOM 302

Serving as a minister and maintaining a healthy marriage can be a tricky dance with smashed toes and/or absolute nirvana. Navigating this critical relationship while serving in kingdom work is a high calling that takes work. When done well, it can be remarkably freeing.

Led by Dave Peppler P

Emotional Intelligence as Faithful Discipleship ROOM 303

Faithfully following Jesus is to experience the deep joy and real challenge of doing life together. In this dialogue-driven session, we will explore practices of Emotional Intelligence that foster healthy, meaningful relationships and empower us to navigate interpersonal conflict with integrity and hope.

Led by Sara Hubble and Casey Ogden P

Pastoral Wellness Includes Centering Discipleship ROOM 350A

The expectation on pastoral calling often leads to burnout and comes at a cost to the pastor’s family and loved ones. In this session, we will dive into how centering discipleship in your church and ministries leads not only to flourishing for your church, but wholeness for you as the pastor. Centering discipleship makes all attendants in your church disciples who live into Jesus’ Great Commission while creating margins for pastors to lead more focused and whole lives.

Led by Eun Strawser

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D

Faith-Based Partnership – Federal and State Resources for Your Church ROOM 301

Participants will learn about how churches can be a good neighbor before a disaster, so they are able to respond when a disaster occurs. They will also learn about the nonprofit security grant – a federal grant available to churches and other nonprofit organizations to help them identify security threats in their facility and address those threats.

Led by Lisa Anderson D

2024 Hurricane Season Update and How Your Church Can Serve ROOM 351

Participants will receive an update on how BGAV has been responding to the 2024 Hurricane season and how they can prepare to serve as we move from relief into long-term recovery.

Led by Glenn Maddox and Kristen Curtis

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TRACKS DENOTED BY: P

Pastoral Wellness Track

N

Next Gen Track

D

Disaster Response and Church Security Track

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12 (3:45 - 4:45 p.m.)

A Time with the Task Force on Women in Ministry: The Report and Next Steps ROOM 343

This session will provide updates on the task force’s work.

Led by BGAV Women in Ministry Task Force N

Adapting and Applying Practices to Know and Serve Next Gen in Your Unique Ministry Context CHAPEL

This session will explore concrete next steps to adapt and apply practices to know and serve Next Gen in your unique ministry context.

Led by Miriam Swanson (Fusion US) and Welford Orrock (Kairos Initiative, BGAV) P

Becoming an Emotionally Healthier Pastor ROOM 303

In this interactive session, participants will come away with a better understanding of one’s own feelings and needs in order to foster a healthier relationship with oneself, with others, and with God. Led by Michael Cheuk D

Faith Community Partnerships in Your Community and Across Virginia ROOM 301

In disaster response, the rule of thumb is that “every disaster is local,” so any response must begin with local partnerships. Participants will learn about the faith-based partnerships that have developed in Fairfax County and how churches can connect directly to responding agencies so they can be part of the solution. Participants will learn about the networks they have access to as BGAV churches and the Virginia Emergency Management Association’s Faith-Based Caucus.

Led by Courtney Arroyo, Michael Whiteaker, and Kimberly Ligon

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TRACKS DENOTED BY:

D

P

Pastoral Wellness Track

N

Next Gen Track

D

Disaster Response and Church Security Track

2024 Hurricane Season Update and How Your Church Can Serve ROOM 351

Participants will receive an update on how BGAV has been responding to the 2024 Hurricane season and how they can prepare to serve as we move from relief into long-term recovery.

Led by Glenn Maddox and Kristen Curtis P

Pastor as Person: The Proper Care and Feeding of a Pastor ROOM 302

As church ministries and congregations continue to face unimaginable changes, pastors continue to face prevailing challenges, unreal expectations, loneliness, and burnout. Join the Leland faculty in exploring the proper self-care of pastors, long term plans for support, and disciplines that create soul care and a true experience of sabbath.

Led by Daniel Dapaah, Abbie Tolbert, and John Lee

Pursue theological education at McAfee School of Theology

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theology.mercer.edu

678.547.6474

at

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SPECIAL EVENTS MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11 BGAV Tailgate

FBCA PARKING LOT 12:00 P.M.

Virginia Baptist Pastor’s Conference SANCTUARY 4:00 P.M.

Nicaragua Partnership Impact Missions Presentation and Dinner ROOM 350A-B 4:00 P.M.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12 Early Bird Book Club: All My Knotted-Up Life ROOM 341 7:30 A.M.

Next Gen Track Lunch CHAPEL 12:00 P.M.

Uptick Luncheon ROOM 343 12:00 P.M.

Next Gen Track Dinner CHAPEL 5:30 P.M.

Korean Fellowship Dinner ROOM 301 5:30 P.M.

Virginia Baptist Women in Ministry Dinner ROOM 302 5:30 P.M.

Leland Seminary Dinner ROOM 320 5:30 P.M.

BGAV Massed Choir Rehearsal and Dinner ROOM 350A-B 4:45 P.M.

African-American Fellowship of Virginia GLORY DAYS, 3141 DUKE STREET, ALEXANDRIA, VA 22314 4:45 P.M.

Late Night Book Club: Jesus and the Powers ROOM 341 9:00 P.M.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13 Early Bird Book Club: The Exvangelicals ROOM 341 7:30 A.M.

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WOUNDED MINISTERS RETREATS FOR CLERGY WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED A FORCED TERMINATION FROM A CONGREGATION OR MINISTRY SETTING. SPOUSES ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND.

SCAN TO LEARN MORE OR VISIT CTSNET.EDU

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Churches

SUPPORT WOMEN PASTORS

when they

HIRE WOMEN PASTORS www.vbwim.org Step away from the everyday to bring practical help and lasting hope.

To learn more and sign up for a life-changing trip, scan the code or text TRIPS to 888-123.

Msg and data rates apply.

National and International trips are available.

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Abide Preach 2025

“Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit.”

JOHN 15:5

PREACHING CONFERENCE Speakers

AMY PEELER Author & Professor of NT at Wheaton College

HABACUC DIAZ LOPEZ BGAV Latino Network Coordinator

STEVE COLLINS

ROBERT STEPHENS

Pastor, FBC Nickelsville, VA

Pastor, FBC Alexandria, VA

March 9 - 11, 2025 Eagle Eyrie Conference Center @ Lynchburg, VA Nov 11-13 only!

DISCOUNTED RATE $160

REGISTER TODAY!

preachva.org

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TELL US HOW WE DID! Scan the QR code below to complete our evaluation form and tell us about your experience at this year’s meeting!

To scan the code on most smartphones, open your phone’s camera app and position the screen over the square below.

Continue to your phone’s browser app when prompted.

Please answer all evaluation questions.

Paper evaluation forms will be available outside the sanctuary (Main Session) on Wednesday morning for those who prefer to fill out a printed form.

SAVE THE DATE! BGAV Annual Meeting November 10-12, 2025 Abingdon, VA

804.915.5000 BGAV.org

connecting + developing congregations + leaders for an ever-changing world