How Churches Can Combat
the Opioid Crisis in 2018
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Rev. Jonathan Davis, pastor of Beale Memorial Baptist Church in Tappahannock, VA, asks in our latest
BGAV Express
cover story: “In 2018, how is God calling your church to make a difference in the opioid crisis?” Davis highlights how his church and community are working together and offers four concrete ideas on how your church can make an impact in your local area. “Whether you realize it or not,” Davis concludes, “it already impacts your congregation.”
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Join Fresh Expressions for Vision Day in Fredericksburg!
August 11, 2018 - The Center for Faith and Leadership, Fredericksburg, VA
Summer is a great time to join the mission of God in the places where we live, work and play. Learn how to engage your community during this fun and interactive event. At the Vision Day you will discover:
- How fresh expressions of church are renewing the church around the world
- What it means for your church to be mission-shaped
- How to intentionally engage with the community beyond your church walls
- Tools for starting fresh expressions of church in your area
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Save the Date for Praxis
September 27-29, 2018 - Philadelphia, PA
Almost daily in local, national, and world news, we see evidence of leaders who abuse their power or whose character is questionable. In the last few decades, secular business practices and hierarchical structures imposed on the Church have taken their toll. We need another way forward. At Praxis 2018 we'll explore how we can move beyond what we already know and develop leadership approaches to illuminate soul-healthy men and women who lead together. Let's awaken our churches to equip and release all of God's people for mission. Join us and 250+ other planters and practitioners as we Reimagine Leadership in a New World.
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Register Now for Upcoming Leadership Conferences & Other Opportunities!
In the coming weeks and months, there are several new church leadership conferences, workshops, and other opportunities scheduled across Virginia. Be sure to check your calendar and register today! Check out what’s upcoming:
Sunday School Leadership Seminar
August 19, 2018 - Black Branch Baptist Church, Chase City, VA
This seminar is for pastors, Sunday School directors, teachers of all age groups, and all
youth workers. Come for encouragement, training, and the sharing of ideas at this free seminar!
Get more information.
The Promising Future of Small Churches
August 25, 2018 - Grace Hills Baptist Church, Appomattox, VA
This conference will teach participants the four essential elements of an effective small church, three real-life models of thriving small churches, and the five important questions every congregation should ask about its future. The seminar will feature breakout sessions, group-learning experiences, discussion, question-and-answer, futures scenario building, and PowerPoint presentations that will be available to all participants. Dr. Chuck Warnock, pastor of Chatham Baptist Church, is the keynote presenter.
Get more information and register online.
Empower Class 501: Foundation for Christian Coaching
August 27-28, 2018 - Dover Baptist Association office, Ashland, VA
Many pastors and lay leaders are learning the value of having a life and leadership coach come alongside them in their journey and help them take the steps necessary to move forward in their spiritual journeys. Join us for our introductory course, Empower 501: Foundation for Christian Coaching, and become a coach!
Learn more.
Small Group Discipleship: We All Need a Lifeboat
September 29, 2018 - Effort Baptist Church, Palmyra, VA
Our keynote speaker, Jim Ailor, has experience with being in lifeboats as a sailor, as well as launching LifeBoat ministries in several churches. He is the author of
LifeBoats: Friends with Purpose
- a guide to “doing life together.” Formerly the BGAV Field Strategist for the Northern region and a pastor, Jim’s general sessions will paint a picture of discipling in small groups using the metaphor of a lifeboat. BGAV Sunday School/Discipleship Specialist and Field Strategist for the Southside region, Tony Brooks, will also lead breakout sessions.
Get more information and register online.
Save the Date!
"The Cross-Shaped Family" Conference
October 14, 2018 - Linden Heights Baptist Church, Staunton, VA
Pay attention to details in upcoming emails about this family-focused event!
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Church Weekday Education Conference
September 22, 2018 - Mount Ararat Baptist Church, Stafford, VA
The Church Weekday Education Conference comes to Northern Virginia on September 22, cosponsored by the NorthStar Church Network. This conference will be different than the Richmond conference, so feel free to attend both! The plenary session is entitled "Talking to Parents" led by Janet Carter, followed by breakout sessions on the following topics:
Developmental Behavior vs. Red/Yellow Flags, Trauma Informed, Integrating the Bible into the Day, Puppets and Props, Multi–Intelligence, and Kindergarten Readiness. Early-bird pricing (through August 11) is $45/person or $40/person for 3+ participants from the same center; after August 11, the cost is $45/person with no group discounts.
Early-bird pricing ends on August 11, so register now!
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Gathering of Silence Retreat
October 8-11, 2018 - CrossRoads Camp & Conference Center
All pastors and church staff are invited to join us October 8-11 for the annual Gathering of Silence retreat. As in years past, Gathering of Silence participants will take a vow of silence for the 72-hour period of the retreat (from 12:00 p.m. Monday through 12:00 p.m. Thursday), including silent meals. There will be an optional “speaking” time of community held each evening from 7:00-9:00 p.m. All attendees are welcome to hike and enjoy the magnificent beauty of CrossRoads Camp and Conference Center, or explore nearby outlets for hunting, fishing, golf, etc.
Learn more and register online.
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Disaster Response Update
The response in Liberty, TX, after Hurricane Harvey is winding down. This week, several drivers have traveled there to retrieve Virginia Baptist Disaster Response trailers. Please be in prayer for these drivers as they head home.
Thanks be to God for all the volunteers who responded to this crisis!
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Stay Connected to Your BGAV Family
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Churches and ministries are posting new jobs to our ministry jobs board every week. Below are some of the most recent postings:
- PT Chaplain, Marion Correctional Center @ GraceInside/Marion Correctional Center, Marion, VA
- Pastor @ Glade Hill Baptist Church, Glade Hill, VA
- PT Youth Director @ Cambria Baptist Church, Christiansburg, VA
- Associate Pastor of Student Ministries @ Huguenot Road Baptist Church, North Chesterfield, VA
- Associate for Digital Storytelling and Social Media @ First Baptist Church, Richmond, VA
- PT Minister of Music @ First Baptist Church, Bluefield, WV
- Music Worship Leader/Education Director @ Cambria Baptist Church, Christiansburg, VA
- Senior Pastor @ Smithfield Baptist Church, Smithfield, VA
- Church Administrative Assistant @ Fairview Baptist Church, Fredericksburg, VA
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ARE YOU READING THE BGAV BLOG?
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The BGAV Blog contains stories, columns, resources, and news that can help your faith journey. View the latest posts:
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Lord, help me to rest a while in the cooling shade of your presence. Slow down my restless heart and fill me with gentle compassion for all your people. Amen.
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Stay Engaged with the BGAV!
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Baptist General Association of Virginia
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