Virginia Baptist Bible Conference

                                                                                                                                                                          Vol. II, No. 3, August 1989

For a number of years many conservative Virginia Baptists have not attended the annual BGAV convention in November. Perhaps the primary reason has been a feeling of isolation, frustration, and futility. Conservative views have been repeatedly ignored, flouted, and rebuked. Conservative pastors have been pressured to conform to the state leadership's line and included in events largely only to the extent they did conform or at least kept quiet about their theological beliefs and the action policies springing from those beliefs. Met with reactions varying from bemused toleration at best and extending as far as ridicule and mischief making at worst, it is no wonder conservative representation at state conventions has dwindled to a faithful but masochistic remnant.

This situation must change. For the last three years we have met at a conservative luncheon on Tuesday of the BGAV convention, and this meeting has grown from around 50 in 1986 to 170 in 1988. Last year we also held a Monday evening dinner meeting which was well attended, considering total conservatives at the convention.

In November 1989 we will take another major step toward making the state convention a time when Christ will be glorified and when conservative Virginia Southern Baptists will be spiritually fed, will have opportunities to fellowship with others who hold to an infallible Bible, and will enjoy themselves.

On Monday evening, 13 November, beginning at 6:30 p.m. we will sponsor the first annual Virginia Baptist Bible Conference. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Jimmy Draper, past president of the Southern Baptist Convention. The location will be the ballroom of the Roanoke/Salem Airport Sheraton.

At lunch on Tuesday we will hold the fourth annual Baptist Banner Luncheon. The time will be as soon as possible after the morning BGAV business session adjourns, and again we will meet at the Sheraton.

Pastors, come and bring your laymen with you.

Laymen and pastors, let's turn out to praise God, enjoy each other, and vote our convictions. Put these dates on your calendar now. And spread news of these opportunities among your conservatives friends. We will never turn Virginia around unless we vote, and we cannot vote if we don't attend the meetings. Come hear Jimmy Draper and our other speakers (who will be announced later), enjoy the outstanding music, share fellowship, and stay to vote!