Glory to God, for He Has Done a New Thing!                   

We Have a New State Convention!

by T. C. Pinckney                                                                                 Vol. IX, No. 8, September 1996

           Over 500 expectant Baptists gathered at Grove Avenue Baptist Church, Richmond, on Monday afternoon, 16 September, for the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia. After praise and worship led by Greg Sims, Scripture and prayer by Terry Harper, and a gracious welcome by host pastor Ron Boswell, the business session began.

           SBCV Executive Director Doyle Chauncey brought his encouraging and insightful report in which he answered a number of frequently asked questions and then discussed four pitfalls to avoid: (1) “We must identify and stand firm on essential theological and biblical absolutes, but allow for ‘healthy’ diversity and differences in other matters.” (2) “We must be alert and ready to contend for the faith, but always careful to avoid being contentious and hypercritical of others. ... The best way to ‘fight’ liberalism is to start new conservative churches and interface with our seminaries to get conservative pastors into Virginia.” (3) One of the greatest challenges facing us is the temptation to design and build a state convention according to paradigms proven to be ineffective in the past.” (4) “To expect too much too soon, especially in physical facilities and specialized programs, may cause disappointment for some. We [should not] mistakenly ask, ‘What’s in it for me and my church?’ The appropriate response to the challenge should be, ‘What do you need from me, and what can I do to help?’”

           President Bob Melvin, pastor of Spotswood Baptist Church, Fredericksburg, presented the Executive Committee recommendation:   "...that the SBCV ...declare itself a state convention aligned with the Southern Baptist Convention. The Executive Committee further recommends that the present organization of the SBCV ... remain in place until a transition committee, as appointed by the president, has brought its recommendation at the 1997 Annual Meeting or at a called meeting prior thereto."

           Now the surprises began. When the chair pointed out the four floor microphones and asked those who wished to discuss the motion to step to a mike, NO ONE stood to speak. Bob was visibly surprised, and asked again. Still no one moved, and after another rather lengthy pause to give any desiring to speak opportunity to do so, the vote was taken by raised ballots. There were NO negative votes. At first there was a surprised and absolute silence, but as messengers realized their unanimity, there was prolonged, standing applause and many “Amens.”

           And so, a new day has dawned for Virginia Southern Baptists. We have with God’s guidance and great effort overcome past difficulties. As we move into the future, new and different challenges will require our focus. Doyle closed his report by saying,

                       Let’s work together until Jesus comes, always in His strength, always for His

                        glory. Together we can make a difference in Virginia and beyond! And in the end,

                        it will truly be worth it all to have given our time, resources, and individual loyalty

                        to the One who gives us Eternal and Abundant Life through His Son Jesus Christ.

           Outgoing president Bob Melvin announced those appointed to the Transition Committee: new president Terry Harper; immediate past president Bob Melvin; executive director Kelly Burris; past interim executive director Howard Baldwin; Ron Boswell, pastor of Grove Avenue BC; D. B. Martin, pastor of Natural Bridge BC; and T. C. Pinckney, editor of The Baptist Banner. Please pray for the Transition Committee as we seek the Lord’s guidance in discerning and designing the changes necessary to transform the Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia into the most efficient and effective state convention assisting local Southern Baptist churches to win the lost for Christ, develop believers, and promote missions and evangelism.

[See separate articles on SBCV elections and resolutions.]