SBCV Executive Committee Report

by  James A. Bradshaw                                                                                                                             Vol. VI, No. 8, October 1993

[Jim Bradshaw is pastor of Norview Baptist Church, Norfolk, and first vice president of the SBCV.]

On Tuesday, October 12, the SBCV Executive committee met in Richmond.

This meeting was, in my opinion, the most productive one we have had. Though a number of members could not be present for reasons varying from car trouble to church emergencies, it was a very candid time together in which committee members shared their hearts. The greatest desire for most was that a clear direction be established for the SBCV and clarification as to why we exist. Many, myself included, did not feel that, as yet, the SBCV has established a clear enough vision statement or statement of purpose to sincerely ask churches to send us money, and send it with a clear conscience.

Most present felt that there should be ongoing dialogue with the BGAV leadership to attempt to find some form of cooperation and common ground that both could live with without compromising their theology. My feeling here is that we must define cooperation and decide to what extent we are ready to open our umbrella. The question remaining in my mind is, what constitutes compromise and what will we hold as non-negotiables.

We have agreed, as the Executive committee, to meet again after the first of the year to mold together a clearcut statement of purpose and hopefully a means through which Virginia may be reached for Jesus Christ. A purpose and actions that must be bathed in prayer and enacted in love.

We covet your prayers as we seek the Lord's direction.

Remember, these are uncharted waters on which we are sailing in Virginia. We, of the SBCV, have embarked on a bold journey; now let us keep in mind Who our Navigator must be.

[Editorial Comment: The meeting also agreed upon two mission endeavors, the first for the SBCV. The next issue of the Banner will describe these initiatives]