SBCV messengers approve strategic plan, emphasize evangelism, and increase CP giving to SBC

by  Brandon Pickett                                                                                                                                Vol. XXII, No. 9, Nov/Dec 2009

Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia seized the opportunity of their thirteenth Annual Homecoming, November 8-10, to approve a strategic long-range plan, emphasize evangelism, engage in worship, and enjoy fellowship. More than 1,000 people, including 753 messengers and 308 guests, attended the three-day meeting at First Baptist Church of Norfolk, which centered on the theme of “Pushing Back the Darkness through Evangelism.”

Messengers unanimously approved a long-range plan that will guide SBCV as it assists local congregations in their task of fulfilling the great commission. SBCV’s Executive Board initiated a Vision 20/20 team in January to review its past, examine its present, and formulate a vision that focuses on the next decade, culminating in the year 2020. The Vision 20/20 Report (which you can view and download at www.sbcv.org) challenges the SBCV to function as a:

1. Multiplying missional network in which the number of affiliated churches doubles from over 500 to over 1,000;

2. Mobilizing missional network in which the number of churches committed to the Acts 1:8 Challenge rises from approximately 50 to over 500;

3. Maturing missional network in which 500 churches move to the next level in congregational health;

4. Sacrificial missional network in which an additional 0.25% of undesignated CP receipts will be forwarded to the Southern Baptist Convention each year for the next decade, subject to an annual review;

5. Streamlined missional network in which ministry staff and the SBCV calendar are streamlined for optimal Kingdom impact;

6. Contextualized missional network in which the unchanging message of the Gospel is communicated in the most effective manner possible for their context.

Throughout the meeting, the SBC national evangelism initiative, “God’s Plan for Sharing” (GPS), was highlighted and promoted. Churches were encouraged to join “Across Virginia,” which will begin statewide about a month before Easter 2010. The TV commercial, “Find It Here,” was shown in English and Spanish. Also shown were videos highlighting GPS pilot projects in Ontario, CA, and Philadelphia, PA.

Messengers adopted the 2010 budget of $9.2 million, which is line with actual projected receipts from 2009. Messengers also voted that 50.25% of all undesignated CP contributions will be invested monthly in direct missions through the Southern Baptist Convention. This reflects a quarter percent increase over 2009. Dr. Doyle Chauncey, assistant treasurer, stated that “early estimates indicate this could mean more than an additional $1 million given to SBC missions over the next decade.” [The SBCV state investment budget expects to receive $4,577,000 from CP funds plus $645,000 from the North American Mission Board, $55,000 from LifeWay, and $600,000 from strategic opportunity funds (savings) totaling $5,877,000. Of this amount $3,095,304 or 52.67% will be invested in multiplying churches located within the five regions of the SBCV; $2,315,572 or 39.4% will be invested in maturing churches; and $466,124 or 7.93% will be invested in mobilizing churches to be engaged in Acts 1:8 missions and ministries. Any unexpended funds will be carried forward for future church planting and other strategic ministry opportunities. TCP]

Special speakers included Dr. Danny Akin, president of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, who also held a question and answer session about the Great Commission Resurgence Task Force after his message; Dr. B. Gray Allison, president emeritus of Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary; Dr. Tom Elliff, former president of the SBC; Dr. Tim Hight, SBCV president and senior pastor of Main Street Baptist Church in Christiansburg, VA; and Dr. Jay Dennis, senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Lakeland, FL. Special musical guests included the Nelons, Lorenzo Jackson, Marc Ivey, and Paul Randlett, who led the convention praise team.

Eagle Awards were presented to 26 sponsoring churches and pastors who helped plant 23 churches. Rev. Mark Custalow, director of Multiplying Churches, shared that “a full 33% of SBCV churches have actively engaged in sponsoring a new church, which far surpasses the national average of 6%.”

[Messengers enthusiastically approved 16 new church affiliations, including two in North Carolina very close to the Virginia state line. Nine churches were reported dissolved, five withdrew this year, and two churches merged, resulting in 550 SBCV-affiliated churches. TCP]

The SBCV annually recognizes churches that lead the convention in baptisms and Cooperative Program giving. Dr. Jeff Ginn, executive director, gave the Pentecost Award to Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg for the highest number of total baptisms and Monumental Baptist Church in Petersburg for the highest number of baptisms per capita. Ginn also gave two Macedonia Awards for the churches with the highest CP giving. Liberty Baptist Church in Hampton was recognized for the highest total CP giving. Matoaca Baptist Church in Matoaca was recognized for the highest CP giving per capita.

The SBCV annually presents Nehemiah Awards to those who have helped in either the formation of the SBCV or have been instrumental in leadership and service to the SBCV. This year, Chauncey presented Nehemiah Awards to Dr. Bob Davis, a full-time evangelist with the Bob Davis Evangelistic Association, and Rev. Tommy Taylor, senior pastor of London Bridge Baptist in Virginia Beach.

Messengers unanimously approved four resolutions: on appreciation for the host church, First Baptist of Norfolk, and its pastor and staff; on prayer for elected officials; on appreciation for the Armed Services of the United States of America; and on prayer for the Great Commission Resurgence Task Force.

Messengers unanimously elected new officers for 2010. Those nominated and elected include: President — Dr. Mark Becton, pastor of Grove Avenue Baptist in Richmond; 1^st VP — Rev. Randy Green, pastor of Harvest Fellowship Baptist in Smithfield; 2^nd VP — Rev. Neal Hawks, pastor of Pioneer Baptist in Max Meadows; and Secretary — Rev. Gordon Ellsworth, pastor of Virginia Beach Beacon Baptist in Virginia Beach.

The 2010 SBCV Annual Homecoming will be held at Hyland Heights Baptist Church in Lynchburg, Virginia, November 7-10, 2010. [BP]

[Brandon Pickett is the Director of Media Services for the Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia]