Turning Your VBS into a Yearlong Ministry

August 25, 2022

by Glenn Maddox, BGAV National Missions Director

Did your church host a Vacation Bible School sometime in the last 10 weeks? When and if it did, were you also reflecting back to summers in the past when a lot more kids participated and a lot more adults volunteered? You may even feel like the best days of VBS are behind you, but you would love to create new excitement around Vacation Bible School in the future.

A few years ago Cape Charles Baptist Church in Northampton County needed the help of other churches, who would come to their community to lead VBS for them. Now they run a six-week, full-day camp called Splash Camp that provides much-needed childcare to the community. They transitioned from their VBS being a mission trip for other churches to leading a transformational ministry for their community. Here are five key investments they made – key investments you can make that can transform your VBS into a ministry to the whole community.

Make Plans Now to Attend the BGAV Annual Meeting

November 14-16, 2022

Hampton, VA

After two years of virtual events because of the pandemic, we are thrilled to be only three months away from seeing you in person at the 2022 BGAV Annual Meeting!

Special Guests

Carey Nieuwhof

best-selling author/speaker

Freddy Villarreal

BGAV pastor

Kate Campbell

singer-songwriter

Registration

Registration will be different (but easier!) this year, so watch for your church's email and packet to learn the details. Registration will open at the beginning of September.

Local Accommodations

BGAV has negotiated rates at local hotels around the Hampton Roads Convention Center. These rates - which have graciously been honored from the 2020 meeting - are guaranteed through October 14. View local rates and information on making hotel reservations.

Retirement Celebration for John Upton, November 14

Don't miss this gathering of friends, colleagues, and family as we celebrate BGAV Executive Director John Upton and the countless ways he's served God in missions and ministry for decades. A service of celebration will be held at First Baptist Church of Newport News, VA, on Monday, November 14, with a reception afterward at the church. Program begins at 7:00 p.m. and registration is required.

Visit the BGAV Annual Meeting website for the event schedule, guest bios, lodging information, and exhibitor opportunities. Bookmark the site and visit often for updates!

Request for Proposed Resolutions for This Year's Annual Meeting

Due October 15, 2022

The Committee on Resolutions of the Baptist General Association of Virginia would like to remind BGAV registered messengers of their opportunity to submit proposed resolutions believed to further the purpose of the BGAV. In accordance with the Constitution/By-Laws of the BGAV, such proposed resolutions must be submitted to the office of the Executive Director no later than October 15 prior to each annual meeting. The proposed resolutions can be emailed directly to marilee.white@bgav.org.

Submissions will be reviewed by the Committee on Resolutions and processed as deemed appropriate by the committee. Any resolutions deemed proper for action will be presented as a regular part of the program at the BGAV Annual Meeting in November.

Darrell Foster

Chair, BGAV Committee on Resolutions

For Your Info

Ministry Job Openings:

The latest ministry job openings listed on our website include:

View all ministry jobs.

Upcoming Events of Interest

Gathering of Silence Retreat

October 3-6, 2022

Lowesville, VA

An opportunity for ministers to retreat in the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains at CrossRoads Camp and Conference Center. Optional evening times of connection are available. Meals are provided from lunch Monday – lunch Thursday. Breakfasts and dinners are hot service, with lunches usually being bagged. Enjoy hiking, exploring the area, or utilizing quiet spaces to rest or work.