By Bob Allen
The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Virginia recognized Rob Fox, who stepped down in August after seven years as field coordinator to become vice president of institutional advancement at Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond, and appointed a search committee to find his replacement at the 300-church group’s 2015 General Assembly Sept. 18.
The annual meeting, held this year at Mechanicsville Baptist Church in central Virginia, featured the launch of “Neighbours,” a new focus theme for working with Canadian Baptists lifted from the Bible passage Matt. 22:37-40, which includes the verse “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
The keynote speaker was Jennifer Lau, director of global discipleship and Canadian engagement at Canadian Baptist Ministries in Ontario. CBF field personnel Marc and Kim Wyatt led a discussion via video conference with Tim McCoy, executive minister of Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec. Bo Prosser, coordinator of organizational relationships at Cooperative Baptist Fellowship headquarters in Decatur, Ga., led a “Neighbours” Bible study.
Business included approval of a 2015-2016 operating budget of $296,712, with $250,000 returning to CBF of Virginia from CBF global. That’s an increase from $128,000 in 2014-2015, with $96,000 returning from Decatur.
The two groups entered a new partnership agreement in 2014 based on recommendations of a 2012 Task Force calling for a more seamless relationship between the CBF and its 18 state and regional affiliates around the country. The states and regions have adopted a variety of funding models, leaving the Virginia affiliate relatively understaffed for the number of churches it serves.
New officers include Scott Spencer, a member of River Road Church in Richmond and professor of New Testament and biblical interpretation at Baptist Theological Seminary, serving as moderator. Alice Cates, minister to youth at Chester Baptist Church, is moderator-elect.
David Turner, senior pastor at Central Baptist Church in Richmond, is chair of a seven-member committee appointed to nominate a new field coordinator.
— With reporting by CBF Virginia administrator Jenny Clore.