When the Baptist General Association of Virginia gathers in Richmond for our annual meeting next week we will have a lot to accomplish. I don't wish to cast any doubt on the importance of the decisions we will make over the course of our two days together, but I always thought that what happened in the hallways and exhibit area was nearly as important as what happened in the meeting itself. In this week's editorial, I have reflected on the benefits of attending the annual meeting.
Jim White
The General Association meeting provides one of the best resources for networking available to us. Most of us have engaged in informal networking for years but now we have help. RASNET is off and running and John Chandler is continuing and expanding what Bob Dale began. Chandler's vision is to connect people with other people who have similar kingdom needs and visions. The General Association meeting is tailor made for getting folks together to talk. And, often when we get together with others to talk and listen, we learn.
Not to diminish the place of the Empowering Leaders Team in helping churches and potential pastors to connect, but the General Association is a place where theory and practicality join forces. Over here is a church leader whose church is looking for a pastor. Over there is a pastor who senses that the current ministry is winding down. And here, in the middle is a Virginia Baptist who knows them both. God certainly knows how to use computer matches and the evidence is that he is using them effectively, but it seems to me that he takes particular pleasure in the person-to-person approach. The General Association meeting has been used by the Lord for lo these many years to bring preachers and churches together.
When I was a pastor, it was always my hope that the church I served would not begin looking for a new pastor while they still had one. It's not usually considered a good sign when the church secretary asks the new pastor as he is unpacking his books if he wants her to save the boxes. This experience, coupled with the letter our church once received addressed to the pastor search committee caused me to wonder about my security on occasion.
The General Association meeting gives tired pastors (and their blessed companions) who may be feeling a little beaten down and more than a little threatened a chance to compare stories with others who may be going through the same things. It is group therapy on a massive scale. The Spirit sometimes uses such occasions to build a fire in the faint-hearted and renew the determination of the discouraged.
Then there are the books. At the General Association meeting, someone has gone to great lengths to bring together titles they think might help us and other Virginia Baptists in our work and our walk. Of course, I still have a couple of books from the 2002 meeting I haven't read, but I have gotten a lot of help from resources I've picked up at the General Association meeting bookstore.
And, what about the freebies in the exhibit hall? You never know when you are going to need another coaster or more Hershey's kisses. Ok, I'll admit it. I wander through the exhibits picking up the give-aways, but I'm always aware that in almost every booth I can learn something important. This year I'm going to try to steer clear of the kisses and, instead, get in line to have my blood pressure checked. I'm also eager to hear from our Virginia Baptist partner institutions whether or not they have give-aways. I want to hear from them what God is up to.
One of the things I enjoy most about the annual meeting is the laughter. It always happens. When I get together with crazy Virginia Baptists, I have a blast. There is something reassuring in getting together with people who are so deeply committed to the kingdom of Christ that they are giving their lives to it. At the same time, however, they know not to take themselves too seriously. After all, if God is able from stones to raise up sons of Abraham, I should not regard myself as an essential cog in kingdom machinery. In fact, I serve not because God would be up a creek without me, but because in his goodness he has invited me to have a part in what he is accomplishing. The life Jesus modeled for us included lots of laughter.
But it is also sobering to sense again the sheer privilege of being called by God into service for him. The astounding privilege of actually being paid to do what we would do without pay (if we could afford to!) simply because we love it is humbling. Getting together with others who are similarly called and like-minded has the power to reestablish our priorities and reframe our purpose.
I could go on, but before I run out of room, I need to mention attending the annual meeting and actually going to the meeting! This year some noteworthy decisions will be made and input from spiritually-minded, pure-hearted and clear-headed people is needed. To be honest, I haven't made up my own mind about some of the issues, so I wouldn't try to influence you. But I do believe in the spiritual power of the assembly. I believe that if we come together in the right spirit to honor God and advance his kingdom, he will honor our efforts and give us direction.
I know Virginia Baptists are busy and most pastors are among the busiest. But I also know that if we regard attending the annual meeting as an obligation we're just too busy and we need to get away. Do you need a reservation? I've got a great destination in mind.