RICHMOND—The Virginia Baptist Historical Society and the Center for Baptist Heritage and Studies faithfully propagates Virginia Baptist principles, and at its May 20 convocation and annual meeting at Bon Air Baptist Church in Richmond focused on an often overlooked Baptist principle—stewardship.
The theme of the Historical Society's convocation was “Developing a Giving Life.” This convocation touched upon what could possibly be the beginning of a stewardship revival among Virginia Baptists.
Stephen B. McSwain, vice president of Cargill Associates and author of The Giving Myths: Giving Then Getting the Life You've Always Wanted, addressed the convocation and the annual meeting, challenging everyone to share the grace they have experienced in Jesus Christ. In one of three addresses, McSwain pointed out the paradoxical nature of Christian stewardship in Scripture. It is paradoxical, he said, that in a time of economic downturn God's people are challenged to give freely and sacrificially.
Fred Anderson, executive director of the Historical Society and of the Center for Baptist Heritage & Studies, and Nancy Elliot, president of the Historical Society, led the annual meeting, reminding everyone that God's stories are alive in the charitable acts of three outstanding “stewards of service.”
Recognized at the Society's meeting were three outstanding “stewards of service.” These were the women of High Hills Baptist Church in Jarrett, who participate in “Hands of Love” ministries; David Lawrence of First Baptist Church, Richmond, who created “Walking Free,” which supplies artificial limbs in third-world countries; and three former members of Weatherford Memorial Baptist Church of Richmond. The church “gave itself away” when it closed and contributed its building in South Richmond to St. Paul's Baptist Church in Richmond. Recognized for their involvement in the former church were Rick Hurst, the last pastor of the church, and Ruth and Maynard Guill, dedicated lay leaders.
Also honored was the late John C. Ivins, who led stewardship education for the Virginia Baptist Mission Board from 1967-1990.
In the afternoon session Glenn Akins, assistant executive director of the Virginia Baptist Mission Board, shared an informative stewardship analysis and Eddie Stratton, VBMB treasurer and director of development and endowment, discussed opportunities for advancing the Redeemer's Kingdom through the newly-established VBMB endowment fund. The VBMB endowment fund was established in 2006 with assisting funds from the Virginia Baptist Foundation.
Ron Hall, president and CEO of the Virginia Baptist Foundation, gave an introduction to “Giving Lives,” encouraging the philanthropy of charitable planned giving among churches and individuals.
Don Campbell, director of stewardship development for the VBMB, led a group discussion on stewardship education with the assistance of panelists Terry Davis of First Baptist Church in Ashland and Darrell Mayo of Smithfield Baptist Church in Smithfield.
Carl Johnson, president of the First Baptist Church of Richmond's endowment fund, led an endowment fund workshop.
During the meeting, two winners of the Heritage Center's essay contest were recognized and read their award-winning essays, both on stewardship. The two individuals who tied for first place were Lauren Tignor, a member of Staples Mill Road Baptist Church in Richmond, and Madeleine Crockett Sprenger, a member of Colonial Avenue Baptist Church in Roanoke. The winning essays along with the stewardship papers of the Center's Heritage Fellows were published in a new book entitled The Giving Life. The Heritage Fellows had interviewed 15 individuals including children, youth and adults who exemplified Christian stewardship.
The 2008-2009 Heritage Fellows were introduced: Lindsey Eubank, a student at Virginia Tech and a member of Sandusky Baptist Church in Lynchburg; Drew Grumbles, a student at Virginia Tech who is involved in a new church start in Blacksburg; Melissa Shepherd, a student at the University of Mary Washington and a member of Heritage Baptist Church in Farmville; and Kelly Thompson, a student at Bluefield College and a member of Bonsack Baptist Church in Roanoke. The new class will research the present ethnic diversity within Virginia Baptist life.
Fred Anderson said, “From early years to the present, the emphasis for Baptists has been on the Christian concept of stewardship. It has been focused on developing a giving life within the heart of each and every Baptist.” Who knows, in our generation the philanthropy of Virginia Baptists may be awakened, causing our commonwealth to shake with the grace of God, and our Redeemer's Kingdom to grow beyond our imagination?
Rick Hurst is director of donor relations for the Virginia Baptist Foundation.