More than 1,400 churches are a part of the Baptist General Association of Virginia. In a conversation with Lyle Schaller a couple of years ago, he helped put this in perspective. “The BGAV is larger than most denominations in the…
Tech students gather at Baptist campus center
BLACKSBURG (ABP)—As the sun began to set and the wind continued to howl over a wounded campus and city, Virginia Tech students gathered for prayer, comfort and counseling at the school's Baptist student center. Blacksburg, the small city that houses…
EDITORIAL: Deliver us from evil
Though it has been two weeks since that awful morning in Blacksburg, I am not ready, completely, to turn my thoughts away. I still see anguished young faces revealing in their eyes and from their lips their deep sense of…
Grieving students, others pack VT’s covocation
The day after a student gunman killed 32 students and professors on the campus of Virginia Tech, thousands more than expected attended a solemn convocation to honor the dead and comfort the grieving. The day was sunny and mild but…
Charlottesville church connects with China
Tom Leland, pastor of University Baptist Church in Charlottesville, leaned back in his swivel chair in his spacious office and smiled broadly. Clearly, talking about the church and it's ministries is a topic in which he is well-versed and one…
EDITORIAL: When someone slaps you in the faith, turn the other cheek
The biblical word translated into English as persecution means to chase after; to harass, trouble, molest or mistreat. It seems to me that Christians and Christianity suffer persecution—face-slapping if you will—from numerous places. I realize that I may be accused…
Virginia Tech students gather at Baptist ministry center
Blacksburg, Va., is a wounded city. With 26,000 students, Virginia Tech is the dominant presence in the town usually bustling with students crisscrossing the campus and spilling over into the streets of the burg. Not Monday. Although barraged with requests…
Virginia Tech students gather at Baptist ministry center
Blacksburg, Va., is a wounded city. With 26,000 students, Virginia Tech is the dominant presence in the town usually bustling with students crisscrossing the campus and spilling over into the streets of the burg. Not Monday. JIM WHITE Although barraged…
Critical need
Those who know John Chandler admire his creativity and general situational savvy. He is well-read and communicates effectively and enthusiastically. It came as no particular surprise to anyone that upon Bob Dale's retirement Chandler was tapped to lead the Ray…