BLUEFIELD, Va. — Bluefield College has achieved something only one other college in Virginia has done: garnered an “A” rating from the American Council of Trustees and Alumni for an outstanding general education program, a prestigious recognition reserved for only…
Jerry Holcomb, longtime Virginia Baptist pastor and former BGAV president, dies at 73
VIRGINIA BEACH — W. Jerry Holcomb, a Virginia Baptist pastor for nearly 40 years and former president of the Baptist General Association of Virginia, died Oct. 28 in a Virginia Beach hospital. He was 73. Holcomb was pastor of King’s…
Richmond association seeks to clarify values, member criteria to bridge divide over homosexuality
RICHMOND — The Richmond Baptist Association has authorized a study committee to clarify the association’s values and restructure its membership model in an attempt to resolve deep division among its churches over a decision last spring not to dismiss an…
Proposed budget for BGAV ministries sees slight increase over 2013 with few changes in allocations
LYNCHBURG, Va. — Funding for Virginia Baptist ministries next year will largely remain at 2013 levels if a proposed budget is adopted by the Baptist General Association of Virginia next month. The recommended $12,214,000 budget for 2014, unveiled by the…
Bluefield, W.Va., pastor Ed Fisher to be nominated as BGAV’s second vice president in November
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. — Edward Fisher, pastor of First Baptist Church in Bluefield, W.Va., will be nominated as second vice president of the Baptist General Association of Virginia when it meets in Fredericksburg, Va., Nov. 12-13. Bluefield, W.Va., pastor Ed Fisher…
As Stratton’s 12-year tenure as treasurer ends, characteristic catchphrase is part of the memories
LYNCHBURG, Va. — It is what it is. That favorite phrase of Eddie Stratton, who retires Dec. 31 as treasurer of the Baptist General Association of Virginia and the Virginia Baptist Mission Board, took on new meaning at an Oct….
If adopted in November, Mission Board-endorsed proposal will result in significant governance change
LYNCHBURG, Va. — The Baptist General Association of Virginia will undertake what may be the most significant change in its governing structure in at least 75 years, if a proposal is adopted next month at the annual meeting of the…
Waynesboro, Va., pastor David Washburn nominated as treasurer of the BGAV and its Mission Board
LYNCHBURG, Va. — David Washburn, a Waynesboro, Va., pastor and former banker who has chaired the Baptist General Association of Virginia’s budget committee for two years, will be nominated as treasurer of the BGAV and the Virginia Baptist Mission Board…
CBFVA announces its first mission coordinator at meeting which also adopts increased budget
RICHMOND — The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Virginia has named a Richmond minister to be the organization’s first mission coordinator. Mark Snipes, who had been associate pastor of youth and young adults at Central Baptist Church in Richmond, assumed his…
Suffolk, Va., pastor Mark Croston, former BGAV president, to assume LifeWay position
SUFFOLK, Va. — Mark Croston, a longtime Virginia pastor and former president of the Baptist General Association of Virginia, has been named national director of black church partnerships for the Southern Baptist Convention’s LifeWay Christian Resources in Nashville, Tenn. Mark…
Religious Herald trustees approve merger with ABP to enhance mission and heritage of both
Trustees of the Religious Herald voted unanimously Oct. 7 to merge with Associated Baptist Press, creating a new print and online media platform aimed at enhancing the mission and heritage of both organizations. ABP executive David Wilkinson called it “truly…
With mailboxes and lockers, Richmond church helps homeless transition to more stable lifestyle
RICHMOND — Home is where your mailbox is and for some homeless residents in Richmond’s historic Oregon Hill neighborhood, that’s now Pine Street Baptist Church. The recent addition of 50 lockers and 25 mailboxes is about more than a safe…