BGAV - Baptist General Association of Virginia

09/03/2026

BGAV's Camp Piankatank welcomed 540 campers this summer for a season of faith, friendship, adventure, and fun. With worship, Bible teaching, new international connections, and camp experiences for children of all ages, the summer offered countless opportunities for campers to explore their faith and discover what it means to follow Jesus.

This year’s “Wild Things” theme reminded campers that following Jesus is an adventure and that God is always doing something new in our lives.

Read more at https://www.bgav.org/blog/a-wild-summer-at-camp-piankatank

08/31/2026

Art concepts due TODAY!

If you'd like to participate in the collaborative arts experience, Art for the Not Yet, at this year's annual meeting in Virginia Beach, submit your art concept today!

Whether you're a seasoned artist or are creating something for the first time, we'd love to have your art included. Learn more about the art exhibit, get ideas to spark your creativity, and submit your work at http://www.bgav.org/artfornotyet

Final submissions must be completed by October 1.

08/28/2026

Small staff health insurance a struggle? There might be a better way!

Affordable healthcare for pastors and staff, especially in smaller churches, is a continuing and growing challenge. Stoneford Partners*, The Nicene Network, and Design Health have created Cedar Health Alliance, a health plan designed specifically for churches and faith-based nonprofits with fewer than 10 employees, with hopes to launch in January 2027. To become a reality, the initiative requires a minimum number of churches to participate.

Attend a free, informational webinar to learn more and explore whether this could be a fit for your church:

📆 Wednesday, September 16, 2026 (11:00 a.m. EDT on Zoom)

Register now at https://secure.bgav.org/site/Calendar?view=Detail&id=101601

*Stoneford Partners has a Strategic Service Provider Partnership with BGAV.

08/17/2026

Thanks be to God for the life and ministry of Rev. Dr. Neville Callam. Please join us in praying for his family and friends.

The Baptist World Alliance joins Baptists and Christians around the world in mourning the passing of Rev. Dr. Neville Callam, BWA General Secretary Emeritus. A pioneering leader, theologian, and servant of Christ, Dr. Callam’s decade of service helped strengthen the global Baptist family, advance Baptist unity, and expand the BWA’s witness around the world. His commitment to “one Lord, one faith, one baptism” continues to inspire us. We give thanks to God for his faithful life and ministry and pray for comfort and strength for his wife, Dulcie, their family, the Jamaica Baptist Union, and all who mourn his passing.
Read more: BaptistWorld.org/news/former-baptist-world-alliance-general-secretary-neville-callam-passes

08/17/2026

Registration is NOW OPEN for our BGAV 2026 Annual Meeting at http://meeting.bgav.org/register

This year's theme is Heart for the Not Yet 💖 based on Acts 17:6b: “‘These people who have been turning the world upside down have come here also.’”

Special guests Miriam Swanson, Alan Hirsch, and Rick Warren will speak during main session times for both in-person and livestream viewing.

This year’s meeting also features:
➡ our first-ever art exhibit, showcasing pieces submitted by BGAV friends and family from all over the world
➡ more than 30 exhibitors in our Ministry Fair
➡ diverse Learning Labs with takeaways important to today’s ministry work

Register now at http://meeting.bgav.org/register!

* Churches should have received messenger information in the mail. For questions regarding registration, email [email protected].

08/13/2026

Young adults from across Virginia will gather October 23–25, 2026, for the Fall Gathering hosted by The Kairos Initiative of the BGAV - a weekend of worship, teaching, community, and spiritual renewal at Eagle Eyrie in Lynchburg, VA. Churches are invited to bring their 18–25-year-olds for an opportunity to reconnect with God, build lasting relationships, and be encouraged to live out their faith. Save the date and learn more about the Fall Gathering: https://www.bgav.org/blog/your-church-at-kairos-fall-gathering-2026

08/12/2026

AI can be a valuable tool for sermon preparation, helping pastors with research, brainstorming, and editing while never replacing prayer, biblical study, or pastoral discernment.

How can preachers keep the "human loop" at the center of their process? Read this article for suggestions, including six practical prompts for using AI faithfully in ministry. https://www.bgav.org/blog/preacher-you-still-gotta-preach-keeping-the-human-loop-in-preaching

08/11/2026

Make plans now to join your BGAV family for our 203rd annual meeting in Virginia Beach, November 9–11. 🏖

Our theme for 2026 is Heart for the Not Yet 💖 based on Acts 17:6b: “‘These people who have been turning the world upside down have come here also.’”

Special guests Miriam Swanson, Alan Hirsch, and Rick Warren will speak during main session times for both in-person and livestream viewing.

This year’s meeting also features:
➡ our first-ever art exhibit, showcasing pieces submitted by BGAV friends and family from all over the world
➡ more than 30 exhibitors in our Ministry Fair
➡ diverse Learning Labs with takeaways important to today’s ministry work

You won’t want to miss it!

📆 Registration opens Monday, August 17: http://meeting.bgav.org

* Churches should receive messenger information in the mail this week.

08/10/2026

Need a little creative inspiration for your "Art for the Not Yet" masterpiece?

Reflect on the creative prompt idea below - Childlike Vision: Seeing with Acceptance - looking upon the splendor of faith and life as you did as a child.

Concepts are due August 31 for this year's art exhibit, and all are welcome to submit works. Reflect, pray, and CREATE! https://www.bgav.org/artfornotyet