African American Fellowship of Virginia

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.

07/02/2026

06/29/2026

Are your church bulletins, newsletters, or event flyers living in Microsoft Publisher? If so, now is the time to make a plan.

Microsoft Publisher will be retired in October 2026, and churches should save important files as PDFs before access is lost. We've gathered a few alternative publishing tools and tips to help make the transition easier. Read the article to learn more: http://www.bgav.org/blog/do-you-use-microsoft-publisher-before-october-you-need-a-new-plan

What platform is your church using instead? We'd love to hear what's working for you!

06/16/2026

In response to recent news on SBC messengers’ approval to advance a proposed ban on churches who allow women to serve as pastors or to preach in any capacity, BGAV stands behind our previous statements in past years affirming women in all levels of ministry and church leadership.

Read more about BGAV's position and how women from across our Virginia Baptist family have responded: https://www.bgav.org/blog/bgav-continues-support-for-women-in-ministry-leadership

06/11/2026

For June's Critical Conversation is where we discuss Why Vote? It's a Strategy!
Monday, June 15, 2026 • 6PM CT/7PM ET/4PM PT.

To assist us in navigating this conversation, our guests are Rev. Traci Blackmon, SDPC Trustee & founder, Faith Out Loud; Doris Crenshaw, founder/CEO, The Southern Youth Leadership Development Institute; and Rev. Adam Russell Taylor, president, Sojourners (sojo.net).

To learn more and join our webinar!
Register at https://bit.ly/WHYVOTE (case sensitive)

Or, watch the livestream on Facebook or YouTube ()!

06/09/2026

There are moments that inform us.
There are gatherings that inspire us.
And then there are sacred convocations that shape the future.

The 77th Ellison Jones Convocation is coming November 9-12, 2026.

Under the theme “Bridging the Academy and the Black Pulpit for the Sustainability of the Black Church,” we will gather at the intersection of theological reflection, prophetic preaching, and transformational leadership.

The Black Church is not simply remembering its history.
We are preparing for its future.
Registration is open now.

06/04/2026

If you've ever attended BGAV's annual meeting, you know some opportunities only happen when you're present. Whether it's learning from fellow leaders, building new relationships, or discovering fresh ideas for ministry, being in the room can make all the difference. Read how BGAV's annual meeting is so much more than just a "meeting" and save the date to "be in the room where it happens" this November! https://www.bgav.org/blog/be-in-the-room-where-it-happens