CBFVA News
Our Plumb Line Moment by Terry Maples, CBFVA Coordinator
I was a teenager the first time I used a plumb line. My grandparents’ home in Owens Crossroads, AL, blew up when propane gas filled the house. Both my Dad’s parents were outside on opposite sides of the building when the blast occurred, and both ran inside to check on...
A Biblical Basis for Advocacy Work
Art Wright, Williamsburg Baptist Church What was Jesus up to during his earthly ministry? It is a question that all Christians must wrestle with as they try to understand what it means to follow him. We often read stories in the Gospels of what he said and did . . ....
Reflecting on 2020—Lament & Celebration
by Terry Maples, CBFVA Coordinator The opening words of almost every Christmas card and letter we received this year sounded similar: “2020 has been a difficult year.” I lament the devastating impact of COVID-19 – severe illness and death, physical distancing...
Pastors’ School: January 28 at 10AM (plenary session); 1:30 (dialogue)
CBFVA invites all clergy to participate in this year’s edition of Pastors’ School on January 28. We are excited to welcome Dr. Anna Robbins as our keynote speaker. CBFVA’s Coordinating Council very purposefully invited Dr. Robbins because of her expertise and...
“People of God, what are you waiting for?”: Reconsidering the Advent of Christ
By Dr. Megan Strollo, CBFVA’s Theologian in Residence “While [Jesus] was going away and as they were staring toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood next to them. They said, ‘Galileans, why are you standing here, looking toward heaven? This Jesus, who was...
BSK & Flexible Theological Education in Virginia
BSK & Flexible Theological Education in Virginia Grateful for the Invitation Last year, a group of Virginia pastors and state CBF leaders began meeting to discuss theological education in Virginia, BSK was excited and honored to be invited into that conversation....
A Baptist Experience at Union Presbyterian
By Ben Brown “So, tell me what kind of Baptist you are…” It was orientation day for the DMin program at Union Presbyterian, and we were channeled into breakout groups for brief introductions. I had introduced myself, and I was the only Baptist in the small group. “Not...
PODCAST: Nurturing Faith in Community (with Terry Maples)
Art Wright talks with Terry Maples about Nurturing Faith in Community, a new CBFVA resource for congregations. Nurturing Faith is a curriculum written by Terry, in which he proposes a paradigm shift for the way in which Christians and congregations approach spiritual...
BLOG: Presence by Terry Maples, CBFVA Coordinator
I could not believe my eyes or my ears! As I drove down the highway and switched to radio station 100.9 Jack FM (variety hits), I realized the format had changed. The name of the new format….wait for it….is Short Attention Span Radio. Nope, I’m not joking. A format...