Sure Could Use a Little Good News by Terry Maples, CBFVA Coordinator
Some days all I hear, it seems, is bad news. The COVID-19 pandemic keeps us on edge as warranted concerns dominate media headlines. We are told to stay home, maintain appropriate “social distance,” avoid large gatherings, wash our hands frequently, work from home if...
The Coronavirus, Lent, and Following the Way of Jesus Art Wright
March 11, 2020 Like many of us, I have been earnestly striving to understand the seriousness of the situation we find ourselves in as the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread in the United States and across the globe. At times I have...
“Learning to Listen: Christian Ethics in an Age of Polarization”
By Art Wright CBFVA January 28, 2020 During the month of January I have been co-leading a series at Huguenot Road Baptist Church called “Learning to Listen: Christian Ethics in an Age of Polarization.” Our weekly discussions have centered around the need for churches...
Reflection: Sacrifice
When we think of the word sacrifice our minds often assume the ultimate physical sacrifice—like giving one’s life through military service. My recent trip to the Texas-Mexico border reminded me sacrifice can be defined in many different ways. Hearing stories from...
Finding Faith in Film
Barrett Owen, Senior Pastor, First Baptist Waynesboro I like to define faith as "awe in the face of mystery." Faith leads us to the precipice of life and has us look out into the Great Unknown with a sense of ‘awe’ and ‘wonder’at what is to come. But...
The Season of Advent in the Age of Trump
By Art Wright, CBFVA Theologian in Residence Advent is supposed to be a season of deliberate quiet, peaceful reflection, and expectant hope. Yet if your experience has been anything like mine this year, Advent has been anything but. I feel like I am trying...
Dissonance Interrupts Certitude!
by Terry Maples, CBFVA Coordinator I grew up in North Alabama in the 1960’s. My Dad was a bi-vocational preacher in small Southern Baptist churches for much of his career. The context of my early years shaped me in powerful ways, and I am...
Breaking News from CBFVA!
The CBF Virginia staff is in Birmingham, AL, this week for CBF’s General Assembly. During today’s state meeting (3:00 p.m. Central Time), Terry and Mark will reveal exciting new initiatives to be funded through the CBF Block Grant. We want those who could not attend...
Blog By John DeWitt
Introducing John DeWitt John Dewitt grew up at Second Baptist Church in Richmond, is currently studying at Liberty University in Lynchburg, and serves as intern at Madison Heights Baptist Church. John was a retreat leader for CBFVA and co-preached for this year’s...
Congregational Role in Transformation by Terry Maples, CBFVA Coordinator
As I worked on content for CBFVA’s 2018-2019 Ministry Planner and guided the formation of this year’s Bible study series, I thought often about our theme: Seeking Transformation. One recurring insight shines through my reflection: Transformation is more gift than...