God is moving in the midst of COVID-19.

It is difficult to go to any public media source right now and not see something negative or devastating related to the coronavirus outbreak. We are living in truly unprecedented times. But, we are hearing so many creative ways that churches are ministering around the SBC of Virginia during this global pandemic. It’s offering hope to the community and spreading the Gospel right into family’s homes. We wanted to share those stories, ones we’ll call Not Alone Stories, with you to offer hope and foster some ideas for you to implement in your ministry.

As God continues to move mightily in your church and mission field, please don’t hesitate to let us know your story at notalone@sbcv.org

Interview with Leslie Honig

Spotswood Baptist Church, Fredericksburg

COVID-19 made it easy to experience isolation, especially for young mothers. Leslie Honig, women’s ministry leader at Spotswood Baptist Church in Fredericksburg, shares how groups found ways to meet and disciple one another in a challenging time. Here’s their story.

Interview with Pastor Randy Hahn

The Heights Baptist Church, Colonial Heights

It’s common for pastors and church staff to start and manage community projects. But Pastor Randy Hahn at The Heights Baptist Church in Colonial Heights was humbled to find his congregation seeing needs and organizing ministry all over the area! Check out this inspirational story of how medical teams, police, and the community at large have been impacted by God’s love through His people.

Interview with Pastor Carlton Burns

Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Upper Marlboro, Maryland

The fellowship of SBC of Virginia churches goes well beyond the Virginia state line. Pastor Carlton Burns leads his fellowship at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Brandon Pickett and Pastor Burns talk through how even in the current turmoils of racial divide, we are all united in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We pray this encourages you today.

Interview with Pastor Ken Warfield

Fork Baptist Church, Scottsburg

The feeding program at Halifax County Schools was forced to temporarily cease due to an employee who tested positive for COVID-19. Pastor Ken Warfield at Fork Baptist Church asked his church to step in, and the results stunned everyone involved. Watch how this church on mission answered the call that is leading to Gospel conversations in surrounding communities.

Interview with Pastor Tim Grandstaff

Thomas Road Baptist Church, Lynchburg

From feeding the hungry to making personal phone calls to church members, Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg went back to the basics to meet needs in the church and surrounding community. Tim Grandstaff is the missions pastor and shares how the needs were found and met during the crisis. Here’s their story.

Interview with Pastor Giovanny Ortiz

Iglesia Biblica Bautista Emanuel, Leesburg

Since Northern Virginia has had restrictions in place longer than other locations in the state due to rapid COVID-19 outbreaks, it has created new ministry challenges. Pastor Giovanny Ortiz is living this reality. He helped plant Iglesia Biblica Bautista Emanuel of Leesburg just last year. Even with his wife working in the medical industry and enduring his own health concerns, Pastor Ortiz’s desire to share the Gospel continues. Here’s their story.

Interview with Pastor Tim Hight

GraceLife Baptist Church, Christiansburg

Planting churches, sharing the Gospel abroad, and discipling others make up the characteristics of Lead Pastor Tim Hight at GraceLife Baptist Church in Christiansburg. And when a local church plant was unable to use their typical school space, GraceLife became the solution. Here’s their story.

Interview with Doris McFarland and Eydie Thomas

Building relationships with people who are different takes time and intentionality. And that’s exactly what helped bond a deep friendship between Doris McFarland and Eydie Thomas. Listen to their story as we all work at loving and serving those around us just as Christ did.

Interview with Pastor Miguel Davilla

Hampton Roads Fellowship, Newport News

Hampton Roads Fellowship in Newport News began 2020 in a new meeting space. That excitement was placed on hold until the coronavirus state restrictions were lifted. Now this diverse congregation is meeting together once more. Lead Pastor Miguel Davilla shares their story.

Interview with Pastor Hopson Boutot

Poquoson Baptist Church, Poquoson

Some of us have been directly impacted by the coronavirus. Poquoson Baptist Church in Poquoson experienced the loss of dear people in their congregation. But even in the tragedy, the church is also experiencing life through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Pastor Hopson Boutot shares their Not Alone story.

Interview with Pastor James Hobson

Hill City Community Church, Lynchburg

Pastor James Hobson of Hill City Community Church in Lynchburg is brand new to the SBC of Virginia. He shares with Brandon Pickett his raw thoughts and emotions during this time of racial injustice… and how his unique background as well as coming together with other church leaders before this crisis started helped build important relationships that are now reaping Kingdom benefits for their churches and the entire community.

Interview with Pastor Leroy Davis

Hopeful Baptist Church, Montpelier

When the local news calls the church to request coverage during a Sunday service, it can create some level of anxiety for the leadership team. But when the Washington Post contacted Hopeful Baptist Church in Montpelier to highlight how they were handling the reopening phase of COVID-19, Pastor Leroy Davis and the congregation welcomed them with open arms and were pleasantly surprised at the result. Here’s their Not Alone story.