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
Pastor Rob Pochek at First Baptist Church of Charlottesville on Park Street has seen his fair share of obstacles in ministry and community. In this Not Alone story, Pastor Rob shares how the worldwide virus has changed the ebb and flow for church attendance and how they’ve made adjustments. You are not alone.
Sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ is an honor and duty we have as believers. And having the chance to do that near our nation’s capital provides an incredible opportunity. Pastor Brandon Hembree shares with Brandon Pickett how Impact Church in Centreville felt God leading to multiply and send a team to plant in Fredericksburg. Listen how the team is making an impact for the Lord along with the help of SBC of Virginia resources.
Like many other pastors, Pastor Danny Campbell at The Tabernacle in Danville had to work through a number of challenges in 2020. One of those solutions included the development of a new children’s program video series that got a lot of online traction. Brandon Pickett speaks with Pastor Campbell on how this church utilized their best resources for God’s Kingdom.
Pastor Ken Nienke at Fellowship Community Church in Salem helped plant this ministry 21 years ago. Leading as teaching pastor from day one and planting churches along the way, the Lord now is transitioning Nienke’s role as the ministry grows. Watch how even during the pandemic, God is at work in southwest Virginia.
Not that long ago, Jared Burwell was working in Seattle. He had no idea God was preparing to send he and his wife to work in ministry in Virginia. That’s where we find Jared today, the sending director at Movement Church. He’s part of a church that is mobilizing people to places like the Middle East and Africa – even in the middle of a pandemic. Check out how God is planting His people from our SBC of Virginia church family.
Red Lane Baptist Church in Powhatan has experienced a transition and waves of growth over the last five years. This led the church to commit to a two-year stewardship campaign to improve the current facility and build new an office space. When the 2020 virus halted everything else, the campaign paused for a few weeks. Going on faith in an uncertain time, the congregation decided to continue the campaign once again. God is making new things happen. Watch this Not Alone story of how God doesn’t stop His mission in difficult times.
Old Powhatan Baptist Church in Powhatan has been through a lot in the last 250 years of ministry. But the last nine months definitely looked different with moving worship services outside and postponing a capital campaign that started as soon as COVID-19 began. Pastor Brad Russell has not only led through those changes, but he continues to coordinate mission activities on the state level as the SBC of Virginia mobilizing strategist. In this Not Alone story, he shares how God is still on the throne and making ministry opportunities possible.
Some ministries have had it more difficult than others in 2020. Among the gathering restrictions, Northstar Church needed a new meeting location. Another SBC of Virginia church was quick to answer the call for help and go beyond just offering space. Hear from Northstar Church Pastor Jeff Noble on how God is working through His people.
Valley Bible Church was planted in Radford just 10 years ago out of the campus ministry of Radford University. Since then, the congregation bought a building and is planting more churches and investing in future leaders. Executive Pastor Jesse Furey shares how God is doing amazing things through this church.
Pastor Tom Nestor at Fairmont Baptist Church in Boones Mill has seen God on the move. In just a little more than a year since he became pastor of this church, Nestor has been a part of leading people to salvation in Jesus Christ. Some of those folks wanted to publicly make that known outside the church walls. Watch their Not Alone story.
You know the old song… It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Christmas will be here before you know it! But worship services and events will definitely look different for each church this year. In this Not Alone story, we caught up with a few worship leaders to talk through the planning process leading up to the celebration of the birth of our Savior.
One of the many good things that came out of 2020 was new music ministry opportunities at Bethel Baptist Church in Yorktown. Worship Pastor Keith McMinn and his team invested time and created online resources to worship the Lord with a focus on doxology. Watch how this helped keep the church connected in difficult times.
Senior Pastor Jamie McClanahan is in his second year of leadership at Wayne Hills Baptist Church in Waynesboro. These days haven’t been easy on anyone, but McClanahan takes joy in working alongside his associate pastor to carry the burden. Watch their Not Alone story of how revival is coming to Waynesboro.
River Oak Church in Chesapeake was recognized as one of the fastest growing congregations in the nation. But that’s not how their local community sees them. The church identified real hunger needs and a lack of resources with many families. The congregation joined together with money and time to feed 100 families each week. Watch how God is using their story for His glory.
Lead Pastor Daniel Palmer shares how God led him and his family to North Roanoke Baptist Church in Roanoke. And even among many challenges this year, God is still working through His people to lead others to His saving grace. Click below to watch their story of how adjusting ministry opportunities is making a difference.
Some areas of Virginia are so populated that navigating church worship gatherings were very difficult with state restrictions in place. But Christ Fellowship Church in Williamsburg found a solution to keep the church meeting. Here’s Pastor Peter Hess with today’s Not Alone story.
God goes to great depths to show His love for us. Iron Horse Fellowship in Chesapeake uses that model of Jesus to meet people right where they are. Pastor Paul Hardy shares how God is at work in this motorcycle ministry, even during the crazy year we’re in.
The Blue Ridge Pregnancy Center in Lynchburg, Virginia supports pregnant mothers and their families with resources to help them through this vulnerable time. But when the coronavirus slowed everything, help was hard to find. A new parenting class needed volunteers to counsel families. Living Word Baptist Church in Forest answered the call for help. Here’s their story on helping lead others to Jesus Christ and a challenge for your ministry to connect with your local pregnancy center.
Laquan Green knows the heartbeat of the Gloucester community. He grew up there. So, when God laid it on his heart for him to plant a church in his hometown, he said, “Yes!” Laquan shares with us what planting a new church looks like during this time and how so many Gospel partners are coming alongside this new plant to make it possible.