BGAV and Fresh Expressions are excited to announce the hiring of Greg LeMaster as the Virginia Catalyst for Fresh Expressions, US.

“As churches throughout BGAV enter into a season of renewal and repurposing, the strategy and model of “fresh expressions” is an essential tool for local congregations to establish a vital gospel witness in their communities,” explained BGAV/Ascent Associate Executive Director Chris Backert, who also serves as senior director of Fresh Expressions, North America. “Greg is an experienced practitioner in creating new communities of faith alongside existing congregations, and he has done so on Virginia soil with great effectiveness.”

Greg will work to advance the mission, education, and objectives of BGAV, providing expertise from his advanced, diverse experiences with dinner churches and other fresh expressions of church.

“I feel that I have been called to this position for a while now, and I am very excited to be given this amazing opportunity,” Greg shared. “I’m so thankful to be able to share this vision/mission with many folks who might not already know about these fresh expressions and what a godly impact they can make in churches and communities,” he added. “I pray that God will use me in even greater ways.”

Greg will continue to serve at his home church, Graceland Baptist in Powhatan, VA, where he is currently the associate pastor for outreach. At Graceland, he leads several faith communities, including dinner and breakfast churches, a house church, a church for people with special needs, and Veterans at the Table. “My team of awesome lay leaders and experienced volunteers are equipped and trained to lead these ministries when I can’t be there,” he explained.

Greg will begin his new position with Fresh Expressions on October 1. He will also lead a breakout session titled, "From the Steeple to the Street: Becoming a Great Commission Church in Your Greater Community" at the 2023 BGAV Annual Meeting.

“We are happy to have Greg join the Fresh Expressions team as Virginia Catalyst. Greg brings a wealth of experience that will certainly benefit many of our Virginia Baptist churches,” commented Wayne Faison, BGAV’s executive director. “We look forward to seeing what God does through Greg’s ministry as we strive to advance the Redeemer’s Kingdom.”

Greg will be available to BGAV churches on a first-come, first-served basis. To connect with him, please reach out at info@freshexpressions.com or freshexpressions@bgav.org.

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