BGAV welcomes Joel Miller, who is preparing to step into a new season of ministry as the incoming director of Eagle Eyrie, bringing with him decades of ministry experience, a passion for discipleship, and a deep appreciation for places where people can encounter God away from the distractions of everyday life. Eagle Eyrie is BGAV’s conference and retreat center near Lynchburg, Virginia.

Miller comes to this role after serving for the past 13 years as the elder over student ministry at Heritage Baptist Church in Johnson City, Tennessee. In his career, he has spent more than 25 years in ministry, including approximately 15 years in full-time ministry leadership.

Originally from Hatfield, Pennsylvania, about an hour north of Philadelphia, Miller says his calling to ministry began at a camp when he was around 12 years old—a connection that now makes his transition to Eagle Eyrie especially meaningful.

“As the Lord saw fit, my calling to ministry happened at a camp when I was about 12 years old,” Miller said. “I didn’t know then all that the Lord had in mind, but serving him in a similar setting will be an amazing adventure.”

That personal connection to retreat ministry is part of what drew him to Eagle Eyrie.

“I love ‘getaway’ type settings,” he said. “God does some amazing things when the distractions are minimized. The chance to be a part of his work in creating those opportunities is very exciting.”

Though his transition has happened quickly, Miller already has ideas for how Eagle Eyrie can continue serving churches and families throughout Virginia and beyond. Among his early hopes are conferences focused on marriages, families, men’s and women’s ministry, as well as internship opportunities designed to disciple the next generation through service and ministry leadership.

“I truly pray that Eagle Eyrie can be a resource for the local church and work with BGAV and other like-minded organizations,” he said.

Miller earned a Master of Arts in Christian Ministries from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2019. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in outdoor education with a minor in management from Georgia College & State University.

Outside of ministry, Miller enjoys coffee, backpacking, kayaking, hiking with his wife, and spending time with family and friends in Christian community. He also hinted at one possibility he would love to explore at Eagle Eyrie: an adventure race that highlights the beauty of God’s creation across the property.

“I am so excited for the future of Eagle Eyrie,” Miller said. “The opportunity to be a part of a place that God has used to change so many lives is one I will not take lightly, and I trust God will continue to use it for his glory.”

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