by Hillary Billingsley

Children’s, youth, family, and Next Gen ministry leaders from across the Commonwealth came together November 13-15, 2023, at the first-ever Next Gen track at BGAV’s Annual Meeting. Held at Bon Air Baptist Church in Richmond, VA, the Next Gen track correlated with the Annual Meeting’s theme of “Called to Be,” in celebration of BGAV's 200 years of missions and ministry, and provided ample networking opportunities for ministry leaders to share their wins and challenges from the past year.

Informal "Coffee and Conversation" gatherings, a dinner and round table discussion, and a leader lunch with panelists serving in family ministry across Virginia were intentionally planned to build relationships among Next Gen ministers and encourage dialogue about what is (and isn’t) working in their ministry areas. Additionally, breakout sessions by Drs. Tim and Tasha Levert (“Living on Purpose,” “Unlocking the Power of Potential,” “AI and Technology,” and “How to Be a Better Communicator”), Shannon Kiser (“Postmodern Family Ministry: What to Do When You Don’t Know What to Do”), Nick Blevins (“Creating a Strategy for 2024” and “Game Changers for Recruiting Volunteers”), and Susan Wanderer (“Building Intentional Partnerships with Busy Families”) provided engaging and interactive opportunities for ministry leaders to explore new ideas to equip families and volunteers in raising the next generation of disciples to actively pursue and follow Jesus.

Under the direction and leadership of Lora Gravatt, pastor for discipleship at Columbia Baptist Church in Falls Church, a team of Next Gen leaders hailing from Northern Virginia, Richmond, Roanoke, Lynchburg, Tidewater, and beyond met virtually throughout the late summer and early fall of 2023 to plan this special track. Information gathered from their fellow family ministry colleagues ensured that specific topics of interest and concern were available as learning opportunities. The team continues to gather momentum and is excited to brainstorm and plan next steps to continue to support, equip, and encourage our Next Gen leaders in 2024 and beyond.

For more information or to join the Next Gen Network, email Lora Gravatt at lgravatt@columbiabaptist.org.

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Hillary Billingsley is Kids Minister at Gayton Baptist Church, a BGAV-participating church in Henrico, VA.