BGAV’s Annual Meeting in November features a lineup of amazing guest speakers that will guide us through this year’s theme of “Free Indeed!”

Robert Stephens, pastor of our host church, First Baptist Church in Alexandria, VA, will discuss “Freedom in Church” during our main session time on Monday evening, November 11.

Robert stepped into his first ministerial position at the age of 19. He currently has two decades of pastoral experience utilizing his gifts of teaching, leadership, and discernment. Robert holds a B.S. in Animal Science from Tarleton State University, a Master of Divinity in Theology from Logsdon Seminary at Hardin Simmons University, and a Doctor of Ministry in Biblical Studies from Liberty University. In addition, he currently serves as a Chaplain (MAJ) in the United States Army Reserves with the Office of the Chief of Chaplains, working in the Proponency Assistant Directorate.

On Tuesday, November 12, attendees can hear from two more guest speakers. During Tuesday morning’s main gathering, Miriam Swanson of Fusion USA will present on “Freedom in Community.”

Miriam has been equipping local churches to love, reach, and disciple university students through the Fusion Movement for more than a decade. She moved from the UK in 2019 and is now pioneering Fusion USA from her home in Florida.

Tuesday evening’s main session will feature Elijah Brown, General Secretary and CEO of Baptist World Alliance (BWA), addressing “Freedom in Christ.”

Elijah has overall leadership responsibilities for the BWA and is its chief representative within the Baptist family and to governments, global organizations and institutions, and other Christian World Communions and faith traditions. Elected as the ninth General Secretary and the youngest in the history of BWA, he brings strategic and visionary leadership as the principal leader to the Baptist movement as well as a ministry passion for the vision of BWA to “network the Baptist family to impact the world for Christ.”

Our final main session time on Wednesday morning, November 13, includes a special wrap-up sermon titled “Free Indeed” with BGAV Executive Director Wayne Faison.

Wayne was elected as BGAV Executive Director by the messengers to the 199th BGAV Annual Meeting held in Hampton, VA, in 2022.  He previously had served on the staff for 21 years, contributing especially in the areas of African-American church development, evangelism, and church planting. Wayne also serves as senior pastor of the East End Baptist Church in Suffolk, VA. He holds a Doctor of Ministry degree as well as a Master of Divinity degree from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.  He also earned a “mini-MBA” from the University of Richmond.

Learn more about our speakers and this year’s meeting by visiting http://meeting.bgav.org.

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