Not Alone

Some might say that it's a lot easier to just turn on the church livestream on Sunday morning instead of attending. But the Bible says something different about this topic.

Community is important to your daily walk with Christ. Pastor Hopson Boutot at Poquoson Baptist Church in Poquoson, Virginia talks about the importance of church attendance with SBCV Church Planting Strategist, Jeff Mingee.

Not Alone Podcast Episode 30

As churches begin the transition into the fall season, what are the priorities of leaders as they prepare lessons and activities for children? Delanee Williams, content editor for LifeWay Kids, shares helpful tips for the classroom with personal experiences to help guide teachers of preschoolers and children. Listen as Delanee discusses discipleship with Cindy Middaugh, SBCV children's ministry strategist.

Not Alone Podcast Episode 29

Thousands of refugee families have arrived in Virginia since August. They left their homes in Afghanistan to find freedoms that we are blessed to experience in America. But many of these refugees brought very little, if anything at all, with them. And the need is very great!

Two SBCV churches are leading efforts to support these families with supplies and encouragement. SBCV's Brandon Pickett and Brad Russell speak with Joe Mays with Mount Pleasant Baptist Church and Joe Tanner with Parkway Baptist Church to talk through how we can pray and support these families during this window of ministry opportunity.

Not Alone Podcast Episode 28

A lot of graduates fresh out of seminary should be excited to serve the Lord and follow His guidance to shepherd a church. And while a degree says graduates are ready, their experience might say something else. But there is a helpful solution available.

The Bonhoeffer Haus is a ministry that builds ministry apprenticeships within cohorts doing life together in meaningful ways. Jesse Furey is the executive director there in Radford, Virginia. His experience in co-planting Valley Bible Church in 2010 with about 10 people brought out a desire to help young leaders.

Josh Turner, SBCV church planting director, caught up with Furey to discuss how SBCV pastors and others provide support to better equip men to lead the church and their families well.

Not Alone Podcast Episode 27

Beyond corporate worship times, there is another facet to the life of the church, it's the impact small groups and Sunday School can have. But how do these communities produce discipleship?

Ken Braddy is the Director of Sunday School for Lifeway Christian Resources in Nashville, TN. In this episode, Braddy shares with Steve Bradshaw, director of evangelism and strategic initiatives for the SBCV, the history and relevancy of Sunday School and Small Groups, as well as what the pandemic has taught us concerning these groups.

Not Alone Podcast Episode 26

Just about 2,000 people were killed and 9,900 injured in Haiti on August 14, 2021, after a 7.2 magnitude earthquake ripped apart the impoverished nation. More than 38,000 homes were totally destroyed with almost 48,000 homes damaged or collapsed. Unfortunately, those numbers continue to rise with each passing day.

The SBC of Virginia Relief Ministries team is working with national agencies to find out how we can all help those in desperate need. Shawn Ames, SBCV relief director, and Aubrey Ralph share the latest with Brandon Pickett, SBCV associate executive director.

Not Alone Podcast Episode #27

Communities across our nation are growing more and more diverse. So, how is your church reaching age, race, and ethnic groups that are different from the makeup of your current congregation?

Dr. Matt Willmington, executive pastor of Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg, Virginia, shares how over the last decade, this church has invested in Korean, Chinese, and Hispanic families and ministries. Sergio Guardia, hispanic strategist for the SBCV and founding pastor of the Thomas Road Hispanic ministry, speaks with Willmington of how we can serve together to have a vibrant multicultural community. Listen how your church can also benefit from this ministry.

Not Alone Podcast Episode 25

James 1:22 shares that we should not just listen to God's Word, but we should do what it says. When it comes to serving and sharing the Gospel with others, how does missions play a part in your family or church?  

During SBCV's Family Fusion, Brian Parker, minister of young adults, missions, and education at Kempsville Baptist Church in Virginia Beach, shared his missions experience with Ishmael LaBiosa, director of communications for the SBCV. In this episode, listen to the impact Family Fusion can have and how you can be a part of changing lives both physically and eternally for God's glory.

Not Alone Podcast Episode 22

Planning a weekly message can be challenging and overwhelming. Leaning into the Holy Spirit should be the first move. But how do you incorporate illustrations and other elements to keep your congregation engaged?

Don Cockes, SBCV regional catalyst, talks about preaching experiences with Daniel Palmer, senior pastor of North Roanoke Baptist Church in Roanoke, Virginia. In their conversation, they discuss sermon preparation, tips to encourage good listening, and how preaching is an important part of the making disciples.

Not Alone Podcast Episode 23

When trying to revitalize a church, it is easy to just look inward. But what if looking outward is one of the main keys to health and growth? What if getting to know your community and finding ways to serve them propels your church to evangelism, missions, and outreach?

Rusty Small, SBCV church revitalization strategist, shares that community events can definitely serve as a great strategy - a revitalization tool that has worked for the church Rusty pastors, Liberty Baptist Church in Appomattox, Virginia.

Not Alone Podcast Episode 22