Not Alone

So many churches are, unfortunately, not growing, but are either stagnant or declining. That's why SBCV brings pastors together regularly to learn, network, and pray together to see this trend turn around. In this insightful podcast, we dive into three to four keys that helped Swift Creek Baptist in Colonial Heights and its pastor, Ryan Colpitts.

He's led the SBC of Virginia for more than a decade. You may know Brian Autry as the Executive Director of SBCV. However, there were many twists and turns on this path to serving that only God could have orchestrated.

In this episode, Brandon and Brian discuss the importance of community in ministry, Brian's personal journey, the role of mentorship, and the significance of maintaining perspective and humility in leadership. Brian shares his experiences in youth ministry, church planting, and the challenges he faced along the way, emphasizing that ministry is a privilege and that one's identity should be rooted in Christ.

Every church has specific challenges to face. Many of those challenges are the same, no matter the size or location of the church. But for those churches that are in rural or small town settings, answers may be hard to come by to help with their unique situations. That's why the SBCV held a special conference just for these churches. In this episode, we talk with John Sharp, who highlights some of the main takeaways that could really help your church.

When Philip Bramblet came to Rocky Mount, Virginia, to pastor Furnace Creek Baptist Church, he knew God had called him there. What he didn't realize was the journey he and the church would have to take and how long it would take. It's a revitalization story of two 5-year chapters, including a time when he was almost shown the door! But along the way, Philip learned one thing that he constantly needs... GRIT. God, Repentance, Instruction, and Time.

It was hard to watch Cracker Barrel try to reinvent itself this year. It tried to move away from the past and into a future that seemed to leave its customer base behind. But what can churches and ministries learn from this process? Marketing expert Mark MacDonald has been a frequent speaker at IFR's Worship & Technology Conference. In today's podcast, he breaks down some lessons that we can all take away from a $700 million rebrand that almost took a national icon down.

This past Virginia General Assembly, lawmakers approved two constitutional amendments that would tear down family and Biblical values in the areas of gender, marriage, and life. And these amendments, if approved by voters in November of 2026, directly impact every Virginian and every church. So why is this November's election so crucial and maybe even more important? We dive into those issues in today's podcast with Pastor Jonathan Falwell and our partner from the Family Foundation, Michael Morisi.

No one ever hopes for a disaster. But we all know that it's unfortunately a part of life. So, being prepared to help someone in need is so important. That's where the SBC of Virginia Disaster Relief ministries come in. In today's podcast, we talk with a brand-new, trained volunteer who also served with DR as an intern. Aiden Wolfgang shares his experience and why he would do this for a living if he could!

One of the most rewarding things in ministry is to see our church members grow in the Lord and serve with joy. But how to get people from the parking lot to the pew to serving can also be one of the most challenging. Today's episode breaks it down and gives you insightful ways to recruit, track, and train your fellow members as we "equip the saints for the work of the ministry!"

No matter where you turn, there is another digital device that is on your desk, your wrist, or your countertop, either chirping, buzzing, or ringing at you. It's just about impossible to live without digital distraction. But author and strategist, Jeff Mingee, tells us ways we can take dominion over our digital lives and even gives us ways to tell if it's actually working!

How do you serve in a historic or traditional church and make changes that don't blow up the ministry or leave a trail of destruction behind you? Josh Morgan, the pastor of 1st Baptist of Dillwyn, believes that the answer may be as simple as listening, learning, and staying long enough to build relationships that, in turn, help solve long-standing issues keeping the church from growing.