BBFI September 2018 National Meeting

The BBFI fall meeting was held September 17-19 at Park Valley Church in Haymerket, VA. Barry White, who also serves as the BBFI state representative for Virginia, and the church went above and beyond expectations for hosting a national meeting. The church facility, which is less than one year old, was an ideal venue. The 1,350-seat state-of-the-art auditorium was extremely comfortable to worship, be inspired and be challenged to do more for the cause of Christ. Tuesday night’s service included many of the church’s 4,000+ members who had to preregister in order to confirm an available seat. Church staff and volunteers were always gracious and helpful.

Having the meeting in Washington, D.C. continued the recent trend of national meetings being held in “destination” cities. The last few years the BBFI has met in cities such as: Ventura, Austin, Orlando, Cape Cod and Fort Worth. This allows attendees to include a day or two of vacation either before or after the meeting. A quick look at Facebook confirms that many pastors took advantage of the opportunity to visit our nation’s Capital.

The Services Were Encouraging and Challenging

As is typical of most Fellowship Meetings, the preaching services were a highlight. Park Valley’s worship team did a great job of “disappearing” as they led worship and pointed the crowd toward the cross. The speakers were both encouraging and challenging. Ed Stetzer, which holds the Billy Graham Chair of Church, Mission, and Evangelism at Wheaton College, spoke twice on Monday night. His messages from 1 Corinthians 5 were a challenge to reach the secular world we are living in. Tuesday morning newly elected BBFI Treasurer, Brian Moore, and Orlando, FL pastor Rodney Gage both spoke. Moore’s message was very inspiring as he, very transparently, shared how God has sustained him through some personal challenges over the summer months. Gage spoke from the narrative of David and Goliath on turning our limitations into opportunities. Tuesday night Bob Goff, a New York Times Best-Selling author, had the packed room laughing, crying, and contemplating as he inspired each person to be involved in other people’s lives in order to point them to Jesus. As one pastor said, “I don’t know how long he preached, but I wanted him to keep going.” BBFI missionary to Costa Rica, and host for the upcoming Global Fellowship Meeting in 2020, John Barnes wrapped up the meeting on Wednesday morning highlighting God’s work around the world through the ministry efforts of the Baptist Bible Fellowship.

BBFI Missions Doing Great

Mission Director Jon Konnerup shared many victories of God’s work through BBFI missionaries. He also introduced two new ministries of the Mission Office. The first is Beyond Borders which “engages people through life changing events, internships and mission trips.” The second is the World Initiative Network (WIN) which will primarily assist BBFI church planting missionaries. Visit www.bbfimissions.comfor more information on both.

Two career missionary families were approved: Grant and Rebecca Skelton (Hong Kong) and Justin and Becka Trill (Thailand).  Vernon and Mary Smith received a 30-year pin for serving as BBFI missionaries in Tanzania. Marvin and Pat Matthews, retired missionaries to Australia, received their 50-year globe.

The Museum of the Bible

Another highlight of the week included a trip to the newly opened Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C. The typical weekly schedule of a national meeting was adjusted to allow attendees to travel together immediately following the services Wednesday morning. The host church provided a box lunch and chartered busses for those that chose to take in the museum. Those that attended were not disappointed in this seven floor museum dedicated to the Bible.

BBFI Annual Business Meeting

The primary focus of the BBFI Annual Business Meeting was the transition of leadership to the newly elected executive committee. Outgoing president, Eddie Lyons, was not able to attend due to health reasons. New president, Tim Adrian led the meeting which included reports by the Mission Office, colleges, APEX and the Tribune. The national officers include: Tim Adrian (President), Jon Haley (First Vice President), Jon Slayden (Second Vice President), Sean Sears (Third Vice President), Brian Moore (Treasurer), and Michael Haley (Secretary).

One significant announcement included further changes to the BBFI Communication Office and the Baptist Bible Tribune. Print publication for the Tribune is moving to twice per year with added emphasis to www.tribune.organd the multiple social media sites the Communication Office manages. If you have not signed up for the new weeklyTribuneUpdate email you can do so by visiting the website.

Upcoming Meetings

February 11-13, 2019 || Crosspointe Church, Anaheim, CA (Brian Moore) (Click here for more information)

April 29 – May 2, 2019 || Baptist Bible College, Springfield, MO (Mark Milioni)

September 16-18, 2019 || Oak Hill Baptist Church, Somerset, KY (Gary Phelps)

February 2020 || Orlando Baptist Church, Orlando, FL (Dustin Janney)

July 6-9, 2020 || Parque Viva Expo Center, Alajuela, Costa Rica (John Barnes) (Click here for more information)