West Virginia Baptist Convention

Annual Training Event

Todd McClure — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 17:30:09 +0000

Bring your church leaders and join us for a full day of workshops on Saturday, February 1st at Parchment Valley Conference Center.

THEME: Intentionally Engaging Communities for Christ

COST: The cost will be $25 per person . Your registration includes lunch (if registered by January 24th)

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Any registration that comes in after January 24 will not include lunch.

WORKSHOPS: When registering, you will be asked to select one AM and one PM workshop. The workshops are listed at the bottom of this section.

SCHEDULE:

9:00 AM: Registration – Hill Hall
9:30 AM: Worship – Hill Hall
10:15 AM: Morning Workshops
Noon: Lunch
1:00 PM: Afternoon Workshops
2:30 PM: Dismissal

*Note: Bobby Wood School of Christian Studies students are eligible to receive course credit for participating in two workshops.

Register Online

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Morning Workshop Options:

Short-Term Mission Trip Leader Training (Part 1)
Led by: Todd McClure and Baillie Myers
This two-part training will prepare indnviduals to lead short-term mission trips both locally and overseas. It is required for those interested in leading a WVBC endorsed mission trip.
Cultivating Good Soil: Spiritual Disciplines for a Receptive Heart
Led by: Trent Eastman
In this workshop, we will explore how spiritual disciplines are like a plow that breaks up the hardened soil of our hearts, making us receptive to God’s work in our lives. Drawing from biblical wisdom and personal experience, we will examine 37 disciplines such as prayer, scripture engagement, worship and solitude, discovering how these practices cultivate spiritual growth and intimacy with God. Participants will learn how these habits help shape us into “the good soil,” ready for the planting of God’s Word, and how they help us overcome the obstacles of sin, distraction and fear, leading to greater spiritual maturity and peace.
The Dinner/Table Church Experience
Led by: Mark Wood and Evan Arkell
Hear about the experience of “The Table” Dinner Church, which meets at Spencer First Baptist Church, from Pastor Mark Wood. This workshop will detail how “The Table” developed from their infancy to how they are doing now after nearly one year of table ministry. With time for Q and A, this workshop will also seek to address what a Dinner/Table Church may look like in your context.
Reducing the Risk
Led by: Koreen Villers
No child should ever experience the trauma of sexual abuse—and certainly never in a church or ministry setting. Sadly, there are hundreds of allegations made each year over incidents of child sexual abuse in faith communities. Churches, by virtue of their open, welcoming nature, often attract predators looking for a low-resistance environment where they can prey on children. At the same time, there are simple steps your ministry can take to protect children. We all love children and we want to protect them from sexual abuse within our churches.
Grandfamily Support Group Development
Led by: Phil Parvin
Grandfamily is a unique subset of our society that has layers of complexity that we are just now beginning to explore. The grandparent caregivers that are tasked with providing the needs of struggling kids, both physical and emotional, are not properly equipped. In this session we will discuss some of the relevant differences that grand families face, and how to establish a support group for the caregivers that will certainly benefit the kids as well. We will share a framework of these support sessions, ways to find participants, suggested materials, and 3 years of experiences.
Walk with Me (Discussion on Bill Mowry’s Book)
Led by: Rob Ely
Navigating Church Antagonists: Biblical Strategies for Resolving Conflict
Led by: Jason Robbins
This workshop seeks to equip ministry leaders to assess and address individuals who actively create conflict within the local church. Attendees will learn to identify the root causes of these conflicts, determine conflict severity, apply Scriptural principles for resolution, and set protective boundaries for themselves and their families. Drawing from the work of pastors who specialize in church conflict (Kenneth Haugk, Speed Lees, & Peter Steinke) this session offers practical strategies to help ministers and lay leaders foster a healthier congregational environment, even when faced with intense opposition.
Leading Change: Moving the Church Forward
Led by: Mike Sisson
Many assume people are resistant to change, however that is not necessarily the case. In this workshop participants will receive a deeper understanding of the dynamics surrounding change and receive the tools to help them lead effectively through the process.
The Church and Facebook
Led by: Dan Londeree
Since the COVID 19 pandemic, more churches have been utilizing Facebook for live streaming, church communication and outreach. While this social media platform can be useful for Kingdom work, it also has drawbacks. This session will focus on how churches can navigate these challenges and opportunities and use the wisdom of God to determine the best use of Facebook for ministry.
How to Archive
Led by: Edna Fugate
Held in the Historical Society Suite of Hill Hall
Church Treasurers and Financial Secretaries
Led by: Mark Miller and Kayla Starcher
This workshop will discuss the various duties of both church treasurers and financial secretaries, provide suggestions on how to conduct internal audits and offer an overview of how to fill out the WVBC remittance forms.
Church Clerks
Led by: Ginny Prunty
This workshop will cover the various responsibilities of the church clerk, as well as explain two very important forms that each church needs to submit annually to the WVBC office.

Afternoon Workshops Options:

Short-Term Mission Trip Leader Training (Part 2)
Led by: Todd McClure and Baillie Myers
This two-part training will prepare indnviduals to lead short-term mission trips both locally and overseas. It is required for those interested in leading a WVBC endorsed mission trip.
Personal Discipleship Through the Bible
Led by: Rob Ely
John 15:5 Jesus challenges the people of God to be connected to the vine. The workshop will challenge and teach individuals to study Gods word and become connected to Jesus. To know God is to know his word…to know his word is to know God!
Micro Church / Micro Gatherings—How Do They Work?
Led by: Evan Arkell
How are you answering the call to be an everyday missionary? This workshop will seek to explain what a micro church / micro gathering is, what one may look like in your context and how you can get one started.
Improving Church Security: Resources and Ideas
Led by: David Hoge and Ray Stonestreet
This workshop will share information on various ideas to improve the overall security of your church and also review information on potential grant funding to support improving the physical security of your facility.
Women’s Ministries in the WVBC
Led by: Sherry Husted and Koreen Villers
We will discuss ideas for starting or energizing your current women’s group. Where do you start? What does MOP, Special Project, WV Hope, and WV Blessings mean? What’s new for 2025? This session will help with all those topics and many more for your local church.
I’m Listening: How to be Present When Others are Hurting
Led by: Kim Harrison
We all face difficulties of all sizes and intensity in life from day-to-day stress to terrible loss. The Bible tells us to carry one another’s burdens in Gal 6:2 but sometimes that seems hard or overwhelming on how to do that. This session will cover a basic communication tool to help be present and come along side others in their moments of need. Understanding it’s ok that we do not have all the answers, but we can be helpful to others in difficult life circumstances.
Youth Ministry: Exploring Realities of Ministry to Digital Natives
Led by: Jill Narraway
Over the last 10-15 years, the rapid transition from “play-based” childhood to “phone/technology-based” childhood has drastically impacted childhood and adolescent development. Using research in Jonathan Haidt’s book, The Anxious Generation, we will explore trends and data to discuss the direct impact on our students and ministry models.
Guiding Your Church to Joyful Service
Led by: Ed Rogers
In this workshop, participants will explore how to guide their community toward joyful, fulfilling service. By integrating spiritual gifts with Patrick Lencioni’s 6 Types of Working Genius model, attendees will gain practical tools to help their congregation connect with meaningful work. This approach will enhance volunteer recruitment, engagement, and retention, creating a more vibrant and committed community.
Who Are We?: Exploring the WVBC
Led by: Jon Villers
An orientation to the WVBC. Navigating the structure of our Convention as we answer the questions of What is our purpose? Why do we choose to Associate? How do we collect money and where does it go?
The Herald of Hope Chapel Car Ministry
Led by: Gary and Debbie Higginbotham
Held in the Historical Society Suite of Hill Hall
Church Trustees
Led by: Mark McCloy
This workshop is intended for those filling the role of trustee at your church. Practical and useful information will be provided.
Deacons
Led by: Jim Daniels
Deacon training is for the deacons of your church. the training by prayer and service will enhance your role as a deacon in your church.

Register Online

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Engaging Mental Health Study

Kayla Starcher — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 12:43:03 +0000

Small Group Bible Study

We have worked with some individuals within our WVBC family to develop a small group Bible study for churches on the topic of mental health. Each of the four videos acts as one session and includes discussion questions at the end of each video. Participants are encouraged to pause the video to discuss each question

Session 1: Basics of Thoughts

Session 2: Basics of Feelings

Session 3: Anxiety & Depression

Session 4: Clinical & Spiritual Practices

Mental Health Resources:

The following resources were provided during the Engaging Mental Health with Hope Conference

Practical Tips

Call Lines information

Book Recommendations

Recommendations

Resources

C-SSRS Detailed

Emotion Wheel

Columbia Protocol

Devotions

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Annual Meeting Recap

Todd McClure — Sat, 05 Oct 2024 17:15:20 +0000

In case you missed our 2024 WVBC Annual Meeting at Cakvary Baptist Church in Oak Hill, below are some the recordings from the main sessions. More videos can be found on our YouTube channel.

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Hurricane Helene Hits Southeast U.S.

Todd McClure — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 15:07:38 +0000

The WVBC is requesting prayers and donations for those impacted by Hurricane Helene.

We are currently accepting financial donations through One Great Hour of Sharing. You can donate now by Clicking Here and selecting OGHS from the drop-down menu.

COLLECTING DONATIONS

Frank Miller is coordinating a group that will be taking supplies to North Carolina. Parchment Valley Conference Center has agreed to be a drop-off location for these supplies. We request that all supplies be dropped off by October 14th.

New underwear and socks
Blow up mattresses
Bug spray
Batteries
Hand sanitizer
Construction strength garbage bags
Trash cans
Non-perishable canned food item (pull tabs)
Hand can openers
Cleaning supplies, rubber gloves
Bottled water
Towels and wash cloths-do not have to be new
Dish cloths, blankets, plastic shower curtains
Heavy Duty Work gloves
Pet food
Baby food
Mops, brooms, push brooms
Mold remover

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Donate Items:
The above mentioned items can be dropped off at Parchment Valley Conference Center by October 14th.

Donate Funds:
Donations can be made through the WVBC by marking your check or remittance form “OGHS – Hurricane Helene.” You can also GIVIE ONLINE by choosing “OGHS” in the drop-town menu.

Volunteer:
Following the assessment, teams will be organized to assist with cleanup work in both North Carolina and in southern West Virginia. If you are interested in participating with those teams, contact Frank Miller at millerfrank520@gmail.com.

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Urgent Support Needed for Thailand

Kayla Starcher — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 11:00:40 +0000

International Ministries has sent an initial grant of $20,000 in One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) emergency relief to partners that will provide humanitarian relief to the victims of the severe flooding devastating northern Thailand.

Catastrophic flooding has struck Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand, affecting more than 10,000 homes, according to news reports from the Bangkok Post. Some are calling it the worst flooding in 80 years, with the Kok River overflowing to submerge the entire business district of Chiang Rai city. Across Thailand, 48 provinces remain under flash flood warnings through September 18th, with the potential for further devastation.

International Ministries (IM) is deeply concerned for the safety and well-being of its global servants and partners in the region. The Williams and Coats families, IM global servants stationed in Chiang Rai, have been forced to flee their homes due to rising floodwaters.

IM Area Director for Southeast Asia and Japan Rev. Kyle Witmer describes the dire situation: “Our partners among the hill tribe peoples here have seen some devastating realities as rivers have overrun their banks on numerous occasions. Please prayerfully consider how God might use you to respond with love and care for those affected. Pray that in the midst of this difficult time, people will see the difference that a relationship with Jesus Christ makes in the lives of God’s children.”

With ongoing flood warnings, immediate needs for displaced families include food, clean water, and shelter, while longer-term efforts will focus on restoration and rebuilding. Kyle and Katrina Williams, IM global servants in Chiang Rai, have been providing updates on the situation as it unfolds. They are urgently asking for prayer and support. “Our community is overwhelmed. Many families are now living like refugees, uncertain of when they’ll be able to return to their homes and begin the daunting task of clean-up,” shared Kyle Williams.

IM calls for urgent prayer and support for all affected by the floods, especially for the families of its global servants and local partners.

Donations can be made through the WVBC by marking your check or remittance form “OGHS – Thailand Floods.” You can also give online by clicking the button below and choosing “OGHS” in the drop-down.

GIVE ONLINE

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WV Baptist Newsletter

Todd McClure — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 14:15:48 +0000

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Executive Board Approves Plans for 2021

Todd McClure — Fri, 15 Jan 2021 14:46:43 +0000

On Saturday, January 9^th, the West Virginia Baptist Convention (WVBC) Executive Board met via Zoom to discuss and approve the 2021 budget and slate of officers. Each of the four commissions (Discipleship, Leadership, Outreach and Stewardship) also met earlier in the day to discuss vision and plans for the upcoming year.

Over the last couple of years, the WVBC has made intentional efforts to improve the budget by reducing expenses while simultaneously expanding ministries. They have also recently completed a GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) conversion of their books to improve the transparency of finances by showing true ministry costs. Over the previous two years, the budget had been decreased by more than $41,000, and for 2021, the Executive Board approved a budget that further reduced the budget by another $26,000. Last year was the first time in over a decade that the WVBC finished financially in the black, thanks in large part to churches and individuals who followed through on their commitments despite a global pandemic. Newly launched in 2020, the Rope Holder initiative saw individuals give more than $80,000 through the Mountain State Mission Offering.

This was the first meeting led by newly-elected president, Ryan Stoner. Ryan’s installation service took place on Sunday, November 29^th, at his home church of Pea Ridge Baptist Church. Other elected officers included Cari Pauley (1^st Vice President), Don Biram (2^nd Vice President), Lois Merritt (Secretary) and Todd McClure (Treasurer). We are grateful for the leadership of Lee Boso, who served as president during the unusual and historic 2020 ministry year.

As we move into 2021, please join us by praying for each of our commissions and these newly elected officers. Their leadership is vital to our mission of doing Christ’s work together.

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Family Advent Celebration

Todd McClure — Fri, 13 Nov 2020 15:41:32 +0000

Family Advent Celebration

Written by Koreen Villers, Director of Discipleship

Christmas Advent is a time to prepare for the arrival of Jesus! Advent is a time to prepare ourselves – as well as our houses – for Christmas. Advent is a time of waiting and expectancy, and a time of contemplation. Advent is a great time to involve our children in faith celebrations at home.

What is Advent?

Advent is a call to followers of Christ to remember the birth of the Savior. The word advent stems from a Latin word that means “coming” or “arrival.” The season begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and depending on the year, can range from 22 to 28 days. Its purpose is to help believers remain focused on the birth of Christ and Jesus’ glorious return.

The advent season is divided into four weeks, and each week features a different liturgical theme. Traditionally, the first week remembers the hope and expectation of the Jewish people as they looked forward to the Savior’s arrival – and it also reminds believers today to wait expectantly for Jesus’ second coming. The second week focuses on preparation: Over many centuries, God prepared the hearts of the Jews for Christ’s coming, just as He is now working in our hearts to prepare us for the Christs second coming. The third week joyfully celebrates the coming of the messiah, and the final week celebrates God’s peace and love.

Why celebrate Advent?

The daily time that you will take with your kids will model what is important to your family. Slow down the hustle and bustle of the season, and prepare for His arrival. The time together will be an opportunity to talk more about Jesus in your home. The change will be noticeable. Counting down the days till Christmas will shift to the celebrating of the Christ’s coming.

Resources:

Here are several resources available to families or churches to help in this time of preparation and waiting. Some resources are free and some have a minimal cost. Choose one that best fits your family and begin the celebration.

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WVBC Family Virtual Celebration

Todd McClure — Fri, 07 Aug 2020 13:31:31 +0000

I would like to invite you to join with your Baptist brothers and sisters from around the state in a special four-part WVBC Family Virtual Celebration, which will premiere October 13, 2020.

It would be easy to think that ministry during this pandemic has been paused. However, as you will hear in the celebration, God has been very active working in and through His people who together make up the WVBC family of churches! Now is the perfect time to celebrate God’s goodness and guidance as we as a Convention family strive in this unusual season to find new and creative ways to “Do Christ’s Work Together!” As the words of the great hymn of the faith written by Fanny Crosby proclaim, “To God be the glory, great things He hath done!”

Richest of Blessings,
Mike Sisson

Family Celebration Schedule:

Each session will last 30-45 minutes and will be full of highlights and updates. Sessions will be streamed to both our Facebook page and our YouTube channel, and the link will also be e-mailed out on the evening of the session. A detailed schedule of each session are listed below:

Tuesday, October 13 at 6 pm
~ The Executive Minister Address by Mike Sisson
~ A Video Montage of Our Churches Doing Creative Ministry
~ A Church Planting & Revitalization Update by David Hulme
~ The Presentation of the Ward W. Hibbs Award
Click Here to Watch on YouTube

Thursday, October 15 at 6 pm
~ Parchment Valley Update by Frank and Teresa Miller
~ Brothers’ Keeper 2020 Highlights
~ American Baptist Men of WV Update by Dan Harbaugh
~ Bobby Wood School of Christian Studies Graduation
~ WV Baptist Education Society Update by Lee Boso
~ The Presentation of the James Anderson, Sr. Award
~ Pastors4Pastors Update by Matt Ash
Click Here to Watch on YouTube

Tuesday, October 20 6 pm
~ Celebration of Children’s Ministry by Koreen Villers
~ Senior Adult Ministry Update by Jerry Losh
~ Camp Cowen Highlights by Jill Narraway
~ Greetings from Palmer Theological Seminary by Dr. David Bronkema
~ WV Baptist Historical Society Legacy Story by Todd Godby
~ Baptist Campus Ministry Testimonies
~ Youth Ministry Testimony by Beth Perry
~ Weirton Christian Center Update by Kim Weaver
Click Here to Watch on YouTube

Thursday, October 22 6 pm
~ American Baptist Women’s Ministries of WV Update by Kathy Hudson
~ Global Missions Update/Devotion by Todd McClure
~ Greetings from Various Mission Partners
~ Commissioning by Mike Sisson
~ A Time of Guided Prayer by Lee Boso
Click Here to Watch on YouTube

How to Watch:

You can watch our sessions in any of the following ways:

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Out of This World Salsa

Todd McClure — Tue, 28 Jul 2020 12:10:55 +0000

Written by Rowena Sizemore

Out of This World Salsa is a mission project under the non-profit La Casa De La Amistad that provides assistance to women and children in poverty. Originally started by John and Lisa Simmons, all proceeds go to projects which educate, empower and enable women and children to have a better life.

Field workers in southeastern Ohio pick the tomatoes, green peppers and jalapenos that we use in the salsa. Veterans raise most of our specialty peppers like Hungarians, habaneros and Carolina reapers. Volunteers do the rest, such as chopping and processing the salsa in a USDA (United States Department of Agriculture)-approved kitchen at Parchment Valley Conference Center. We are a seasonal, limited run, second harvest operation that has a lot of fun cooking together.

Bill Stewart and I have both attended process control school to be certified in overseeing the salsa processing. The salsas that we make are: Sweet Salsa with West Virginia Maple Syrup, Mild Salsa, Medium Salsa, Hot Salsa and Reaper Salsa. To learn more about how you can get involved, contact me at rsizemore@mail.casinternet.net or follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/outofthisworldsalsa/.

Over the past year, we have given more than $8,300 to assist women and children in poverty. God has a reason for us to make salsa!

Where to find Out of This World Salsa:

Parchment Valley Conference Center (Ripley, WV)
West Virginia Marketplace in the Capital Market (Charleston, WV)
Black Dog Coffee (Martinsburg, WV)
Hawk’s Nest State Park (Ansted, WV)
Family Roots Farm (Wellsburg, WV)

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