The Baptist General Association of Virginia (BGAV) in the United States was established in 1823, more than 100 years after the first Baptist church was planted in the colony of Virginia in 1714. The association was a successor to the earlier General Meeting of Correspondence of Virginia Baptists.
BGAV seeks to "furnish the Baptist churches of Virginia a medium of cooperation for the propagation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and for the advancement of the Redeemer's Kingdom by all methods in accord with the Word of God."
One of the first Baptist state conventions within the US to become a member organization of the Baptist World Alliance, BGAV has an extensive range of ministries, including church planting, disaster relief and response, and Christian community development.
The Virginia Baptist Ventures program enables individuals at least 18 years old to serve in hands-on mission roles for a period of six months to two years and provides opportunities for longer-term mission service in local and global settings. In addition, the Glocal Missions and Evangelism Team provides resources to connect Virginia Baptists to partners for meaningful mission opportunities.
BGAV's Latino Network seeks to promote the work of both Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking congregations in Virginia. Virginia Baptist Homes operates four continuing care retirement communities throughout Virginia for people of all faiths in a Christian family atmosphere.
BGAV is part of Virginia's GraceInside, a prison chaplain service that includes other Christian traditions and which maintains chaplains at 32 of the state's more than 40 prisons, correctional centers and work units.
Several higher learning educational institutions in Virginia were started by Virginia Baptists, including the University of Richmond, Bluefield College, Averett University and Virginia Intermont College.
Baptists in Virginia have had an especially close relationship with the BWA. Many of its leaders and members are involved in the life of the BWA, including BWA President John Upton who is executive director of BGAV, BWA First Vice President Daniel Carro, who leads BGAV's Latino Network, and BWA Treasurer Carolyn Fossen.
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