Not Alone

A great way to invite families to your church is through sports. One of the strong ministries making an impact for God's glory is Upward Sports.SBCV's Cindy Middaugh invited Jennifer McCraw and Jessica Drotleff from Upward Sports to share how families are getting to know more about God through this dynamic ministry. Listen to this conversation that may encourage your church to begin one for your community.Not Alone Podcast Episode #105

How intentional are you with your prayer life? There are so many distractions around us that it is easy to get out of a daily routine of communicating with the Lord.SBCV's Dolly Mink thinks through this topic with Andrea Lennon who works with the Arkansas Baptist State Convention. Andrea is also the guest speaker for the Equip Women's Conference on May 4, 2024 at Kempsville Baptist Church in Virginia Beach. Listen to this conversation on how we can boldly seek God's will.

Girls who are in 6th through 12th grade are searching for their identity. This can become a very blurry and challenging task. They need truth spoken in their lives.SBCV's Lexi Shipp caught up with Gabrielle McCullough, an author and speaker who helps strengthen women to be God-honoring. Gabrielle is also the keynote speaker for Purpose: A Gathering for Girls. This SBCV event is on September 22, 2023 in Virginia Beach. Join us as we spend the evening digging into defining our identity and who we really are.Not Alone Podcast Episode #103

Women's ministry can sometimes get a bad rep for being inwardly-focused. So, how do we change this to help minister to those around us for God's glory?In this podcast, LifeWay's Women's Ministry Specialist Kelly King shares ministry trends for this year. Listen as SBCV's Donna Paulk joins the conversation to learn about resources and training opportunities.Not Alone Podcast Episode #102

Language barriers cause a real challenge when it comes to reaching your community with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. One SBCV church leader is using technology to make it so much easier to cross those barriers!SBCV's Josh Turner caught up with Heath Kouns, an elder of Hope Valley Church in Christiansburg, to learn about Polyglossia. This is an electronic resource Heath helped to develop that can translate live conversations from and to multiple languages through a smart device in almost real time. Listen to this episode to learn more about this incredible resource.Not Alone Podcast Episode #101

Research shows that college graduates are leaving the faith or are not pursuing God. One Virginia Beach church is making it their mission to encourage students to keep pressing on.Every Wednesday afternoon, teams from Green Run Baptist Church set up a table at Old Dominion University in Norfolk to speak with students and ask tough questions about where they are in their walk with Jesus Christ. SBCV's Jeff Mingee connected with Pastor Steve Azzara of Green Run Baptist Church to learn more of their evangelistic efforts.Not Alone Podcast Episode #100

There was nothing easy about bringing the church through and out of the covid lock-down days. Senior Pastor Dan Ellis and Worship and Discipleship Pastor David Morton of Rileyville Baptist Church walked through a season of decline. Through prayer, they knew they needed to be stirred up in obedience to the Lord and to be encouraged. SBCV's Darrell Webb spoke with Dan and David to hear how obedience-based discipleship and bold steps of faith have propelled Rileyville Baptist to much better days.Not Alone Podcast Episode #99

It takes a village to make it happen. That phrase is so true when it comes to community and church services. Amy Whitfield is the executive director of communications at the Summit Church in Raleigh, North Carolina. Amy shares with SBCV's Donna Paulk the challenges of leadership and the importance of relying on strength from the Lord.Not Alone Podcast Episode #98

God leads each of us differently. Some are called into ministry that may move or change often. Others are rooted into communities for a much longer time. But that doesn't mean their time is without struggles and challenges.Pastor Kevin Cummings has served for more than 25 years at Fincastle Baptist Church located just outside of Roanoke. SBCV's Don Cockes caught up with Pastor Kevin to hear how God is working through his ministry. You will also hear about God's healing hand through Pastor Kevin's remarkable recovery from a horrible car accident that almost took his life!Not Alone Podcast Episode #97

We've all experienced tragedy. For some, it's life-changing.Sixteen years ago, the Barrick family was traveling home from church when a drunk driver hit their family van. Through the injuries and healing, God was in it all. It even launched the ministry, Hope Out Loud.SBCV's Donna Paulk spoke with Linda Barrick to hear their testimony. Listen how her daughter, Jen, was significantly impacted and how God is using their family through the Holy Spirit to help others overcome pain and tragedy.Not Alone Podcast Episode #96

Nansemond River Baptist Church (NRBC) in Suffolk needed a pastor in 2015. Little did this congregation know that God was aligning a shepherd who has the same heart towards missions.In this podcast episode, SBCV's Jeff Mingee asks Pastor Ryan Brice what it takes for a church to make an impact beyond their local community. Listen for some practical steps that you can take to help include international missions in your total church missions strategy.Not Alone Podcast Episode #95

It is vital for children to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ. According to Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF), once a young person turns 14, he or she is less likely to trust the Lord as their Savior. So, how are we reaching children who don't attend church?SBCV's Cindy Middaugh talks strategy with CEF's Robert Powers. He shares how the Good News Club is an incredible resource that reaches children whose families may never step into a church building.#Not Alone Podcast Episode #94

When Phil Cohen made the decision to follow our Lord and Savior, he immediately developed a passion of sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with the world and the many people around us who have not heard this message.SBCV's Steve Bradshaw caught up with Phil to hear his testimony. You will also learn more about the Gospel tool, Saturate USA, and how your church can start using it to make disciples.Not Alone Podcast Episode #93

Every pastor needs a break from time to time. This God-ordained role requires being ready 24 hours - every day - to minister to the needs of the congregation and the community. Spending intentional time to rest is a critical part of a pastor's health.SBCV's Milton Harding spent some time with Pastor Gene Cornett of Bethany Place Baptist Church in North Chesterfield. Pastor Gene shares how he experienced loneliness and how the Holy Spirit worked through a sabbatical to provide comfort and clarity.Not Alone Podcast Episode #92

Tammy Ethridge had a health scare in 2022 that was unlike any other she's ever experienced. It started with a visit to the emergency room and transitioned into the inability to walk, an internal loss of blood faster than she could receive it, and doctors saying she wasn't going to make it.Tammy is the wife of Senior Pastor Grant Ethridge at LibertyLive Church in Hampton. SBCV's Donna Paulk caught up with Tammy as she shares her testimony of how God intervened in miraculous ways.Not Alone Podcast Episode #91

Discipling teenagers is an essential ministry at home and at church. Youth groups need to experience serving others as Christ served the church. And young people have a chance to grow in their walk with the Lord through the SBCV Fusion Mission Camp. In fact, students at the 2022 camp were a part of leading six high school football players to trust Christ as Lord and Savior! We praise God for this.Mike Camire is the student ministry coordinator for the SBCV. Mike had the chance to serve alongside Associate Pastor Gary Breeding at NorthStar Baptist Church in Bristol. This church housed, fed, and provided worship services for 100 people involved in the camp. In this episode, listen how God worked through this opportunity to focus on serving others and how your church can have this experience at the next Fusion Mission Camp.Not Alone Podcast Episode #90

This episode of the Not Alone Podcast honors the legacy of Clint Clifton who was called home to heaven on January 12, 2023. Clint was a church planter who loved God. He loved church planters and the mission. Clint was the senior director of research for the North American Mission Board and a key trainer and coach for church planters.Jefferson Hernandez and Giovani Ortiz are church planters who were personally impacted by Clint's ministry. Listen now as they share with SBCV's Sergio Guardia the impact Clint had in the Spanish community.Not Alone Podcast Episode #88

Este episodio del podcast Not Alone honra el legado de Clint Clifton, quien fue llamado al hogar celestial el 12 de enero de 2023. Clint fue un plantador de iglesias que amaba a Dios. Amaba a los plantadores de iglesias y la misión. Clint fue el director principal de investigación de la Junta de Misiones de América del Norte (NAMB) y un capacitador y entrenador clave para los plantadores de iglesias.Jefferson Hernandez y Giovani Ortiz son plantadores de iglesias que fueron impactados personalmente por el ministerio de Clint. Escuche ahora mientras comparten con Sergio Guardia de SBCV el impacto que Clint tuvo en la comunidad hispana. Not Alone Podcast Episodio #88

The war in Ukraine continues to rage on. It was just about one year ago that Russia invaded Ukraine. Millions of people have been forced to evacuate their homes and flee. But ministry continues with those who have stayed and the millions of refugees.SBCV's Donna Paulk caught up with Irena Radziwiluk, a Ukrainian native who ministers with Word of Life Fellowship focusing on reaching young people with the Gospel through summer camps and other evangelism opportunities. Please listen to this touching Not Alone Podcast episode as Irena shares her personal story of the blessings and hardships from Ukraine.Not Alone Podcast Episode #88-----Word of Life Fellowship also produced a documentary in the midst of the chaos and confusion of war. Eight Word of Life missionaries stayed in Ukraine to evacuate civilians, deliver supplies, and demonstrate Christ's love to war-torn Ukrainians. Click here to watch from their YouTube channel.To learn more about the ministry of Word of Life, visit www.wol.org.

The Lord is with you! God gives us that promise. It was also the theme of the Annual Homecoming in November of 2022 where Pastor Stan Parris shared from 2 Corinthians 4 with the message, Don't Lose Heart.Pastor Parris is the pastor of Franklin Heights in Rocky Mount. He also serves as president of the SBC of Virginia. Be encouraged in this message as you serve King Jesus in your area of ministry. Not Alone Podcast Episode #87

We all experienced how covid brought uncertain times. Many pastors and church leaders went through some rough days. And some are still trying to recover.Godly people can go through hard times. We read in the Bible how Jeremiah, one of God's very best, had to deal with emotional turmoil.Pastor Bruce Frank of Biltmore Church in Arden, North Carolina was one of the guest speakers during the SBCV Annual Homecoming in November of 2022. In this Not Alone Podcast episode, Pastor Frank walks us through how we can make it through tough challenges.Not Alone Podcast Episode #86

The Lord is with you! This was the theme during the SBCV Annual Homecoming in November. It is also the title of the message that HB Charles Jr shared with SBCV churches.Open your Bible to 2 Corinthians 13 and follow along as Pastor Charles leads us with a focus on the trinity and God's grace. May this be a blessing to you today.Not Alone Podcast Episode #85

As believers in Jesus Christ, we know that the world is against the message of hope and salvation. No matter your position at church, work, or home, you can be a light to those around you - and Christmas gives you an incredible time to share this Good News.SBCV's Ishmael LaBiosa caught up with Eric Thomas, pastor of First Norfolk Baptist Church in Norfolk. Pastor Eric shares how he approaches Christmas as a husband, father, grandfather, and pastor.Not Alone Podcast Episode #84

Churches planting churches is often said in many conversations across the SBCV. It's not just a catchy phrase, making disciples is a biblical mandate.SBCV Executive Director Brian Autry spoke about this during the SBCV Annual Homecoming in November. Listen now to his message that focuses on multiplying churches which led to a special time of prayer with church planters.Not Alone Podcast Episode #83

Clint Pressley was one of the incredible keynote speakers during the SBCV Annual Homecoming in November. Pressley, who is pastor of Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC, brings this to this message of how John saw Jesus amid his church and how pastors can relate to this today.#Not Alone Podcast Episode #82

There are church leaders today who are in the trenches and battling the enemy in full force. And when it seems like you can't go on, remember that God has not forgotten you. And He has not forsaken you. Dave Earley shared a message on experiencing God during the recent SBCV Annual Homecoming in Roanoke. Christian Music Artist Meredith Andrews joined Earley to lead worship. Listen now as we focus on the goodness of God.Not Alone Podcast Episode #81

Many would say that fun and games are essential to make a worthwhile experience in youth groups. But we know that much more is needed to lead young people to live for the Lord.SBCV's Mike Camire spoke with Student Pastor Mark Young at Swift Creek Baptist Church in Midlothian on the importance of shepherding the youth God specifically gives a church. This conversation walks through how consistent preaching is vital in student ministry as well as participation with their families in times of corporate worship with the church.Not Alone Podcast Episode #80

In 2021, a mass exodus out of Afghanistan brought thousands of refugees to Virginia. Many refugee families arrived at Fort Lee, Fort Pickett, and Quantico with very little possessions but the clothes on their back. Pillar Church in Stafford was one of the many churches that decided to help meet physical needs. But it proved to be challenging to connect with those families.SBCV's Cindi Melvin caught up with Pillar Church Planting Pastors Mike Garlem and Ted Vinatieri to hear how ESL - English as a Second Language - became the tool they needed to meet a critical need. And that opened the door to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.Not Alone Podcast Episode #79

You or someone you know may be looking for ways to plug into women's ministry in your area of Virginia. Why not start with the SBCV Women's Ministry? It is very active across the state and can find a place in ministry for you to grow, serve, and lead.SBCV's Jeff Mingee catches up with SBCV's Dolly Mink to talk through how God is at work through training events, blogs, prayer initiatives, and social media. Learn more about these resources at sbcv.org/women.Not Alone Podcast Episode #78

When people go on a mission trip, they want to be part of serving and sharing Jesus. This year, the impact was huge! Six football players decided to follow Jesus during the ministry work of SBCV's Student Fusion Mission Camp. The Bristol, Virginia event brought in 160 participants from 12 SBCV churches to serve in a variety of ways. The impact of this ministry continues in the community even months later. SBCV's Mike Camire caught up with NorthStar Church Associate Pastor Gary Breeding to highlight what took place during camp and how the lives of teenagers and many others were changed forever.Not Alone Podcast Episode #77

We have been following the invasion of Ukraine by Russia since February of this year. Over these past eight months, there have been thousands of deaths and millions of refugees leaving their homes.SBCV churches have been supporting families and local churches impacted by this war through prayers and gifts. Now winter is coming, and the war continues. SBCV's Brandon Pickett speaks with the Ukrainian Baptist Theological Seminary president on the impact this support has had and how we can continue to help.Not Alone Podcast Episode #76

How is your women's ministry bridging the generation gap? It's common to hear the need for valuable mentorship and relationships from younger women.SBCV's Donna Paulk connected with a small group of young women who serve the Lord through London Bridge Baptist Church in Virginia Beach. They talk through the significant impact that can take place when the older age group invests in others.Not Alone Podcast Episode #75

The mission field for young Christ followers is primarily in school. What better way to be a light in a dark world than to share God's love with classmates.In this Not Alone Podcast, SBCV's Ishmael LaBiosa asks Student Pastor Roger Jones of North Main Baptist Church in Danville about the challenges youth face today and how opportunities like the See You At The Pole event on September 28, 2022 is one of the great ways students can make a stand for Jesus.Not Alone Podcast Episode #74

No matter your role in the church, proper precautions and guidelines should be in place and followed to protect men and women working together. Let's not forget that the Bible tells us Satan is roaming this earth looking for people like you to devour to break up marriages and families and ministries.SBCV's John Sharp caught up with Pastor Don Brock of Gateway Baptist Church in South Carolina. God helped Pastor Don develop a list of guidelines for he and his staff to follow to keep everyone accountable. Measures like never being alone with the opposite sex for lunch or riding in a vehicle.Don't miss this Not Alone Podcast episode that discusses how to help pastors and staff protect their character and integrity and remain above reproach and free from any accusation of relationally impropriety.Not Alone Podcast Episode #73

One widely discussed topic in the life of the church is women in leadership roles. The Bible provides direction in this area, but many times church leaders can be fearful because of history and what people say.In this Not Alone Podcast episode, SBCV's Brandon Pickett talks through the hurdles churches face and highlights biblical principles. Brandon is joined by two guests, Donna Paulk and Melissa DiManche, who share how God is working through their positions and how it is a true blessing to them and the church.Donna leads the SBCV Women's Ministry, but she is also the director of assimilation and Women Ministry and sits on the leadership team at London Bridge Baptist Church. Melissa is the worship director at the Hampton campus of LibertyLive.Church.Not Alone Podcast Episode #72

We know that the young people in our churches are both the now and the next generation. Prioritizing children's ministry is important and must be organized well. Cindy Middaugh leads the SBCV Children's Ministry to provide quality training, resources, and events for leaders. Garrett Oppel is part of that team as well as the children's pastor at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church. In this Not Alone Podcast, you will hear the importance of networking with other children's ministry leaders in your community. You will also learn more about helpful resources - like E2 KIDS in August and September 2022! This event is designed to encourage and equip kid's leaders to reach and teach children as their new ministry year begins. Leaders will be encouraged and motivated to lead in areas of teaching techniques, discipling and outreach. Visit our website to learn more!Not Alone Podcast Episode #71

You may have heard of the Gospel Coalition. This is a resource that was produced to show how all of the Bible points to Jesus and how we need to be on mission.Trevin Wax was part of the team to develop that curriculum. Now he produces biblical teaching resources through the North American Mission Board. Trevin shares with SBCV's Brandon Pickett how God worked through the Gospel Project and how lives were impacted. He also highlights free resources for church planters and sending churches in this Not Alone podcast.Not Alone Podcast Episode #70

It can be easy for people to think that church leaders have it all together and life is easy when they see them smiling and happy on Sunday mornings. We all know that is not true. But it's good to be transparent as Christ followers through the good times and the not so good. SBCV's Donna Paulk caught up with Christine Hoover, a wife, mother, ministry leader, and nationally read author. In this Not Alone Podcast, listen as Christine shares her experience as a ministry wife of 22 years and her desire to encourage other ministry wives. If you'd like to read more, pick up a copy of her latest book, How to Thrive as a Pastor's Wife.Not Alone Podcast Episode #69

God has a special calling for each of our lives and we need each other to help make disciples. Two SBCV churches found a common bond are now working together to reach the nations for Jesus Christ.Pastor Joshua Wang is the pastor of Agape Chinese Christian Church in Manassas and also serves as the SBCV Chinese Cluster Leader. Pastor Kelton Zacharias is the pastor of Stafford Baptist Church in Stafford. These church leaders live one hour apart from one another and yet God orchestrated an "incidental" meeting at a local SBCV pastor fellowship that led to a Gospel partnership to start a new Chinese church plant.In this Not Alone Podcast, SBCV's Matt Gregory talks with these two pastors about this new partnership and the importance of reaching people groups.Not Alone Podcast Episode #68

Smartphones, computers, and TVs are the easy go-to options when it's time for entertainment. We can easily get trapped into failing to be intentional with our digital devices. And this can often be a major distraction in our lives from our relationship with God and those we love.SBCV's Ishmael LaBiosa caught up with Author Jeff Mingee who wrote a book that speaks truth into these issues. In this Not Alone Podcast, the conversation helps point to five questions Christians should ask to take control of using digital devices.Click the link below if you'd like to pick up a copy of Jeff Mingee's book, Digital Dominion: Five Questions Christians Should Ask to Take Control of Their Digital Devices.PICK UP YOUR COPYNot Alone Podcast Episode 67

Counseling can be thought of by some as positive and by others as negative. But if we are honest with ourselves, each one of us can benefit by better applying God's Word to address any issue of life that we encounter. Women's Biblical Counselor Casey Speck from Mount Hermon Baptist Church in Danville joins SBCV's Donna Paulk to share what biblical counseling is all about and how we can benefit from this service. In this Not Alone Podcast, listen to why we need sound instruction to walk in truth and righteousness.Not Alone Podcast Episode #66

In 2021, Virginia voters elected the first-ever female lieutenant governor. Winsome Earle-Sears is making history in her new role, but she is also known for her strong faith in Jesus Christ. SBCV's Brandon Pickett caught up with the Lieutenant Governor to learn more about her walk with the Lord, struggles she's been through, and how we can each pray for her.Not Alone Podcast Episode #65

How we focus our time really impacts our lives. With all of the distractions around us, it can be challenging to live the way Christ designed us - to worship Him! In this Not Alone Podcast, we focus on how our spiritual life affects our emotions. And the three components to growth in both areas comes through His Word, prayer, and community. SBCV's Donna Paulk caught up with Missie Branch, assistant dean of students to women at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Lesley Hildreth, women's discipleship director at Summit Church, to talk about how each one those disciplines impacts our emotional health.Not Alone Podcast Episode #64

How do you connect with God? It can be challenging to have a consistent time with the Lord in the midst of full schedules. But, we should all pursue God's holiness through spiritual disciplines which includes praying on a regular basis. In this Not Alone Podcast, SBCV's Jeff Mingee speaks with Pastor Gene Cornett of Bethany Place Baptist Church in North Chesterfield who found a consistent and effective method to pray. We pray this challenges and encourages you in your walk with Christ.Not Alone Podcast Episode #63

The Bible is clear to communicate that there is spiritual warfare around us. While we do not know every detail of how this works, one thing is clear, God is sovereign and the Holy Spirit leads us to His righteousness.In this Not Alone Podcast, SBCV's Darrell Webb caught up with Dr. John Franklin, associational mission strategist in Christian County, Kentucky and co-author with Dr. Chuck Lawless of the book Spiritual Warfare: Biblical Truth for Victory. Dr. Franklin gives insight on how we should approach spiritual warfare."Change your question," said Franklin. "You can't ask what do I do about the presence of Satan, you've got to ask how do I respond to the purposes of God because God is going somewhere with that."Not Alone Podcast Episode #62

As ministry leaders, we often become more concerned with or put our energies into strategies or programs that prompt evangelism or hope it will lead to evangelistic activity. But one of the best strategies available might be to just do the work of an evangelist.SBCV's Steve Bradshaw caught up with Liberty University's David Wheeler who teaches students evangelism and, more importantly, lives out the practice. Listen to this conversation that points us to the commandment in Scripture and how we can practically share this Good News with people whom God puts in our path.Not Alone Podcast #61

Governing church documents for things like employees, code of conduct, facility use, and even marriage are being legally challenged right now in America - and in Virginia. This is just one of many attacks on the church that can catch us all off-guard. The SBC of Virginia is partnering with Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) to provide churches of any size access to legal representation that will defend your ministry. ADF has actually won 13 Supreme Court cases that deal with religious liberty and freedom in the past 11 years. SBCV's Brandon Pickett caught up with ADF's Shannon Kendrick to share in more detail how this resource can help your church.Not Alone Podcast Episode #60

Going on a missions trip overseas can seem daunting with all the unknowns, but the rewards from investing in others for the Gospel is amazing to experience firsthand. One SBCV pastor is leading his church to continue the mission work they have been supporting in Lithuania. Pastor Brent Hobbs at New Song Fellowship in Virginia Beach has always had a passion to support missionaries thanks to the people and ministries who made that impact in his life. Pastor Hobbs just returned from a trip to Lithuania where they are partnering with Bible-believing pastors to share the Gospel through youth events, women's prison ministry, and teaching English. SBCV's Jeff Mingee caught up with Pastor Hobbs to share how God is at work through this opportunity and how your ministry can get plugged in to global missions.Not Alone Podcast Episode #59

The world is constantly speaking into the minds of our children with voices that want to turn them from following God and His Word. As children's ministry leaders, we need to make sure they are hearing the voice of truth over all the noise. Jeremiah 31:33 tells us, “I will put my Laws into their minds, and I will write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” SBCV's Cindy Middaugh spoke with Belinda Stroud, the children's specialist state missionary for the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions. In this Not Alone podcast, learn new and improved techniques for children Bible drills and how we can help children grow to love God's Word and apply it to the rest of their lives.Not Alone Podcast Episode #58

The Bible tells us we can find joy in serving the Lord. This truth does not mean we will skip the tough days. All church leaders have challenges - no matter whether they are a man or a woman. Rachel Lovingood is an author and wife of a minister who served as a student pastor and lead pastor. Along this journey, Rachel also took on many roles to assist in ministry and encountered loneliness and hesitation to confide and be authentic with others. Rachel shares with SBCV's Donna Paulk how to identify these concerns and how we can overcome them.Not Alone Podcast Episode #57

Vision and obedience to Jesus Christ are characteristics that help guide us to reach people with the Gospel. One important way to follow God's calling is to be a sending church which can transform your congregation and lead people to the Gospel. John Pouchot is the pastor of Petsworth Baptist Church in Gloucester who has a heart for planting churches. Join Pastor Pouchot and SBCV's Josh Turner as they talk about how God is working through his church to make a big difference for God's Kingdom.Not Alone Podcast Episode #56