Fall Session 2025 | Shoulder to Shoulder: From Spark to Surge

Fall Session 2025 – Shoulder to Shoulder: From Spark to Surge
Generational Surge Experience

Join the for Fall Session 2025: Shoulder to Shoulder: From Spark to Surge - two days of worship, learning, and fellowship designed to strengthen church leaders and delegates.

This event is a time to grow in faith, gain practical ministry insights, and connect with others committed to serving God and His church.

Friday, Nov 8: Start with a devotional session led by Dr. James E. Coleman, Jr., BGCVA President and Senior Pastor of Providence Transformation Church International (Baptist), Inc., Lynchburg, VA. Engage in ministry-focused sessions, connect with peers during networking, enjoy dinner, and participate in the evening worship service “From Spark to Surge”, featuring a special video presentation from Dr. Howard John Wesley, Senior Pastor of the historic Alfred Street Baptist Church, Alexandria, VA; Social Justice Surge with Dr. Linwood Blizzard, Co-Director of BGC’s Lilly Grant and Senior Pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church, Heathsville, VA; and guest preaching by Pastor Sandra Riley, President & CEO of Just for U Ministries, Chicago, IL.

Saturday, Nov 9: Begin with morning devotion led by Dr. F. Todd Gray, Senior Pastor, Fifth Street Baptist Church, Richmond, VA; participate in breakout workshops and the general session “Bridging the Gap” with Rev. Ulric L. Eley, Jr., Dean of Christian Faith Formation, BGCVA, and Senior Pastor of New Hope Baptist Church, Waverly, VA; and conclude with the closing worship service featuring guest preacher Dr. Jamison Hunter, Senior Pastor, Mount Jezreel Baptist Church, Silver Spring, MD.

• Youth 1-Day Individual Pass: $15.00 (includes one meal)
• 1-Day Individual Pass: $47.50 (includes one meal)
• 2-Day Individual Pass: $85 (includes Friday dinner & Saturday lunch)
• Group Rates: $250 for 10–19 delegates | $500 for 20–29 delegates

Whether attending solo or with your church or association group, this session is a chance to grow spiritually, gain actionable insights, and strengthen connections across our faith community.

Info: Dr. James E. Coleman, Jr. BGCVA President and Senior Pastor of Providence Transformation Church International (Baptist), Inc., Lynchburg, VA

Info: Clergy | Men | Women | Youth

Info: "Faith Across the Ages"

Info: Special Video Presentation from Dr. Howard John Wesley, Senior Pastor of the Historic Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, VA;
Social Justice Surge from Dr. Linwood Blizzard, Co-Director of BGCVA's Lilly Grant and Senior Pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church in Heathsville, VA;
Guest Preacher Pastor Sandra Riley, President and CEO of Just for U Ministries in Chicago, IL

Info: Guest Preacher Dr. F. Todd Gray, Senior Pastor of Fifth Street Baptist Church Richmond, VA; Lilly Grant Presentation by Dr. Linwood Blizzard

Info: Dr. Ulric L. Eley, Jr., Dean of Christian Faith Formation BGCVA and Senior Pastor of New Hope Baptist Church in Waverly, VA

Info: Lay Leader Lab (Deacons, Trustees, Church Officers)– “Empowered to Lead” | Pastors’ Roundtable – “Leading Beyond Generational Divides” (Pastors & Former Pastors only) | Women’s Surge Session – “Legacy & Leadership” (including female clergy) | Men’s Surge Session – “Fathers & Sons: Passing Strength” (including male clergy) | Youth Surge Session – “Ignite the Next Generation” | Young Adults Surge Session – “Voices of the Future”

Info: Guest Preacher: Dr. Jamison Hunter, Senior Pastor of Mount Jezreel Baptist Church in Silver Spring, MD

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Fifth Baptist Church, 1415 West Cary Street, Richmond, United States