About this Event
Regional Rally October 2026: United to Serve
"How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity!" - Psalm 133:1 (NIV)
Join the Baptist General Convention of Virginia for our October Regional Rally, United to Serve - a one-day gathering that brings together clergy, church leaders, men, women, youth, and young adults from across Northern Virginia and beyond for worship, leadership formation, and mutual encouragement.
Inspired by our president’s theme, United to Serve, and the words of Psalm 133:1, this gathering celebrates the strength found when God's people come together in unity. Through worship, practical ministry training, and meaningful fellowship, participants will be encouraged to deepen their faith, strengthen relationships across generations, and return to their churches equipped to serve with renewed purpose.
Like each Regional Rally, this gathering is designed to be both formative and sending. Participants will leave not only encouraged, but equipped to lead faithfully, strengthen their ministries, and continue building healthy, Christ-centered churches throughout the Commonwealth.
Event Highlights
The day begins with vibrant worship led by the Praise Team of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church (Alexandria), followed by an inspiring message from Rev. Dr. James Henry Harris, Senior Pastor of Second Baptist Church (West End) in Richmond, VA, inviting participants to center themselves in God's presence and unite around our shared calling to serve.
Throughout the day, participants will engage in breakout sessions designed for specific ministry roles and stages of life. Led by experienced pastors and ministry leaders, these sessions offer practical encouragement, biblical wisdom, and opportunities to strengthen ministry for today's church.
Breakout Sessions
Church Leaders
Equipping Deacons, Deaconesses, Trustees, and Ministry Leaders for Next-Level Operations
Pastor Ulric L. Eley, Jr.
Clergy and Pastors
Leading Together: Servant Leadership Beyond Isolation
Rev. Keenan Thomas
Men
Men Rising to Purpose: Mentorship and Spiritual Discipline
Pastor Jason Knight
Women
Leading, Loving & Letting God Use You
Rev. Dr. Emma Valentine
Youth (Ages 12–17)
Faith on Fire
Rev. Marcia Staten
Young Adults (Ages 18–35)
Purpose Over Popularity: Calling, Leadership, and Modern-Day Faith Challenges
Minister Kimberly Broome
During a shared catered lunch, participants will enjoy guided table conversations that encourage meaningful connections across churches and generations while reflecting on how we can serve Christ more faithfully together.
The rally concludes with a general session featuring Convention updates, testimonies of God's work across our churches, and a unified commissioning prayer, sending participants back to their congregations renewed in purpose and united in service.
Registration & Lunch
Registration Fee: $30 per person
Registration includes full access to all sessions and a boxed lunch from HoneyBaked Ham. During lunch, participants are encouraged to sit with leaders and attendees from other churches and generations as part of guided table conversations.
Continuing Together
The October Regional Rally continues BGC's ongoing rhythm of connection, leadership formation, and shared ministry. As we gather to worship, learn, and encourage one another, we strengthen relationships that extend beyond a single event and reaffirm our shared commitment to serving Christ together.
Our journey continues at the Fall Session on November 7, 2026, at Fifth Baptist Church in Richmond, where churches from across the Convention will once again gather in worship, fellowship, learning, and service as we continue to live out our theme: United to Serve.
Saturday
🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:45 AM
Registration and Fellowship
🕑: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Opening Worship
Info: The day begins with joyful, Spirit-led worship to set the tone for the day through praise, prayer, and an inspirational word delivered by Rev. Dr. James Henry Harris, Senior Pastor of Second Baptist Church West End in Richmond, VA. We will also be led in Praise and Worship by the Praise Team of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Alexandria, VA.
🕑: 11:15 AM - 12:30 PM
Breakout Sessions
Info: Participants will join a focused breakout aligned with their ministry context. Sessions include: Church Leaders: Equipping Deacons, Deaconess, Trustees, and Ministry Leaders for Next-Level Operations (Pastor Ulric L. Eley, Jr.); Clergy and Pastors: Leading Together: Servant Leadership Beyond Isolation (Rev. Keenan Thomas); Men: Men Rising to Purpose: Mentorship and Spiritual Discipline (Pastor Jason Knight); Women: Leading, Loving, and Letting God Use You (Rev. Dr. Emma Valentine); Youth (Ages 12–17): Faith on Fire (Rev. Marcia Staten); Young Adults (Ages 18–35): Purpose Over Popularity: Calling, Leadership & Modern Day Faith Challenges (Minister Kimberly Broome)
🕑: 12:45 PM - 01:45 PM
Lunch, Table Talks, and Convention Updates
Info: Participants will gather for a shared meal (catered by HoneyBaked Ham) with intentionally mixed, intergenerational seating. Guided table conversations will invite reflection and dialogue around key questions, including: What stood out or stirred you today? How does your generation experience revival and renewal? What does uniting together mean to you? What ideas do you have for staying united after today's rally? The session will conclude with Convention updates.
🕑: 01:45 PM - 02:00 PM
Closing Remarks, Regional Announcements, Prayer, and Dismissal
Info: The Rally concludes with closing remarks, announcements, prayer, and closing benediction. Participants will be affirmed, encouraged, and inspired - sending them back to their churches with clarity and renewed purpose - United to Serve!
Event venue & nearby stays
Alfred Street Baptist Church, 301 South Alfred Street, Alexandria, United States
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