From Moderator Nelson Sneed…

Greetings in the marvelous name of Jesus Christ. It is my privilege to greet you on behalf of the Northern Virginia Baptist Association, Inc., (NVBA) and the Triune God. Moses uttered in Deuteronomy 6:4, “The LORD is our God, the LORD is one!” Yes, the LORD, also known as Yahweh and as Elohim, has been undergirding NVBA since its inception in 1877. The Compromise of 1877 was without question, the most astounding event of that year for African Americans in this country. It was a political agreement which resulted in the election of Rutherford B. Hayes as the 19th President of the United States of America. It also allowed Federal Troops to be withdrawn from the South, marking the end of Reconstruction.

As we reflect and give thanks for our historical roots, we are driven to a deeper interdependence as an Association.  Just as our forefathers came together under a cloud of dreadful abuse, to encourage one another, to equip each other, and thereby empower the work of kingdom building. Likewise, today we build upon that sacrificial, blood-invested foundation.

We are compelled in this particular season by a biblical mandate flowing out of the book of Ephesians, chapter four. That entire chapter summons us to the following;

a)     A Spirit-induced unity within and across NVBA

b)    A continual Spiritual maturation of all members

c)     The agape Love of God indelibly imprinted and radiating within and across this great Association  

We maintain the same emphasis of ‘encouraging, equipping, and empowering, with the sub-theme, “We are Stronger, Bolder, and Better Together!”