Texas Baptists partners with BGAV to host Pastoral Training Event

For the first time, Texas Baptists Chaplaincy Relations is adding an additional opportunity for their annual Pastoral Training Event, to be held in Williamsburg, Virginia. The event, typically held in the fall in Texas, allows chaplains to maintain a high level of proficiency in pastoral care ministry while giving them a time for spiritual renewal, continuing education, networking and fellowship.

Emerging from a partnership with Baptist General Association of Virginia, the two conventions will partner together to meet the needs of churches for chaplaincy endorsement.

“We’re just so thrilled about the partnership and the ability for all of our churches to work together in the specialized ministry of chaplaincy. Being able to provide endorsement for chaplains in cooperation with Virginia is something really something that’s been talked about for 15 years, and the opportunity has presented itself,” said Eric Whitmore, associate endorser for Administration, Chaplaincy Calling and Endorsement for Chaplaincy Relations.

He continued, “The biggest thing is the thrill of being able to provide quality training, the certification, the endorsement, with a group of like-minded chaplains and churches.”

Texas Baptists Chaplaincy Relations endorse chaplains in nine distinct categories: health care, military, restorative justice, pastoral counseling, marketplace, crisis resiliency, public safety, coaching and biker ministries. These chaplains often serve where local pastors would not have access. Endorsed chaplains serve in full-time, part-time and volunteer positions and are deeply involved in Kingdom work.

The 2018 Pastoral Care Training Event will provide chaplains and pastors world-class training and skill sets for pastoral care and chaplain ministry. This event offers five 16-hour tracks which include Baptist heritage, personal growth and coaching, suicide intervention, leadership and disaster response.

“I am excited to see Virginia Baptists and Texas Baptists to come together in the rich historical setting of Williamsburg, Virginia,” said Todd Combee, BGAV chaplaincy representative. “God continues to do some amazing things through this ministry partnership among chaplains, and it's fun and rewarding to be a part of it!”

In addition to providing a second training event for endorsed chaplains, hosting this event in Virginia is also a closer option for many serving on the East Coast.

The Pastoral Training Event is April 24-27 at The DoubleTree Hilton Hotel in Williamsburg, Virginia.