Messengers at the 54th annual meeting of the West Virginia Convention of Southern Baptists (WVCSB) gathered at Simpson Creek Baptist Church, West Virginia’s oldest Baptist church. A total of 156 messengers and 51 guests, representing 67 churches across all 10 WVCSB Baptist Associations, attended the Nov. 7-8 meeting.
Growing Family on Mission
Simpson Creek Baptist, founded in 1770 and recognized as the oldest Protestant church west of the Allegheny Mountains, provided the backdrop as WVCSB churches continued to embrace the theme “In + Through.” This marked the third year of the WVCSB’s three-year vision to grow from a mission field to a “family on mission,” focusing on increased cooperation among churches and a renewed commitment to their mission of “making Jesus known in and through West Virginia.”
Reflecting on the state convention’s progress, WVCSB Executive Director Eric W. Ramsey said, “This year has been one of growth and maturity for our WVCSB family of churches. We’ve seen it in our numbers and in how we think and act as a family on mission. New congregations are being planted, and many churches are celebrating their highest number of baptisms in years. More young families and children are attending, and our statewide events—many sold out!”
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Mission Impact in West Virginia and Beyond
Ramsey shared that missional engagement has reached new levels across WVCSB churches, with over 82% now participating in Cooperative Program giving—a 4% increase from last year. The impact extends globally: this fall, the International Mission Board deployed two WVCSB families totaling eight individuals—the largest number of West Virginia Southern Baptists sent simultaneously. These missionaries are part of an expanding WVCSB commitment to international partnerships.
WVCSB’s dedication to reaching the world was echoed by Dr. Seth Polk of Cross Lanes Baptist Church: “Pastors, we are in this together, and our mission is ‘in and through.’” He continued, “We’ve got to dig in if we want to make a difference. You’ve got to dig in if you want your church to make a difference. You’ve got to dig in if you want to reach an unreached people group on the other side of the world.”
In addition, WVCSB churches engaged in short-term mission trips to Peru as part of an ongoing international partnership. For the first time, a team of female students was also sent to Belize, where they engaged in gospel conversations and led children’s sports camps.
At home, WVCSB is responding to the needs of a growing Spanish-speaking population through a church planting movement in coordination with SEND West Virginia. “WVCSB churches, now is the time to step up and reach the ‘ends of the earth’ right here in West Virginia,” Ramsey said. “Since 2020, the Spanish-speaking population in our state has grown by 167% and is expected to double in three years. Pastor Henry Garcia and his wife, Evie, with their church, Hay Esperanza, have launched five new Spanish-speaking campuses, but we need more throughout West Virginia and our border regions.”
Meeting and Business
The Jason Lovins Band led worship. Featured speakers included Dr. Jeff Iorg, president and CEO of the SBC Executive Committee; Don Knotts, pastor of Salt & Light Southern Baptist Church in Clarksburg; Josh McClain, pastor of Hagerstown Church in Maryland; Dr. Seth Polk, pastor of Cross Lanes Baptist Church; and WVCSB president Jason Spade of First Baptist Church in Princeton.
Dr. Jeff Iorg charged messengers to embrace their role in the greater Southern Baptist family on mission, saying, “There is no earthly explanation for our movement. It is spiritual both in origin and sustaining power—these are not the work of our hands, but instead the result of God’s favor resting on a people who’ve cooperated together for two centuries to get his work done.”
Messengers approved the 2025 budget of $1,664,661, reflecting a 7% increase over the previous year and an increased allocation of 43.5% to the Southern Baptist Convention’s Cooperative Program. Anticipated funding sources include $130,000 from the North American Mission Board.
Messengers welcomed Fairview Valley Church in Keyser, led by pastor Lee Brown, as a newly affiliated member. A resolution was also passed expressing gratitude to Simpson Creek Baptist Church and pastor Sean Wegener for their hospitality in hosting this year’s annual meeting.
Newly elected officers are president Ryan Navy, pastor of River Valley Church in Catlettsburg, Ky.; first vice president Jeff Canterbury, pastor of First Baptist Church in Ceredo, W.Va.; second vice president Matt Magness, pastor of Freedom Baptist Church in Nutter Fort, W.Va.; and recording secretary Tiana Rucker, member of Good Shepherd Baptist Church in Scott Depot, W.Va.
Prior to the annual meeting, the WVCSB Pastors’ Wives Gathering was held, with Russell and Kristi Johnson leading worship under the theme “From Home to the Nations.” According to Ramsey, attendance at the gathering has grown by 440% over the past three years.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 WVCSB Annual Meeting will be held Nov. 6-7 at Davis & Elkins College in Elkins, W.Va.
