VAIB works to be “your voice for Christian liberties.” What does that mean and how does that voice work? In answer consider our mission statement, developed when the ministry started in 1977:
“Our purpose is to rally the independent Baptists in the Commonwealth of Virginia in strengthening our position on issues for the common good of all, and to inform pastors concerning things of a critical nature that affect our local churches and their ministries. It shall in no wise be the purpose to promote any school, college, fellowship or personal interest group.”
Our vision statement articulates the means for accomplishing our mission:  advancing the rights, values, and liberties of independent Baptists in Virginia. This vision requires the participation not just of a handful of VAIB staff members but of all independent Baptists throughout the state.
How does our organization do this?

• Our organization seeks to unify the independent Baptist churches of Virginia as one voice to protect religious liberties
• Our organization develops key relationships with state and federal representatives in order to influence policy decisions on key issues regarding religious liberties.

Our work involves three key areas:

• Strengthening your liberty by staying informed on the issues and pursuing strategic relationships.
• Educating God’s people on the issues that are facing independent Baptists at both the state and federal levels.
• Involving everyone as one voice in the process by keeping informed about the issues and by providing opportunities for action.

Let’s take a closer look at each of these.
Strengthen. Strengthen your liberty by staying informed on the issues and pursuing strategic relationships.

• To be informed on the issues, we work to influence legislation. This requires our full-time presence at the General Assembly during January through April. This involves building relationships with delegates and senators in Richmond. The three most important words in this part of the work are “relationships, relationships, relationships” whether with legislators, the Governor, Lt. Governor, or their staff.
• Another critical area where we stay informed is regulations. You see, regulation is what puts law into action. This means building relationships with agency officials while staying informed on regulations which can impact churches and religious freedoms. Agencies we monitor include: the Department of Social Services regarding day cares; the Department of Housing and Community Development regarding building and fire codes; the Board of Education as it involves private/Christian schools, homeschooling, and public education; and the Department of Heath regarding abortion clinics.

Educate. Educate God’s people on the issues that are facing independent Baptists at both the state and federal levels.
What are some of the ways that we educate on the issues?

• By taking our message to independent Baptist churches.
• By providing informative materials.
• Through our Web site: www.vaib.org
• Through our “ONE Voice for Liberties” Conference in September.
• Through communications such as emails, letters, and social media like Facebook.    

Involve.  Involve everyone as one voice in the process by being informed about the issues and by providing opportunities for action.
You can be involved by

• Following us on Facebook; be sure to “like” us!
• Signing up for Capitol ALERTS on our home page-  then contact your state or federal officials when you receive an alert!
• Attending ONE Voice for Liberties Conference
• Participating in Elections- vote!
• PRAY, PRAY, PRAY!

How can you pray for VAIB?

    Pray for

• Protection as we travel
• Perception as we deal with legislation and build relationships with state and federal officials
• My wife and Partner in this work, Debby.
• Provision that God will move more churches to financially support this ministry. As a 501(c)3 organization, all donations are tax deductible.