Contact: Akia Garnett, VBSC Communication Officer, 202-487-3892

ARLINGTON, Va., April 6, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Virginia Baptist State Convention, Inc. (VBSC), will convene its 144th Annual Session this coming May 9 - 12, 2011 in Williamsburg, Virginia. Hundreds of pastors, ministers, leaders and lay persons from Baptist churches across the Commonwealth will gather to focus on the Convention's 2011 theme, "Advancing the Kingdom Through Preaching."

According to Dr. Leonard N. Smith, President of the VBSC and Senior Minister of Arlington, Virginia's Mount Zion Baptist Church, "As society evolves and information dissemination enhances through new technological inventions, preachers now have access to thousands more worshippers than in the past. Learning to construct and deliver messages that rightly divide the Word of God, but also that take into account diverse audiences and their individual and collective needs is necessary in order to reach people where they are in life."

This year's speakers include preachers from across the Nation. The Convention has taken a step beyond its own tradition to include preachers outside of the African American community, which reflects the shift in race and culture as congregations diversify. "We're making strides to help churches look more like their America. This is only the beginning of what's to come." said Smith. Speakers include Dr. Carroll A. Baltimore, President, Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc. in Washington, DC; Dr. Joel C. Gregory, Professor of Preaching at George W. Truett Theological Seminary of Baylor University in Waco, TX; Dr. Clarence Moore, President, General Missionary Baptist State Convention of Georgia, and Dr. Gene Mims, Senior Pastor, Judson Baptist Church, Nashville, TN, and former President of the International Baptist Network.

"The caliber of this year's guest speakers is unmatched to past years simply because we recognize the need to upgrade our offerings in order to assist our churches in their quest to make a greater impact. Participants will be exposed to preaching styles and techniques that appeal to the traditional and non-traditional worshipper. Additionally, participants will learn about other ways to enhance ministry and worship." according to Smith.

Regarding this year's location, Smith commented, "What better way to formally demonstrate diversity and inclusion than to meet in Williamsburg, which is not only beautiful, but also a prominent thread in the fabric of our state. America's original European settlers had no idea that the needs of this country would become what they are today, and churches of yesterday didn't prepare for such changes either. We're taking this as an opportunity to join together to combat spiritual and societal oppressions in whatever forms they appear. Strengthening forces across all Christian ethnic and cultural groups who profess, teach and preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ is exactly what we're supposed to do in order to spread light throughout the entire world!"

Onsite Registration will begin on Monday, May 9th. The Annual Session Schedule will conclude with the President's Address on the evening of Thursday, May 12th. Registration is required to attend the day sessions but all events after 6:00 pm (except ticketed events) are open to the general public. All events will be held at the Williamsburg Marriott at 50 Kingsmill Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185. VBSC has reserved a hotel block rate at $99.00 per night, first come, first serve. Registrants can visit www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/phfcw-williamsburg-marriott or they can call 1.800.442.3654. For Annual Session pre-registration, to purchase tickets, sponsorship and advertising opportunities and general information about the VBSC, persons can visit www.TheVBSC.org or call toll free: 1.877.388.VBSC (8272)."