Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. A.B. Vines, Sr.. They and their team shared their story with us below:
For the past twenty-two years, Bishop A.B. Vines, Sr. has been the Senior Pastor of New Seasons Church, overseeing multiple campuses throughout San Diego, California. Under Bishop Vines’ leadership, New Seasons Church has grown from a small African American church with 67 members to a congregation with four campuses in San Diego, California, Sacramento, California, and Albany, Georgia, with an additional campus serving the Arabic community.
From 2012 to 2014, Dr. Vines held various leadership roles within the Southern Baptist Convention, including serving as president of the National African American Fellowship, a member of the Advisory Board for Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, and a board advisor for the Southeastern Center for Pastoral Leadership. Additionally, he was a council member for Convention Advisory Advancement, served as chairman for the Southern Baptist Credential Committee, and was a member of the Southern Baptist Convention Committee on Committees.
In 2016, Dr. Vines established a Global Church Planting Ministry called New Seasons Church Global Network under the guidance and approval of the Elders of New Seasons Church. In the same year, Bishop George D. McKinney, prelate of Southern California Second Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction and a General Board Member of the Church of God in Christ, consecrated Bishop Vines with unanimous approval from the General Board of the Church of God in Christ.
On October 26th, 2016, Bishop Vines was elected and accepted the position of California Southern Baptist Convention President.
On October 25th, 2017, Bishop Vines was re-elected for a second term as California Southern Baptist Convention President.
On June 12th, 2018, Bishop Vines was elected and humbly accepted the office of First Vice President of the Southern Baptist Convention.
Currently, Bishop Vines proudly serves as Chaplain At Large for the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, along with being a trustee on the Ethics Religious Liberties Counsel Trustee Board.
Bishop Vines studied at Point Loma University, Andersonville Theological Seminary, Faith Seminary, and Southern California School of Ministry. He holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a Master’s degree in Pastoral Counseling, and a Doctorate in Ministry degree.
Bishop Vines is a certified John Maxwell Leadership and Coaching instructor, Connexus Leadership Instructor, and has Cornell University certification in Critical Thinking.
Of all the offices, positions, and titles Bishop Vines holds, he is most proud of his thirty years of marriage to his beautiful bride, Karen Vines. They have five exceptional children and are grandparents to thirteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Bishop Vines’ life verse is Matthew 7:21: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.” This verse serves as a reminder that only through a relationship with Christ can anyone hope to live out their eternity in Heaven.
Bishop Vines is quoted as saying “My mission is to impact the lives of people by the visible impact of The Gospel of Jesus Christ in My Life. My Vision is to R.E.I.G.N. which stands for: To reach, equip, inspire, grow, and nurture God’s people so that they can fulfill their God-given destiny.”
SD Voyager: We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Life is not worth living without challenges. Challenges are meant to grow you and mold you into all that God birthed you to be. There are always blessings in the lessons, and purpose in the pain.
SD Voyager: Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
When seeking out a mentor you must be willing to be fully committed to the process, be consistent, and be grateful for your mentor’s time, teaching, and advice. Lastly, being open, and transparent is the way to touch lives, and make a true lasting impact.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nscsv.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BishopABVines
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/BishopABVines
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/@BishopABVines
