First-person: Why I attended this year’s SBC annual meeting

I remain hopeful for not only the SBC but the greater Church across the United States. We must hold fast to our convictions and to scripture as the inspired and inerrant Word of God, and foster a love of proper doctrine, while also fostering a love for each other, outdoing one another in honor. 

This was my first year to attend the Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting.

I think the same can be said for lots of people as more than 15,000 registered messengers — the largest attendance since 1995 — gathered in Nashville. 

My reasons for my deciding to go were multi-faceted — I had never been to an annual meeting and wanted to learn more about how we function as a denomination and how issues are addressed. 

Additionally, my church had not sent messengers and I wanted us to be represented. I had the availability, so I volunteered to be our representative. 

Finally, the world is unrelenting in its pursuit of infiltrating the Church. These past years have been no different in how society pushes its views on the Church. Several such issues were set to be addressed at this year’s meeting and I wanted to represent and support the biblically faithful men and women who were fighting to defend the integrity of our Convention and its unity with the word of God. 

Showing grace and honor

I learned a great deal and truly enjoyed my time there amongst thousands of other church members. The presentation of motions and resolutions, as well as the deliberations, were enlightening and, at times, even humorous. 

There were strong words shared by people with strong convictions, but also much grace and honor for each other. It was a great reminder that we are to engage our culture and society for Christ and be aware of the problems that exist all around us, but also remain vigilant that those issues do not push us to stand on any foundation apart from the Word of God. 

I remain hopeful for not only the SBC but the greater Church across the United States. We must hold fast to our convictions and to scripture as the inspired and inerrant word of God, and foster a love of proper doctrine, while also fostering a love for each other, outdoing one another in honor. 

I pray for wisdom and proper guidance for Ed Litton, our new SBC president, and pray that he too would hold fast to these convictions and that the Lord would use him to further our mission of proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ and truly being Great Commission Baptists. 

Share:

Get The Scroll in your inbox!