Randy C. Davis
The Southern Baptist Convention, held in Dallas two weeks ago, was, in my view, one of the most significant annual meetings our denomination has experienced in recent years.
The agenda was packed, with critical decisions made on resolutions, amendments, budgets and other matters.
Having had time to reflect, here are my key highlights and takeaways from our time in Dallas:
IMB Report
The IMB report remains an annual highlight. This year, we celebrated Project 3000, an initiative launched two years ago to send “explorers” to 3,000 unengaged global people groups with no gospel witness.
IMB president Paul Chitwood reported that Southern Baptists have now engaged 109 of these groups for the first time through IMB missionaries.
This progress embodies Jesus’ call to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth, fulfilling the Great Commission.
Paul emphasized that even the smallest churches in our SBC network contribute to this great missionary work by sending their sons and daughters, and through Cooperative Program and Lottie Moon Christmas Offering giving.
Bivocational Pastors Celebrated
Bivocational pastors hold a special place in my heart. These faithful servants, who make up a significant portion of pastors in Tennessee Baptist and Southern Baptist churches, often serve in obscurity. As D.J. Horton, president of the Pastors’ Conference, said, “They’re not part-time pastors — there’s no such thing. They’re full-time servants of the living God, and they love the church deeply.”
I was thrilled to see 15 bivocational pastors awarded an all-expenses-paid trip to the Holy Land.
I was especially grateful to see Roger Britton, a bivocational ministry specialist for the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board and pastor of Whites Creek Baptist Church in Rockwood for 27 years, among them.
Britton’s humility and love for the church reflect a Spirit-filled life.
Orderly Business Proceedings
SBC president Clint Pressley, with assistance from longtime parliamentarian Barry McCarty, skillfully moderated a busy convention.
Three potentially contentious issues — the Sanchez (Law) Amendment, a motion to defund the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, and the financial transparency amendment — were handled civilly and productively.
Messengers engaged in thoughtful discussions, and decisions were made through a rigorous, healthy process, reflecting the care invested in our governing documents by those who’ve come before us.
Centennial Celebrations
The Cooperative Program and the Baptist Faith and Message, core to our identity as Southern Baptists, celebrated their 100th anniversaries.
These milestones recall the 1925 SBC annual meeting in Memphis, where our forebears launched the Cooperative Program and unified our confessions of faith. Reflecting on this legacy renews our commitment to a determined future.
Timely Resolutions
The resolutions passed addressed pressing cultural issues, including sports betting, pornography, God’s design for gender, marriage and family, and the abortion pill.
These resolutions reflect a unified stand against attacks on biblical values, signaling Southern Baptists’ stand together with clarity and conviction.
Tennessee Reunion
Our Monday night fellowship for Tennessee messengers and guests marked its 10th year. This gathering continues to offer opportunities to connect, laugh and build friendships.
Every year seems to grow bigger. Thank you to all who attended.
I left Dallas encouraged that the Southern Baptist Convention is on solid ground, focused on the right priorities and moving forward.
May we set aside distractions, put our hands to the plow and fulfill the work to which our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has called us.
It is a joy to journey with you. B&R
