By Roc Collins
President, TBC
Roc Collins
The time is almost at hand.
In just a few days we will gather at Sevierville Convention Center for the Summit. And our Summit will not simply be a time to gather together, hear reports, sing some songs, and do a little business, but rather our Summit will be a time of rejoicing as we hear of our Lord’s work all across our beloved state of Tennessee. It will be a time of encouragement as we offer an unprecedented number of exciting breakout sessions. And it will be a time of great and glorious worship as together we lift high our Lord Jesus Christ. I am excited for this wonderful time we will have together as the Tennessee Baptist family.
This Summit will be a time of gathering, but it must also be a time when we look outside ourselves and remember that there are many in our state that need to enter into a relationship with Jesus Christ. I’m praying that we will leave Sevierville spurred on with a fresh vision and energized with a sincere excitement to reach our state and baptize 50,000 people next year.
Early in 2016, I offered a plan in my column in the Baptist and Reflector of how we could reach, win, and baptize 50,000 people a year. If every Tennessee Baptist church would baptize 16 in 2016, and 17 in 2017, and so on, then we would exceed our goal of 50,000 baptisms by 2024. How are you doing with your goal of baptizing your 16 this year? I pray that you would sense the passion in my heart and know that I long to see God do a great work in our state for His glory. Yes, we are meeting for the Summit in Sevierville but would it not be awesome to reach a spiritual summit for our Lord by baptizing more than we ever have as a state? I believe we can do it. We can personalize Scripture as our inspiration and say, “We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.” All for His glory and honor!
As I prepare for the Summit, my heart is also full of thankfulness. It has been both an honor and a privilege to serve as your Tennessee Baptist Convention president during this past year. I have met many wonderful Baptists across this state and I am greatly encouraged by their tremendous work for the kingdom. My prayer is that you will join me at the Summit in Sevierville and we will rejoice, we will be encouraged, and we will worship together. All for Christ!
