State convention annual meeting set for Nov. 11–12

Alabama Baptists are only a few weeks away from their annual “family reunion” and a chance to stop and celebrate the ways that God is working through their ministries.

Rick Lance, executive director of the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions, said he’s “expecting a time of joy and fellowship” as Baptists from across the state gather at the Alabama Baptist State Convention annual meeting Nov. 11–12 in Huntsville.

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The meeting will focus on the theme “Compelled” based on 2 Cor. 5:14, where Paul says, “The love of Christ compels us.”

“This is what Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, was articulating about the love of Christ,” Lance said. “Paul declared that we’re compelled by the love of Christ to minister in the name of Christ — to live as new creations and to be ministers of reconciliation, ambassadors for Christ and workers together for Christ.”

The annual meeting — which will be held at Whitesburg Baptist Church — will celebrate the ways state Baptists are already accomplishing this task and encourage them to keep going, Lance said.

On Tuesday evening, Nov. 11:

• Alabama Baptists will experience a celebration of missions featuring testimonies, stories and music by Whitesburg Baptist’s worship ministry.
• They will also hear a message from Jeff Iorg, president of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee, during the Tuesday night celebration. “He will share about how gifts through the Cooperative Program are truly making a difference for countless people in our own state as well as throughout North America and around the world,” Lance said.

During the daytime sessions Nov. 11–12:

• Craig Carlisle, director of missions for Etowah Baptist Association, will deliver his address as outgoing convention president.
• Andy John King, pastor of Lindsay Lane Baptist Church in Athens, will preach the Convention Sermon.
• Matt Daniels, Baptist campus minister for the University of North Alabama; Dewayne Rembert, pastor of Flatline Church at Chisholm in Montgomery; and Spencer Bell, pastor of Mount Zion Baptist Church in Hartselle, will all share messages on this year’s theme.
• Ministries from around the state will share about ways they’ve seen God at work over the past year.

“There will be times of inspiration that include testimonies and biblical messages — a vital part of our time together,” Lance said.

Messengers to the convention will also vote on the budget for 2026.

“Through our Great Commission Ministries budget, which will be recommended to messengers, we can continue to make a difference together as this message of salvation is proclaimed far and wide,” Lance said. “I hope many messengers and guests will join us for this annual meeting.”