Southern Baptists will gather in Indianapolis June 15–16, continuing their Empowering Kingdom Growth initiative by focusing on the theme “Kingdom Forever.”
The theme, drawn from Matthew 6:13 — “For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever” — is the second consecutive year in which the theme has centered on the EKG (Empowering Kingdom Growth) initiative, which began in 2002. The initiative asks all Southern Baptists to examine if they are Kingdom-focused.
“The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) is an opportunity for us to share with the world what God is doing in our lives, in our churches and through the people known as Southern Baptists,” SBC President Jack Graham said. “This gathering will challenge us all to renew our passion for the Great Commission and issues of eternal impact.”
The annual meeting will feature “Kingdom Challenge” sermons by such speakers as David Jeremiah and Franklin Graham, singing by the Gaither Vocal Band and will coincide with the release of “EKG: The Heartbeat of God,” written by EKG national strategist Kenneth Hemphill. The book traces the history of God’s Kingdom from biblical days through today.
Some significant business matters will be presented to messengers, including:
-The Baptist World Alliance (BWA). Messengers are scheduled to vote on a recommendation adopted by the SBC Executive Committee for the SBC to withdraw from BWA. The committee, as well as a study committee on SBC/BWA relations, has cited various theological concerns the SBC has with BWA.
-Sole membership. A motion pertaining to New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and sole membership may be considered. The seminary remains the only SBC entity not to adopt the corporate model of sole membership, which would clarify that the SBC owns the seminary. Recently New Orleans trustees voted to present two alternatives to messengers in 2005 instead of adopting the recommendation of the Executive Committee to name the convention sole member of the seminary’s corporation.
-Annuity Board name change. Messengers will consider a proposal to change the Annuity Board’s name and expand its ministry opportunities. It has been approved by the Executive Committee. The entity’s name would change to GuideStone Financial Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention, and it would be permitted to serve evangelical ministry organizations outside the SBC.
Jack Graham will preside over his final convention, having served his second one-year term. He will deliver his president’s address at approximately 11:10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 15. That afternoon, around 2:30, messengers will elect a new president. Alabama native Bobby Welch, pastor of First Baptist Church in Daytona Beach, Fla., is expected to be nominated to succeed Graham.
Following a pattern begun last year, this year’s convention will feature “Kingdom Challenge” sermons by prominent national and Southern Baptist leaders.
David Jeremiah, senior pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church in California, will speak at 3:13 p.m. Tuesday, while Jay Strack, president of Student Leadership University in Florida, will speak at 8:38 that night.
Roy J. Fish, evangelism professor at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, will deliver the third Kingdom Challenge message at 10:09 a.m. Wednesday, with Franklin Graham capping the night at 8:53 p.m.
Alabama Baptist Steve Gaines, pastor of Gardendale’s First Baptist Church, will deliver the convention message at 11:29 a.m. Wednesday. Gardendale’s choir will also be featured during the convention.
The week prior to the convention, hundreds of Southern Baptists will come together for “Crossover Indiana,” an evangelism-focused strategy that uses block parties, door-to-door visits and other efforts to spread the gospel in and around Indianapolis. In addition, in an effort to plug new believers into churches, harvest revival services will be held June 10–12 in churches across the region.
Messengers wishing to propose resolutions must submit them at least 15 days prior to the annual meeting, giving the Resolutions Committee a two-week period in which to consider them.
Detailed guidelines on submitting resolutions are available on the Internet at www.sbcannualmeeting.net.
For the second consecutive year, online registration is available to churches and their messengers. Churches can register messengers online at the SBC Web site, www.sbc.net, to avoid waiting at the counter upon arrival at the convention. (BP)
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