SBTC”s Annual Meeting is just around the corner

It may be August but the convention’s Annual Meeting is on my mind. I am so excited about having the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention meet at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth this November. The SBTC and Southwestern share the same passion for the church and the gospel.

Pre-convention activities begin on Sunday night November 9th. A Spanish-language session will be held on campus. Attendance has been growing. This is great time of fellowship. Inspiring music with challenging messages are always a part of the program.

Pastor Michael Dean of Travis Avenue Baptist Church is the president of the Bible Conference. Sessions will be on Sunday night, Monday morning and Monday afternoon. Some of the featured preachers are Belleview Baptist Church, Memphis Pastor Steve Gaines and Eric Thomas, pastor, FBC Norfolk. Texas pastors Jack Graham and Michael Pender will minister to us from the Word. Southwestern’s Richard Ross and Stephen Smith are speaking as well. At lunch on Monday a ministry café will feature timely topics with a Q&A.

The actual convention will convene on Monday night and conclude on Tuesday night. The four sessions will feature common elements. Biblical exposition will kick off each session. A missions and ministry testimony segment will highlight the work done through the efforts of SBTC staff. This is a shareholders report to those who participate in giving through the Cooperative Program. The CP is an investment with eternal returns. As the theme of the convention centers around seeking the Lord, special prayer times have been scheduled. If ever there was a need for God’s people to seek his face it is now!

Monday night First Baptist Church, Forney, Pastor Jimmy Pritchard will deliver the President’s Address. Tuesday morning features recognition of Jimmy Draper with the Paul Pressler lifetime achievement award. Pastor Tony Mathews of North Garland Fellowship will bring the Convention Sermon. Tuesday afternoon has business on the agenda but an extended prayer time is allocated.

Russell Moore, president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, is our guest preacher on the last night. He will challenge us to be salt and light. A multi-ethnic choir will show us what heaven will look like.

There are numerous auxiliary events at the SBTC. Tom Elliff speaks at the President’s Luncheon. A church planters dinner, church revitalization dinner and affinity group meals will take place over the three days. A special reception for Southwestern students is scheduled after the final gavel.

November 9-11 is the date for the SBTC Bible Conference and Annual Meeting. The beautiful chapel and grounds make for a wonderful setting. I encourage you to get your hotel reservations. Bring your messengers. Invite guests to join you. Childcare is provided for those who pre-register.

Finally, let me ask that you pray for God’s Spirit to move on us. Maybe this is the place God will bring us to himself in a new way. Oh Lord, please cleanse us, and then fill us, all for your glory!