They say that all good things must come to an end. I’ve wrestled with that thought as my time as president of our convention concludes this month. It has been a distinct and nearly insurmountable privilege to serve in this role during a time of tremendous challenge and transition over these last two years.
During my tenure, I have had the honor of speaking in churches all across our state, sharing with thousands of North Carolina Baptists about the work of our convention and preaching the Word of God. I have discovered two things in all my travels.
The first is that the last several years have been difficult for almost every one of our churches. The pandemic, the political strife and the cultural uncertainties have weighed heavy on pastors and congregants alike. So many of us have found our routines broken up and our thought processes interrupted. To be blunt, ministry as of late has been hard. I’m not sure that I have met anyone who doesn’t feel a pressure that simply wasn’t there two or three years ago.
The second discovery I have made on the road is that while a great deal has changed, our mission has not. We continue to press on. We continue to preach the truth of God’s unchanging Word. “We are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed” (Hebrews 10:39). There is much work to be done in the harvest fields of North Carolina and among those around the globe who have never heard the name of Christ. We come to Greensboro to acknowledge God’s goodness among His people called North Carolina Baptists, celebrate what He has accomplished and return to the work set before us.
My presidential address (I’m not sure I’ve discovered yet what a presidential address is supposed to be) will come from Hebrews 11 and 12. With so many who have gone before us both from the witness of Scripture and the pages of history, we run the race that is set before us. The Lord God, Creator of the universe and Redeemer of our souls, has placed us here at this time, and in this state, to further His mission to set the captives free. We are His children and kingdom heirs.
Our work is both immense and urgent. The distractions and the uncertainty are great. However, our work must continue. It is too important to stop. I am thankful that as we gather in Greensboro this month, you will get to hear that not only has the work not stopped, the impact of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina continues to grow. “On Mission Together” is not a slogan thrown around, but a reality as we unite around a common belief and a common mission. Welcome to the convention of the people called North Carolina Baptists. I’m excited we can be on mission together.
(EDITOR’S NOTE – Micheal Pardue serves as lead pastor of First Baptist Church of Icard in Connelly Springs, N.C., and president of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina.)
