From committee chairs to presidential candidates, several N.C. Baptists will play significant roles at this year’s Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) annual meeting in Indianapolis, Indiana, on June 11-12.
North Carolina also typically ranks among the states with the highest number of messengers in attendance, and there will be plenty of opportunities for N.C. Baptists to connect and fellowship in Indy.
Following is a rundown of some key events and activities for N.C. Baptists to watch for during the convention.
NC Baptists & Friends Meetup
Come out to the ballpark for an evening of food, fun and fellowship on Monday, June 10, from 8-10 p.m. at Victory Field, right across from the Indiana Convention Center. Test your arm at the speed pitching booth or just grab a popcorn and hang out with friends. To learn more, visit ncbaptist.org/meetup.
NC Baptist Exhibit Hall Booth
Stop by the N.C. Baptist booth in the exhibit hall during the meeting to grab a T-shirt, try your hand at cornhole and pose for some photos with a selection of fun props. While you’re there, talk to an N.C. Baptist staff member to learn how you can be “on mission together” with N.C. Baptists.
Presidential Candidates
Southern Baptists will elect a new president in Indianapolis, and two N.C. Baptist pastors are among the announced candidates. Bruce Frank, lead pastor of Biltmore Church in Arden, and Clint Pressley, senior pastor of Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Charlotte, will both be nominated for president in Indy. At the time of publication, a total of six individuals have been announced as presidential nominees. The election of president is scheduled for Tuesday, June 11, at 7:05 p.m.
Another North Carolina pastor, Micheal Pardue of First Baptist Church Icard in Connelly Springs, will be nominated for second vice president. The election of second vice president is scheduled for Wednesday, June 12, at 10:40 a.m.
ARITF Report
The Abuse Reform Implementation Task Force is scheduled to report to messengers on Tuesday, June 11, at 3:15 p.m. Josh Wester, lead pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Greensboro, is chairman of the task force and will deliver the report on its behalf. (Read a Q&A with Wester here.)
Committee on Nominations Report
The Committee on Nominations, which presents a slate of nominees to serve in various leadership roles across the SBC for messengers to consider, is scheduled to make its report on Tuesday, June 11, at 8:45 a.m. Matt Capps, lead pastor of Fairview Baptist Church in Apex, is chairman of the committee and will deliver the report on its behalf.
SEBTS Alumni & Friends Luncheon and more
The annual Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary alumni and friends luncheon will take place Wednesday, June 12, at noon. The event will include recognition for President Danny Akin and his wife, Charlotte, for their 20 years of service to the school. In addition, Southeastern will have a booth in the exhibit hall, a hospitality room and other events. To learn more about all of Southeastern’s activities and events in Indy, visit sebts.edu/sbc.
(EDITOR’S NOTE – This article originally appeared in the May/June 2024 edition of the Biblical Recorder magazine.)
