Awesomely blessed with leaders   

I’m writing from the Southern Baptist Convention meeting in Houston, Texas. The atmosphere has been calm in the sense that we‘ve seen very little debate. But, enthusiasm has been high, and unquestionable passion is evident in at least two areas.

First, the focus of the Great Commission is strong. Every sermon and every report has emphasized the ultimate goal of winning people to Christ.

Second, the drumbeat of revival at every level is being loudly sounded. Some are calling for personal revival in prayer and repentance. Others are calling for a revival of church planting and church revitalization. Still others are sounding the call of national revival.

Each year I leave the SBC annual convention with a specific way God has spoken to me. The Houston meeting impressed my heart with the passion of our leadership. We are blessed to have excellent leadership in Frank Page, Russell Moore, Thom Rainer, Tom Elliff, Kevin Ezell and all of our seminary presidents. They are the best and have surrounded themselves with other superior leaders. Give thanks to our Father for blessing Southern Baptists with the gift of great leaders!

But, no matter how strong our leadership, we must remember that "headquarters" for Baptists is the local church. Tithing and Cooperative Program gifts begin in the pew. Mission passion must be born in the pew. Baptisms begin in the pew. The issues of revitalization and church planting begin in the pew. And the local pastor is much closer to the pew than all of the leaders I have listed. Pastor, you are so very important to God’s assignment for Southern Baptists! You are a blessing to God's Kingdom! Stay faithful, stay in prayer and stay in the Word! Memorize Galatians 6:9.

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