We’re just a few days out from this year’s annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) in New Orleans, and I’m looking forward to seeing lots of N.C. Baptists there. No matter where the national convention is held, N.C. Baptists always rank among the highest number of attendees. I don’t expect this year to be any different, and I look forward to seeing many of you in the Crescent City.
If you’re going to be in New Orleans, be sure to stop by the N.C. Baptist booth in the exhibit hall. Also, make plans to attend the “On Mission Together” Riverboat Rally meetup for N.C. Baptists and friends on Monday, June 12, from 8-10 p.m. We’re planning a great evening of fellowship, food and fun on board the “Creole Queen” paddlewheel riverboat. Learn more and sign up at ncbaptist.org/riverboatrally.
As we look forward to this year’s national convention, some have said that the SBC is like a big family reunion with a few crazy uncles in attendance. While there are certainly challenges within the SBC, there is also lots to celebrate. The worship that will take place, the business that will be conducted and the reports that will be shared at this year’s meeting are all reflections of our cooperative efforts to take the gospel to the ends of the earth.
It’s humbling to think that God chooses to use us to advance His mission and His kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. One of the things I like to say to N.C. Baptist staff members is that while we take the gospel seriously, we shouldn’t take ourselves too seriously. The gospel is what unites us to be on mission together.
As we head to New Orleans, I hope everyone in attendance – especially those from North Carolina – would determine to be the happiest and most joyful people at the meeting. That kind of joy is contagious, but sadly, it’s often in short supply these days. Yet Scripture tells us “the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10) which should spur us on “toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24).
A friend of mine told me a story recently about his former youth pastor who challenged and encouraged members of the youth group to lead this way. Whenever they would attend special meetings or youth camps in the summer, their group would be the ones up front singing the loudest, they would be the ones most involved in serving and they would be the ones most engaged in the activities. The way the group conducted themselves became an example that caught on with others.
Leading with joy and happiness is really important, and our society needs a good dose of that right now. And when questions, differences or disagreements arise, let’s assume the best in one another, give the benefit of the doubt and extend grace to others in the same way Jesus extended grace to us on Calvary’s cross.
N.C. Baptists, we are a movement of churches on mission together, and that should give us great gratitude. Let’s lead in New Orleans with joy and happiness, and encourage our brothers and sisters from across the country to do the same.
After all, we are all on mission together.
(EDITOR’S NOTE – This article originally appeared in the June 2023 issue of the Biblical Recorder magazine.)