“On mission together” is more than just a slogan for N.C. Baptists. It represents our shared identity. This is who we are as God’s people. As a movement of churches — a community of believers saved by God’s grace through faith — we have been called by God to go on mission together and bring this good news of salvation to all people.

When I first became a follower of Jesus, I quickly got a glimpse of what it means for churches to be on mission together after sneaking my way onto a disaster relief team (it’s a long story). Now, 20 years later, I can attest that being “on mission together” is not a one-time thing for Jesus followers. It’s literally built into our DNA as Christians. When we’re brought into God’s family, we experience the joy that comes from following Him. We want others to taste the goodness of His salvation, as well.

Every year, I’m amazed at how N.C. Baptists show this “on mission together” reality better than anyone I know. 

One of the greatest examples of this is when we are together for our annual meeting. Each November, N.C. Baptists from all across the state gather for this special time of worship, discussion and celebration of what God is doing in the lives of our churches. Personally, I’m always encouraged by the amazing sight of hundreds of messengers and guests from our N.C. Baptist churches gathered together, singing praises to God and celebrating our unity in the gospel and the mission. What an incredible picture of us being a movement of churches on mission together, united as one body serving the living God.

We’ll have several opportunities to display how we are on mission together at this year’s annual meeting. I’m especially excited for our time together on Monday night, Nov. 4, during our N.C. Baptist and IMB Sending Celebration. In addition to a powerful time of worship, we’ll have the chance to hear from Dr. Danny Akin, who has faithfully served as president of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary for 20 years. His message will be followed by a time of testimony from missionaries who are being sent from our very own N.C. Baptist churches. This time will serve as a reminder of what God is doing across the world and how He is using our churches across the state to make Himself known to the nations.

But as much as I love the annual meeting, I’m also glad that we’re not limited to being “on mission together” two days out of the year. We have the chance to be on mission together all year long — especially as we approach the annual Lottie Moon Christmas Offering (LMCO) this December. 

Every year, N.C. Baptists lead the way in missions giving. In 2023 we joined together to give more than $15.7 million to the LMCO, which was not only a record high but also the highest amount given from any state convention last year. My hope is that we would see the same encouraging results this year — but more importantly, my prayer is that we would remain united and focused on the mission as we give generously so that the lost may be reached.

Thank you for all the ways you partnered on mission together with us in 2024. I’m confident that 2025 will be a bright year for us as we join together on mission, reach the lost and make disciples for Christ. This is who we are as followers as Jesus, so I encourage you to continue living out this “on mission together” reality. To God be the glory!

(EDITOR’S NOTE — This article originally appeared in the November/December 2024 issue of the Biblical Recorder.)