My fellow North Carolina Baptists, it is once again that most wonderful time of the year when we all get together again in Greensboro for our annual meeting. Our annual meeting has always been a highlight of my year. It always serves as one great big Baptist family reunion.

It can be difficult sometimes to make it from place to place through the convention hall, not because of the crowds but the conversations with friends you haven’t seen since the last annual meeting. It is a time of celebration as we learn how the Lord is working through our cooperative efforts across North Carolina and the globe. It is a time to rejoice and maybe wipe a few tears as we hear stories of how the Lord is doing marvelous things on the mission field. It is a time of worship when our unity is on display as we sing in one voice, pray with one heart and hear the Word with one mind.

North Carolina Baptists have been on mission together for 194 years, and over those years the Lord has been exceedingly faithful to our cooperative efforts. Through struggles and successes alike we work best when we work together. Our theme again this year is “On Mission Together.” While this moniker may be recent in our use, it has always embodied our spirit. From our earliest days and first meeting in Greenville unto the present day and our upcoming meeting in Greensboro, we have embarked upon fulfilling the Great Commission in our state and around the globe. 

I also know that our annual meeting requires great sacrifice on the part of its messengers and churches they represent. For many, it will require the sacrifice of our time, money and even vacation days. As president of our convention, I want to say thank you for making the sacrifice to plan and attend our annual meeting. Our sacred cooperative efforts as N.C. Baptists are worth it as we endeavor to make disciples for the glory of our great God.

I’ve long preached, “cooperation necessitates participation,” and our annual meeting is such a wonderful way to jump right into being on mission together. Come to Greensboro this Nov. 4-5 as a messenger and raise your voice in song, your ballots to vote and maybe even your voice at the mic. But above all, let us raise the name of Jesus because He is worthy of it all.

(EDITOR’S NOTE — This article originally appeared in the November/December 2024 issue of the Biblical Recorder. Allen Murray serves as pastor of Centerville Baptist Church in Kelly, N.C.)