The 2008 Southern Baptist Convention Meeting in Indianapolis passed relatively quietly. There was a general spirit of unity and cooperation in this year's convention. Frank Page, Senior Pastor of Taylors First Baptist Church in Taylors, South Carolina served our convention well as President over the past two years with a gracious spirit and passion for the Lord. Johnny Hunt, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Woodstock, Georgia was elected to serve as the new President of the SBC. I am confident he will lead us well.It was encouraging to see the convention having discussion regarding biblical issues such as regenerate church membership, which resulted in a resolution regarding this subject. Churches were challenged to take seriously the biblical distinctive of a regenerate church membership, which has also been a historic Baptist principle. It was also encouraging to hear a good amount of discussion regarding a "Great Commission Resurgence" and the need for churches within the SBC to once again take seriously the command of the Lord to "make disciples of all nations".
This leads me to the heart of my thoughts on this year's convention. What is it that brings us together as fellow believers in Christ? Why is there such a thing as the Southern Baptist Convention? We were powerfully reminded of it in the closing session of the convention as Jerry Rankin, President of the International Mission Board of the SBC gave the annual report. We heard about what God is doing around the world through men and women who have surrendered their lives to go and take the Gospel where it is not known. We are Southern Baptists because we believe we can do more by cooperating together than we could ever do as individual churches. We are Southern Baptists because we have a desire to reach the nations with the Good News! Who will go and tell? God is calling us and we have no alternative but to be obedient for His glory!
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