EDITOR’S NOTE : The following article was published in The Baptist Record for Mississippi Baptists, who will be attending the 188th Annual Meeting of the Mississippi Baptist Convention Oct. 29–30 at First Baptist Church Jackson. While every meeting is unique and offers different benefits and events, below you may find some helpful tips and reminders on preparing for your state Baptist annual meeting this fall.
The Annual Meeting is an event that includes over 1,000 messengers and guests gathering to take care of convention business matters, worship and fellowship together. During these days, we will celebrate our ministry in 2024 and unite together in our efforts to reach our communities, state, and the world into the new year.
As you make plans to attend, here are 10 tips to prepare for the meeting.
1. PRAYER: Pray with us as we approach the 188th Annual Meeting of the Mississippi Baptist Convention! Our prayer for the meeting comes from Romans 15:5-6, “May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
2. REGISTRATION: To attend the Annual Meeting, you need to register as a messenger or guest. Messengers are elected or appointed by the local church and are allowed to vote during the Annual Meeting.
3. MESSENGER CARDS: Messenger cards were mailed to churches during the first two weeks of October. If you are interested in serving as a messenger, contact your local church office. Messengers and guests can begin registering as early as 11:00 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 28. Registration is in the second floor atrium at First Baptist Church Jackson.
4. PARKING: Give yourself plenty of time to arrive at First Baptist. Construction is taking place on the streets around the church.
5. NAME TAGS: Be sure to wear your name tag throughout the meeting for easy access to the main sessions and Exhibit Hall.
6. EXHIBIT HALL: Explore the ministries that are represented in the exhibit hall. They are eager to meet and connect with you. Hours for the Exhibit Hall are: Monday, Oct. 28: 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Tuesday, Oct. 29: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Wednesday, Oct. 30: Exhibit Hall will be open for coffee only.
7. SPECIAL EVENTS: Don’t forget to sign up for extra events happening throughout the Annual Meeting. A list of events can be found here (PDF)
8. BUSINESS SCHEDULE: The Annual Meeting begins Tuesday morning, October 29, at 8:30 a.m. A full schedule can be found here.
9. CP 100 / TRAINING KIT: Have you heard? The Cooperative Program turns 100 years old in 2025! The celebration will begin at the Annual Meeting and will continue throughout next year. Stop by the Exhibit Hall to receive a CP Training Kit!
10. MOBILE APP: Download the MBCB mobile app and find easy access to information about the Annual Meeting. You can also opt in to receive news information throughout the meeting. https://bit.ly/MBCBapp
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Tanner Cade and originally published by the Baptist Record.
