The stark contrast caught my attention. It also helped keep me grounded on how much preview content to share regarding the upcoming Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting.
You may have noticed we waited until about a month out to compile the various items you need to know ahead of the meeting, which will take place June 11–12 in Indianapolis.
While discussions actually never stop from one annual meeting to the next, we have purposefully chosen to avoid the constant dripping of information — and many times unnecessary drama — until it’s time.
We determined it was time in the previous edition of The Baptist Paper (May 23) and in this edition, but in both cases we only used a few of the 28 pages to share about what to expect next week in Indy.
We always work to keep perspective on what percentage of any edition of the paper should focus on any one topic, even the back-and-forth details related to SBC personalities and business items coming to the annual meeting.
The June 20 edition will showcase a lot of SBC content because it will present the report from the meeting. It is important to report thoroughly not only to inform readers but also for the historical record.
Outside of that edition, however, and even when it relates to preview content, we are aware that most Baptists are focused on so much more than the agenda of the annual meeting.
In fact, recent conversations with a variety of people during the same two-week period are what reminded me to maintain perspective.
While several discussions about items messengers will be voting on at the meeting ramped up in late May, other conversations showcased the stark contrast I mentioned.
One church layperson asked where the annual meeting was being held this year and what topics were surfacing ahead of the meeting.
A children’s director seemed shocked when I mentioned we anticipated potentially heavy news coverage coming out of the meeting. “What all is happening?” she asked.
A few pastors noted they had heard several people were being nominated for SBC president, but they weren’t sure how many and could only recall two or three names.
These conversations refreshed my soul.
They are real people doing real life things.
They aren’t spending enormous amounts of time debating the latest convention-related tidbit spreading on social media.
They are focused on the communities assigned to their care and doing the best they can to navigate life.
Nothing against those who are highly engaged in convention life.
We need a variety of thinkers and analysts to dissect the various amendments, resolutions, motions, charters, constitutions, bylaws, confessions of faith and other content-based documents, so concerns can be raised, questions can be asked and consensus can be (we hope) attained.
But I’m grateful the majority of Baptists in the pews are spending time in prayer, Bible study, serving their community, doing ministry, sharing the gospel, discipling believers, going on mission, giving to missions and staying connected.
Part of the journey
I pray we all continuously strive to seek the Lord’s guidance on how He would have us live out each day.
And I’m grateful you allow us to take this journey with you.
If you find value in The Baptist Paper, then it would be a tremendous blessing to our team to know you are encouraging others to connect with us as well.
