Preacher David's Corner

Baptist State Convention of North Carolina Annual Meeting 2023

In the heart of Greensboro, North Carolina, the Joseph S. Koury Convention Center buzzed with energy on Monday and Tuesday, November 6-7, as it played host to the 193rd Baptist State Convention of North Carolina's annual meeting. The theme, "On Mission Together," echoed through the halls, drawing 1,880 attendees from all corners of the state. Linda and I and several of the ministers and their wives from Ashe Baptist Association attended the Annual Meeting as well as the North Carolina Pastors Conference ( The Shepard of the Flock)

The convention center's spacious halls echoed with the harmonious voices of attendees as they gathered for worship, prayer, and fellowship. The air was thick with anticipation and reminded me of a meeting in heaven as written in Revelation 7:9-12.

Messengers congregated in a large auditorium to discuss and make decisions that would shape the future of the Baptist State Convention. One of the significant milestones achieved during this gathering was the approval of a 2024 Cooperative Program (CP) budget. The budget, totaling $31 million, marked a substantial $1.5 million or 5% increase over the existing budget. What made this decision even more impactful was the move to a 50/50 split with global ministry partners, signifying a commitment to shared responsibilities and a broader mission.

The messengers engaged in thoughtful discussions and passionate debates, reflecting the diverse perspectives within the Baptist community. The decisions were not merely financial; they were statements of purpose, embodying the commitment to being "On Mission Together."

Among the resolutions passed was an amended "Resolution on Equal Protection For The Preborn." The assembly, with heartfelt conviction, sought to address issues of profound importance, aligning their stance with their beliefs and values.

The convention also provided a platform for reports from various N.C. Baptist institutions, agencies, and ministry partners. Representatives from the Biblical Recorder, Provision Financial Resources of N.C. Baptists (formerly the N.C. Baptist Foundation), the Baptist Children's Homes (BCH) of North Carolina, N.C. Baptists on Mission, and the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention shared updates on their activities and missions.

As the two-day event unfolded, it became a testament to the strength of unity within the Baptist community. The theme of being "On Mission Together" reverberated not only in the resolutions passed but in the shared commitment to serving a higher purpose. The messengers left the convention center with a renewed sense of purpose, ready to carry the mission forward and make a positive impact in their communities and beyond. Your Servant, David