2026 Southern Baptist Convention in Orlando, Florida 

North Carolina was well represented with 826 messengers and 297 churches at the meeting last week. A total of 11,600 messengers and 21,000 attendees attended this meeting. N.C. Baptists were visible throughout the meeting as Charlotte pastor Clint Pressley wrapped up his tenure as SBC president. Messengers elected Florida pastor Willy Rice as the next president of the convention, and North Carolina’s James Allen Murray was elected second vice president. During the seminary reports, outgoing Southeastern Seminary President Danny Akin received a standing ovation before delivering his final report, which highlighted the school’s leadership transition from Akin to Scott Pace. Our good friend, former N.C. Baptist Executive Director-Treasurer Milton A. Hollifield Jr. was also recognized with a distinguished alumni award from Southwestern Seminary. Messengers also celebrated 63 new missionaries during the IMB’s Sending Celebration. Approval of a new Cooperative Program (CP) allocation budget that will increase support to the International Mission Board (IMB) to 51% of national CP receipts. Because of God’s blessings, IMB Missionaries and churches who work together 196,497 people decided to follow Jesus. 951 new churches across the USA were form by likeminded churches. 4000 folks did witness in Orlando resulting in 1,077 professions of faith during the SBC time. Messengers also gave first approval to a constitutional amendment proposed by Southern Baptist Theological Seminary President Albert Mohler that says cooperating churches may only have men serving in the office and function of pastor, specifically in the role of preaching to the gathered congregation. The amendment will require a second approval by a two-thirds majority at next year’s annual meeting. The convention also adopted resolutions addressing a variety of topics, including America’s 250th anniversary, assisted suicide, immigration and more. The Southern Baptist Convention reminded me of something we already know here in Ashe County: when churches unite around the Gospel, God blesses that cooperation. We can accomplish far more together than we ever could alone, I am thankful to be part of a family of churches that believes the Great Commission is still our calling. May we continue to pray, serve, give, and go wherever God leads. The future is bright because our hope is in Christ, and He is still building His Church. As I reflected on the 2026 Southern Baptist Convention, my heart is filled with gratitude. It reminds me that when God's people come together with a common purpose, He continues to do great things. Churches from every corner of our nation gathered, not to promote themselves, but to cooperate in advancing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Through prayer, VBS, worship, missions, and fellowship, I am encouraged to see that God is still moving among His people. To God be the glory for what He is doing across our Southern Baptist family and right here in the Ashe Baptist Association—the Coolest Corner of North Carolina.         Your Servant, David                                                              

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