SBC 2026 Update

Every year, the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) meets in June for its annual meeting.  The convention contains just over 50,000 churches with an average of 10,000 or so messengers attending this annual meeting on behalf of member churches. The SBC was formed in 1845 with the singular purpose of, “eliciting, combining, and directing the energies of the Baptist denomination of Christians, for the propagation of the Gospel.” First Baptist Church is an active member of the SBC and unites with the other 50,000 churches in providing resources for church planting, international missions, seminary education, and much more. 

This year I had the privilege of attending the SBC as a messenger on behalf of First Baptist Church. The meeting could be described as a massive business meeting where reports are heard from the different entities connected and supported by the SBC, with various speakers, and items presented to be voted on by the messengers who are present. The SBC has a president who is elected every year and can serve up to two consecutive terms. The outgoing president for this year is Clint Pressley, who is the pastor of Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC. He will be succeeded by Willy Rice, who is the pastor of Calvary Church in Clearwater, FL. In relation to the annual meeting that was held this week, I would describe it as Truth Driven and Missions Focused

First, Truth Driven.  Over the last few years, there has been debate about the role and function of the pastor/elder. The debate centered on the question of whether a person could be considered a pastor/elder but not be someone who preaches. This would then, conceivably, leave the door open for a woman to fill the role of a pastor/elder, but not the function of a public preacher/teacher to the church. For the sake of space, I won’t enter that full discussion here, just suffice it to say, I believe that this sort of discussion creates a way to try to subvert the clarity of scripture as it brings confusion to what a pastor/elder actually is. Aside from the point, this year, an amendment was proposed by Albert Mohler, President of the Southern Baptist Theological called “the Truth and Unity” which proposed an addition to article III of the SBC constitution about who can be in friendly cooperation with the SBC. The proposal stated that to be in friendly cooperation with the SBC, a church must not “act to affirm, appoint or endorse a woman serving in the office or function of a pastor/elder/overseer, specifically preaching to the assembled congregation.” This proposal overwhelmingly passed the 2/3 requirement with around 75% approval. What is further encouraging is that those who expressed disagreement with this amendment only expressed concern over the necessity and the wording of the amendment. Nothing was publicly said in opposition to the nature of the proposal. Contrary to mainstream media reports, this was not contentious or controversial by any means. Truth was affirmed and the convention was united.

Second, Missions Focused. One of the highlights of every convention is the commissioning of missionaries. Much of the media will highlight disagreements and debates among Southern Baptists. Yes, there is much room for good debate over serious theological topics. I would much rather have a debate over the application of men and women’s roles within the church instead of what is a man or a woman. Either way, one of the primary reasons churches unite with the Southern Baptist Convention is because of our commitment to missions. This year, Southern Baptists commissioned 63 missionaries to the global mission field. These missionaries aren’t just sent with the SBC’s blessing though. They are fully funded by churches like ours and others, to go to the nations with the good news of Jesus Christ. Additionally, there were 951 churches planted and 93 replanted with the North American Mission Board. Even more encouraging is that (Lord willing) this work will only continue to expand and grow. Various entities within the Southern Baptist Convention have committed to taking less Cooperative Program dollars allowing for an additional 2 million to be diverted to international missions next year, affirming even more, the focus the convention has on the Great Commission.

There are further ministry reports that can be found HERE, if you desire to go more in-depth with some of the updates that were shared this year. Overall, I was extremely encouraged by the state and direction of our convention. While the PCUSA debates whether clergy should be in monogamous relationships (You can find that story HERE), the SBC is seeking to be as clear as possible in conveying truth, so that we might be even more effective and faithful in our focus on missions. In a convention filled with over 50,000 churches, there is bound to be disagreement and some variety of opinions on certain issues. With a group as large as the SBC filled with sinful men and women, there are even times when we need to repent of past actions. But God has been gracious and has sustained the work of the SBC for the furtherance of His name and for the salvation of souls all over the world. There is no other denomination quite like Southern Baptists, and we can be thankful to be a part of such a group that seeks to be truth driven and missions focused.     

Serving Him with You,
Pastor Michael Nelson 

Written by Pastor
Michael Nelson

Fighter Verse for the Week

"[For] you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you. Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer; listen to my plea for grace. In the day of my trouble I call upon you, for you answer me."
- Psalm 86:5-7

Announcements:

Soccer Camp: Mark your calendar. This year, we will host a soccer camp in connection with Sports Crusaders on Monday, June 29th-Friday, July 3rd. There will be two sessions. Session 1 will be for those who completed kindergarten – completed 2nd grade from 9:00-11:00am. Session 2 will be for those who completed 3rd grade – completed 6th grade from 1:00-4:00pm. Cost is $25. You can register HERE.

Vacation Bible School: Mark your calendar. This year, we will host Vacation Bible School on Monday, July 6th-Friday, July 10th from 5:45-8:00pm. Dinner will be served at 5:15pm. Check out this year’s theme HERE. You can register HERE. We also need lots of volunteers. Sign up sheet is in the hallway

Game Night: Our monthly game night is Friday, June 19th from 7:00-9:00pm. Invite a friend to come with you and bring your favorite game and/or snack.

Holsten Mission Trip: From July 10-26th, the Holsten’s will be going on mission to the Philippines. Prayer cards can be found in the church Welcome Center, and if you’d like to partner financially with them, you can access their online portal HERE.

Family Discipleship Guides: These guides are designed to help equip parents further engage with what our children and youth are learning. You can find a guide for AWANA, HERE and for our Youth, HERE.

Men’s Study: Our Men’s study meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday nights at 8:00-9:15pm. The book for this study will be The Case for Christ. See Clint Blankenship for more information.

Building Remodel: If you would like to give to our remodel fund, there are commitment cards available in the welcome center. Feel free to pick up one and return it to one an available basket. If you would like to give a one time or a reoccurring gift, you can do so HERE and select “building remodel.” You can also give through one of the offering boxes at church. Be sure to mark your envelop, “building remodel.” Check out a video highlighting the work done so far.

Food Pantry: The food pantry is currently in need of some food items. For a complete list of food pantry needs, click HERE.

Awana Bible Club

Awana is officially on summer break. Clubs are typically held on Wednesdays throughout the school year. Dinner is at 6:00pm with Awana Clubs starting at 6:30pm. Children can be registered HERE.

Equipping Hour

We have three classes held at 9:15am on Sunday mornings. “A Survey in Church History” meets in the Sanctuary, a study in Hebrews in the Fellowship Hall, and a Ladies’ class studying the Old Testament meets in the classroom next to the nursery. You can find more information HERE.

Giving

To Give Online, Go HERE. 

You can also mail your offering to: 1416 Main Street, Grandview, MO. 64030

Home Groups

Home Groups typically meet on the first and third Sunday of each month. Please contact Pastor Michael if you would like to join a Home Group. You can find more information HERE.

Prayer

An updated Prayer Guide can be accessed HERE.

Prepare for Sunday

Guide for Worship can be found HERE.