Pastors, we must admit, the friendships that are forged in ministry pick up right where you ended whenever you run into someone in the Convention Hall or Exhibit area. It is a real blessing to catch up with old buddies and couples who have meant so much to us.
It is always a blessing as well to see some of our pulpit heroes and to be able to observe and often speak with them. The convention is a reminder that the SBC is made up of churches of all sizes and demographics. Styles that vary from coast to coast, but preaching the Bible and the Gospel of Christ.
The Pastor's Conference has always been the highlight for me. Being fed, challenged, and encouraged are things everyone in ministry needs. Hearing preachers we are not always exposed to is a great blessing.
One reason I am going to Birmingham is that I look forward to seeing friends from all over the country, but there is also a another reason as well. We are welcoming new leadership to the SBC. Men like Ronnie Floyd, Adam Greenway, J.D. Greear. and Lifeway's acting CEO Brad Waggoner are God's men for this moment. They need our support.
I am excited to see NAMB bring in Johnny Hunt and Jim Law and the return to the roots of evangelism and missions. Under Kevin Ezell's leadership, The Send Networks and the Church Revitalization efforts with Mark Clifton seem to be sweeping the country and that is exciting to see and hear as churches are established, get back on their feet, and see souls saved.
As painful as it may seem, I am especially interested in hearing Russell Moore address the issues of abuse and neglect that we have been reading about, and how to prevent these awful things from happening in our church. My desire is to finish well as we we know that the devil would love to bring down a ministry, a church, a preacher , however He can.
So, if the Lord wills, after Church on that June weekend, we will head south to attend the SBC Annual meeting. I hope to see you there.
