PLYMOUTH – Twelve thousand messengers, this past month, voted their personal convictions and in doing so defined the global and local direction of Great Commission Baptists. Those of us attending from Michigan helped shape that future.
Where and when will next year’s convention take place?
Indiana Convention Center
100 South Capitol Avenue
Indianapolis, Indiana 46225
June 9-10, 2024, Pastors’ Conference & other special gatherings
June 11-12, 2024, Annual Meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention
Next year’s four-day convention at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana on June 9-12, 2024, will be worth the drive, meals, and lodging costs! There is no participation fee for attending the convention, but advanced registration as a messenger representing your church is required. More details can be found at: https://sbcannualmeeting.net or at https://sbc.net.
What happened last month?
During the first two days, inspirational meetings with national and international impact met prior to the annual convention, such as the Pastors’ Conference, Woman’s Missionary Union, language/ethnic ministries, and more.
During the second two days, important business matters were addressed with each messenger’s voice and vote counting as importantly as the messenger next to him or her.
Officers were elected to guide the convention for another year.
Trustees were elected to serve on the board of six seminaries, two mission agencies, and other important entities for years to come.
Motions were received, acted on, or deferred.
Resolutions were received, acted on, or deferred.
Evangelism efforts saturated the city resulting in many salvations and baptisms.
Seventy-nine international missionaries were introduced to the messengers, on stage, before departing for their overseas assignments.
Breakfasts, luncheons, dinners, and banquets were held by a variety of ministries throughout the entire four days. Your selections are yours to make.
Over two hundred exhibitors put their ministries on display with free access and free giveaways to make exploring options for your church as convenient as possible.
Next Year is Near.
Pastors, church leaders, and church members, I encourage you to make plans to attend next year’s annual meeting, June 9-12, 2024. Begin now by asking the church to set aside some funds to reimburse those who will attend next year’s convention from your congregation.
Here are some distances and time estimates from some Michigan locations to Indianapolis:
Location Miles Drive Time
Marquette 600 9 hours
Traverse City 400 6 hours
Bay City 350 5 hours
Detroit 287 4 hours
Grand Rapids 262 4 hours
Lansing 255 4 hours
Arrangements for lodging can be made on your own at any time, or with the assistance of the national convention starting in October 2023 at https://sbc.net.
Is Michigan’s Influence Important?
Do we make a difference as Michiganders at an event filled with thousands? The answer is, “Yes!” Representatives from Michigan’s churches carry influence all year long, each year, by serving as trustees on national boards of convention agencies and entities.
Here is a glance at those from Michigan who serve on national boards:
International Mission Board – Mr. Warren Hessling, Memorial Baptist Church, Sterling Heights, MI
North American Mission Board – Pastor Roy Henry, Faith Baptist Church, Battle Creek, MI
SBC Executive Committee – Mrs. Nancy Spalding, Cornerstone Baptist Church, Roseville, MI
Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission – Pastor Michel Guyer, Treasuring Christ Church, Ypsilanti, MI
GuideStone Financial Resources – Minister David Cox, Temple of Faith Baptist Church, Detroit, MI
LifeWay Christian Resources – Mrs. Sharon Greer, Orchard Church, Kingsley, MI
Woman’s Missionary Union – Mrs. Odelle Cadwell, Temple of Faith Baptist Church, Detroit, MI
Gateway Baptist Theological Seminary – Pastor Jerome Taylor, Eastgate Baptist Church, Burton, MI
Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary – Pastor Edward Mattox, Forest Park Baptist Church, Farmington, MI
New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary – Mrs. Zeola Carey, Cornerstone Baptist Church, Roseville, MI
Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary – Pastor Arthur Werry, New Life Baptist Church, Fraser, MI
Southern Baptist Theological Seminary – No Michigan representative on the board due to the seminary’s unique historical charter
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary – Pastor Larry Johnson, Middlebelt Baptist Church, Inkster, MI
Tuesday Night is Michigan Night
Michigan Baptists may be the only state convention celebrating together on Tuesday nights at the annual conventions. Michigan messengers gather together on the free, unassigned Tuesday night of the convention for fellowship. The president of the state convention and the state executive director host this special meal as a way to express their gratitude to messengers who support the Great Commission Baptist ministry at their own expense.
Years ago, the evening started as simple as an ice cream gathering in Phoenix, AZ, then it evolved into a delicious fine meal in a private banquet room in Nashville, TN, and more recently became a loud party in a Cajun-style restaurant in New Orleans, LA.
No one knows what to expect in Indianapolis next year for Michigan’s night, but we do hope that hundreds from Michigan will take part in all of the events at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN on June 9-12, 2024. Together, we can help churches take their next step to accelerate Gospel movement.
Please, contact the state convention office if you have questions, or if you require assistance in preparing for next year’s annual convention: (810) 714-1907 or Jamie@bscm.org – I look forward to seeing you with others from your church in Indianapolis.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Tony L. Lynn is the State Director of Missions for the Baptist State Convention of Michigan. Before coming on staff at the BSCM, Tony served as lead pastor for more than six years at Crosspoint Church in Monroe, Michigan. He and his wife, Jamie, also served with the International Mission Board in Africa and in Europe.