The last time I wrote to you, I shared that Baptist state convention leaders were exploring various options for this year’s annual meeting. Following recent actions taken by our executive committee, I want to provide you with an update of where things currently stand and where we are in the process.

Hopefully most of you have heard by now that the executive committee endorsed a plan during a conference call on Aug. 25 that recommends to the board of directors for this year’s annual meeting to be a one-day meeting from 1-5 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at First Baptist Church of Charlotte.

Please be advised that those plans remain tentative until the board considers the recommendation at its next meeting, which is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 28. According to our bylaws, any decision related to changing the date, time or location of the annual meeting falls under the governance and authority of the board of directors.

The proposal that the executive committee endorsed had the unanimous support of the executive leadership team at the state convention, as well as the elected officers of the convention and the elected officers of the board. Convention leaders and officers have explored a variety of options for the annual meeting, had numerous discussions and spent much time in prayer before arriving at a consensus and presenting that plan to the executive committee to consider.

During our discussions, convention leaders and officers agreed that there was merit and value for moving forward with plans to conduct an annual meeting this year. While recognizing that attendance will likely be significantly less than what we are accustomed to, some officers expressed that they have heard from numerous N.C. Baptists who are looking forward to attending an annual meeting should one be held.

If the board approves plans for an annual meeting this year, it will look much different than any annual meeting we have had in our lifetimes, but it will contain many of the elements that we are used to seeing. While there are certain business matters we must attend to, it will be more than just a business meeting. There will be music. There will be worship. There will be preaching. There will be celebrations and reports of what God is doing in and through North Carolina Baptists, even in the midst of a global pandemic. The annual meeting theme of “God’s Great Hope,” which is based on Romans 15:13, is especially fitting and appropriate this year.

Please continue to be in prayer for the leaders and officers of the convention, as well as the upcoming board meeting in September. In addition to a decision regarding annual meeting, the board members will also consider several other important business items on the agenda.

Please continue to watch for further updates through the convention and annual meeting websites at ncbaptist.org and ncannualmeeting.org, respectively, and through the Biblical Recorder, as well.

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” — Romans 15:13 (NKJV)