Messengers and visitors who plan to attend the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina’s (BSCNC) annual meeting this November must follow a new registration process this year.

Registration for messengers and visitors will take place through a new online process for 2020 as part of several new protocols being implemented for this year’s meeting.

Churches with an email address on file with the convention will receive detailed registration instructions by email on Thursday, Oct. 1. A letter with the same instructions is also being mailed to all cooperating N.C. Baptist churches who are eligible to register messengers.

Registration opens Thursday, Oct. 1, at ncannualmeeting.org/register.

This year’s annual meeting will be held Tuesday, Nov. 10, at First Baptist Church of Charlotte from 1-5 p.m., following a vote by BSCNC’s board of directors to change the location of the annual meeting.

The BSCNC’s bylaws authorize the board of directors to change the time or place of the annual meeting or cancel the meeting in the event of “emergency or unusual circumstances.” The meeting had previously been scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 9-10, at the Joseph S. Koury Convention Center in Greensboro.

This year’s abbreviated, one-day meeting will include times of worship, preaching, ministry reports, business sessions, as well as a special recognition for BSCNC Executive Director-Treasurer Milton A. Hollifield Jr., who is retiring on Feb. 28, 2021.

The change to the registration process is one of several adjustments being made to annual meeting logistics in response to COVID-19.

Messengers and visitors may register individually, or churches may register multiple messengers at one time. A unique church ID and PIN number will be needed to register, which are included in the instructions being sent to churches. Registrants must also provide a valid email address when they register.

Within a week of registering, individuals will receive an electronic ticket at the email address they provided. Tickets must be presented at check-in at the annual meeting on Nov. 10 to receive ballots and other materials.

During registration, registrants will also be asked to select a time to check in on the day of the annual meeting in an effort to limit crowding and maintain social distancing. Check-in times will be available from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and on-site check-in on the day of the annual meeting will close at 1 p.m.

Churches who don’t receive their letters with registration instructions by Oct. 15 are asked to call the convention at (919) 459-5555 for assistance.

As part of additional enhanced health and safety measures, temperature checks will take place at the door of the facility, and social distancing protocols will be in place in the sanctuary. Face coverings will also be required.

In addition, this year’s annual meeting will not include an exhibit hall or any ancillary meetings.

The annual meeting will also be livestreamed for those who cannot attend, however convention bylaws do not permit online voting during business sessions.

Breakout sessions will be prerecorded and made available for viewing online on Monday, Nov. 9, at 9 a.m. Visit ncannualmeeting.org/breakouts to sign up for reminders.

The most up-to-date information and details related to the annual meeting will be posted online at ncannualmeeting.org. Individuals may also sign up to receive email updates by completing this form.