The 2009 annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) has come and gone. Many think that with it comes a newfound hope for unity around the gospel in ways which could renew hope and direction of this convention for future generations. The strong majority of messengers attending this event seemed to reflect their confidence that the Great Commission Resurgence task force promises a thorough and fair look at our present practices with a prayerful hope that our future will be better shaped by the vast resources of our Convention to strategically impact many generations for Jesus Christ.

Each sermon at the SBC revealed a passionate plea to God for help. Messengers seemed to agree there was an excitement not seen in a long time at this year’s annual meeting. It was encouraging to see the increased number of young pastors in attendance. There was both celebration and conviction present as we listened to reports from SBC entities that included moving presentations from the International Mission Board and North American Mission Board. It was all a stark reminder that we exist as a convention for the purpose of doing evangelism and missions wherever the lost are found.

We now embark on a new course of discovery where we pray the Lord might lead us toward greater usefulness in His service. It is my prayer that every church might seek the face of God and long for a movement of revival in our land. This must start in the heart of individual Christians through private prayer, repentance of sin, self-abandonment and a renewed commitment to live in radical life changing fellowship with God and obedience to Him. Spiritual renewal can then advance into the corporate worship and fellowship of local churches. People in communities will begin to recognize that something new and different is taking place in the attitude and lifestyle of those revitalized church fellowships. Don’t you long to be a part of something exciting like this? God is ready to do His work when we become responsive to his invitation.

The Baptist State Convention of North Carolina joins with other state conventions and our national entities in a desire to see the resources of this Convention brought to their maximum usefulness as an extension of local congregations in getting the gospel to every person. All of us must evaluate our individual ministries and work to bring about change where change is needed and foster unity among our brothers and sisters. May God help us to accomplish the work He has given us to do.

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God has prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” Eph. 2:10.