This past week, Tricia and I traveled to Orlando, Florida, where we served as messengers to the 2026 annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) from June 8-10.

The SBC exists two days per year when messengers from 47,000 SBC-affiliated churches assemble to conduct convention business. On the other 363 days of the year, convention entities carry out the convention's work (IMB, NAMB, six seminaries, Executive Committee, and ERLC). The annual meeting is the opportunity for church messengers to hear updates and make decisions for the convention.

As I do each year, here is an update for our church on this year’s noteworthy items:

Missions: On Tuesday, we commissioned 65 missionaries to serve among the nations through the IMB. The SBC was created and exists to pursue God’s global purpose by cooperating as a family of churches to train and send missionaries. We currently have over 3,600 missionaries serving worldwide. The IMB also reported over 1,600 people are in the sending pipeline considering future deployment to the nations.

Church Planting & Revitalization: NAMB reported starting over 700 churches, 90 of which were replants of dying churches (including McIntosh). The Pillar Network gathered one evening for fellowship and reported that we had started dozens of churches together this year. The network now has over 600 US and international churches.

Seminaries: It is a joy to hear that all six of our seminaries are doctrinally sound and training pastors, missionaries, and church leaders.

Willie Rice elected President: The convention elected Willie Rice, the senior pastor of Calvary Church in Clearwater, FL, to serve as president. He has emphasized the need for better communication and reform in the convention. I have every reason to expect he will lead the SBC well.

Truth & Unity Amendment: Albert Mohler, president of The Southern Baptist Seminary, proposed an amendment to the SBC constitution that would define a cooperating SBC church as one that recognizes qualified men serving in the office and function of pastor (no women pastors). The amendment required 66% supermajority approval and received 75% approval. For ratification, the 2027 SBC must also approve the amendment. In addition to the amendment, the convention passed with near unanimity Resolution #9 On the Office and Function of Pastor/Elder/Overseer. This resolution is of the same spirit as the amendment.

This type of amendment has been proposed for several years under different names, but this is the first year it received enough votes to pass. I am thankful to see the SBC’s growing resolve to uphold biblical pastoral qualifications.

It was a joy to see many ministry friends from across the country and represent Crestview. Let’s pray for our network of churches and our entities to faithfully focus on our Lord's Great Commission!

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas