BRENTWOOD, Tenn. – Churchgoers are getting better at developing and deepening relationships within their congregations, but it’s still not a strength.
Messengers wait in line to register for the 2023 SBC Annual Meeting in New Orleans. BP file photo
I am thankful and generally enthusiastic about where we are in the SBC. I am just one man, and I don’t claim to speak for anyone else. But here are 10 reasons I am optimistic:
LEWISBURG, Ky. (BP) – Kentucky pastor Austin Rouse will be nominated for second vice president at the 2026 SBC Annual Meeting in Orlando. Rouse is the pastor of families and students at Southern Heights Baptist in Russellville, Ky.
The Black Collective Ensemble, featuring members of NAAF, the Haitian Fellowship, and the Ghanaian Fellowship, leads the congregation in worship at the 2025 NAAF Annual Meeting in Dallas. BP file photo
ORLANDO, Fla. (BP) – Marking a first, the National African American Fellowship (NAAF) and other Black diaspora groups will celebrate jointly in a Black Collective Dinner Monday, June 8, in advance of the Southern Baptist Convention 2026 Annual Meeting in Orlando.
GuideStone Financial Resources President Hance Dilbeck (left) speaks with Ray Gentry, president and CEO of the Southern Baptist Conference of Associational Leaders, at the group's 2025 annual meeting in Dallas. Dilbeck is scheduled to address the group again this year. BP file photo
ORLANDO – The Conference of Southern Baptist Evangelists plans to host an hour-long praise and worship service as a concluding event of Crossover Orlando. The event will start at 6 p.m. Saturday, June 6, at Central Parkway Baptist Church in Orlando, 5281 Central Florida Pkwy., where Paul Luis is pastor. All are welcome.
Around 500 hispanic pastors, leaders, and church members worship at the 2025 Celebración Hispana at First Baptist Church, Dallas,Texas. BP file photo
ORLANDO – Hispanic pastors, ministry leaders and church members from across the Southern Baptist Convention are expected to gather in Orlando this June for several Hispanic-focused events taking place during and surrounding the 2026 SBC Annual Meeting.
LEWISBURG, Ky. (BP) – Kentucky pastor Austin Rouse will be nominated for second vice president at the 2026 SBC Annual Meeting in Orlando. Rouse is the pastor of families and students at Southern Heights Baptist in Russellville, Ky.
