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FIRST-PERSON: The Book of Reports, Celebrating the Lord’s Work

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Nathan A. Finn, SBC Recording Secretary

Each year, the Book of Reports is prepared by the staff of the SBC Executive Committee. It includes both narrative and statistical reports from our various denominational ministries and auxiliaries. The Book of Reports also includes our Convention’s key governing documents and organizational manual.

For years, I’ve enjoyed reading over the Book of Reports. But this year is a bit different. Last summer in Anaheim, Southern Baptists elected me to serve as Recording Secretary of the SBC. Among my responsibilities in this role is to provide the final edit to the Book of Reports and write a foreword to the document. This means I’ve read the Book of Reports far more closely this spring than ever before. And you know what? I’m really encouraged by what I’ve read.

As I note in the foreword,

The Book of Reports exists so that messengers can better handle the business of the Convention. It is a record of the work of our denominational ministries. It provides Southern Baptists with the information they need to celebrate God’s work in and among us. It is a tool to enable Southern Baptists to faithfully pray for their Executive Committee, general boards, institutions, and the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. It is a record that informs Southern Baptists so that we can continue to hold our ministries accountable to their respective missions.

Here are some of the things you’ll learn from the Book of Reports:

This is only a general summary of some of what the Lord is doing in and through our denominational ministries. In the Book of Reports, you’ll find narrative summaries that go into far greater detail about various priorities, initiatives, and spiritual victories. I want to encourage every Southern Baptist, especially our pastors, to read through the Book of Reports in between now and the Annual Meeting in New Orleans. By God’s grace, there is much to celebrate.

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