WARREN, Mich. (BP)–Among the resolutions passed at the 48th annual meeting of the Baptist State Convention of Michigan was one supporting a constitutional amendment defining marriage as between one man and one woman.
Another resolution at the Nov. 8-10 meeting at Warren Woods Baptist Church in Warren, Mich., honored the efforts of the state’s disaster relief teams, including appreciation for the volunteers who gave time and resources to those affected by the Asian tsunami, the hurricanes along the Gulf Coast and the tornadoes that struck the nation’s midsection during the past year.
Michigan Baptists sent scores of workers, several truckloads of supplies, and backpacks for kids at Baptist children’s homes in the South, and they held a blood drive to benefit those in need.
Messengers were challenged with the theme “If Not Now, When?” which was incorporated into sermons and reports from various BSCM ministry areas, with an emphasis on unity as the method for reaching Michigan.
Michael Collins, BSCM executive director, Wayne Parker, president of the convention, and Ron Libey, the annual sermon preacher, all underscored the importance of Southern Baptists in Michigan working together to accomplish the daunting task of ensuring that every citizen in the state hear the message of Jesus Christ.
Bobby Welch, president of the Southern Baptist Convention, delivered a challenge to witness to, win and baptize as many people as possible during the coming year in an effort to get serious about reaching a lost and dying world.
As part of the effort to reach the world, Michigan Baptists unanimously voted to formalize a partnership with Niger beginning in January, which will include various mission trips to the West African nation.
Messengers approved a $3,407,908 budget, marking an approximately $500,000 decrease from the current year, with anticipated Cooperative Program receipts from churches at $1,737,077. The percentage forwarded for national and international missions and ministries will remain at 30 percent.
A total of 233 messengers representing 90 churches from all 14 associations honored Collins for 10 years of service to the convention.
Fred Kinsey, disaster relief coordinator for Michigan, was honored as he prepares to retire from the position.
Parker, pastor of Merriman Road Baptist Church in Garden City, was re-elected president by acclamation. Herb Harbaugh, pastor of Memorial Road Baptist Church in Sterling Heights, was elected first vice president; Roscoe Belton, pastor of Middlebelt Baptist Church in Inkster, second vice president; and Art Werry, pastor of New Life Baptist Church in Fraser, recording secretary, all by acclamation.
The 2006 annual meeting of the Baptist State Convention of Michigan will be Oct. 31-Nov. 1 at the Holiday Inn in Ludington, Mich.
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Based on a report by Julie Scheving.
