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Jacksonville (FBC)– "Pursue Christ" is the theme of the 142nd annual Florida Baptist State Convention to be held Nov. 10-11 at the Sun Dome on the University of South Florida campus in Tampa.

"Christians must pursue Christ personally," said Thomas Green, president of the Florida Baptist State Convention. "We must pursue Christ corporately and be about the business of pursuing Christ as a Convention and denomination if we are going to reach our world for Christ."

The theme, based on 1 Corinthians 9:24, will be illustrated by four pathways of pursuit: People, Praise, Purity and Purpose.

"My prayer for this meeting focuses upon the unity of the Body of Christ in passionately pursing Christ," said Green. "This pursuit will result in a sweeping revival across our churches in Florida. I believe our time in Tampa will be a powerful time of challenge, conviction and commitment."

The theme for the Monday night session is "Pursue Christ . . Pathway to People."

"Florida Baptists above all should seek to reach people for Christ," said Green, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Brandon.

The Tuesday morning session, "Pursue Christ . . . Pathway to Praise" will focus on "the concept of praise and adoration in worship," he added. "Pursuing Christ through praise is worship that gives Him honor, glory and majesty."

Green said the Tuesday afternoon session, "Pursue Christ . . . Pathway to Purity," demonstrates that "If I am pursuing Christ, I have a relentless commitment to purity within my own life."

And the final session on Tuesday evening will emphasize "Pursue Christ . . . Pathway to Purpose."

"If I am pursuing Christ, then I am a very purpose driven individual," explained Green. "What are the purposes that Christ calls me to?–to bring glory to Him and to honor Him in my life which will result if I pursue Christ."

Speakers during the two-day meeting will include former SBC president James Merritt, pastor of Cross Pointe, The Church at Gwinnett Center in Duluth, Ga.; Charles Kelly, president, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary; and Ken Whitten, pastor, Idlewild Baptist Church, Tampa.

The Convention sermon will be delivered by James Kibelbek, pastor of First Baptist Church of Port Charlotte. Green will offer the president’s address on Monday night. John Sullivan, executive director-treasurer of the Florida Baptist Convention, will present a doctrinal message on the "Holiness of God."

Throughout the two days, Kevin Cosby, pastor of the St. Stephens Church in Louisville, Ken., will present thematic Bible studies.

Musicians will include Leo Day, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary; the Celebration Choir of First Baptist Church of Brandon; The Florida Baptist Singing Men and Women; and the Idlewild Baptist Church Choir.

During the two days, messengers will transact Convention business, including the consideration of a $35 million budget, several by-law revisions, and nominations of persons to govern as trustees on the Convention’s agencies and boards.

Gary Crawford, president of the State Board of Missions, will lead the messengers through the items of business.

The convention also will elect new officers to lead it in 2004. This year, for the first time in 50 years, the incumbent president can be nominated and elected to a second year term, making Green eligible for another year in the presidency.