Florida Baptists to meet Nov. 8-9 in Jacksonville

JACKSONVILLE (FBC)-The 150th Anniversary meeting of the Florida Baptist State Convention will be a time of celebrating God's blessings on a cooperative people called Florida Baptists when they meet Nov. 8-9 at the Prime Osborn Convention Center in Jacksonville.

The meeting will culminate a year-long celebration and activities in observance of the organizational meeting of the Florida Baptist State Convention, which was founded, Nov. 20, 1854, in Madison.

"The historical nature of this meeting is a reminder of the consistent witness of Christ that Florida Baptists have experienced in the Lord," said Florida Baptist State Convention President Tommy Green. "The ministry of Florida Baptists has been in step with the changing needs of our state. We will focus on the future that is extremely exciting for the work of Southern Baptists in Florida."

The anniversary program will feature a special baptismal service representing Florida's cultural diversity and a 150th anniversary keepsake for each registered messenger. Florida Baptists will also tip their hats to the 100th anniversary of the Florida Baptist Children's Home. Video presentations throughout the meeting will further explore the Convention's heritage and hope.

Despite the difficulty of recent days, Green urged Florida Baptist to attend this historic occasion. The hurricanes have "renewed the resolve of our churches in unity and ministry," said Green. "God has brought together the work of Florida Baptists from all areas of our state. We have reached out to each other and others in love and compassion. It is a time of thanksgiving and celebration for the provisions and protection of the Lord during these trying days."

Noting that First Baptist Church of Brandon, where he serves as pastor, was damaged by Hurricane Jeanne, Green said the congregation is "working hard to restore the beauty to the Lord's house. We are not discouraged but are reminded of how blessed we are in the Lord."

He added, "The time spent in Jacksonville for the Pastor's Conference and other related ministry conferences and the Florida Baptist State Convention will be an uplifting time of renewal for all who attend."

Green selected "Celebrate His Glory," as the theme of the convention. The theme will be examined during the four sessions:

"The convention will be a time of inspirational worship, powerful preaching, and focused prayer for the people of our state. We have been brought together by the hurricanes. In Jacksonville we will be brought together to focus on the glory of the Lord."

Internationally known theologian R. Albert Mohler Jr., president, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Ky., and a Lakeland native, will serve as a keynote speaker, expanding on the theme in two sessions, Monday evening and Tuesday morning.

Two other thematic speakers will reflect Florida Baptists' diversity: Joseph Gaston, associate, Language Church Planting Department, Florida Baptist Convention; and Emanuel Roque, language missions director, Miami Baptist Association.

Southern Baptist Convention president Bobby Welch will headline a slate of nationally acclaimed Florida Baptist preachers presenting inspirational messages during the three-day meeting.

The Monday evening session will feature the President's address presented by Green and a message by Jim Henry, pastor, First Baptist Church of Orlando and former president of the Southern Baptist Convention. Henry serves as chairman of the 150th Anniversary Committee and was instrumental in developing plans for the year-long recognition.

Soloist Leo Day, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and The Florida Baptist Singing Men and Women will provide musical inspiration. A patriotic observance in honor of Veterans Day also will be held.

Gary Williams, pastor of the 3,000 member First Baptist Church of Mandarin, a predominately African-American congregation in a south Jacksonville suburb, will speak during the Tuesday morning session.

That morning and throughout the day, messengers will transact business on behalf of the one-million-member Florida Baptist State Convention and its 2,700 congregations. Included in this is the election of a president to guide the organization in 2005. The president is elected to a one-year term and is eligible for re-election to a second term.

John Sullivan, executive director-treasurer of the Florida Baptist Convention will present a doctrinal sermon on "The Resurrection" during the Tuesday afternoon session. Special music will be provided by recording artist Charles Billingsley.

The celebration will culminate on Wednesday evening with addresses by Ted Traylor, pastor of Olive Baptist Church in Pensacola and Welch, pastor of First Baptist Church of Daytona Beach. An altar call will provide a time of rededication and renewal.

In business, messengers will be asked to approve a record $37 million Cooperative Program budget, a major revision to the Convention's three year budget plan, a $1,375 million loan from "Christ is Our Salvation" foundation and a request from two congregations to receive church-at-large status. Several revisions to the Constitution and Bylaws will be considered, including one that defines messengers and their participation and a revision to Bylaw 2 that gives the State Board of Missions the authority to assure compliance in giving and statistics.