2006 SBC Annual Meeting Coverage

Three cheers for the alcohol resolution
Editorial

Trying to decide what to editorialize about following the conclusion of the Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting in Greensboro last week is like trying to drink water out of fire hydrant. Undoubtedly, this year’s annual meeting was the most news-packed SBC in many years and included many items ripe for editorial comment.

149th SBC meets in Greensboro
Bobby Welch urges Southern Baptists to ‘do more’ to win lost

GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP) – In a sermon focused on witnessing, baptizing and Cooperative Program missions, Southern Baptist Convention President Bobby Welch concluded his two years of service June 14 at the SBC’s annual meeting in Greensboro, N.C.

MADAME SECRETARY: Moral leadership needed to confront evil
149th SBC meets in Greensboro

GREENSBORO (BP) – Without America’s moral leadership, the world could easily descend into chaos and despotism, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said June 14 at the Southern Baptist Convention’s annual meeting in Greensboro, N.C.

Frank Page SBC president
Bell Shoals Baptist pastor Forrest Pollock nominates new president

GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP/FBW) – Frank Page, pastor of First Baptist Church in Taylors, S.C., elected president of the Southern Baptist Convention during its annual meeting June 13-14 in Greensboro, was the first of five men to complete the slate of officers to lead the 16.2 million-member denomination for the next year.

Messengers refer motion by IMB trustee to IMB

GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP) – Messengers at the Southern Baptist Convention referred a motion to the International Mission Board raising concern over the appointment of trustees, alleged coercion of IMB staff and the narrowing of doctrinal parameters for missionary appointees. The board is to issue a report at the SBC’s 2007 meeting in San Antonio.

Three cheers for the alcohol resolution
Editorial

Trying to decide what to editorialize about following the conclusion of the Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting in Greensboro last week is like trying to drink water out of fire hydrant. Undoubtedly, this year’s annual meeting was the most news-packed SBC in many years and included many items ripe for editorial comment.

Avoid alcohol unless ‘fermented by the Holy Spirit’
Point of View

I love conventions! I love attending the Southern Baptist Convention! We had a wonderful convention in Greensboro. It was my twentieth year to serve as a SBC parliamentarian. To assist SBC President Dr. Bobby Welch was a pleasure. He “bent-over-backward” to be fair on all issues. In fact, at times he went out of his way to accommodate some folks. We as Florida Baptists can thank God for the sterling leadership of Bobby Welch, who has served as pastor of First Baptist Church of Daytona Beach for 31 years. Thank you, Mr. President, for two wonderful and fruitful years at the helm of our denomination.

Eighteen Floridians elected, appointed to SBC posts

GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP) — Two Floridians were appointed by Southern Baptist Con­ven­tion President Bobby Welch to serve on the SBC’s Committee on Committees which assembled in Greensboro, N.C., just prior to the SBC’s June 13-14 annual meeting.

Most new SBC trustees first-time nominees

GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP) — New trustees of the Southern Baptist Convention’s entities are diverse, have an average age of 48 and are overwhelmingly first-time nominees.

Cox issues ‘Everyone Can’ challenge
‘Points of Challenge’ speakers urge SBC toward greater faith

GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP) — Southern Baptists heard four “Points of Challenge” speakers addressing them as individuals, as churches and as a convention during the SBC annual meeting in Greensboro, N.C., June 13-14.

Re-ignite vision Wilton encourages SBC

GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP) — “It is time for all Southern Baptists to re-ignite the vision, to reenlist our energies and to realign our focus — not as anyone other than the people of God,” Don Wilton, senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Spartanburg, S.C., urged messengers to the Southern Baptist Convention June 14.

‘Major on the majors,’ Chapman exhorts Southern Baptists

GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP)—Southern Baptists must put aside divisions over minor issues and reaffirm their commitment to cooperate in missions if they hope to reach the world with the message of Jesus, Morris H. Chapman, president of the SBC Executive Committee, said June 13.

U.S. military honored at SBC annual meeting June 13-14
Photo
Young leader concerns among motions at SBC

GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP) — Messengers offered more than 25 motions during the opening day of the Southern Baptist Convention’s annual meeting, proposing actions related to young Christian leaders, the planning and conducting of future SBC meetings and the initiation of possible studies by the SBC Executive Committee.

Messengers approve revision of Ad Hoc Committee report on CP

GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP) — Messengers approved a request by the Executive Committee June 13 to amend its earlier recommendation to the Southern Baptist Convention aimed at strengthening Cooperative Program giving.

Former entity employees allowed as trustees by messengers’ vote

GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP) — Messengers stepped in to prevent a seminary student who works for LifeWay Christian Stores while in school from being denied eligibility later in life as a LifeWay trustee — and other such situations — by voting for an amendment to an Executive Committee recommendation on trustee qualifications.

SBC resolutions call for balance on immigration

GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP) — Messengers to the 2006 Southern Baptist Convention overwhelmingly approved 15 resolutions June 14, including one that sought to balance faithful enforcement of the United States’ immigration laws with compassionate outreach to all immigrants.

Debate on alcohol use dominates resolutions report time

GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP)—Messengers to the 2006 Southern Baptist Convention adopted resolutions on such currently controversial topics as immigration and the environment June 14, but the debate time was dominated by an issue addressed repeatedly in the convention’s 161-year history — alcohol.

NAMB introduces Fish as interim, highlights missionaries

GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP)—Messengers to the Southern Baptist Convention gave a standing ovation to the North American Mission Board’s choice of Roy Fish as interim president.

Rankin: ‘Stay focused on the task’ of reaching nations

GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP)—God is moving as never before with opportunities to carry out the missions task, Inter­na­tional Mission Board President Jerry Rankin said during the closing session of the Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting in Greensboro, N.C., June 14.

SBC’s new president fields reporters’ questions

GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP) — Frank Page, the Southern Baptist Convention’s new president, declared in his first news conference a commitment to broadening the involvement of Southern Baptists in decision-making opportunities while clearly affirming the conservative resurgence that resulted in leadership changes throughout the SBC.

Rice discusses role of religion in her life, world politics

GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP) — U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice provided insights to the role of faith in her life and the importance of religious freedom in the world in an interview prior to her speech to messengers of the Southern Baptist Convention in Greensboro, N.C., June 14.

Crossover reaches diverse North Carolina Triad

GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP/FBW)—Whether the person was a kid in tennis shoes, a motorcycle rider in leather, a cowboy in boots and jeans or a Native American in traditional headdress, the message of Crossover Triad 2006 was clear: Jesus Christ.

2006 SBC Minister’s Wives Conference Coverage

Ministers’ wives speak of sharing joy in midst of battles
Liz Traylor talks about symptoms of depression

GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP) — “I don’t know about you, but when I see a battle out there in front of me going on, it’s hard for me to just stand,” admitted Teresa Brown at the Pastors’ Wives session of the Southern Baptist Convention Pastors” Conference June 12. Brown said John 14:27 describes the peace God offers even in the midst of a battle.

Ladies high tea features designer

GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP) — A capacity crowd of 1,500 attended the annual Ministers’ Wives Luncheon during the Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting in Greensboro, N.C. June 13 to hear interior designer Georg Andersen speak on “Filling Your Home With God’s Beauty.”

2006 SBC Pastors’ Conference Coverage

Wicker president ‘07 SBC pastors’ conference

GREENSBORO, N.C. (FBW) – Hayes Wicker, pastor of First Baptist Church in Naples, was elected without opposition to lead next year’s Southern Baptist Pastors’ Conference during the group’s annual meeting in Greensboro, N.C., held in conjunction with the Southern Baptist Convention.

Two seminary presidents discuss aspects of Calvinism

GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP) – Saying they hope to serve as a model for the rest of the Southern Baptist Convention, seminary presidents R. Albert Mohler Jr. and Paige Patterson June 12 discussed their differences over the doctrine of election, stressing that believers can disagree on the topic while remaining friends and unified in the goal of evangelism and missions.

God provides opportunities for evangelism

GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP) – If thousands of Southern Baptist pastors from across the United States came to the 2006 Pastors’ Conference to get inspiration for “Reaching Today’s World for Jesus Christ” — the theme of this year’s gathering — they got what they came for in the Greensboro Coliseum June 11.

Pastors challenged to keep God central

GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP)–If thousands of Southern Baptist pastors from across the United States came to the 2006 Pastors’ Conference to get inspiration for “Reaching Today’s World for Jesus Christ” — the theme of this year’s gathering — they got what they came for in the Greensboro Coliseum June 11.

2006 Crossover Coverage

Crossover reaches diverse North Carolina Triad

GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP/FBW)—Whether the person was a kid in tennis shoes, a motorcycle rider in leather, a cowboy in boots and jeans or a Native American in traditional headdress, the message of Crossover Triad 2006 was clear: Jesus Christ.

2006 SBC Annual Meeting Preview

Floyd’s church explains CP support in ‘Open Letter’
Editorial

Editor’s note: In the interest of being just in our coverage concerning a heavily debated matter related to this year’s Southern Baptist Convention presidential contest, the following is being published. I believe these items are self-explanatory and need no further editorial comment.

Which SBC presidential candidate should we emulate?
Point of View

I have been an enthusiastic supporter of the conservative resurgency within the Southern Baptist Convention from the very beginning. I have also been a strong supporter of the Cooperative Program throughout my entire ministry.

Leaders, activists offer hopes for Greensboro

JACKSONVILLE (FBW) — Florida Baptist Witness contacted via e-mail notable Southern Baptist Convention leaders and activists seeking their response to one question: “What do you hope will be the single, greatest outcome of the Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting in Greensboro?”

Florida pastor plans to nominate Frank Page for SBC president

BRANDON (FBW) — Forrest Pollock told Florida Baptist Witness June 1 he intends to nominate his “dear friend” Frank Page for president of the Southern Baptist Convention in Greensboro, N.C., June 13-14.

IMB trustee to call for investigation

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP) — Wade Burleson, the Oklahoma pastor whose relationships with fellow trustees of the International Mission Board have been strained for a number of months, announced June 1 he will ask the Southern Baptist Convention to approve an investigation of various trustee actions.

FINAL GAVEL: Welch says CP should not be ‘litmus test’

DAYTONA BEACH (FBW) — The final gavel at this year’s Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting in Greensboro, N.C., will mark the end of a two-year tenure for Bobby Welch, senior pastor at First Baptist Church in Daytona Beach and the president of the Southern Baptist Convention.

Two pastors join evangelist in SBC 1st VP nomination

GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP)—Two pastors, Kelly J. Burris of Virginia and Jimmy Jackson of Huntsville, Ala., will join evangelist Keith Fordham in nominations for first vice president of the Southern Baptist Convention at the annual meeting in Greensboro, N.C., June 13-14.

Candidate Page calls for evangelism, inclusiveness

TAYLORS, S.C. (SBT) — As the second candidate willing to be nominated for Southern Baptist Convention president, South Carolina pastor Frank Page calls for adding passion, revival, soul winning and missions to the convention’s 30-year concentration on doctrinal purity. Page pastors First Baptist Church in Taylors, S.C. where over 12 percent of undesignated receipts are given to the Cooperative Program to fund state, national and international missions, and other ministries of Southern Baptists.

Evangelist Keith Fordham to be nominated for 1st VP

GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP) — Evangelist Keith Fordham of Fayetteville, Ga., will be nominated for first vice president of the Southern Baptist Convention, a fellow evangelist has announced.

Executive Committee officers amend CP recommendations

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)–Pending approval by the full Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee, two of nine recommendations to strengthen the Cooperative Program will be revised when they are presented to messengers at the SBC annual meeting next month, according to a May 26 announcement by the EC president and officers.

Candidate Frank Page calls for evangelism, inclusiveness

TAYLORS, S.C.—As the second candidate willing to be nominated for Southern Baptist Convention president, South Carolina pastor Frank Page calls for adding passion, revival, soul winning and missions to the convention’s 30-year concentration on doctrinal purity. Page pastors First Baptist Church in Taylors, S.C. where over 12 percent of undesignated receipts are given to the Cooperative Program to fund state, national and international missions, and other ministries of Southern Baptists.

Welch travels highways to hollers to push evangelism

GREENSBORO, N.C. (FBW) — Munching on a last-minute salad from a complimentary buffet in a hotel lobby, Bobby Welch readied his final message in Greensboro, N.C., before the Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting there in June.

Welch reflects on two years as SBC president

GREENSBORO N.C. (FBW)—Admitting the Southern Baptist Convention will never be without struggles, Bobby Welch pledged to “give the best of the rest” of his life to urging and encouraging Southern Baptists to focus on evangelism.

President to President: Bush invites Welch to private White House meeting

GREENSBORO, N.C. (FBW)–Two times Southern Baptist Convention President Bobby Welch tried to visit American service-members overseas. Two times the door closed abruptly on the combat veteran when conditions turned hostile.

Merritt to nominate Wicker for Pastors’ Conference president

GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP) — Georgia pastor James Merritt said May 15 that he would nominate Hayes Wicker, pastor of First Baptist Church in Naples, for Pastors’ Conference president during the June 11-12 sessions prior to the Southern Baptist Convention’s June 13-14 annual meeting.

South Carolina pastor Frank Page joins contest for SBC presidency

TAYLORS, S.C. (BP) — South Carolina pastor Frank Page confirmed May 19 he will allow his name to be placed in nomination for president of the Southern Baptist Convention to set forth a choice in cooperative missions methodology.

Guidestone cancels annual wellness walk

DALLAS (GUIDESTONE)—The Living@YourBest Wellness Walk/Run scheduled to be held during the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention in Greensboro, N.C. has been canceled for this year, but will resume at the convention to be held in San Antonio 2007.

Floyd to promote spiritual renewal if elected SBC president
Arkansas pastor says ‘judging’ CP ‘violates’ voluntary cooperation

SPRINDALE, Ark. (SBT)–Spiritual renewal is the emphasis native Texan Ronnie Floyd will bring to the Southern Baptist Convention if elected president at the June 13-14 annual meeting in Greensboro, N.C. The pastor of First Baptist Church of Springdale, Ark., spoke with the Southern Baptist TEXAN after Georgia pastor Johnny Hunt announced that he would nominate Floyd for the top SBC office.

Emerging Leaders or Submerging Servants?
Point of View

As a 26-year-old pastor I am excited about the potential for the emerging generation of Southern Baptists. We live in a changing culture, and our generation will encounter unique and challenging obstacles that previous generations did not experience. I believe God is gifting many in our generation with the capability and creativity to reach our diverse world for Jesus Christ. Even now, I know several young pastors and other leaders who God is using to make a tremendous gospel impact in local churches and the wider culture.

SBC presidency vote stirs intrigue & debate
Pastors’ commentaries in Florida Baptist Witness highlighted

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)–Intrigue abounds over the upcoming election of officers of the Southern Baptist Convention.

CP should not be ‘sacred cow,’ Floyd would be ‘great leader’ for SBC
Point of View

The Cooperative Program was adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention in May of 1925. It was implemented to give each Southern Baptist a way to be a part of reaching the world through their local church as a partner with others. This partnership brings together the local church, state convention and national convention for the purpose of eliciting, combining and directing the energies of the whole denomination in one sacred effort for the propagation of the Gospel. The Cooperative Program has been a God inspired way of doing missions since M. E. Dodd introduced it to the convention in Memphis 81 years ago. I add my voice to the call to Southern Baptists to increase giving to this wonderful cooperative delivery system for the Gospel.

Floyd to promote spiritual renewal if elected SBC president
Arkansas pastor says ‘judging’ CP ‘violates’ voluntary cooperation

SPRINDALE, Ark.—Spiritual renewal is the emphasis native Texan Ronnie Floyd will bring to the Southern Baptist Convention if elected president at the June 13-14 annual meeting in Greensboro, N.C. The pastor of First Baptist Church of Springdale, Ark., spoke with the Southern Baptist TEXAN after Georgia pastor Johnny Hunt announced that he would nominate Floyd for the top SBC office.

‘Dismal’ CP support should invalidate Floyd for SBC president
Point of View

Hearing the news that Ronnie Floyd will be nominated for president of the Southern Baptist Convention in Greensboro next month first brought acceptance and pleasure – that is, until I read of his dismal record of cooperation through the Cooperative Program.

SBC meeting a refocus on evangelism, ‘Everyone can’
Co-pastor FBC Daytona Beach to deliver theme interpretation

GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP)—With the focus on evangelism and the goal of winning and baptizing one million people in a year, Southern Baptists will gather at the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., June 13-14, for their annual meeting.

Crossover Triad 2006

GREENSBORO (BP/FBW) – During “Crossover Triad” June 10-11, hundreds of Southern Baptists will hit the tri-city area of Greensboro, Winston-Salem and High Point to share the Gospel.

Floridians appointed, nominated to SBC posts

GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP)—Two Floridians have been appointed by Southern Baptist Con­ven­tion President Bobby Welch to serve on the SBC’s Committee on Committees which will assemble in Greensboro, N.C., just prior to the SBC’s June 13-14 annual meeting.

Immigration issue might surface

GREENSBORO (BP)– The extent to which immigration will be a topic during the Southern Baptist Convention is unknown. Much depends in part on what the 10-member Resolutions Committee decides to recommend to messengers – and what any proposed resolution on immigration might say. There also might be motions from the floor.

2006 SBC Annual Meeting Schedule
2006 Pastors’ Conference Schedule
Interior designer to address ministers’ wives in Greensboro

GREENSBORO (FBW/BP)–Lauren Fletcher of Ridgewood Baptist Church in Orange Park is corresponding secretary/ treasurer of the Ministers’ Wives Luncheon June 13 in Greensboro where a “high tea’ will feature sought-after American interior designer, Georg Andersen. Though his portfolio includes projects in some of the world’s most expensive homes and hotels, and despite the fact that his work has been featured in Architectural Digest and Interior Design magazines, Andersen is a humble man who consistently and publicly gives all the credit to God.

Traylor, Wicker prepare for Wives’ Session at SBC

GREENSBORO (FBW)–Liz Traylor, whose husband, Ted, pastors Olive Baptist Church in Pensacola, will participate in a panel discussion June 12 during the Pastors’ Wives Conference, “Depression and Pastors’ Wives.” The panel discussion was included in this year’s conference because of the response by last year’s participants to a survey of their needs. Conference participants listed depression as their number-one concern.

SBC Related Meetings

Younger Leaders Summit II slated for Greensboro

GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP)—What began in Nashville at the 2005 Southern Baptist Convention will continue in Greensboro when the Younger Leaders Summit II convenes at 10 p.m. Monday, June 12, following the annual Pastors’ Conference–and will conclude by 10:45 p.m.

‘Partnering for Kingdom Purposes’ to be DOM’s theme

GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP)–“Partnering for Kingdom Purposes” will be the theme for the Southern Baptist Conference of Associational Directors of Missions’ June 11-12 annual meeting in Greensboro, N.C.

Hispanic fellowship to join Crossover, discuss challenges

GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP)–“Facing the Challenges of the 21st Century” will be the theme of the National Fellowship of Hispanic Baptist Churches’ 19th annual meeting, June 10-11 in Greensboro, N.C.

Hispanic church planting to be highlighted June 11

GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP)–The Southern Baptist Convention’s Ninth Annual Hispanic Church Planting Celebration will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday, June 11, in Pleasant Garden, N.C., prior to the June 13-14 Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting in Greensboro.

African American meeting to explore key concerns

GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP)–“Critical Issues” for African Americans in Southern Baptist life will be addressed during the 13th annual meeting of what now is known as the National African American Fellowship of the Southern Baptist Convention.

Servants Network to highlight SBC race relations pioneers

GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP)–“Pioneers in Progress: Past, Present and Future” will be the theme of the Black Southern Baptist Denominational Servants Network June 11 meeting in Greensboro, N.C.

Evangelists focus on taking Gospel ‘Into All the World’

GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP)–The urgency of preaching the Gospel to all nations will be a rallying cry for the Conference of Southern Baptist Evangelists June 9-11 as they focus on “Going Into All the World.”

Messianic fellowship’s theme: ‘Bear Fruit –- Build Up the Saints’

GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP)–Rabbi Sam Nadler, president of Word of Messiah Ministries, and Ed Stetzer, research team director and missiologist at the North American Mission Board, will be the featured speakers at the Southern Baptist Messianic Fellowship’s June 9-11 meeting in Greensboro, N.C.

Mark Dever to address Founders breakfast

GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP)–Mark Dever, pastor of Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, D.C., will be the featured speaker at the Founders Fellowship Breakfast at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 13, during the Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting in Greensboro, N.C.

WMU Annual Meeting

Brig. Gen. Douglas Carver to address SBC chaplains

ALPHARETTA, Ga. (BP)–Brig. Gen. Douglas Carver, U.S. Army Deputy Chief of Chaplains, will address the annual Southern Baptist chaplains’ luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Monday, June 12, at the Sheraton Hotel in Greensboro, N.C.

WMU missions celebration to launch ‘Live the Call’

GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP)–Woman’s Missionary Union will launch its new two-year emphasis, “Live the Call,” as part of the worship, interactive breakout sessions, and fellowship planned for this year’s annual Missions Celebration, June 11–12 at the Sheraton Greensboro Hotel at Four Seasons in Greensboro, N.C.

Seminary Luncheons

MBTS: ‘Building a Foundation’ to be MBTS luncheon theme

GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP)–Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary will host its annual alumni luncheon at noon Wednesday, June 14, during the Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting in Greensboro, N.C.

NOBTS: New Orleans alumni & friends to hear about campus renewal

GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP)–New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary’s annual Alumni & Friends Luncheon will be a time of celebration for the renewal of the campus following Hurricane Katrina.

SEBTS: Akin to address SEBTS luncheon

GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP)–Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary President Daniel Akin will address the seminary’s annual Alumni and Friends National Luncheon Wednesday, June 14, at the Sheraton Greensboro during the Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting.

GGBTS: Iorg to address Golden Gate luncheon

GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP)–Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary’s president, Jeff Iorg, will be the featured speaker at the annual Alumni and Friends Luncheon held in conjunction with the Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting.

SWBTS: Pattersons to host Southwestern luncheon

GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP)–Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary’s National Alumni Luncheon will be held at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 14, in Guilford Ballrooms A and B of the Sheraton Four-Seasons Hotel in Greensboro, N.C.

SBTS: Mohler to address luncheon

GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP)–The annual luncheon sponsored by Southern Baptist Theological Seminary during the Southern Baptist Convention will be held at 12:30 p.m. June 14, in the Imperial Ballroom on level one of the Sheraton Four-Seasons in Greensboro, N.C.