2008 SBC Annual Meeting Coverage

SBC elects Johnny Hunt as president, evangelism initiative launched
Pensacola pastor Ted Traylor nominates Hunt for office
Published June 19, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS (BP)—Southern Baptist Convention messengers meeting in Indianapolis June 10-11 elected a new president, launched a bold initiative to share the Gospel with every person in North America by 2020, accepted a detailed report from the Executive Committee on the subject of child sexual abuse prevention and adopted a much-discussed resolution on regenerate church membership.

SBC approves resolution urging ‘regenerate’ membership
Floridians play key roles in resolutions process, debate
Published June 19, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS (BP/FBW)—Messengers to the 2008 Southern Baptist Convention passed nine resolutions June 11, with the liveliest debate surrounding one urging the maintenance of a “regenerate church membership” and another addressing a California “gay marriage” court ruling.

Colts coach Dungy challenges pastors
Published June 19, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS (BP)—Tony Dungy, coach of the Super Bowl-champion Indianapolis Colts, addressed the Southern Baptist Pastors’ Conference June 9 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, saying it was “a pleasure and an honor to be here” and “it is great to welcome you to our city.”

Sexual predators in our midst
Editorial
JAMES A. SMITH SR.
Executive Editor
Published June 19, 2008

Just three days after the Executive Committee reported on June 10 in Indianapolis its response to the Southern Baptist Convention concerning a motion seeking creation of a database of Southern Baptist ministers guilty or accused of sexual abuse, a Baptist minister in southeast Texas was indicted on three charges of allegedly molesting two boys.

Weather affects SBC registration total
Published June 19, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS (BP)—Heavy rains and flooding helped cause a dip in registration at this year’s Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting, according to registration secretary Jim Wells. This year’s unofficial messenger count was 7,277, down from 8,630 at the 2007 meeting in San Antonio.

Guidestone celebrates 90 years of service at SBC
Published June 19, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS (BP)—O.S. Hawkins, president of GuideStone Financial Resources, delivered the entity’s 90th annual report at the Southern Baptist Convention June 11.

Floridians serve, elected to SBC posts
Published June 19, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS (BP)—Two Floridians served on the SBC’s Committee on Committees which assembled in Indianapolis, Ind., just prior to the June 10-11 annual meeting. Floridians also served on the Tellers Committee, while others were elected to various SBC entities’ governing boards.

Executive recommends DOJ database for sex abuse prevention
Elects Orlando’s Randall James as chairman
Published June 19, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS (BP)—The Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee passed a recommendation June 9 urging churches to screen prospective volunteers and employees with the U.S. Department of Justice’s national sex offender database and said it believes the “potential threat of sex abuse” on the local church level “is tragically underappreciated.”

LifeWay Worship Project creates next generation hymnal
Published June 19, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS (BP)—A two-year journey to create and launch the next-generation hymnal was the primary focus of LifeWay Christian Resources’ presentation June 10 during the 2008 Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting in Indianapolis.

America ‘increasingly lost’ mission field
Published June 19, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS (BP)—”There is no more crucial time than now for Southern Baptists to join hands to fulfill the Great Commission,” North American Mission Board President Geoff Hammond told Southern Baptist Convention messengers June 10 at the Indiana Convention Center.

NAMB launches Nat’l Evangelism Initiative at SBC
Published June 19, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS (BP)—Geoff Hammond, president of the North American Mission Board, unveiled that National Evangelism Initiative to messengers of the Southern Baptist Convention June 10 in Indianapolis.

‘Who will go tell,’ Rankin asks messengers
Published June 19, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS (BP)—We must challenge the next generation of Southern Baptists to “go tell the story of Jesus,” Jerry Rankin told messengers June 11 at the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention in Indianapolis.

‘No wimps’ at SWBTS Indy messengers told during seminary reports
Published June 19, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS (BP)—Messengers to the Southern Baptist Convention’s annual meeting were reminded of the importance of theological education via reports from the SBC’s six seminaries during the June 10-11 sessions in Indianapolis.

SBC approves resolution urging ‘regenerate’ membership
Floridians play key roles in resolutions process, debate
Published June 13, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS (BP/FBW) – Messengers to the 2008 Southern Baptist Convention passed nine resolutions June 11, with the liveliest debate surrounding one urging the maintenance of a “regenerate church membership” and another addressing a California “gay marriage” court ruling.

“On Regenerate Church Membership and Church Member Restoration”
Published June 13, 2008

Hunt elected president on first ballot
DAVID ROACH
Baptist Press
Published June 11, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS (BP/FBW)–Johnny Hunt, pastor of First Baptist Church in Woodstock, Ga., was elected president of the Southern Baptist Convention June 10, receiving 52.94 percent of votes (3,100) cast on the first ballot.

Sunshine Baptists in the Hoosier state
Published June 26, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS (FBW)–Floridians’ involvement in the Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting was evident in Indianapolis June 10-11. Sunshine State residents were on stage, in meetings, at banquets, and visiting in the exhibit hall.

2008 SBC Minister’s Wives Conference Coverage

Pastors’ wives hear from Donna Gaines
Published June 19, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS (BP)—Jesus died so believers could have abundant life regardless of their circumstances, Donna Gaines of Bellevue Baptist Church in Cordova, Tenn., said during the Pastors’ Wives Session of the SBC Pastors’ Conference June 9 in Indianapolis.

Former missionary receives ministers’ wives award
Published June 19, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS (BP)—Joy Cullen, a pastor’s wife, Sunday School teacher, adjunct professor and former International Mission Board missionary in Asia, was honored with the 2008 Willie Turner Dawson Award during the Ministers’ Wives’ Luncheon June 10 at the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention in Indianapolis.

2008 SBC Pastors’ Conference Coverage

Pastors seek personal revival, flood altar at SBC Pastors’ Conference
Keystone Heights pastor elected officer for 2009

INDIANAPOLIS (BP)—After severe thunderstorms caused flooding in various parts of Indiana two days earlier, pastors from across the United States gathered to seek a spiritual downpour from God at the Southern Baptist Pastors’ Conference June 9-10 in Indianapolis.

Pastors seek personal revival, flood altar at SBC Pastors’ Conference
Wicker: God’s ‘wrestling moves’ will bring brokenness, change

INDIANAPOLIS (FBW)—Most pastors don’t relish the thought of being spiritually broken, but it’s in times of brokenness that God provides the greatest blessings, Hayes Wicker, pastor of the First Baptist Church in Naples, said at the Southern Baptist Pastors’ Conference June 9.

Pastors seek personal revival, flood altar at SBC Pastors’ Conference
Strack: Moses a model in capturing the millennial generation

INDIANAPOLIS (FBW)—Today’s pastors could learn much about capturing the minds and hearts of the millennial generation reading Exodus 17 and looking at the leadership model provided by Moses according to Jay Strack, president of Jay Strack Association Student Leadership University in Orlando.

2008 Crossover Coverage

Floridians support Indy Crossover ’08

INDIANAPOLIS (FBW)—Volunteers from Florida shared Jesus with the residents of Indianapolis’ eastside neighborhoods and assisted Eastside Community Baptist Church in an outreach to its neighbors in an afternoon block party June 7.

Evangelism is way of life for Burton
Bible names open door to Gospel

INDIANAPOLIS (FBW)—Noah, Mary and Aaron stood outside the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, heads bowed in prayer, asking God’s forgiveness for their sins and seeking His presence in their lives.

Crossover ’08 in Indianapolis not dampened by storms

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (BP)—Heavy rain, dangerous lightning, tornado warnings and, in some places, flooding buffeted metro Indianapolis during most of Crossover’08, but by afternoon the sun emerged and local and visiting Southern Baptists were out telling others about the Son.

2008 SBC Annual Meeting Preview

Dockery: Spiritual issues at heart of debate over ‘total membership’ statistic
Published June 6, 2008

JACKSON, Tenn. (BP)–A church membership roll that runs two to three times the number of people actually involved is a symptom of a much-deeper problem — one that strikes at the heart of what it means to be a Baptist church and a follower of Jesus, says David Dockery, president of Union University in Jackson, Tenn.

SBC reality more complex than one number
Published June 6, 2006

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)–Making a big issue of a one-year decline in the Southern Baptist Convention’s total membership number focuses too much on one number — and misses the complexity of what is actually going on in Southern Baptist life, says one leading Southern Baptist statistician.

SBC president hopefuls from South to West complete Q&A;
Published June 5, 2008

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)—When Southern Baptists convene for their annual meeting June 10-11 in Indianapolis, they are expected to have a remarkable six presidential candidates from which to choose.

SBC President Candidates: Questions 1-4
Published June 5, 2008

SBC President Candidates: Questions 5-8
Published June 5, 2008

SBC President Candidates: Question 9
Published June 5, 2008

Registration secretary to be renominated
Published June 5, 2008

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)—Jim Wells will be nominated to serve another term as registration secretary for the Southern Baptist Convention, Florida pastor Randall James announced June 3.

Other SBC officer nominations
Published June 5, 2008

Doug Mulkey to be 2nd VP nominee
Published June 5, 2008

NASHVILLE (BP)–Doug Mulkey, pastor of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Canton, Ga., will be nominated for second vice president of the Southern Baptist Convention, a fellow Georgia pastor announced June 2.

Yeats to be renominated recording secretary
Published June 5, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS (BP)–John L. Yeats, recording secretary of the Southern Baptist Convention since 1998, will be nominated for another one-year term during the annual meeting in Indianapolis, Louisiana pastor T.C. French announced May 28.

Dakota’s Jim Hamilton nominee for 2nd VP
Published June 5, 2008

NASHVILLE (BP)–Jim Hamilton, executive director-treasurer of the Dakota Baptist Convention, will be nominated for second vice president of the Southern Baptist Convention, a pastor in Rapid City, S.D., announced April 24.

Kentucky pastor Bill Henard is 1st VP nominee
Published May 29, 2008

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)—Bill Henard, senior pastor of Porter Memorial Baptist Church in Lexington, Ky., will be nominated for first vice president of the Southern Baptist Convention, a fellow Kentucky pastor announced May 19.

Indy’s John Newland is 2nd VP nominee
Published May 29, 2008

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)—John Newland, senior pastor of Fall Creek Baptist Church in Indianapolis, will be nominated for second vice president of the Southern Baptist Convention, John Rogers of Indianapolis announced May 14.

Ala. Litton 2008 Pastors’ Conf. Nominee
Published May 22, 2008

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)—Ed Litton, senior pastor of First Baptist Church of North Mobile in Saraland, Ala., will be nominated for president of the Southern Baptist Pastors’ Conference during its June 8-9 meeting in Indianapolis, James T. Draper Jr., president emeritus of LifeWay Christian Resources, announced May 13.

Evangelist Brian Fossett to be VP nominee
Published May 22, 2008

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)—Brian Fossett, a vocational evangelist from Dalton, Ga., will be nominated for second vice president of the Southern Baptist Convention, a pastor in Snellville, Ga., announced April 28.

Georgia pastor John Connell is 1st VP nominee
Published May 22, 2008

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)—John Connell, senior pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Savannah, Ga., will be nominated for first vice president of the Southern Baptist Convention, a Texas pastor announced April 29.

Prayer emphasis at SBC annual meeting
Published May 15, 2008

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)—Several prayer initiatives within the Southern Baptist Convention in the coming months reflect an expanding emphasis on intercession and seeking God’s guidance.

Traylor to nominate Hunt for SBC president
Two others also announced as candidates
Published May 15, 2008

PENSACOLA (BP)—Ted Traylor, pastor of Olive Baptist Church in Pensacola, announced May 6 he will nominate Johnny M. Hunt, pastor of First Baptist Church of Woodstock, Ga., for president of the Southern Baptist Convention during the SBC’s June 10-11 annual meeting in Indianapolis. Hunt is among five announced nominees for the post, joining former International Mission Board missionary Avery Willis and Les Puryear, senior pastor of Lewisville (N.C.) Baptist Church, who recently were announced, Frank Cox, pastor of North Metro Baptist Church, Lawrenceville, Ga., and William L. (Bill) Wagner, a former Southern Baptist missionary and president of Olivet University International in San Francisco.

Prayer is news at the Southern Baptist Convention
Indianapolis pastors catch a prayerful vision
Published May 15, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS (BP)—Prayer is news at this year’s Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting in Indianapolis.

SBC president calls for ‘soul-winning’ focus
Published May 15, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS (BP)—Fulfilling the mission Christ gave His followers—bringing lost souls into God’s Kingdom—will be the focus of the 151st session of the Southern Baptist Convention when it convenes June 10-11 at the Indiana Convention Center.

Floridians appointed, nominated to SBC posts
Published May 15, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS (BP)—Two Floridians have been appointed by Southern Baptist Convention President Frank page to serve on the SBC’s Committee on Committees which will assemble in Indianapolis, Ind., just prior to the June 10-11 annual meeting. Page also appointed Floridians to the Tellers Committee, while others have been nominated to serve on various SBC entities’ governing boards.

CROSSOVER Indianapolis draws Sunshine State volunteers
Published May 15, 2008

Deadlines, rules for submitting resolutions
Published May 15, 2008

Florida RAs to participate in anniversary event
Published May 15, 2008

JACKSONVILLE (FBC)–The first National Royal Ambassador Racers event is June 7 in Indianapolis at the Indiana state fairgrounds.

2008 Southern Baptist Convention Program
Published May 15, 2008

‘Knowing God’ focus of SBC wives’ conference
Main speaker is Donna Gaines
Published May 15, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS (BP)—“Knowing God” will be the theme for the annual Pasƒtors’ Wives Conference of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Pastors’ Conference, with several noted pastors’ wives to share ways God has strengthened them in their life experiences.

Liz Traylor hosts SBC ministers’ wives’ luncheon
Gary Chapman: ‘How to love a leader’
Published May 15, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS (BP)—“How to Love a Leader” will be the theme of the 53rd annual Ministers’ Wives Luncheon Tuesday, June 10, in Indianapolis.

‘Hall of Faith’ event slated for youth
Published May 15, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS (BP)—The Conference of Southern Baptist Evangelists will honor its founding generation and reach out to a new generation of lost souls as it convenes for a 50th anniversary celebration June 6-9 in Indianapolis, immediately prior to the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention.

Prepare for Rain: 2008 pastors’ conference
June8-9 • Indiana convention center
Published May 15, 2008

Related meetings
Published May 15, 2008

Seminary Luncheons
Published May 15, 2008

SBC president, Frank Page, WMU dinner guest
Published May 15, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS (BP)—Frank Page is coming to dinner. The Southern Baptist Convention’s president will be the guest speaker at a Woman’s Missionary Union dinner kicking off its June 8-9 Missions Celebration and Annual Meeting preceding the SBC’s annual meeting. Page, pastor of First Baptist Church in Taylors, S.C., will share insights from his new book, The Nehemiah Factor: 16 Characteristics of a Missional Leader, to be released by New Hope Publishers, a WMU subsidiary, in June.

Traylor to nominate Hunt for SBC president
Published May 6, 2008

WOODSTOCK, Ga. (BP)–Johnny M. Hunt, pastor of First Baptist Church of Woodstock, Ga., will be nominated for president of the Southern Baptist Convention during the SBC’s June 10-11 annual meeting in Indianapolis, Ted Traylor, pastor of Olive Baptist Church in Pensacola, Fla., announced May 6.

Avery Willis to be SBC president nominee
Published May 6, 2008

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (BP)–Former missionary Avery Willis will be nominated for president of the Southern Baptist Convention during the SBC’s June 10-11 annual meeting in Indianapolis, John Marshall, senior pastor of Second Baptist Church in Springfield, Mo., announced May 6.

Resolutions Committee set for SBC
Three Floridians, including chairman, named
Published April 10, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS (BP)—SBC President Frank Page has named the members of the Resolutions Committee who will serve during the June 10-11 Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting in Indianapolis.

SBC Related Meetings

Sullivan given award at SBC Black network event
Published June 24, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS (BP)—The Black Southern Baptist Denominational Servants Network showcased its steady growth during its 12th annual meeting and gave awards to several leaders June 8 at Gabriel Baptist Church in Indianapolis.

RAs celebrate 100 years
Florida racers sweep at Indy track
JESSICA TUGGLE
Florida Baptist Convention
Published June 26, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS (FBC)—Though the weather was dark and gloomy outside, the air inside the Indiana State Fairgrounds was charged with excitement as more than 300 people celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Royal Ambassadors, a missions program for boys in grades 1-6.

NAAF gets sneak preview from NAMB
Published June 26, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS (BP)—North American Mission Board President Geoff Hammond gave the National African American Fellowship of the Southern Baptist Convention a sneak preview of the SBC’s new National Evangelism Initiative June 9. It was the first time a NAMB president attended the Sunday evening banquet of the fellowship, which was organized in 1992. This year’s event drew about 350 people and included recognitions of two longtime influential pastors.

Celebration ‘Vive Con Urgencia’ stresses Gospel need
South Florida’s urban impact ministries called a model of leadership development
Published June 26, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS (BP)—Speaking in Spanish with a Portuguese accent, Geoff Hammond, president of the North American Mission Board, delighted a crowd of Hispanic Southern Baptists at a NAMB-sponsored National Hispanic Celebration June 8.

California couple models Gospel urgency
Published June 26, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS (BP)—For Joel and Marina Jimenez, a pastor and wife from northern California, the words of North American Mission Board President Geoff Hammond tugged at their hearts.

Evangelists create ‘Hall of Faith’
Orlando Baptist Jay Strack honored
Published June 26, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS (BP)—The Conference of Southern Baptist Evangelists utilized its 50th anniversary celebration to inaugurate a “Hall of Faith” of individuals who have dedicated their lives to vocational evangelism.

PROF: Jews and Gentiles as ‘one body’ is biblical
Published June 26, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS (BP)—The Christian church needs Messianic believers—Jews who follow Jesus as the Messiah—for the same reason a man and woman need each other to be one flesh, a California Baptist University professor told the Southern Baptist Messianic Fellowship June 7.

WMU Annual Meeting

Seminary Luncheons