E C ,E C ♦J 27, 2019
The Gospel Above All
The 2019 Annual Meeting of The Southern Baptist Convention in
Birmingham, Alabama, is now in the annals of history. I am just one person in
a sea of over 47,000 SBC congregations. But my take on this year’s
convention can be summed up in one word, “WOW!” I truly believe that
God’s “mercy drops from heaven” fell on the messengers gathered to do
kingdom business in Jesus’ name. There was a sense of unity, kindness, and
mutual respect, bathed in a spirit of prayer, that demonstrated to the world a
united and courageous body of believers. Here are some highlights:
Neal Hughes
Director of Missions Biggest Surprise- The weather was spectacular; it was in the low eighties
with low humidity the whole week. Our Michigan guests were extremely
thankful.
Biggest Blessing- The genuine hospitality from our Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions’ staff
was awesome. From Saturday to Wednesday (and months prior), these precious souls did “whatever
it took” to welcome, direct and assist our 8000+ visitors to the great state of Alabama. Thank you,
Dr. Rick Lance and ALSBOM team, for a job well done!
Biggest Mission Moment- The commissioning of missionaries to take the gospel to the world was an
impressive and inspiring moment. Note the IMB records indicate that there are fully funded
missionary positions available and a major need for willing missionaries to go to the nations. Could
God be speaking to you?
Biggest Act of Business- The SBC passed a historical amendment to their bylaws, establishing a
national credentials committee that would bring inquiry and accountability to churches who are not in
keeping with biblical and SBC standards. Though this committee has a broad responsibility, it is
formed in the context of churches covering up sexual abuse and churches allowing racism to direct Friday and Saturday,
their governance. This is NOT an investigative committee. The committee will make an inquiry to August 2-3, 2019
the church, association, and state convention about what is being reported. Failure to resolve these Shocco Springs
matters could result in the violating church not being granted seating as a messenger at the Southern
Baptist Convention.
Biggest Change- We had several national entity heads elected over the year. From our SBC
The Summit for
executive director to our seminary presidents, God has blessed us with the finest in leadership and Church Leaders
vision. They are already guiding the family of believers into a new day as Southern Baptists. Please
be in prayer for our Lifeway search committee, as this is the last of the entity heads to be elected. Online info:
alsbom.org/summit
Biggest Servant Leader- SBC President J.D. Greear, pastor of Summit Church in Durham, North
Carolina, showed both statesmanship and humility as he presided over our convention. He was re-
elected for another year. I personally think J.D. and his leadership set the tone for the convention. To register, please
His winsomeness, holy boldness, and spiritual kindness will long be remembered by this messenger call Shocco Springs
and many others. at (256) 761-1100
I, for one, am excited about our future. May God continue to give us Southern Baptists the courage
and unity to live our lives “the gospel above all.” To that end, I join you in working and praying.
Together We Can!
Neal
as reported by our MBA churches
Church Name Dates Time Ages Theme
Pintlala July 14-18 2:00-5:30 pm 4 yrs-6th grade Miraculous Mission:
Jesus Saves the World
Snowdoun July 14-18 6:00 pm-9:00 pm Nursery-Adults In the Wild
Yarbrough Street July 17-19 6:00-8:30 pm K-6th and adults In the Wild
July 20 10:00 am-1:00 pm Family Fun Day
Strong Tower July 20 9:00am-2:00 pm Entering K-6th GospelTopia
Register at myvbs.org/strongtowerawp
Church at July 25-27 6:00-8:00 pm K-6th grade In the Wild
Pike Road
Two locations: Pike Road Village & Freeport neighborhood
Montgomery Baptist Association • 20 Interstate Park Dr. • Montgomery, Alabama 36109 • 334-271-6227 • www.mgmbaptists.org
This publication is made possible by your churches’ contributions to Associational Missions.
