On Nov. 12-14, Kentucky Baptists will gather in Somerset for the 186th Annual Meeting and other related events.
Each year when we meet, we always have a strong attendance of messengers from churches, including pastors, staff, deacons, Sunday school teachers and others.
There will be numerous guests who will join this gathering — many of whom make it a priority to attend each year.
But what about those who will not attend? What about those who are members of Kentucky Baptist churches — possibly even serving in leadership positions — who do not make the annual trek to the convention’s locale? Why should they consider attending this year and future years? Here are five reasons:
1. Because it is your convention. The Kentucky Baptist Convention was created by churches for churches to help churches reach Kentucky and the world for Christ. None of us were there when a small group of leaders met in 1837 to start the work, but all of us who are members of cooperating churches are now the stewards of this God-given work. In a very real sense, it is our convention, and we are the responsible stewards of its work for this day.
2. Because we make important decisions. Each year, convention messengers vote on a unified mission-funding budget, a list of important resolutions representing the views and values of Kentucky Baptists, a credentials committee report welcoming new churches into the convention and much more. Your vote matters and your voice matters.
3. Because your church funds the work. Each year we hear stakeholder reports on the investment churches are making to advance the gospel in Kentucky and around the world. This year will be no different. We will hear stories of lives changed by the gospel shared through the entities, agencies and institutions that you support through your Cooperative Program giving.
4. Because we celebrate God’s work. Whether it is seen in recognizing the work of God in saving lost souls or the work of our faithful agencies, entities and institutions, the annual meeting of the Kentucky Baptist Convention is always a celebration. There will be numerous opportunities to celebrate the faithfulness of God working through His people for the advancement of His mission.
5. Because we need each other. We are at our best when we are working together for the mission. This year our theme is “Church Multiplied” — meant to remind us of our heritage as a church planting network of churches and our future of revitalizing those churches, replanting some churches and starting others.
But beyond all that, our annual meeting is a time to see brothers and sisters in Jesus that we have not seen in a while, to hear how they are doing, to rejoice with those who are rejoicing over God’s significant work in their life and to weep with those who are weeping over loss and grief.
The KBC Annual Meeting is a time for us to be together, regroup around our gospel work and celebrate the One who saves us and calls us to be co-workers with Him (2 Corinthians 6:1) as He raises up a people for Himself zealous for good works (Titus 2:14).
I realize work and schedules keep many from making their way to Somerset, but for those who can attend I hope you will consider joining us. For those who cannot attend personally, would you consider asking someone from your church to come to represent your congregation at our annual meeting in Somerset?
The meeting will also be live streamed on the KBC website and on Acts2TV for anyone who cannot attend.
May the Lord’s blessings abide on Kentucky Baptists as long as we remain faithful to advance His gospel here in Kentucky and around the world. I hope to see you in Somerset.
Dr. Todd Gray 