On Nov. 10, Kentucky Baptists from across the state will begin gathering in Paducah for a variety of ministry-related activities, culminating in the 187th KBC Annual Meeting being held at Paducah’s First Baptist Church.
Many from our state convention have been to more annual meetings than they can count, while for others this annual trek is relatively new.
Work schedules and other matters keep many Kentucky Baptists from being able to attend an Annual Meeting. But for those whose schedule allows, why should they make plans to join us in Paducah? Here are five reasons:
1. For the fellowship: Some have compared the KBC Annual Meeting to a big family reunion. The KBC is made up of 2,350 churches working with 66 local Baptist associations, six agencies and institutions, 100+ Kentucky Mission Service Corps missionaries, and one Mission Board staff for the urgent goal of reaching Kentucky and the world for Christ. The Annual Meeting is an opportunity to spend time with people from far-reaching parts of the state who we may not see very often. The Annual Meeting is a time to renew old acquaintances and make new ones.
2. For the celebration: One of my favorite parts of the Annual Meeting each year is hearing the celebration reports highlighting what God is doing in Kentucky and around the world. God is using Kentucky Baptists to help hurting people through Disaster Relief, to care for Kentucky’s foster children through Sunrise Children’s Services and to educate young people through Oneida Baptist Institute, and to prepare men and women for a ministry calling through Clear Creek Baptist Bible College, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and Boyce College. We have much to celebrate in Kentucky and the Annual Meeting is an opportunity to give proper praise to the Lord for His grace and favor shown on Kentucky Baptists.
3. For the business: Each year at the Annual Meeting, messengers from KBC churches cast votes on important matters, allowing the work of the convention to move forward. This year we will consider resolutions that represent the positions of Kentucky Baptists on important social issues, vote on new churches seeking to affiliate with the cooperative work of the KBC, hear recommendations from various committees and more. These votes will record the will of the messengers from affiliated KBC churches on matters of gospel-advancing importance.
4. For the impact: This year, in conjunction with the KBC Annual Meeting, there will be several projects and events culminating in an evangelistic gathering hoping to reach up to 4,000 people with the gospel. These gatherings are all part of Hope for West Kentucky, which is a partnership between west Kentucky Baptist churches, associations and KBC Mission Board staff. Our prayer is that God will use these gatherings to reach many people who are far from God. You can click here to learn how you and your church can be personally involved.
5. For the encouragement: One popular element of the Kentucky Baptist Convention Annual Meeting is the annual Pastors’ Conference. This year’s offering, led by Pastors’ Conference President Barry Fields, will focus on the theme Recount, aiming to help attendees recount God’s faithfulness in their life and ministry. Bro. Barry has lined up many speakers and worship leaders who will be familiar to Kentucky Baptists and will bring messages and music to help us celebrate the goodness and faithfulness of God.
If your schedule allows, I hope you will make plans to join us in Paducah for the Annual Meeting. If your schedule does not allow, then consider sending someone from your church to attend.
God has given us great gospel-advancing favor in the commonwealth, and we want as many Kentucky Baptists as possible to feel personally connected to that work.
Dr. Todd Gray 