Hope to see you in New Orleans

Fats Domino sang the blues in his song “I’m Walking to New Orleans.” I’m glad I don’t have to walk to New Orleans, but I’m happy to be going this month. The Southern Baptist Convention gives me an excuse to visit one of my favorite cities. The food is incredible, especially the seafood. The people are warm and friendly. The Saints football team may have a little scandal going on, but they have been my favorite professional team even when they did not look like a pro team. New Orleans Seminary is where I received my master’s degree. The seminary is also where I forged some lifelong friendships. I love New Orleans.

This year holds a special treat. Fred Luter will be nominated for president of the Southern Baptist Convention. Fred is a faithful pastor. He refused to give up when Katrina scattered his flock. His passion for souls is unsurpassed. Fred has served the Southern Baptist Convention through the years. He is a powerful preacher. We’ve had the privilege of hearing him speak at some of our SBTC conferences through the years. All of these qualifiers make him a worthy nominee. What makes his probable election more significant is that he will be the first African American to serve as president. Inclusiveness is more than a word. It is a character trait that is seen through actions. Fred has my vote. He probably will not need it. He should be elected by acclamation.

Something makes every convention special to me. I am encouraged by the fellowship of likeminded believers. I find strength from others who share a common passion for the gospel. By working together we have the potential to embrace the unengaged at the ends of the earth. We have a window to make a difference. We need each other to make it happen.

There don’t appear to be many controversial issues on the docket this year. A convention name change is being presented in a less impacting way. The proposal calls for a descriptor to be used rather than a legal name change. If the motion is approved, SBC entities as well as others can refer to themselves as “Great Commission Baptists.” Of course churches have the right to do whatever they wish. All the Baptist churches I know exercise that right regularly.

Resolutions usually generate more heat than light. They do give us a snapshot of what the messengers think on crucial issues. Religious liberty is being threatened. We need to voice our concerns so we can continue with the freedom to embrace the unengaged. Maybe there will be a strong statement about our rejection of governmental intrusion on religious liberty.

There will be good preaching at the Pastors’ Conference. Texan Josh Smith will bring the Word. Nathan Lino, another Texan, will be nominated for first vice president of the SBC. There will be other participants from the Lone Star State. I encourage you to go if you can. Our SBC family is important.
I hope to see you in New Orleans. Drago’s oysters are almost worth the trip.