Dear Church Family,
The 2026 Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting was held June 9–10 in Orlando, Florida. Southern Baptists from across the nation gathered to celebrate God’s work through our cooperative ministries, conduct convention business, and reaffirm our commitment to biblical truth and the Great Commission.
One of the most significant actions taken by the convention was the approval of the first reading of the “Truth and Unity Amendment” introduced by Dr. Albert Mohler. The proposed amendment would add language to the SBC Constitution clarifying that a cooperating Southern Baptist church “does not act to affirm, appoint, or endorse a woman serving in the office or function of a pastor/elder/overseer, specifically preaching to the assembled congregation.” The amendment received strong support from the messengers, passing by a vote of 6,028 to 2,026 (76.66%).
Many who supported the amendment did so because they believed such clarification was necessary to reinforce what Southern Baptists have already affirmed in the Baptist Faith and Message 2000, which states that the office of pastor is limited to men as qualified by Scripture. While the Baptist Faith and Message is clear on this issue, some churches and leaders have adopted practices that many Southern Baptists believe conflict with its intent while continuing to claim alignment with it. Supporters viewed the amendment as a needed constitutional clarification that would promote unity around our shared confession, reduce
confusion regarding the convention’s expectations for cooperating churches, and ensure that our stated beliefs and our cooperative practice remain aligned.
Because constitutional amendments require approval at two consecutive annual meetings, the amendment must be approved again in 2027 before becoming part of the SBC Constitution.
The convention also celebrated the commissioning of 63 new International Mission Board missionaries who are being sent to carry the Gospel to the nations. The missionary commissioning service remains one of the most inspiring moments of every Southern Baptist Convention, reminding us that our Cooperative Program giving and Lottie Moon Christmas Offering are helping send missionaries to places where Christ is not yet known.
Reports from the International Mission Board were especially encouraging. Southern Baptists heard testimony of God’s continued blessing on missionary efforts around the world as thousands have come to faith in Christ, new churches have been planted, and new missionary candidates continue to answer God’s call to serve among the nations. We thank God for the Gospel fruit being produced through the faithful work of our missionaries and ministry partners.
The convention also elected Willy Rice, pastor of Calvary Church in Clearwater, Florida, as the new president of the Southern Baptist Convention. Dr. Rice was elected on the first ballot and will serve as the convention’s presiding officer during the coming year. I was encouraged by this result and believe Dr. Rice to be a man of God, and a convictional leader who will give godly, bold leadership which is needed in this season of our convention.
Another theme that emerged throughout the convention was a renewed desire among many messengers for greater financial transparency and accountability within Southern Baptist life. Through questions, motions, and discussions on the convention floor, messengers expressed a commitment to ensuring that Cooperative Program funds and other resources entrusted to SBC entities are managed with integrity, openness, and faithful stewardship. While Southern Baptists remain deeply committed to supporting missions, church planting, theological education, and disaster relief, many emphasized that careful accountability strengthens
confidence in our cooperative efforts and helps ensure that every dollar is used effectively for advancing the Great Commission.
As I reflect on this year’s convention, I am grateful for the continued commitment of Southern Baptists to biblical faithfulness, cooperative missions, and evangelism. The actions taken by the messengers demonstrated a desire to stand firmly on God’s Word, strengthen our cooperative work, and steward well the resources God has entrusted to us. Please join me in praying for our convention leaders, our seminaries, and especially our missionaries who faithfully proclaim Christ around the world. May we continue to work together for the sake of the Gospel until every nation, tribe, people, and language has heard the good news of Jesus Christ.
I love you and I love being your pastor!
