Thanks to all of you who have prayed for me over these past 35-40 days. With all of the flurry and warfare, it feels like an eternity, but the announcement to be nominated was only made on Sunday, May 8. I am emotionally, physically, and spiritually exhausted. Your prayers and love for us during this time has been and is so appreciated.

This we know: God did not will for me to be President of the Southern Baptist Convention. In a three-candidate race, I came in second; with the third candidate deciding to get in eight days before the race, which split the strong conservative vote. I do not and will never understand the logic of any of that, but leave it all in the hands of God. I know that I obeyed God, took the high road, honored Christ, this church, and others above all. I lost, will work through it, and above all, spend my time here in what God has anointed me to do: pastor and lead this great church.

Any regrets? I have been asked that along the way. I have one, but this is neither the time nor place to discuss it.

I love you, dear people. We rest in the will of God.

God is moving.