An historic moment occurred yesterday at the Southern Baptist Convention. Even beyond the spiritual leadership and preaching by our dear President, Johnny Hunt, the convention empowered our President with at least a 95% vote to establish a Great Commission Task Force. This task force will evaluate and examine the convention and its entities for the purpose of maximizing our efforts and resources to finish the task of the Great Commission. A spirit of resurgence has already begun and I am highly encouraged.

The unity and spirit today was phenomenal. While differing discussions occurred rarely, they were done in a Christ-like spirit. I believe as the leader led with that kind of spirit, the people have caught it from him. As well, there is an urgency upon this convention and its leaders – we must do something now about the present and our future.

Tonight we heard a challenging and convicting word from Dr. Jerry Rankin, President of the International Mission Board. Oh dear friends, we must do more and do more now. By the end of September, our church will have increased our support to the Cooperative Program of the SBC by 44%, as we will give $350,000 by the end of this year. The Cooperative Program supports our 5,500 missionaries overseas, 5,000 plus in America, as well as our six seminaries training the next generation of Christian leaders, provides representation in Washington, as well as other ministries of our convention. Our heart is to get as many dollars as possible planting churches in North America, pioneer missions globally including reaching, discipling, training and empowering new converts, also planting churches internationally, as well as providing monies to support theological education.

Please pray today as we wrap up all meetings on Wednesday night. It is a joy to be here and we are highly grateful for the opportunity.

Blessings and peace.