NEW ORLEANS (BP) – The enthusiasm was as thick as the late summer air as hundreds of pastors and church leaders gathered at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (NOBTS) to prepare to welcome thousands of messengers to the Crescent City in 2023.
Local leaders believe the convention will make a tremendous impact on the city.
“There’s a new energy and new excitement. I’m expecting great things in this convention and in our cooperative work going forward,” said Jack Hunter, executive director of the New Orleans Baptist Association.
Jamie Dew, NOBTS president, believes the annual meeting’s return to the Gulf Coast will give Southern Baptists an opportunity to see urban evangelism, church planting and mercy ministry in a context where it makes a great impact.
“Those are things that matter to Southern Baptists very deeply, and they are natural opportunities here in our city,” Dew told Baptist Press.
SBC President Bart Barber revealed the theme for the 2023 Annual Meeting. Basing it on 2 Corinthians 4:5, he said it will be “Serving the Lord; Serving others.”
“I hope that we can show that through Crossover and through the things we do during the annual meeting as well,” Barber said.
Barber reflected on the impact the city has made on his wife, who has served on disaster relief teams numerous times over the years.
“I have a hope and belief that the seeds that have been planted during those disaster responses can be a harvest for us during Crossover this year,” Barber told Baptist Press.
The last time the meeting was in New Orleans was 2012. It was a historic year as Fred Luter, pastor of Franklin Avenue Baptist Church in New Orleans, was elected SBC president. Luter became the first African American to be elected to the post.
He believes New Orleans can be the place where Southern Baptists are reminded of their primary focus on evangelism and discipleship.
“To have the convention back in New Orleans will be a great opportunity to get us back on the right foot,” Luter said.
Willie McLaurin, interim president/CEO of the SBC Executive Committee, served as emcee of the event that gave convention organizers an opportunity to talk about the key role local leaders play in the months leading up to the annual meeting.
“This is an opportunity to cast a vision for the upcoming annual meeting and to let local pastors and leaders know how important they are as we partner together,” McLaurin said.
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