Barber, for his part, has been outspoken in his support for the abuse reforms as well as his efforts to encourage Southern Baptists to support those reforms while listening to those who had concerns.
The election and annual meeting come at a difficult moment for Barber, whose mother died after a long illness days before the meeting started.
The nomination speeches for the two candidates painted starkly different views of the state of the convention. Florida pastor Willy Rice painted a view of a convention in trouble, citing the cost of abuse reforms and feuding between rival factions.
“A cancel culture has replaced a gospel culture,” he said.
Then he challenged messengers to send a message that things must change.
“If you want to send a message, chisel it in stone,” he said.
Houston pastor Jarret Stephen nominated Barber, saying he had led the convention well. He said that giving was up, more missionaries were being sent out and the convention was working to address the issue of abuse.
“He is not owed a second term, but I say unequivocally he has earned it,” said Stephen.
This article originally appeared here.
