MAGNOLIA MINDS: Finding strength in cooperation at the Southern Baptist Convention

By Jon Martin

One of the highlights of my year is attending the Southern Baptist Convention. As we draw closer each year, however, it often feels like the temperature rises. Opinions intensify, anxiety grows, and concerns about our cooperation begin to surface. This is especially true on social media, where conversations can amplify worry and uncertainty.

At times, Southern Baptists have wondered if a particular convention might become a breaking point — if the issues before us might divide us permanently. This year is no different. With topics such as the role of women in ministry, transparency, and others, it may seem as though fractures could form. But year after year, our cooperation endures. We continue to move forward together, united in our mission, with cooperation as our method and the Gospel as our focus.

As I look forward to attending the convention, there are a few key perspectives that can help us prepare well for our time in Orlando. As you make your final plans, I encourage you to reflect on these ideas so you can fully experience and even enjoy the convention, despite the noise that may surround it.

Business

First and foremost, we attend the convention to conduct necessary business. I once heard someone say, “Be in the room,” when speaking about the Convention. It’s a simple but important reminder to participate in the purpose of our gathering. Resolutions will be presented, motions will be made, and discussions will take place — and you must be in the room to have a voice.

Admittedly, business sessions may not be your favorite part of the convention. Like many Southern Baptists, I’ve attended more meetings than I can count. Yet the work we accomplish together depends on this time. Budgets must be approved to support ministry, resolutions adopted to express our shared convictions, and motions made to strengthen our processes. If we are not present, we miss the opportunity to speak into these important matters.

Cooperation

The convention also reminds us of the beauty of our cooperation. Throughout the business sessions, we will pause to celebrate what God is doing through us together. We will hear from church planters, missionaries, and ministry leaders who are advancing the Gospel. There are few moments more powerful in Southern Baptist life than a Sending Celebration with the International Mission Board. In those moments, we are reminded that together we can reach the unreached and engage the unengaged. By linking arms and sending those whom God has called, our cooperation truly makes an eternal difference, and that is worth celebrating.

Relationships

Another vital aspect of the convention is the relationships we build and strengthen. Some of the best moments happen in hallways and exhibit spaces — simple conversations with brothers and sisters in Christ. In those interactions, old friendships are rekindled, new connections are formed, and we are encouraged by God’s work in one another’s lives. Mississippi Baptists intentionally host a fellowship each year to create that space for meaningful connections. My hope is that you will leave the convention having strengthened relationships, made new ministry connections, and been encouraged by the fellowship of believers.

Each year as the convention approaches, questions arise about whether our cooperation will hold. And yet, each year when I leave, I am more encouraged than I ever thought possible. I expect this year will be no different.

Yes, we may disagree. Even close friends may vote differently or approach issues from another perspective. But by the end of our time together, we will have conducted our business, celebrated our cooperation, and been reminded of the profound blessing of walking together in Christ.

Martin is the Chief Strategy Officer of the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board.