MS volunteers help Southern Baptist Convention run smoothly

By Megan Young
Associate Editor

Registration at a big event like the Southern Baptist Convention is a well-oiled machine. The operation, organized by convention personnel and staffed by dozens of volunteers, processes thousands of attendees seamlessly. Every once in a while, however, there is a hiccup.

For four years in a row, Jonathan Greer, pastor of Franklin Creek Church in Moss Point, has volunteered at the registration help desk, assisting those people who are told by the main registration that their information is incorrect or incomplete. 

Usually just a mistake in a registrant’s church information, Greer uses a laptop to search their Annual Church Profile, accessing their church’s details and correcting the mistake.

What can often seem like a thankless task, Greer views as a ministry opportunity. When people end up at his desk, frustration and tempers can be elevated. He ensures that their information is corrected and they are on their way as quickly as possible.

“I like working on the computer,” said Greer. “I like being able to look up people’s information and helping them in this way.”

Greer, who was invited to start volunteering at the 2021 Southern Baptist Convention in Anaheim, Calif., by then-president Bart Barber, encourages others to get involved in volunteering. 

“First, I would just say being here is a big part of it,” Greer advises people who may be interested in getting involved. “Number two is reaching out to people who have already served or you see serving, and they can usually point you in directions to help get you in.” 

Volunteers at the registration desk serve in three-to-four hour shifts. Other Mississippi Baptists who volunteered their time at the convention’s registration desk this year are Justin Anderson of Pine Grove Church, Picayune, and John Cofer of Liberty Church, Flowood.

“It’s good to see Mississippi Baptists coming in and you have that recognition that we’re here together,” said Greer. “There are a lot of Mississippi Baptists here serving and that’s great.”