Dear Southern Baptist,
As we approach #SBC23 in New Orleans, I am writing this letter to you––yes, you. I am also writing it to me. I also wrote the exact same thing last year, and the year before that, but it bears updating and repeating…
By now, you know there’ll be the Southern Baptist Convention Pastors’ Conference on Sunday and Monday, our Annual Meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday, and many events and exhibits to take in along the way. You know when there will be votes, motions, and all that stuff. You probably already know who you can/will vote for (if you don’t, I recommend listening to this), but this is not about that.
This is about your witness.
Every second of every day in New Orleans, you will represent Christ. In the room, out of the room, on the plane, out to eat, at the hotel, on the escalator––wherever you are at any given time, you will be a witness. The bigger question is whether or not you will represent Him well.
In the room…
There will be reporters from all over. There will be a live stream (live.sbc.net) capable of sending the meeting across the globe. Before you step to a microphone, remember James 1:19. Before you ask that question, make that motion, or whatever, take a moment to ask yourself, “Does what I am about to say represent Christ?”
And, as I said, there will be countless reporters. If you see one, for crying out loud, show Christlike kindness and hospitality. Smile at them, welcome them, and reflect the love of Christ to them.
Out of the room…
Maybe an election does not go your way, or a particular motion or resolution irks you. Before you vent in earshot of those passing by, remember Proverbs 29:11. Additionally, you will be surrounded by workers from the Convention Center and volunteers from churches that are there to help you. Thank them, ask how they are doing, encourage them, share the gospel with them, etc.
On the plane…
You hopefully see a trend here. Travel is stressful. I personally hate flying, but from the terminal to the giftshops to your time on the plane, there will be people around you. Will they see Jesus in you? Will you take the opportunity to share Jesus with them? The Great Commission speaks to this––as you go, brothers and sisters, make disciples.
Out to eat…
One of our girls stuck a stick in a giant ant bed a year ago because she “wanted to see the ant move around more.” Moments later, she exclaimed, “Ouch! Some of these sting!” When we break for lunch or dinner, the Convention Center will look like an ant bed that just got jammed by a stick as thousands upon thousands of people rush out to grab a bite to eat. Will you sting?
You certainly represent Southern Baptists, but more importantly, Jesus Christ as you enter the restaurant. Be nice, be patient, tip well, and consider a short gospel presentation when the opportunity presents itself.
At the hotel…
From the front desk workers or breakfast servers to the housekeepers, will you represent Christ in your interactions with and around them? Will you look for opportunities to share your faith? If you meet a fellow Southern Baptist, I encourage you to take some time to hear their story, ask how you all can pray for one another and the Annual Meeting, and pray. If they are not, share Jesus with them.
Also, there will be plenty of temptations when you are alone in your hotel room. Honestly, I would simply suggest unplugging your TV and not connecting to the WiFi. Instead, work on your next sermon, pray for the next day of the Annual Meeting, etc.
Along the way…
This just kind of conveys all the other places you will be at any given time. With 10,000+ Southern Baptists around, do not use this time to gripe and moan but encourage. If you find yourself next to a fellow Southern Baptist, ask where they are from, what God is up to in their life or church, and encourage them.
This is about your witness.
Your witness will either be good or bad. Things may go your way “in the room” or not. Regardless, you represent Christ. Keep that in mind as you make your way in and around New Orleans, so we can show and share His love with those He came to save. Until we meet in NOLA, I love you and am rooting for you.
