RIVERSIDE, Calif. – Magnolia Church welcomed a record-breaking 705 messengers and guests for the 83rd annual meeting of the California Southern Baptist Convention (CSBC). Attendees ranged from convention veterans to first-time participants, who brought fresh energy and insights to this year’s gathering. CSBC connected with a few of these newcomers to hear their reflections on their first convention experience.
Kristen Ferguson, newly elected Vice President for Enrollment at Gateway Seminary, said the event provided an ideal opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces and build new relationships. Attending as a messenger from Eleventh Street Baptist Church in Upland, where her husband serves as lead pastor, Ferguson shared, “The meeting exceeded my expectations, especially when it came to networking and hanging out with my California ministry leader friends. I saw so many people that I love and respect dearly. It was a joy to connect with them and hear about God’s incredible work through them.”
For Ferguson, the meeting wasn’t just an event but a meaningful time of fellowship and encouragement. “I had the honor of speaking to the ministry wives during the lunch on Tuesday,” she said. “We dug into God’s Word and learned about emanating God’s glory because of our union with Christ. I love my fellow pastor wives, and it was an encouragement to me to minister [through] the Word to them.”
Javier Yunes, a first-time exhibitor from Texas representing Our Daily Bread (Español) Ministries, echoed similar sentiments about the convention’s atmosphere. “Our expectations were more than met,” Yunes said, adding that their booth and the event’s schedule allowed for valuable networking opportunities. Yunes noted the dedication of the volunteers, saying, “The attention of all the volunteers was excellent.” For him, a key moment came during Sunday evening’s “Alianza” gathering with Hispanic leaders. “The meeting with the Hispanic pastors on Sunday night was crucial for [building connections],” he said. “The availability and reception of the pastors was very good.”
As an active ministry leader who serves across the nation, Yunes did have this encouraging word for California Southern Baptists:
“For more than 5 years, God has allowed me to serve the Hispanic church throughout the United States, providing resources and fueling our Hispanic communities with different content centered on the Word of God. Throughout this journey, I have heard a lot about the state of California (in the media and at various events), how it is one of the epicenters that fosters different values, creating a progressive and liberal society, and attracting all kinds of thoughts that rebel against the Word of God.
During the conference, I saw how God is mobilizing His church through people who invest time and effort in different ways to continue being light and salt for others. It was an honor to connect with pastors and learn about their stories, which have impacted my life and will undoubtedly impact more people in the Name of Jesus.”
Jonathan de la O, Associate Director of Missions for the Inland Empire Association, attended as a host association member, and he came away inspired by the unity on display. “Being that it was my first time, it was a joy to see and be part of the continual celebration and unity that the [CSBC], messengers, and guests displayed,” de la O shared. He was particularly moved by the honoring of long-serving individuals, like Oscar Sanchez, who oversaw the Convention’s Migrant Ministry for nearly 20 years. “The honoring of individuals who have served faithfully over the years was very impactful,” he said.
From networking and worship to teaching and celebration, this year’s annual meeting offered first-timers a chance to experience the scope and strength of the CSBC community. For Ferguson, Yunes, and de la O, their experience was marked by a sense of camaraderie, purpose, and spiritual refreshment.
De la O may have said it the most clearly when he noted the focused perspective he gained from the meeting. “The annual meeting helped me understand the need there is to serve and to see the areas where God is on the move in California.”
