The Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting is almost here, and thousands of Southern Baptists from across the country will soon gather in Orlando for a week of worship, fellowship, training, and convention business.
To help California Baptists make the most of our time in Orlando, here are a few highlights worth adding to your calendar.
Messenger Orientation – Are you a First-Time Messenger? The size and pace of the convention can feel overwhelming at first, so one of the best things you can do is attend the Messenger Orientation. The orientation provides a helpful overview of convention procedures, voting processes, and practical tips for navigating the week. (This can also serve as a refresher if you’ve attended before).
June 8 | 4:30–5:15 p.m. | Room 312 A/B/C (No Preregistration required)
Western States Dessert Connection – This new gathering is designed specifically for California Baptists and friends from across the western states. There is no formal program, just an open-house style opportunity to reconnect with friends, meet new ministry partners, and enjoy time together as a Western SBC family. Bring your spouse, bring your friends, and bring the whole family.
June 8 | 7–9 p.m. |Room 221 B/C (No Preregistration required)
Support Gateway Seminary – Gateway Seminary will have a strong presence throughout the week which means there are several opportunities for Californians to support the best seminary in the West! Here are three!
- Gateway Seminary Micro-Event – Gateway is hosting several 50-minute micro conferences covering a variety of topics. One highlight will be a special 3pm panel discussion hosted by Gateway President Dr. Adam Groza featuring Jonathan Jarboe, Godfrey Hom, James Westbrook, and CSBC Executive Director Pete Ramirez.
June 8 | varying times | look for signs outside the exhibit hall Limited seating so learn more and pre-register here!
- Gateway Alumni and Friends Luncheon – California Baptists attending the annual Gateway Alumni and Friends luncheon can take advantage of a special reduced registration rate and designated California seating. It’s a great opportunity to connect and break bread with fellow Gateway alumni and friends from across the state.
June 10 | 12:00–2:00 p.m. | Room 307 – Pre-Register Here for the CSBC Rate!
- Joint Seminary Report – Finally, make sure you are in the main meeting for Gateway Seminary President Dr. Adam Groza as he participates and presents in the Joint Seminary Report.
June 10 | 2:15 p.m. | Main Hall
*Highlights in the Main Session – Speaking of business sessions and reports, the SBC Annual Meeting includes several main session moments that showcase the larger story of who we are and what we are working toward together. Here are two big ones to note:
- IMB Sending Celebration – One of the most meaningful moments of the week will take place during the International Mission Board’s Sending Celebration. This is always one of the most encouraging gatherings of the convention as missionaries are commissioned and sent out to fulfill the Great Commission. This year, California Baptists have a special reason to celebrate. Stephen Pan of Redeemer Baptist Church in Riverside will be commissioned for missionary service in Japan. Whether you know Stephen personally or not, let’s cheer him on together. One of our own is carrying the Gospel to the nations!
June 10 | 10 a.m. | Main Hall
- Executive Committee Reports – California Baptists will also want to make note of the Executive Committee reports. Executive Committee President Dr. Jeff Iorg will deliver two reports during the week, offering important updates related to the broader work of the SBC.
June 10 | 4:15 p.m. | Main Hall
June 11 | 10:05 a.m. | Main Hall
*Session times may shift slightly depending on the pace of convention business. Arrive early whenever possible.
Ethnic Fellowships – if there is one thing we understand and celebrate better than most, it’s ethnic diversity in the family! The SBC Annual Meeting offers numerous opportunities for fellowship among the many ethnic fellowships and ministry networks that make up our convention.
African American and Haitian Gatherings
- NAAF, Haitian & African Leaders Worship Service — June 7, 6–8 p.m. Macedonia Baptist Church
- SBC National Haitian Fellowship & NAAF Banquet — June 8, 5–7:30 p.m., Rooms 304 E-H (Deadline for tickets is TODAY, June 2nd)
- Asian Collective Kickoff — June 7, 4–7 p.m., Room 315
- Asian NextGen Leaders Luncheon — June 8, 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m., Room 315A
- Council of Korean Southern Baptist Churches in America – June 9, 7 p.m. at Church of the Cross in Orlando
- Myanmar Baptists Annual Meeting — June 8, 2–6 p.m., Salon 1 Rosen Centre Hotel (2nd floor)
- Filipino Baptists Annual Meeting — June 8, 2–6 p.m., Room 314 A-B (3rd floor)
Hispanic & Brazilian Gatherings
- Fellowship of Brazilian Baptist Churches in America — June 8, 6:30 p.m. Salon 14 (2nd floor)
- Hispanic Men’s Conference — June 8, 2–5 p.m., Room 308 A-B | (Hispanic Women Room 307 B-D)
- Fellowship of Native American Christians Annual Meeting — June 8, 10 a.m.–Noon, Room 225B
- Southern Baptist Messianic Fellowship Business Meeting — (Closed meeting during the week of June 7-10.)
- Slavic Network Dinner — June 9, 5-7 p.m., Salons 7-8 at the Rosen Centre Hotel
Especially for Women – Women attending the Annual Meeting will find several opportunities designed specifically for encouragement, fellowship, and ministry development. If you’re looking for ministry encouragement, networking opportunities, missions inspiration, or simply a chance to connect with other women from across the convention, Orlando offers several meaningful opportunities throughout the week. Here’s four that may be of interest to you:
June 8 | 9–11:15 a.m. | Valencia Ballroom
- Women’s Expo (Valencia Ballroom Foyer, Level 4)
June 7 | 3–6 p.m.
June 8 | 8 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Hispanic Women’s Conference
June 8 | 2–5 p.m. | Room 307 B-D
- NAAF Ladies Gathering
June 8 | 3–5:30 p.m. | Room 305 A, OCCC West Concourse
Arriving Early? Consider a Micro Conference on June 8th – For those arriving before the Annual Meeting begins, several ministry-specific micro conferences are being offered through the Pastors’ Conference. Several sessions have already reached capacity, and additional events are expected to sell out before the convention begins. Waiting lists remain available for some sessions.
Topics include:
- Worship Ministry – 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.-4 p.m. Chapin Theater (registration still open)
- SLU Student Ministry 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Rooms 311 A-D (registration still open)
- Lifeway Discipleship 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.-4 p.m. Rooms 311 E-H (SOLD OUT – join the waiting list)
- Lifeway Kids Ministry 2 p.m.-4 p.m. Rooms 311 A-D (SOLD OUT – join the waiting list)
Final Bonus Tips – If you’ve made it this far, then consider adding these special highlights to your SBC Annual Meeting calendar.
Meet Missionary Lilias Trotter – During the WMU Missions Celebration & Annual Meeting, Sandra Hughes will present a dramatic portrayal of missionary Lilias Trotter, appearing in full 1880s costume—including a hoop skirt, hat, ruff, and gloves. It’s a unique opportunity to experience the story of one of Christianity’s most inspiring missionary pioneers in a memorable and engaging format.
June 7 | Noon–5:45 p.m. | Valencia Ballroom
Disaster Relief Luncheon
June 10 | Noon | Rosen Centre Hotel, Salons 7 & 8
And of course, these highlights only scratch the surface of everything happening during the SBC Annual Meeting. Be sure to explore the full program, event schedules, and additional opportunities available throughout the week at www.sbcannualmeeting.net/events.
While you’re there, keep an eye out for me, Sarah Graham, and jump into the CSBC family photo roll call social post. I’d love to capture a photo of every California Baptist who traveled from every corner of our state.
Safe travels, and we’ll see you in Orlando!
