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By Will Hall, Message Executive Editor NASHVILLE, Tenn. (LBM)—The Southern Baptist Convention has canceled the annual meet ing that had been scheduled for this summer in Orlando, Florida. Ronnie Floyd, president and CEO of the SBC Executive Committee in Nashville, made the announcement, saying it was a decision “that has not been made in 75 years,” referencing 1945, during World War II, when the U.S. government banned meetings of groups larger than 50 people. Floyd said the action was consistent with Article XI.4 of the SBC Constitution, which includes the provision, “The Convention officers, the Executive Committee, and the executive heads of the Convention’s boards and institutions acting in a body may, in case of grave emergency, cancel a regular meeting or change the place of meeting.” “In light of the COVID-19 global pandemic which we believe constitutes a grave emergency, it is in the best interest of the SBC to cancel the Annual Meeting … out of a deep concern for the health and safety of messengers and attendees,” Floyd said. His announcement was preceded by a 75-0 vote by the SBC Executive Committee to cancel; combined with a unanimous vote to the same effect by Convention officers and SBC entity heads. … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer NEW ORLEANS (LBM) -- Pat Shaffer’s childhood memories are filled with recollections about backyard Bible clubs and other special times spent with missionaries who lived at the Baptist Friendship House. She has not lived in New Orleans since her family moved to Kentucky in 1953. But Shaffer’s thoughts are not far removed from the fond times spent there with her parents, Henry and Mildred Stein, who founded the ministry 75 years ago. “I hate to use the word proud, but I am,” Shaffer told the Baptist Message. “I’m proud that it’s still there. I’m proud of Executive Director Kay Bennett; and, I’m proud of all the lives that have been touched through the years at this wonderful ministry – so many lives changed for the better.” Shaffer is among several hundred people expected to take part in a September 28 reunion at the Baptist Friendship House in honor of its 75th anniversary. The event, scheduled from noon to 2 p.m., will feature refreshments and guests will hear testimonies from Shaffer, Carolyn McClendon, former BFH director and Wanda Lee, former WMU executive director. “I want to celebrate everybody who has worked in this ministry,” Bennett said. “Being here for 75 years … [Read more...]

As Easter approaches, the Baptist Message team invites you to pause daily from the hustle and bustle of life to focus on the days leading up to Easter or Resurrection Sunday. Join us in this challenge to read through the Gospels to get a greater understanding of Jesus’ birth, ministry, death and resurrection. Day 27: John 1-3 (NKJV) ========================= (John 1) The Eternal Word 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not [a]comprehend it. John’s Witness: The True Light 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received … [Read more...]