Al Gilbert, one of three North Carolina representatives on the Great Commission Resurgence Task Force appointed in June by Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) President Johnny Hunt, will hold a listening session Oct. 14 at Hardin Baptist Church in Dallas.
Gilbert is pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Winston-Salem. The other North Carolina representatives on the task force are Danny Akin, president of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and J.D. Greear, pastor of the Summit Church in Durham.
Hardin pastor Austin Rammell, a member of the Baptist State Convention Board of Directors, has organized the session, which is open to all. Other Gastonia area pastors involved in putting the event together include Jeff Long, Parkwood Baptist Church; Dickie Spargo, Bethlehem Church; Ronnie Bowers, Flint Groves Baptist Church; Chris Griggs, Denver Baptist Church; and Sandy Marks, Alexis Baptist Church.
“It is no secret that more and more studies are being released that demonstrate we as Southern Baptists have to begin to think seriously about our future,” said Rammell. “From the growing number of churches in plateau or in decline to declining baptismal numbers and shortfalls in Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for international missions and Cooperative Program dollars, there is a disturbing trend.”
Rammell said Baptists “must be honest before the Lord and cry out for His renewed direction in the only mission He gave us to do! There is no question that God will get the job done; therefore, the only question left for us is what role will the SBC get to play in it?”
The SBC Great Commission Resurgence Task Force is charged with examining all aspects of cooperative life among Southern Baptists at every level and find efficiencies to free up missions dollars.
The task force will conduct its third meeting Oct. 27 in Dallas, Texas, and Gilbert wants to take input from North Carolina Baptists from the listening session in Dallas, N.C.
The listening session will be 10 a.m. to noon, Oct. 14 in the auditorium of Hardin Baptist Church, 548 Hardin Rd., Dallas, N.C. 28034.
“Come prayed up and willing to share your ideas, opinions and concerns,” Rammell said. “The SBC can have an incredible future if we will stay humble before Him, owning nothing but a grateful heart for His salvation and amazing calling to labor with Him!”