The Southern Baptist Convention is being held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., June 15-16.

Please be in prayer for the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention set for Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. Crossover Orlando activities were held this past weekend with the Pastors’ Conference slated for today (Monday).

Be in special prayer for the presentation of the Great Commission Resurgence Task Force report at 2:45 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon. There is obviously not a consensus on all aspects of this report so be in prayer that messengers will carefully listen to all that is said — both pro and con — and be sensitive to the Lord’s guidance in making a decision about how to vote. Pray that human politics will have minimal influence and that the vote is a true reflection of Southern Baptists’ feelings about God’s leading. An artificial result built upon one side or another’s prowess at getting people to the meeting will have no lasting positive impact on the churches of the Convention.

I am also praying that all debate on the report will be conducted in a God-honoring manner that is respectful of all people and all viewpoints. This meeting is the one time of year when the secular press closely watches Southern Baptists and it is the nature of the news industry to focus on conflict. My prayer is that Southern Baptists, even if they disagree with one another on the particular strategies we use in seeking to fulfill the Great Commission, will demonstrate a love for the Lord and each other that stands out strongly. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if secular reporters went away feeling that something was truly different about Southern Baptists and that they weren’t just covering another big political meeting?

Pray also that following the vote — no matter the outcome — that Southern Baptists will come together and continue to work together cooperatively. Much has been written and said during the run-up to this Convention that has been harsh, hurtful and, at times, quite misinformed. The mission is bigger than any one person, entity or denomination, however, so it is essential that we keep our sight set on the goal of reaching our world for Christ and move forward in unity and with a renewed fervor for the gospel.

Given the various points of view that have been expressed about the report, it is inevitable that some are not going to be pleased with the outcome. Out of respect for each other, therefore, I am praying that we all demonstrate graciousness and that we will not see either cheers or other expressions of gloating on the part of individuals who are pleased with the results or expressions of frustration, anger or bitterness from those who may not be.

May the Lord bless the Southern Baptist Convention and may this be a convention that is historic not so much for a report or vote but for the outpouring of love for each other and the lost of this world that it demonstrates!

–Robert Reeves