October 2, 2026
Sunday is coming.
When you are a pastor or ministry leader in a local church, the next Sunday is always fast approaching. All week long, you spend time praying, studying, and preparing so that when Sunday comes, you can bring something meaningful to your church family. It’s a sacred task to pour into the lives of others every weekend…
But who is pouring into you?
Each year at our Georgia Baptist Annual Meeting, you have the opportunity to be poured into by dynamic preachers of God’s Word, so you may be refreshed for the work of ministry. This year, we’re excited to introduce you to an incredible lineup of godly men who will be leading the way.
Jarrett Stephens – Sunday Evening
Sunday night is a time of inspiration leading into our Annual Meeting. One of the most inspiring leaders in our Southern Baptist Convention today is Dr. Jarrett Stephens. As pastor of Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, Jarrett has led his church to become one of the fastest-growing churches in America. His passion for God’s Word and God’s mission is the hallmark of his ministry, which includes the Forward with Jarrett Stephens podcast and his books: The Mountains Are Calling and The Always God. Jarrett and his wife, Debbie, have four daughters: Riley, Kelsey, Cameron, and Landry.
Patrick Latham – Monday Evening
Paul admonishes us in Titus 2:1, “But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine.” One of the most crucial aspects of any ministry is ensuring that we are solid in our doctrine according to God’s Word. For that reason, we set aside time each year on Monday evening for a message on biblical doctrine. This year, we are blessed to have a powerful preacher, Dr. Patrick Latham, bring this sermon. Having served in pastoral ministry for more than 20 years, Patrick currently serves as the Lead Pastor of Tabernacle Baptist Church in Cartersville, GA. His life’s purpose is to “help people grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). Patrick and his wife, Laura, have three children: Julianne, Will, and Levi.
Rhys Stenner – Monday Evening
Rhys is Welsh for “passion” or “enthusiasm.” It’s a fitting name for a pastor with an abiding zeal for revival. For this reason, Rhys will be bringing the missionary message at our Annual Meeting—a time to encourage us in the Great Commission Jesus has called His Church to fulfill. For 20 years, he has pastored New Hope Baptist Church, a thriving multisite congregation in Fayetteville and Senoia, GA. His fervent desire for God’s movement overflows in his four books: If in Doubt, Rugby and Revival, Who Me?, and Hometown Revival. Rhys is married to Louise; they have three married daughters and three grandchildren.
Matt Petty – Tuesday Afternoon
To put an exclamation mark on our Annual Meeting, Matt Petty will bring the final sermon of the convention. I can think of no one better to encourage us as we come to the close of our time together. A native of Cobb County, GA, Matt has served on the staff of Burnt Hickory Baptist Church since 2001. For 18 years, he led the student ministry to become one of the leading next-generation ministries in the country. In 2019, Burnt Hickory called Matt to be their next Lead Pastor. Since that time, Matt has led the church to new heights of ministry in Cobb and Paulding counties and around the globe. Matt is married to his college sweetheart, Melissa, and they have two sons, Blake and Dalton.
Each of these gifted leaders will be taking us through our 2025 Annual Meeting theme: Everyone Everywhere. It’s a simple but powerful call to action for all Georgia Baptists: If we are going to reach everyone everywhere, it’s going to take every Georgia Baptist in every corner of our state.
We are just a few months away from our time together! Make plans to join us at First Baptist Atlanta this November—and bring someone with you!
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Steve Browning is president of the Georgia Baptist Convention, and lead pastor of First City Church in Alpharetta.
Registration is now open for the annual meeting.
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