October 1, 2026
We are Baptists, and there is something special about that. It means we have a voice in our convention and its direction. Our headquarters reside in the local church. Our leadership is made up of pastors and church members across our more than 3,000 churches. We choose to cooperate and collaborate for the sake of our common convictions and the Great Commission. Therefore, if the Georgia Baptist Convention is to be all that it is capable of, each of us must choose to get engaged.
For many, the pathway to meaningful engagement in our convention can seem complicated. You may feel a desire to get involved but are unsure where to start. It is not as difficult or complex as you might think.
Here are 4 ways to engage YOUR Georgia Baptist Convention:
There are dozens of associations all across our state doing meaningful work locally. Did you know this is also the way to ensure your community is represented to the convention? The Executive Committee is the leadership body that carries out the convention’s work between Annual Meetings. The majority of these committee members are recommended representatives who come from cooperating churches in associations. Show up to your association meetings and help select a local pastor or ministry leader to serve a term on the Executive Committee.
I am so grateful for the visionary leadership of our Executive Director, Thomas Hammond. One of the best decisions made during his tenure was to decentralize much of the mission board staff across regions throughout our state. Do you need an encourager? You have a Pastor Wellness Catalyst. Do you need help in discipleship or evangelism? You have a regional catalyst for each. Does your church need assistance thinking through Next Gen ministries? You have catalysts in your region who can help. Grab lunch or coffee with your catalysts. Even if you do not need help today, you likely will in the future.
Every cooperating church in our convention has the opportunity to have a voice and a vote at the Annual Meeting. Motions and resolutions make a meaningful difference in our collective work. Not only is this a time to help set the direction for our convention’s cooperative efforts, but it is also the best way to immerse yourself in all that our convention is accomplishing. Since coming to serve as Georgia Baptist President, I have heard one phrase repeated dozens and dozens of times: “I had no idea Georgia Baptists do that.” At the Annual Meeting, you get a snapshot of the massive difference we are making through a multitude of ministries actively advancing the gospel. Make plans now to join us in Warner Robins, Nov. 8-10, at Second Baptist.
It is time for Georgia Baptists to get the gospel to EVERYONE EVERYWHERE. There are 7 million people in Georgia who need to know Jesus. It is a task none of us can do alone, but together as a convention, we could see it happen in this generation. This year, every church in our convention has the opportunity to get inspired, equipped, and grow more effective in evangelism. Thanks to the hundreds of churches that took part in listening sessions last year, we now have an effective strategy to help every church reach its community with the hope of Jesus Christ. How can you get involved?
Engage 6 gives you practical strategies from seasoned Georgia Baptist pastors for local church evangelism that really works. These are happening now in every region across Georgia. Click here for more information and a schedule of events.
This year, Georgia Baptists have three Evangelism Conferences to choose from, from Hoschton to Thomasville to Warner Robins. With breakouts for every ministry area and nationally recognized leaders in evangelism at each conference, these are great opportunities for you and your entire ministry team.
So, what are you waiting for? Get involved in YOUR Georgia Baptist Convention. Truly, we are better together.
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Steve Browning is president of the Georgia Baptist Convention and lead pastor of First City Church in Alpharetta.
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