Registration available for 204th Georgia Baptist Convention Annual Meeting

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Messenger registration is available for the 204th Georgia Baptist Convention Annual Meeting, set for Nov. 8-10 at Second Baptist Church in Warner Robins.

This year’s theme, “WIDE OPEN,” comes from 1 Corinthians 16:9: “for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.”

Georgia Baptist Convention President Steve Browning said the theme points to both the gospel opportunity before Georgia Baptists and the perseverance needed to pursue it.

“Let’s commit to making the most of the wide open door God has given us for the gospel until it reaches the heart, mind, and soul of Georgia," Browning said. "Come to be encouraged and energized as we relentlessly pursue the opportunity before us.”

The emphasis builds on the theme of  “Everyone Everywhere” introduced in 2025 and the Georgia Baptist Mission Board’s broader evangelism initiative aimed at reaching the more than 7 million people in Georgia who do not have a relationship with Christ.

The three-day gathering will include worship, preaching, convention business, ministry reports, exhibits, and opportunities for fellowship and training.

Vance Pitman will preach during the Inspiration Service Sunday evening. Pitman planted Hope Church in Las Vegas in 2001 with 18 adults meeting in a living room. The church later grew to more than 4,000 people and helped plant more than 75 churches across the western United States. Pitman subsequently served four years as president of Send Network.

The Inspiration Service is scheduled for 6 p.m. Sunday.

The Monday schedule begins with the Evangelism Conference from 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. The free conference will include keynote messages from Jim Perdue, Frank Cox, and D.J. Horton, along with breakout sessions and two Lunch & Learn opportunities.

The men’s Lunch & Learn, “Systems Evangelism,” will feature Joel Southerland, lead pastor of Peavine Baptist Church in Rock Spring, discussing systems churches can use to strengthen evangelism and increase baptisms.

Catherine Jackson, director of women’s ministry at First Redeemer Church in Cumming, will lead the women’s Lunch & Learn, “Every Woman Sent,” focusing on equipping women to share the gospel in everyday life and helping women’s ministries develop an evangelistic focus.

The Evangelism Conference is free, while Lunch & Learn tickets are $10 per person. Space for the lunches is limited.

Other Monday events include a Hispanic Preaching Conference from 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., an invitation-only Executive Committee meeting and luncheon, the Korean Fellowship at Macon Korean Baptist Church, and a Georgia Baptist Foundation dinner.

The convention session begins at 6 p.m. Monday.

Chip Dean, pastor of First Baptist Church Powder Springs, will deliver the doctrinal message Monday evening. Dean has served as pastor at First Baptist since 2023 and will preach with an emphasis on biblical doctrine and the call of 1 Timothy 4:16 to pay attention to both life and teaching.

Tommy Fountain Sr., pastor of 1025 Church, will also preach Monday evening. Fountain has led the church since 2013. The multisite congregation in Monroe and Statham regularly baptizes more than 100 people each year and has placed a strong emphasis on reaching its community with the gospel.

A Ministry Leaders After Hours Party will follow Monday evening’s session. The free event is open to ministry leaders and their spouses and will be held in the Family Life Center. Those who register early will receive an $80 promotional code that can be used toward a 2027 Pastor Wellness Retreat.

Tuesday’s convention session is scheduled from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Business will include the executive director’s report, Executive Committee report, Mission Georgia report, Georgia Baptist Women report, and election of convention officers.

Jimmy Scroggins, pastor of Family Church in West Palm Beach, Florida, will preach Tuesday afternoon. Since becoming pastor in 2008, Scroggins has led the church through revitalization and expansion to 20 locations across South Florida. Family Church also developed the 3 Circles evangelism tool, which is now used by churches around the world.

A Ministry Wives Luncheon will begin at noon Tuesday in the Youth Activities Center. Stephanie Lyons will speak, with music provided by Joy Stevens and Addie Green. Tickets are $15 per person.

Georgia Baptist pastors, ministry leaders, and their spouses will also have access to a free Healthcare Summit Nov. 9-10. Services will include dental care, comprehensive bloodwork, and AngioScreen vascular screenings. Appointments are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Childcare will be available through the Georgia Baptist Mission Board and Second Baptist Church for preschoolers and children in kindergarten. Registration is required.

Throughout the meeting, Georgia Baptists will also hear reports and testimonies about ministry across the state and have access to exhibitors and resources designed to strengthen local churches.

Church messenger registration is available at ga.sbcworkspace.com. Churches will need their iGO username and password to register. Pastors, clerks, or moderators who need that information may contact helpdesk@gabaptist.org. More information about the annual meeting is available at gbcannualmeeting.com.