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Holly and I are honored and grateful to represent PBC at the 2025 Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting. A pastors’ preaching conference kicked things off Sunday night, but the official business began today. Here are a few key highlights from Day One:

Sending Out Missionaries


The SBC is a broad network of nearly 50,000 churches. While we may not agree with every methodology used in missions, we are deeply grateful for those who leave behind comfort and familiarity to take the gospel to the nations. Today, we witnessed the commissioning of 58 new missionaries, many of whom are headed to high-security or unreached regions. Praise God for beautiful feet that carry the good news!

One trend continues to stand out: a significant imbalance among single missionaries. Of the eight singles commissioned today, seven were women and only one was a man. While we thank God for the boldness of these young women, it’s concerning that fewer young men seem willing to answer the call with similar courage.

Applying Our Doctrine


For the fifth consecutive year, the role of women pastors was a central issue. Our statement of faith clearly teaches that only qualified men are to serve as pastors. Yet some denominational leaders continue to avoid holding churches accountable to this conviction.

Last year, a proposed constitutional amendment to clarify this issue failed to reach the required supermajority. I had hoped denominational leaders would address the matter with greater seriousness this year, but again, the Credentials Committee declined to remove a church openly violating our confession. So, once again, the messengers will vote on a proposed constitutional amendment—scheduled for tomorrow afternoon.

Removing Distractions?


Another major vote tomorrow involves whether to abolish the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC). Critics argue the ERLC has become politically divisive, theologically unmoored, and disconnected from the priorities of local churches—especially in its positions on politics, race, and civil government. Others believe we no longer need a denominational political arm at all.

Supporters see the ERLC as a helpful voice for gospel-shaped ethics. But increasingly, many feel its presence causes more division than unity. Whatever one’s position, it seems to me this issue has become a distraction from our cooperative mission. Please pray for wisdom as the messengers vote tomorrow morning.

Meaningful Partnerships


One of the greatest joys of the SBC annual meeting is witnessing the fruit of our cooperative giving: church planting, global missions, pastoral training, disaster relief, and more. While we don’t always agree on every issue within this large denomination, partnerships like the Pillar Network provide encouraging alignment. Through these networks, we’re able to start and strengthen like-minded churches both locally and globally.

Thanks for reading this brief recap. Holly and I are committed to representing PBC faithfully. Please keep praying for wisdom, unity, and gospel clarity in the votes ahead.

— Pastor Hopson