The 2014 Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting begins today

 SBC

The 2014 Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) Annual Meeting begins today in Baltimore, Maryland. This year's theme is "Show Us Your Glory."

Fresh off the heels of the Southern Baptist Pastors' Conference, the two-day event is a chance to hear spiritual leaders speak, and worship with people from across the country. The conference is also being live streamed on SBC's website.

Activities during the Annual Meeting include the Clear Creek Baptist Bible College Reception, a panel discussion hosted by the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, and ministry by the Filipino Southern Baptist Fellowship of North America.

For young Christians, the Meeting offers the Children in Action Missions Camp, whose theme is "Go Tell It." The program encourages children in grades one through six to have holy boldness when discussing Christ.

"Children attending the Children in Action Missions Camp will learn that they can know God and have a relationship with Him," Cindy Bradley, Children in Action Missions Camp coordinator, said in a statement.

"In addition to Bible studies, children will visit with missionaries representing both the International Mission Board and the North American Mission Board."

Speakers at the event include North American Mission Board Midwest Region Vice President Gary Frost, Green Acres Baptist Church Pastor David Dykes, First Baptist Church Pastor John Meador, and LifeWay Christian Resources President and CEO Thom Rainer.

SBC will also elect a new president at the meeting, as Pastor Fred Luter's two-year term has come to an end. In an interview published last week, Pastor Luter—the first African-American SBC president—gave advice to the yet unnamed president-elect.

"If at all possible, make a commitment to preach in your pulpit on Sunday mornings," he told Baptist Press.

"Your church members will understand your being gone during the week however they want to hear their pastor on Sunday mornings."

The SBC Annual Meeting 2014 is June 10-11 at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore, Maryland.

News
Over 320,000 people sign petition opposing Macron's '21st century mark' on Notre-Dame
Over 320,000 people sign petition opposing Macron's '21st century mark' on Notre-Dame

Over 323,000 people have signed a petition in opposition to new stained-glass window designs for Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris.

Nicki Minaj says she has rekindled her relationship with God
Nicki Minaj says she has rekindled her relationship with God

Rapper Nicki Minaj opened up about her recently reignited relationship with God and what inspired her to speak out for persecuted Christians, suggesting that her rise in the music industry made it more challenging to maintain the spirituality of her youth. 

Legal action launched challenge to civil service participation in LGBT Pride events
Legal action launched challenge to civil service participation in LGBT Pride events

The Christian Institute has initiated legal proceedings against Keir Starmer in a bid to end civil service participation in controversial Pride marches. 

National Lottery Heritage Fund awards £7.3m to historic churches
National Lottery Heritage Fund awards £7.3m to historic churches

The National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded more than £7.3 million to help maintain four historic churches.