The story of #SBC14 in ten tweets

The annual Southern Baptist Convention met this week in Baltimore to discuss the direction of the movement throughout the US as well as to make decisions on some important resolutions.

A lot happened during the two-day conference, so we've rounded up some of the highlights:

Megachurch pastor Ronnie Floyd was elected as the new SBC President on Tuesday, receiving just over 51 per cent of votes. Leader of Cross Church, Springdale for the past 27 years, Floyd was nominated by Southern Baptist Theological Seminary President R Albert Mohler Jr, who has praised him as a "unifier and a denominational statesman".

However, despite the new election, an emphasis was placed on the work of laypeople, and their efforts in sharing the Gospel.

But the focus was always on the strength of God, and his ability to work through our darkest moments:

Amidst criticism that much of the Southern Baptist leadership is white and male, the conference emphasised the importance of diversity:

Yet the Convention voted to oppose the moral validation of transgender people, approving a proposal that affirms "God's original design to create two distinct and complementary sexes".

And his last one might be a joke, but we wish it were true:

Newsletter Stay up to date with Christian Today
related articles
\'There is no third way\' – Albert Mohler says churches can\'t hold a middle ground on homosexuality
'There is no third way' – Albert Mohler says churches can't hold a middle ground on homosexuality

'There is no third way' – Albert Mohler says churches can't hold a middle ground on homosexuality

Southern Baptists condemn transgender people
Southern Baptists condemn transgender people

Southern Baptists condemn transgender people

Megachurch pastor Ronnie Floyd elected as Southern Baptist Convention president
Megachurch pastor Ronnie Floyd elected as Southern Baptist Convention president

Megachurch pastor Ronnie Floyd elected as Southern Baptist Convention president

News
'Managerial' secularism becoming commonplace across Europe, says rights group
'Managerial' secularism becoming commonplace across Europe, says rights group

Human Rights Without Frontiers (HRWF) says that governmental restrictions on religions freedom have reached their highest level in Europe in two decades.

Church of England publishes report on mission funding impact
Church of England publishes report on mission funding impact

Over £100m went to Church of England dioceses and mission partners.

Manipur Christians face 'grave and escalating humanitarian crisis'
Manipur Christians face 'grave and escalating humanitarian crisis'

Three years on the crisis is far from over.

Faith plays key role in young people’s mental wellbeing - study
Faith plays key role in young people’s mental wellbeing - study

A new study suggests that religion can play a significant role in shaping the mental health and emotional resilience of young people, particularly when it is expressed through positive coping practices.