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:

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
The Bible is a firm foundation in an ever-changing mission field
The Bible is a firm foundation in an ever-changing mission field

There is a growing cultural moment of openness and curiosity with the spiritual realm, and Christianity in particular. 

What should Christians say about immigration? 
What should Christians say about immigration? 

Christians must reject the simplistic slogans offered by those on both sides of the current immigration debate.

Lords seek to prevent abortion up to birth becoming law
Lords seek to prevent abortion up to birth becoming law

Abortion up until the point of birth will effectively be legal in Britain if no changes are made.

Young Britons more hopeful than older generations about ending global poverty, survey finds
Young Britons more hopeful than older generations about ending global poverty, survey finds

Young people are more likely to believe that global poverty can be eradicated, but this optimism declines sharply with age, a new study by Compassion UK has found.