vention will have to go through a metamorphosis, not in theology, but in methodology that keeps up with culture. Organizations, like conventions, and their annual business meetings, were built when we focused on committees, structures, and bylaws. That’s not a pri- ority to people anymore. People are more interested in movements than organizations, inspiration rather than institutions. Our culture moves faster than ever before.” With the appointment of 36-year-old pastor and author David


Platt as president of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Internation- al Mission Board and with the retirement of South Carolina Baptist executive director-treasurer Jim Austin, Horton says leadership change often represents a time for new vision and energy and for people to “come back to the table” of convention involvement both at the annual meeting and beyond it. “What I hope occurs at the annual meeting is an informal


Wristbands will be given out to each messenger at the convention. Also lapel pins are available. Both wrist- bands and lapel pins can be purchased by churches for a cost: bracelets are $20 per 50 and pins are $1.00 each for 10 or $1.15 per pin.


re-launch of South Carolina Baptists’ priority on missions and evangelism,” Horton says. “We don’t have bad people or bad things happening in South Carolina, but we must ask difficult questions. We have limited resources. What is the best possible way to move every single penny toward efforts that move people to Christ? “How do we put churches in a position to be successful and to


be revitalized in South Carolina? Many of our 2,100 churches are declining or in plateaued status. How do we maintain relevance to people in our state?” Horton asks. “I don’t believe we have a short- age of incredible people in our churches, associations, institutions, and at the state building in Columbia. That’s not our problem. Our problem is relevancy, and we are becoming less relevant in some circles. I don’t believe we are going to die as a convention. God is going to do what He is going to do; He does not need us. Never- theless, if we want to join Him then we have to lay our sacred cows before Him.” “We are not in our forefathers’ time,” Horton says. “What does cooperation really mean in Baptist life today? What does it mean on all levels? I think we can effectively streamline state missions, empower local churches, and send more dollars overseas. I believe


Let’s Light Up Our World by


GREAT COMMISSION LIVING!” Exchange this card for a LiveIT light!


LiveIT lights are located in the Convention Staff Exhibit Area (under the large umbrella). Only one light per messenger!


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