Welcome to the 178th annual session of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina.  We gather at a time of change for our country as we anticipate the future of our national government and in our denomination as well.

This state convention has always represented a pioneer spirit in ways of shaping a corporate discussion among churches all across North Carolina toward new ways of reaching people with the gospel of Christ. We stand on the shoulders of great men and women who sacrificed greatly so that we might more effectively carry on the work they started over 178 years ago.

We are honored by the presence of IMB missionaries who will be commissioned by North Carolina Baptist churches during this annual session. They represent the future of Southern Baptist missions.  These brothers and sisters will be leaving everything they know of home, family, and security to risk it all for the sake of the gospel.

Their very lives serve as a challenge to all of us to find our place as missionaries whether across the street or around the world.

It is my prayer that God would grant each of us wisdom as we serve our Lord and His church with all that He has placed in our hands. May God bless you richly as you serve and glorify Him while you are here in Greensboro.

Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6).

Milton A. Hollifield Jr.
BSC executive director-treasurer