8 7 T H N A F W B CO N V E N T I O N • J U LY 16 -1 9, 2 0 2 3 • R A L E I G H , N C
More than 5,000 Free Will Baptists (the highest attendance in a decade) gathered July 16-19 for the 87th National Convention in Raleigh, North Carolina. The meeting previously visited the “City of Oaks” only one other time, in 1965. The 2024 convention considered the theme “As for You.” Sunday morning, after a Sunday School lesson from Bruce Barnes (VA), Butch Taylor (GA) challenged listeners to continue in the Word (2 Timothy 3:1-13). Sunday evening, Gene Williams (NC) underscored the importance of encouraging one another in the Word (1 Thessalonians 5:1-7). Monday, after a warm welcome to North Carolina from State Promotional Director Reuben Cason, Faron Thebeau (MO) urged listeners to reach with the Word (Acts 8:26-40). Amos Dillard (CA) spoke on Tuesday and explored teaching and training others in the Word (Titus). During the concluding Wednesday evening missions service, Ken Cash (NC, Bulgaria) challenged listeners to give themselves as laborers (Matthew 9:35-38; 10). These sermons were more than convention messages, as Executive Secretary Eddie Moody emphasized to listeners during his opening remarks. “Often, we attend a conference, revival meeting, or service and walk away feeling good. But it is our hope this year’s convention will help us more effectively reach people with the gospel, train them in the Christian faith, and give ourselves wholly to the Lord. We need to return home better equipped to work together to turn an upside-down world right side up. How? By hearing the Word and doing the work!”
1 | 2023 CONVENTION REVIEW
Along with excellent preaching, worship services were characterized by enthusiastic congregational singing, special music, and choir selections; and Scripture related to the convention theme and sermons. Every service was memorable. Shouts echoed above the singing, hands raised toward Heaven, and altars filled as Free Will Baptists responded to the Word of God read, sung, and preached.
ON E DAY EARLY Eighty Free Will Baptist volunteers from across the country arrived a day early to join this year’s IMPACT Raleigh outreach event the day before the convention. Teams worked in three locations: Shady Grove FWB Church, Haven FWB Church, and With Love From Jesus Ministries. Impact Coordinator Ken Akers said, “IMPACT Raleigh was a great success! We washed cars, sorted food and clothing, served meals, and went door to door with outreach materials. Most importantly, we made many new contacts for the churches involved.”
HONORS AN D EVENTS Several individuals were honored in Raleigh for significant contributions to the denomination. The Executive Office honored outgoing Assistant Moderator William Smith (GA), who served the denomination faithfully from 2004-2023. The Historical Commission recognized Robert E. Picirilli (TN) for 50 years of faithful service and leadership as its longtime chairman, and Randall House honored Allen Pointer (TN) for 26 years as the director of Truth & Peace.