Thought it might be helpful to mention that TX is one of the few states in the nation with two state conventions. Although still on the decline, the reality is not as bad as Hutch’s figures suggest. The other convention, the SBT, has grown every year for its 11 years of existence.

the Houston annual meeting itself drew only 1,493 elected messengers and 626 registered guests, down from the 1,891 at the 2008 meeting in Fort Worth and the least number since 1,667 attended the 1949 meeting in El Paso. While the messenger count for several years in the 1930s and 1940s was not available, the lowest participation on record was 1,445 in 1937.

In contrast, the largest meeting in BGCT history—the 1991 annual meeting in Waco, when the convention was dealing with controversy surrounding a charter change for Baylor University—drew 11,159. Excluding that year, the average number of messengers at annual meetings in the 1990s was 5,941.

After the 2000 annual meeting in Corpus Christi, which drew 6,713 messengers, the numbers dropped to 3,317 in 2001 and 3,327 in 2002. The convention hasn’t reached reached the 3,000-messenger level since then, and the numbers have declined every year since 2004.

Also, Peter Lumpkins referenced my comments on his blog, and links to this blog. Since I am blocked on his, i wish to clarify his mischaracterizing my words. I never stated I “had” to be at Acts 1:11. I said that I was taking it to help finish my degree sooner. There is a difference between having to do something, and being opportunistic.

I also hold no ill will towards Jerry Vines or Jerry Vines Ministries. Dr. Vines and I had the chance to speak during breakfast about my education and how thankful I was for his SBC leadership, and that I appreciated the chance to attend the conference. However, I make no excuse for the fact that I would not have attended had it not been for the class and 3 hours credit.

As a wrap up to the conference, Most of the men were hospitable and friendly to other view points.

The only man at the conference who needs to clarify his statements (and probably apologize for them) is Ergun Caner. His wild claims and assertations are without base. I heard several people state that they were Premill Pre-trib and were offended by his false representation of the AMill camp.

“I don’t htink it helps that lot of these new younger church planters and pastors are Reformed.”

Please explaine???

I knew it was to good to be true…

Well, I don’t know what to tell you exactly. You will likely hear the culture warriors during the resolutions time (anti-alcohol, gambling, etc.), a debate over the Great Commission Resurgence Task Force (GCRTF) and perhaps an apologetic that we do not need to change structures but stay the same but only do more (the problems are spiritual, not structural talking point).

The best way to make the most of these meetings is to connect with folks and network with them. Find pastors or the remnants of those under 40 and have dinner together. Create a forum where there can be candid conversation where differing perspectives can be shared and respected though not everyone will agree. See if you can connect with men like David Platt, Buddy Gray, and Al Jackson especially who are, IMO, the biggest influencers in AL right now. They are all great men whom I’ve come to love and appreciate personally.

Other than that, don’t get discouraged by the flashes of fundamentalism or cheers of triumphalism. Pay close attention to how the CP is explained, how and where money is spent (and percentages), and observe from the kind of people attending as well as the subjects being discussed what the direction of the state convention is heading. There are some state conventions that are poised to do some great things because of their desire for reform and transparency. I’m not sure that ABSC is one of them.

Have fun, and send my love and regards to Kizzie.