Revised 2 p.m. Jan. 4, 2007
MONTANA CITY, Mont. (BP)–Messengers to the Montana Southern Baptist Convention Oct. 6-7 adopted a new set of bylaws and articles of incorporation to reflect the move approved two years ago from fellowship status.
About 150 people from 44 churches gathered at South Hills Baptist Fellowship in Montana City, Mont., for the state organization’s 14th annual meeting. Ninety-two messengers were included in the total count.
The convention theme was “Being Salt and Light in Our Culture Today,” with the featured speakers addressing the need for Christians and churches to be involved in the political process.
A budget of $1,471,487 was adopted, which is a 7 percent increase over the current year. The amount forwarded through the Cooperative Program remains at 22 percent, with total CP giving projected at $505,219.
Paul Jones, pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Billings, was elected president and Darwin Scofield, pastor of Libby Baptist Church in Libby, was elected vice president, both by acclamation.
Montana Baptists voted to enter a five-year missions partnership with Tennessee, starting in 2006 if the motion is passed at Tennessee’s annual meeting. Jason Carson*, executive director/treasurer of the MSBC, and Kim Margrave from the TBC addressed the partnership.
Messengers also voted to begin a partnership with Jeremy and April Langley, International Mission Board workers in Toronto, Ontario. April Langley spoke to the convention about the need to be involved with international students.
Ron and Alpha Goombi of Omaha, Neb., represented the North American Mission Board at the meeting. David and Elwanda Cornelius of Richmond, Va., brought a message from the IMB, and Morris H. Chapman, president of the SBC’s Executive Committee, brought remarks.
The MSBC marked the end of a 17-year partnership with the Florida Baptist Convention with a resolution expressing appreciation for shared resources and prayers.
Michael Wadhams, a native of South Africa and pastor in Charlotte, N.C., was the main speaker for the pastors’ conference, which preceded the annual meeting. Stacy Gaylord, pastor of LifeWay Community Church in Billings, and Steve McClung, pastor of New Hope Southern Baptist Church in Hamilton, were reelected president and vice president respectively for the upcoming year.
A Mission Celebration also preceded the annual meeting, and representatives from the IMB and NAMB delivered messages.
Next year’s meeting will be Oct. 4-5 at Westside Baptist Church in Great Falls.
–30–
*Name changed for security concerns.
