ABSC Executive Board approves new format for Annual Meeting

The Arkansas Baptist State Convention (ABSC) Annual Meeting will feature a new schedule this year.  

On Tuesday, April 29, the ABSC Executive Board approved a new two-day schedule for the 2025 Annual Meeting. The meeting will feature a new format that begins Monday evening, Oct. 20, and concludes on the afternoon of Tuesday, Oct. 21. It will no longer extend into Wednesday.  

The Annual Meeting change does not impact the date of the Pastors’ Conference or Ministers’ Wives Conference. The two conferences will still be held that Monday.  

Paul Williams, chairman of the ABSC Executive Board and pastor at White Hall First Baptist Church, said he enjoys attending the ABSC Annual Meeting and Pastors’ Conference. They allow him to connect with friends, celebrate in worship, as well as participate in the ongoing work of the ABSC.  

“When the discussion arose of modifying the schedule and number of days it takes away from weekly responsibilities, I was in favor,” he said, noting the amended format allows him to still be able to enjoy all aspects of gathering and shortens the amount of time away from his church responsibilities and family.  

“It will create a more efficient use of everyone’s time,” Williams said.  

ABSC President Brad Lewter said the drive behind the format change was to “honor and respect the time of Arkansas Baptists.”   

“We felt that we could combine our efforts between the Pastors’ Conference and the Annual Meeting and get all that we want to get done within those couple of days,” said Lewter, who serves as pastor at Grand Avenue Baptist Church in Fort Smith.  

“The drive was to make the most of our time and get everything done in a way that would allow people to get back to their churches and do the work they need to do. I think it’s just more of an efficient decision. Let’s try to be as effective as we can and efficient as we can, honor people’s time, and get done what we need to get done.”  

Though they had significant business on Wednesday over the years, Lewter said it had become the least attended day of the Annual Meeting.  

“There were a lot of people missing important decisions. We thought why not move Wednesday out of the picture and try to get it done when the most people are there so that no one feels like they have to miss anything,” he said.  

Pastors’ Conference President John Venable, who serves as pastor at New Life Baptist Church in Saline County, said the format change is a great move for the convention.  

“I believe bringing the Pastors’ Conference and Annual Meeting together unites inspiration with action — where spiritual renewal fuels strategic direction, and shared vision strengthens our collective mission,” Venable said.  

ABSC Executive Director Rex Horne was also pleased with the change.  

“The shortening of the time we meet is good. Messengers are asked for less time while critical matters and reports will be prioritized. I am grateful for this positive reaction,” he said.  

The 2025 ABSC Annual Meeting will be held at First Baptist Church in Russellville.