See additional photos below. (Photos by Mary Alford, ABN staff)
INDIANAPOLIS – Thousands of Baptists gathered in Indianapolis this week for the 2024 Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting & Pastors’ Conference.
As of Tuesday morning, Arkansas had 336 messengers in attendance. Those who traveled to Indianapolis for the Convention were invited to a state reception on Monday in the Florida Room of the Convention hotel, Indianapolis Marriott Downtown.
Arkansas Baptist State Convention (ABSC) Executive Director Dr. Rex Horne said the event exceeded his expectations.
“It was a great attendance, and I was especially pleased how people seemed to enjoy staying around and visiting. The purpose of the event was simply fellowship. When brothers and sisters have the opportunity to informally visit, friendships are deepened and strengthened,” Horne said.
For two hours, Arkansas Baptists – ranging from church pastors and associational missionaries to Baptist Collegiate Ministry leaders and their families – came and went from the reception, enjoying fellowship with one another. For the majority of the event, attendees spilled out of the room into the hallway.
ABSC Women’s Ministry Specialist Andrea Lennon said it was great to see so many Arkansas Baptists fellowshipping and enjoying time together.
“There is something special about gathering and catching up. My favorite part of the night was looking around a packed room and knowing that this group, along with many others back in Arkansas, are an extended family to me,” Lennon said.
