194 TH ANNUAL MEETING GEORGIA BAPTIST CONVENTION (139 TH ANNUAL REPORT ON ORGANIZED WORK) BELIEVERS WERE ADDED TO THE LORD IN INCREASING NUMBERS

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1 194 TH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE TO THE GEORGIA BAPTIST CONVENTION (139 TH ANNUAL REPORT ON ORGANIZED WORK) BELIEVERS WERE ADDED TO THE LORD IN INCREASING NUMBERS CROWDS OF BOTH MEN AND WOMEN. ACTS 5:14 CONTENTS PAGE 2-5 PROVISIONAL PROGRAM PAGE 6-12 GEORGIA BAPTIST CONVENTION CONSTITUTION PAGE REPORT OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE GIFTS OF GEORGIA BAPTISTS THROUGH THE COOPERATIVE PROGRAM ENABLE US TO PARTNER TOGETHER IN FULFILLING THE GREAT COMMISSION.

2 PROGRAM PROVISIONAL 2015 GEORGIA BAPTIST CONVENTION 194 TH ANNUAL MEETING ROSWELL STREET BAPTIST CHURCH, MARIETTA INSPIRATIONAL RALLY 6:00 PM SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8 Welcome/Introductions - Don Hattaway, President, GBC Missions Inspiration - J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC Music Inspiration - Roswell Street Baptist Music Ministry Inspirational Message - Glenn Sheppard, President, International Prayer Ministries, MO ANNUAL MEETING SESSION 6 9:00 PM MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9 ACTS 5:14 BELIEVERS WERE ADDED TO THE LORD IN INCREASING NUMBERS - CROWDS OF BOTH MEN AND WOMEN. 5:45-6 pm Coffee Shop Talk with Edmund Brannen, SIP Café, Building F 6:00 pm Congregational Praise/Special Music, Keith and Kristyn Getty, Nashville, TN -Jon Duncan, State Missionary, Coordinator of Convention Music -David Carnes, Pianist, Staff Accompanist, Briarlake Baptist, Decatur -Becky Lombard, Organist, Professor of Music/Fine Arts - Chair, Truett-McConnell College 6:10 pm Call to Order - Don Hattaway, President, Georgia Baptist Convention, Tabernacle Baptist, Cartersville Enrollment and Organization -Danny Henson, Recording Secretary, New Liberty, Ringgold 6:15 pm Adoption of Order of Business - Shep Johnson, FBC, Douglas Greetings from Hosts -Perry Sapp, Church Administrator, Roswell Street Baptist Church -David Suddath, Assistant Associational Missionary, Noonday Baptist Association Book of Reports

3 6:25 pm Focus on Prayer - Claude King, LifeWay, Nashville, Tennessee 6:35 pm SBC Greetings - August Boto, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, SBC - Edmund Brannen, Missionary, International Mission Board - Jeff Iorg, President, Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary 6:50 pm Miscellaneous Business 6:55 pm Congregational Praise/ Special Music - Keith and Kristyn Getty 7:15 pm President s Message - Don Hattaway 7:50 pm Special Music Keith and Kristyn Getty 7:55 pm Public Affairs Committee Report - Mike Griffin, Public Affairs Representative 8:00 pm Announcements/Recognition of Past Presidents 8:10 pm Convention Ministry Spotlight Baptist Village, Baptist Retirement Communities, Georgia Baptist Children s Homes 8:15 pm Scripture and Prayer - Robby Foster, Northside Baptist, Valdosta 8:20 pm Congregational Praise/Special Music - Keith and Kristyn Getty 8:30 pm Missionary Sermon - Barry Snapp, Victory Baptist, Rockmart 9:00 pm Benediction Robert E. Wilson, Light of the Word, Morrow 9-9:15 pm Coffee Shop Talk with Edmund Brannen, SIP Café, Building F ANNUAL MEETING SESSION 9 AM 12:00 PM TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10 8:45-9 am Coffee Shop Talk with Claude King, SIP Café, Building F 9:00 am Congregational Praise/Special Music -Rhon Carter, Worship Pastor, FBC, Statesboro 9:10 am Focus on Prayer - Claude King 9:15 am The Christian Index Report- J. Gerald Harris, Editor 9:20 am Preachers Committee Report Fred Evers, Northside, Tifton 2015 Book of Reports 3

4 9:25 am Education Commission Report - J. Robert White 9:40 am Memorials Observance - Steve Fenlon, FBC, Oakwood 9:45 am Executive Committee Report - Bryan Alexander, Chairman, Sweetwater Baptist, Douglasville - J. Robert White, Executive Director 10:30 am Miscellaneous Business 10:35 am Special Music Sonny Hattaway, Tabernacle Baptist Church, Cartersville 10:40 am Special Message - Ronnie Floyd, SBC President, Cross Church, Springdale, Arkansas 11:05 am Focus on Prayer - Claude King 11:10 am Convention Ministry Spotlight Georgia Baptist Foundation, Georgia Baptist Health Care Ministry Foundation, Church Financial Services 11:15 am Congregation Praise 11:20 am Scripture and Prayer - David Owen, Evangelist, Cartersville 11:25 am Special Music - Sonny Hattaway, Tabernacle Baptist Church, Cartersville 11:30 am Doctrinal Sermon - Brad Waters, FBC, Hazlehurst 12 noon Benediction - David Cardoza, Church Planter, Yo Soy at Calvary, Lilburn 12 noon Coffee Shop Talk with Claude King, SIP Café, Building F ANNUAL MEETING SESSION 2:00 5:55 PM TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10 1:45-2 pm Coffee Shop Talk with Glenn Sheppard, SIP Café, Building F 2:00 pm Congregational Praise/Special Music - Jubal Brass and Jubalheir Orchestra 2:05 pm Focus on Prayer - Claude King 2:15 pm Special Music Jubal Chorus 2:30 pm Mission Georgia Report - J. Robert White 3:15 pm Congregational Praise/Special Music Book of Reports

5 3:20 pm Committee on Nominations Report - Larry Cheek, Stone Mountain Associational Missionary 3:25 pm WMU and Women s Enrichment Ministry Report - Beth Ann Williams, Executive Director-Treasurer - Jackie Hardy, President 3:35 pm State Speaker s Competition Winner Haddasah Slappy, Kinchafoonee Baptist Church, Leesburg 3:40 pm Awaken Panel Discussion - Robert Jeffress, Senior Pastor, FBC, Dallas, Texas - Claude King, Lifeway, Nashville, Tennessee - Glenn Sheppard, President, Intl Prayer Ministry, Lee s Summit, MO - Kelvin Cochran, Chief Operating Officer, Elizabeth Baptist, Atlanta 4:00 pm Committee on Resolutions Report - David Huff, FBC, Lilburn 4:15 pm Announcements/Order of Business Committee/Miscellaneous Business 4:25 pm Election of Officers 4:50 pm Congregational Praise/Special Music Jubal Chorus 5:10 pm Closing Message - Robert Jeffress, Senior Pastor, FBC, Dallas, Texas 5:40pm Focus on Prayer - Claude King 5:50 pm Installation of Newly Elected Officers 5:55 pm Benediction - Bernard Miller, Southwest Atlanta Association 2015 Book of Reports 5

6 CONSTITUTION OF THE BAPTIST CONVENTION OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA Originally Adopted 1919 Amended 2009 Article I. Name and Purpose Section 1. The name of this body shall be the Baptist Convention of the State of Georgia. Section 2. The Georgia Baptist Convention is a living partnership of churches growing in grace, strengthening one another in faith and working together in obedience to the Great Commandment and the Great Commission of Jesus Christ. Article II. Membership Section 1. This body shall be composed of messengers from cooperating Baptist Churches. A cooperating church is one that gives evidence of its belief in Holy Scripture as its authority in matters of faith and practice and is in harmony and cooperation with the work and purpose of this Convention. A cooperating church does not include a church which knowingly takes, or has taken, any action to affirm, approve, or endorse homosexual behavior. Section 2. Messengers. Each cooperating church, having contributed through the Convention for the Cooperative Program and Convention causes during the preceding year, shall be entitled to two messengers and to one additional messenger for each $800 contributed through this Convention for the Cooperative Program and Convention causes, but in no case shall any church be entitled to more than fifteen (15) messengers. Section 3. Voting by proxy is not permitted. Article III. Meetings Section 1. The Convention shall meet at least once each year, the time and place to be fixed by the Convention or the Executive Committee. The dates and places of meetings shall be planned two years in advance. Section 2. Special Meetings. The Convention may be called into a special meeting by two-thirds vote of the Executive Committee. The call for the special meeting shall state the purpose of the meeting and the time, date and place for the meeting. The meeting shall be held no sooner than twenty-one days or later than sixty days after action of the Executive Committee to call the meeting. Notice of the purpose, time, date and place for the special meeting shall be published in The Christian Index in a notice at least the size of one-half page in a minimum of two issues with the second issue published at least seven days before the date of the meeting. The special meeting shall be limited to the purpose stated by the Executive Committee. Section 3. Quorum. The quorum for the annual meetings or special meetings shall be ten percent of the registered messengers. Article IV. Powers Section 1. This Convention shall never attempt to exercise authority over any Church, but shall always cheerfully recognize and uphold the Churches' autonomy under Christ. Section 2. The Convention shall receive funds for the approved work of the Convention and its agencies and shall dispense these funds according to the expressed will and direction of the donors Book of Reports

7 Article V. Officers Section 1. Officers. The officers of the Convention shall be a president, four vice presidents, a secretary and two assistant secretaries, each of whom shall be elected at each annual meeting by the registered messengers and who shall hold their offices until their successors are elected. The officers shall assume office at the close of the Convention at which they are elected. The vice presidents shall be elected by plurality, without regard to receiving a majority of the total votes, the first vice president being the person receiving the most votes and the other vice presidents serving in the positions in order of the number of votes received, and all other officers shall be elected by majority. Their duties shall be those usually discharged by such officers. No person shall serve as president more than two years, and thereafter shall not be eligible for re-election to that office. No person shall be nominated and elected as an officer who is not a registered messenger of the Convention at the time of the nomination. Section 2. If the President, for any reason, is unable to complete the term for which elected, then the first vice president shall immediately become President and shall serve for the remainder of the unexpired term. If the first Vice-President is unable to serve, the Vice-President receiving the next highest number of votes shall fill the office. Section 3. Ex Officio Membership. The president shall serve as an ex officio member of all standing and special committees of the Convention. Section 4. Appointment of Committee on Nominations. The president shall appoint the Committee on Nominations and the chairman of the committee. Article VI. Boards, Commissions And Committees Section 1. Executive Committee Membership. An Executive Committee of the Convention shall be elected by the Convention and its membership shall consist of one member elected from each cooperating association and twenty members elected from the state at large, with each member being elected for a five-year term. It is requested that at least one-half of the at-large positions elected annually to serve on the Executive Committee be laypersons. Membership on the Executive Committee shall also include the officers of the Convention, the president of the Georgia Baptist Pastors Conference, the president of the Georgia Baptist Religious Education Association, the president of the Georgia Baptist Woman s Missionary Union, the president of the Georgia Baptist Student Union, the president of the Georgia Baptist Music Conference, the president of the Fellowship of Retired Ministers, the two representatives elected annually by the Ethnic Advisory Council for one-year terms, the president of the Preaching Conference, and the president of the Georgia Baptist Ministers Wives Fellowship, with all such persons serving as ex-officio members. Section 2. Executive Committee Membership Eligibility. No person who is regularly employed by or who is a member of a governing board of any institution, agency or entity included in the budget of the Convention and whose trustees or directors are elected by the Convention, shall be eligible to serve as a member of the Executive Committee, except as an ex officio member. No person who is regularly employed by any institution, agency or entity shall be eligible to serve as a member of any governing board, supervisory body, commission or other board or committee of such institution, agency or entity which is appointed or elected by the Convention. No person serving as an elected member of the Executive Committee shall be eligible for re-election to membership on the Executive Committee after the expiration of their term of service or after a forfeiture of such service, until such person has been off the Executive Committee for at least one year; provided, however, where a person is elected to replace another member and where the replacement member will serve less than one-half of the original term, such person 2015 Book of Reports 7

8 shall be eligible for re-election to membership on the Executive Committee. A person elected as a member of the Executive Committee as a representative of a cooperating association must be an active member of a church which is a part of such association. If, subsequent to the election, such person ceases to be a member of a church which is a part of the association, then that person shall be ineligible to serve on the Executive Committee; provided, however, that such person may continue to serve on the Executive Committee until the next annual meeting of the Convention if the association recommends to the Convention that the person be allowed to continue as the association s representative on the Executive Committee. At the next meeting of the Convention, the Convention shall elect another qualified person to serve in such position. Section 3. Executive Committee Attendance. Any elected member of the Executive Committee who misses all of the Executive Committee meetings during any year of their term, shall forfeit their membership on the Executive Committee. Any elected member of the Executive Committee who misses at least fifty percent of such meetings during any year without contacting the office of the Executive Director of the Baptist Convention of the State of Georgia and receiving an excused absence for any meeting missed shall forfeit their membership on the Executive Committee. Persons serving as members of any governing board, supervisory body, commission or other board or committee of a Convention institution, agency or entity, who are elected or appointed to such position by the Convention, and who do not attend at least fifty percent of the meetings during any year, without being excused from a meeting by the appropriate chairman, shall forfeit their membership on such board, body, commission or committee. Any vacancy occurring due to forfeiture shall be reported to the Executive Committee and the Convention shall follow its regular procedure in electing a person to fill such vacancy with no interim replacements being made. The rotation policy of the Executive Committee shall apply to those persons appointed or elected by the Convention to any governing board, supervisory body, commission or other board or committee of any Convention institution, agency or entity. Section 4. Executive Committee Vacancy. Any vacancy occurring in an elected position on the Executive Committee, caused by any reason, shall be filled by the Convention at its next annual meeting. Section 5. Executive Committee Authority. (a) Standing Authority. The Executive Committee shall have charge and control of all work, business, and affairs of the Convention, including missions, education, and benevolence, in the interim between meetings of the Convention and any action of the Executive Committee shall be in all matters the action of the Convention and shall be binding upon the Convention unless such action is contrary to a specific Convention policy or instruction that has been previously recorded in the minutes of the Convention. (b) Emergency Authority. When an emergency occurs in any of the affairs of the Convention, or in any of the interests it controls, that, in the judgment of the Executive Committee, requires action before the next meeting of the Convention, the Executive Committee in that case shall have full authority to take such action as it determines appropriate, and all parties shall be bound by its action; provided, however, that it must report to the next annual meeting of the Convention all the facts in each case and the action taken. Nothing in this section shall be construed as giving the Executive Committee authority over any matter already committed by the Convention to any of its boards of trustees. (c) Cooperating Churches. Should matters of concern arise from either (i) official action of an association, (ii) action of the Executive Committee, or (iii) action of the Convention, as to whether a church is a cooperating church, the matter shall be referred to the office of the Executive director. The Executive director, in consultation with the Book of Reports

9 Administration Committee of the Executive Committee, shall review the matter which shall include hearing the concerns of the body that initiated the process and the concerns of the church, and seeking to restore an appropriate relationship between the church, the association, and the Convention. The Executive Director shall make recommendation to the Executive Committee which will determine either (i) that no further action is needed, whereupon the matter will be closed, or (ii) that the matter should be referred to the Convention for appropriate action. The Convention by vote of the messengers, can determine that a church does not qualify as a cooperating church, as defined in Article II, Section 1, whereupon such church shall be excluded from the Convention and all rights and privileges thereof. Section 6. Audits and Bonds. Each governing body, supervisory body, commission or other board or committee of any institution, agency or entity included in the budget of the Convention or whose trustees or directors are elected by the Convention shall have its financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles accompanied by an unqualified audit opinion from a certified public accountant and shall have its financial officers placed under bond. Section 7. Committee on Nominations. Within sixty days after each annual meeting of the Convention, the president shall appoint a committee of fifteen, five of whom shall have served on the previous Committee on Nominations, to serve as a Committee on Nominations to report at the next annual meeting, whose duty it shall be to nominate to the Convention all boards, commissions and committees elected by the Convention. A person nominated to the Convention by the Committee on Nominations shall be an active member of a Georgia Baptist church. No person who is nominated by the Committee on Nominations shall serve at the same time on more than one governing board, supervisory body, commission or other board or committee of any institution, agency or entity whose members are elected by the Convention. Furthermore, no member of the Committee on Nominations nor any immediate family member shall be eligible for nomination by the Committee on Nominations. Section 8. Notice by Committee on Nominations. At least ninety days before each annual meeting of the Convention the Committee on Nominations shall publish in The Christian Index the names of the associations from which Executive Committee members will be elected at the next session of the Convention, and it shall at the same time remind the constituency of the Convention within the fellowship of such associations that they may offer suggestions to the Committee on Nominations concerning the Executive Committee members to be elected from within their respective associations. Section 9. Convention Manual and Standing Committees. The Executive Committee shall maintain an official organizational manual which shall be maintained by the Executive Director defining the duties, responsibilities, terms, members, and appointment or election procedures for the members of the boards, commissions and committees of the Convention and shall present to the Convention recommendations regarding any such matters. Section 10. Special Committees. The Convention may by its action or approval create a special committee for a specific or special purpose. The members of any such committee shall be named by the president of the Convention unless otherwise specified by the Convention. After any such committee completes its task, it shall be dissolved. Section 11. The Executive Director shall serve as an ex officio member on all standing and special committees of the Convention. Section 12. Membership in Georgia Baptist Convention Church. (a) Any person elected by the Georgia Baptist Convention to the Executive Committee, or to a board, commission or committee, or as an officer, or to any other 2015 Book of Reports 9

10 position shall be an active member of a Georgia Baptist Convention church. In addition, any person elected to the Executive Committee as a representative of a cooperating association shall be an active member of a Georgia Baptist Convention church that is a part of such association. (b) If a person ceases to be a member of a Georgia Baptist Convention church, or if a representative of an association ceases to be a member of a church in that association, then such person forfeits their remaining term of service and the position becomes vacant; provided, however, a representative of an association, upon written request from the association and approval of the Executive Director, may remain in the position until the next annual meeting of the Convention when the successor representative will be elected. Any vacancy occurring as a result of this section shall be filled by the Convention at its annual meeting. (c) This section shall not apply to persons elected to the board of an institution where the institution s charter provides at the time this section is adopted that the Committee on Nominations is required to nominate from names received from the institution. Article VII. Recognition Of Associations For Representation On The Executive Committee Section 1. Each new association shall consist of a minimum of fifteen (15) churches which are in harmony and cooperation with the work and purpose of this Convention. This association shall be a self-governing fellowship of churches sharing a common faith, active on mission in their setting, and occupying a geographic area of effective ministry which is both reasonable and discernible. Section 2. Each new association shall submit an application provided by the office of the Executive Director which shall require the new association to state the reasons for the recognition of this association for representation on the Executive Committee. All applications must be submitted at least six months prior to the next annual Convention. Section 3. All applications shall be reviewed by a special committee composed of the president of the Georgia Baptist Convention, chairman of the Executive Committee, chairman of the Administration Committee, and the president of the Associational Missionaries Fellowship. The Executive Director and one staff member, appointed by the Executive Director, shall serve as ex officio members of this special committee. Section 4. The Executive Committee shall review the recommendation of the special committee and recommend approval of the application to the Convention or refer the application back to the special committee for further review. All applicant associations shall be recognized for representation on the Executive Committee upon favorable action by the Convention at its annual meeting. Article VIII. Institutions Section 1. Definition: An institution is a body whose governing board is elected by the Convention. Section 2. Discontinuance of Relationship. The relationship between the Convention and an institution shall not be discontinued without a majority vote on such action at two consecutive meetings of the Convention, unless the governing board of the institution and the Executive Committee of the Convention concur in such matter; whereupon, action can be taken at one meeting of the Convention and, further, that a notice of the discontinuance of the relationship of an institution of the Convention must be published in The Christian Index at least forty-five days before the meeting of the Convention Book of Reports

11 Article IX. Amendments Section 1. The Constitution may only be amended as follows: (i) a motion to amend may be made in writing at the annual meeting of the Convention by any messenger and upon the Convention s vote to consider such amendment, the proposed amendment will be submitted to the Convention for action at its next annual meeting; or (ii) a proposed amendment may be recommended by the Executive Committee in which case it will be submitted directly to the Convention for action. Section 2. A proposed amendment submitted to the Convention for action must be published in The Christian Index at least thirty days before the meeting of the Convention and such amendment must be approved by two-thirds of the messengers present and voting. Article X. Parliamentary Authority Section 1. The rules contained in the current edition of Roberts Rules of Order, Newly Revised (Latest Edition), shall govern the meetings of the Convention in all cases in which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with the Convention s Constitution, bylaws or any special rules of order. STANDING RULES OF THE GEORGIA BAPTIST CONVENTION Amended The first session of the Annual Convention may be held on Monday evening. (Adopted 1960) 2. The record of gifts listed by association and churches as provided in the Georgia Baptist Convention ANNUAL REPORT for the calendar year immediately preceding the year of the Annual Convention shall be used to determine the number of messengers to which cooperative churches are entitled. (Adopted 1979; Amended 2012) 3. The program of the Annual Convention shall be opened with a Sunday evening Pre-Convention Inspirational Rally with all of the churches of the host association(s) asked to participate. (Adopted 1984) 4. The report of ballot voting on all matters and election of officers shall be reported with a breakdown of all votes cast and percentage of votes cast. (Adopted 1986) 5. The report of the Committee on Nominations shall include the name of the church and the association of each nominee and the report shall be made available in writing prior to the presentation of the report with the allowance for oral corrections or additions. (Adopted 1987) 6. The United States flag, the Georgia State flag, and the Christian flag shall be prominently and appropriately displayed on the platform of the Annual Convention. (Adopted 1990) 7. No new business shall be presented after the miscellaneous business session on Tuesday morning other than that which is printed in the program. (Adopted 1992; Amended 1997) 8. Other than as noted in the program, all speeches shall be limited to three minutes. (Adopted 1992) 9. In an effort to be good stewards of Cooperative Program funds, meeting sites for annual sessions of the Georgia Baptist Convention will be on a balanced geographic rotation where possible, depending upon the availability of local church sites versus the costs of public sites. It will be the responsibility of the Office of Convention and Meeting 2015 Book of Reports 11

12 Planning to evaluate possible church and public sites that may be suitable locations and to present those sites for approval. (Adopted 1993; Amended 2007) 10. The Preachers Committee shall recommend to the Convention those who will preach the Doctrinal Sermon and the Missionary Sermon, and an alternate for each, all of whom shall be ordained Baptist ministers who are registered as messengers of the annual meeting of the Georgia Baptist Convention in which they are to deliver the message. The person who preaches either the Doctrinal Sermon or the Missionary Sermon shall not be eligible to preach the same or other sermon within ten years. No person shall be eligible to preach both messages in the same year. The Alternate Preachers read the Scripture for the Doctrinal and Missionary Sermons. (Adopted 1993; Amended 2001) 11. The Convention officers shall be elected no later than Tuesday afternoon. (Adopted 1995) 12. The Convention officers shall be installed in office at the final session of the annual meeting of the Convention. (Adopted 1995) 13. The annual Convention shall end at the time determined by the President and the Order of Business Committee. (Adopted 1995; Amended 2012) 14. The Order of Business Committee shall provide for a time for the introduction of business and all business being introduced during this time shall be referred immediately to the Order of Business committee which shall report to the Convention and the President each item of business upon which the President may rule, suggest appropriate referral, or announce the time for the consideration of the item of business. (Adopted 1995) 15. The counting of ballots shall be observed by the Recording Secretary or Assistant Recording Secretary and the Convention Attorney. The ballots shall be automatically recounted when the differences in the results is one hundred (100) or less. The Recording Secretary shall return to the convention hall with the ballot count and the President shall recognize the Recording Secretary at the earliest opportunity. If the Convention is not is session when the ballot counting is completed, the Recording Secretary shall post an interim report on the door or in the immediate vicinity of the Teller s Room. When an interim report is posted, the President shall recognize the Recording Secretary at the next session for the official report. (Adopted 1995) 16. A proposed resolution, in order to be considered by the Convention, must be signed and personally delivered by its author or his designee to the Recording Secretary, or one of the Assistant Recording Secretaries, by the end of the Monday evening session of the Convention. All proposed resolutions will be automatically referred to the Committee on Resolutions without discussion, except where the president of the Convention rules that a proposed resolution shall be considered at the time offered or referred. The Committee on Resolutions shall review proposed resolutions and shall present appropriate resolutions to the Convention for its consideration. Whenever possible, resolutions presented by the Committee on Resolutions for consideration by the Convention shall be printed and distributed to the Convention. (Adopted 1997) 17. The time limit for nominating speeches shall be three (3) minutes for the office of president and two (2) minutes for the office of vice-president. (Adopted 1999; Amended 2001) Book of Reports

13 REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE I. Responsibilities, Organization, and Officers 1. Responsibilities of the Executive Committee 2. Organizational Meeting of the Executive Committee/Officers of Executive Committee 3. Members of the Administration Committee 4. Members of the Georgia Baptist Health Care Ministry Foundation Board of Trustees 5. Members of The Christian Index Board of Directors II. III. IV. Report on Receipts and Disbursements of Funds and Executive Committee Obligations 1. Total Gifts Received January June, 2015 Report on Matters Referred to the Executive Committee by the Convention 1. Indebtedness of Georgia Baptist Executive Committee and Institutions State Missions Administration 1. State Missions Funding 2. State Missions Ministries 3. State Missionaries V. Promotion of Georgia and Southern Baptist Ministries 1. The Ministries of Georgia and Southern Baptists 2. The Church Retirement Plan and Protection Program 3. Bridges Celebrations 4. Disaster Relief VI. VII. Report of Executive Committee Actions 1. Motion Regarding Messengers 2. Debt Retirement on Missions and Ministry Center Celebrated 3. Affirmation of the Reinvention of the Convention 4. Report from Administration Committee Regarding Messengers 5. Resolution Regarding Pinebloom Property 6. Recommendation Regarding Changes in Convention Standing Rules Special Recommendations Requiring Convention Action 1. Recommendations Concerning Convention Operations 2. Recommendation of 2016 Cooperative Program Budget 3. Recommendation of 2016 Calendar of Activities 2015 Book of Reports 13

14 I. RESPONSIBILITIES, ORGANIZATION, AND OFFICERS 1. The Responsibilities of the Executive Committee of the Baptist Convention of the State of Georgia are: (1) Receipt and disbursement of gifts for Baptist causes; (2) Study and action upon matters referred to the Committee by the Convention; (3) Administration of the State Missions Program; (4) Promotion of all of the work of Georgia and Southern Baptists; (5) The Executive Committee shall have charge and control of all work, business, and affairs of the Convention, including missions, education, and benevolence, in the interim between meetings of the Convention and any action of the Executive Committee shall be in all matters the action of the Convention and shall be binding upon the Convention unless such action is contrary to a specific Convention policy or instruction that has been previously recorded in the minutes of the Convention. [Constitution of the Georgia Baptist Convention, Article VI, Section 5(a).] 2. The Organizational Meeting of the Executive Committee was held on Tuesday, December 9, 2014, in the chapel of the Georgia Baptist Missions and Ministry Center. Bryan Alexander was elected to serve as chairman, and Mike Stone was elected to serve as vice-chairman. Debbie Gaines serves as administrative secretary. 3. Members of the Administration Committee are: David Mills (Executive Committee, 2015), Jack Lee (Executive Committee, 2016), Carl Marshall (Executive Committee, 2016), Jimmy Blanton (Executive Committee 2017), Tim Jones (Executive Committee, 2017), Don Patterson (Executive Committee, 2017), Fred Lodge (Executive Committee, 2018), Jimmy Patterson (Executive Committee, 2018), and Mike Stone (Executive Committee, 2018). Executive Committee Chairman, Bryan Alexander (Executive Committee, 2015), Convention President, Don Hattaway, and Executive Director, J. Robert White serve ex officio. Carl Marshall was elected to serve as chairman, and Tim Jones was elected to serve as vice-chairman. Debbie Gaines serves as administrative secretary. 4. Members of the Georgia Baptist Health Care Ministry Foundation Board of Trustees are: *Arnold Johnson, (At Large, 2015), Herman Parker (Executive Committee, 2015), *Kathy Jolly (At Large, 2016), Jim Holmes (Executive Committee, 2017), Raymond Moody (At Large, 2017), Grady Caldwell (Executive Committee, 2018), *Jackie Hardy (Executive Committee, 2018), Bryan Alexander (Executive Committee, 2019) and *Houston Bass (At Large, 2019). Herman Parker was elected to serve as chairman, and Arnold Johnson was elected to serve as vice-chairman. Executive Director, J. Robert White, and President/CEO Will Bacon serve ex officio, and J. Robert White serves as secretary-treasurer. 5. Members of the Board of Directors of The Christian Index are: *Kimberly Humphries, (At Large, 2015), *Janet Jones, (At Large, 2015), Danny Cochran (Executive Committee, 2016), Lane Collins (At Large, 2017), Dan Rosser (Executive Committee, 2016), Phil Bray (Executive Committee, 2017), Darey Kittle, (Executive Committee, 2018), Richard Walker (Executive Committee, 2018), Paul Baxter (At Large, 2019), and Chuck Owens (At Large, 2019). Dan Rosser was elected to serve as chairman, and Lane Collins was elected to serve as vice-chairman. Executive Director, J. Robert White serves ex officio and as treasurer Book of Reports

15 II. REPORT ON RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS OF FUNDS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OBLIGATIONS 1. Total Gifts Received. Gifts received during the first six months of 2015 through the Cooperative Program were 4.45 percent more than Cooperative Program receipts of the first six months of The total gifts received by the Georgia Baptist Convention during the first six months of 2015 were 3.45 percent more than the total receipts of the first six months of The complete record of the entire year will be provided in the 2015 Convention Annual Report Book of Reports 15

16 III. REPORT OF MATTERS REFERRED TO THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE BY THE CONVENTION 1. Indebtedness of the Executive Committee and the Georgia Baptist Institutions. The current indebtedness of the Executive Committee and the Georgia Baptist institutions was reviewed by the Executive Committee. On June 30, 2015, Georgia Baptist institutions were indebted in the amount of $63,451,396 with $55,141,669 being long term debt and $8,309,738 being short term debt Book of Reports

17 IV. STATE MISSIONS ADMINISTRATION The state missions ministries of the Georgia Baptist Convention are directed by the Administration Committee under policies established and a budget adopted by the Executive Committee and the Convention in its annual meeting. The ministries are organized into various ministry and operations areas as described on the Convention website (gabaptist.org), and in the Annual Report. The Executive Director is the chief executive officer who oversees the Georgia Baptist ministries and is responsible to the Administration and Executive Committees for effective stewardship of the resources of the Convention. 1. State Missions Funding. Georgia Baptist Convention state missionaries and ministries are supported through the Mission Georgia Offering, Cooperative Program gifts from Georgia Baptists, and funds available through LifeWay Christian Resources, and the North American Mission Board. The Mission Georgia Offering is to state missions in Georgia what the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering is to International Mission Board ministries and what the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering is to North American Mission Board ministries. 2. State Missions Ministries. To reduce lostness in Georgia, our ministries are focused upon the 5 Smooth Stones of spiritual renewal, Kingdom generosity, church revitalization, church planting, and authentic evangelism. These five priorities were approved by messengers at the 2011 Annual Meeting, and in 2012 our missionaries began aligning all ministries around the 5 Smooth Stones. Georgia Baptist state missionaries are engaging with churches and associations to elevate and implement each of the five priorities. Their strategy is broadly built on COMMUNICATING the value of each of the 5 Smooth Stones, CONNECTING with every association and congregation to elevate and assist them with their priorities, CHALLENGING leaders to focus on each of the five stones, and CELEBRATING those who progress in implementation of any or all of the five areas of focus. The strategy was developed with input from pastors and associational missionaries and includes action points that direct Georgia Baptist ministries. Visit the5smoothstones.com for more information and contact your missionaries to assist you in spiritual renewal, Kingdom generosity, church revitalization, church planting, and authentic evangelism. 3. State Missionaries. Purpose Statement: Georgia Baptist state missionaries exist to make disciples and to equip Georgia Baptists to make disciples who intentionally share Christ with the lost. Vision Statement: Georgia Baptist state missionaries seek to reduce lostness by focusing with Baptists on spiritual renewal resulting in Kingdom generosity, church revitalization, church planting, and authentic evangelism. Georgia Baptist state missionaries and missionary support staff serve our churches, associations, and each Georgia Baptist through training, consultation, resources, and encouragement. The Georgia Baptist Missions and Ministry Center located at 6405 Sugarloaf Parkway in Duluth serves as a place from which your missionaries and Georgia Baptists are trained, offices are housed, and resources are developed to support the statewide and worldwide ministry of Georgia and Southern Baptists. The grounds and 2015 Book of Reports 17

18 building strongly reflect the message of Jesus Christ through the symbol of the cross and various pieces of art depicting biblical messages in the Old Testament and New Testament lobby areas. The interactive history center and historical archives serve as a reminder of the many years that Georgia and Southern Baptists have faithfully shared the name of Jesus with the world. The Kingdom Generosity Collection, an exhibition of stewardship art and artifacts, is housed at the Missions and Ministry Center. Georgia Baptists are encouraged to visit the center. Personally guided tours are available by contacting Support Services at or 800-RING-GBC ( ). You may contact your state missionaries by phone at 800-RING-GBC ( ), , or by (phone numbers and addresses are provided on the Convention website, in the Missions and Ministries Guide and the Annual Report). Abundant information and many resources regarding each missionary and available ministries are found on the Convention website (gabaptist.org). In addition to the missionaries who work and minister from the Georgia Baptist Missions and Ministry Center, regional state missionaries are located in three regions of Georgia who may also be contacted at 800-RING-GBC or the address provided below: Charles Drummond, North Georgia Region, Augusta, cdrummond@gabaptist.org Harris Malcom, Middle Georgia Region, Monroe, hmalcom@gabaptist.org Mike Everson, South Georgia Region, Valdosta, meverson@gabaptist.org V. PROMOTION OF GEORGIA BAPTIST AND SOUTHERN BAPTIST MINISTRIES 1. The ministries of Georgia and Southern Baptists have been promoted throughout the year. The Cooperative Program has been presented as the primary source of support for all of the work in which Georgia and Southern Baptists are engaged. Churches are continuously encouraged to support Baptist work through the Cooperative Program with an emphasis upon the importance of each church placing the Cooperative Program in their budgets on a percentage basis, with the percentage increased annually. 2. The Church Retirement Plan and Protection Program of Georgia and Southern Baptists has been presented as a means of providing pastors, church staff, and their families with needed protection. Churches have been encouraged to provide church retirement benefits for the church staff. It is recommended that churches provide a minimum of ten percent annual retirement contribution to each full-time church employee s church retirement account at GuideStone Financial Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. During the twelve-month period ending June 30, 2015, the Georgia Baptist Convention had 1,426 active churches with 4,031 pastors and other employees participating in the Church Retirement Plan. GuideStone emphasizes the importance of enlisting all churches and pastors in the church retirement plan, with particular emphasis upon the enlistment of young ministers as they begin their service. It is the objective of the Executive Committee to encourage and enlist every pastor and church in the Church Retirement Plan and Protection Benefits Plan Book of Reports

19 3. Bridges Celebrations. The purpose of Bridges to Missions events is stated as Churches Together Reaching the Nations at Home and Abroad. The celebration is normally a weekend event in local Baptist associations scheduled through the Cooperative Program office of the Georgia Baptist Convention. During this time, attention is given to the following: Revival as the biblical basis of missions Generosity in missions commitment Financial support for all four missions fields in Acts 1:8 Georgia Baptists can discover more about how their churches are engaged in meeting mission needs in Georgia and around the world by participating in a Bridges to Missions event. This mission experience in the local church and local association connects Georgia Baptists with the heartbeat of the missionaries they cooperatively support. Church members learn how their mission contributions accomplish the Great Commission in Georgia and across the world. The event usually begins on Saturday evening with a fellowship meal in which pastors and their spouses, along with a key lay couple from each church, enjoy inspiration and prayer for the mission outreach supported by their churches through their local association and the Cooperative Program. On the following Sunday, state missionaries are requested by the churches to preach a mission sermon about how Southern Baptists obey the Great Commission through cooperation, prayer, giving, and going. 4. Disaster Relief. For the past several years, Georgia Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers have responded more often to out-of-state responses than we have in Georgia. The same is certainly true of Georgia has truly been blessed with calm weather and minimal disaster responses. South Carolina is not so fortunate. They received flooding in October that is reminiscent to Hurricane Hugo in Georgia Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers have been serving diligently in Georgetown, SC since the middle of October. Please continue to pray for recovery and rebuild efforts in our neighboring state. They will need our assistance for months and possibly years to come. If your church is interested in participating in rebuild efforts please let us know. We hope you will consider joining this life-changing ministry and pray for our volunteers as they continue to serve Christ during times of crisis. Visit our website often to see how Southern Baptists are responding and impacting lives (gbcdisasterrelief.org). Thank you for your support in helping us make an impact for the Kingdom by Serving Christ in Crisis. Information about future training opportunities is available at gbcdisasterrelief.org or by calling Book of Reports 19

20 VI. REPORT OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ACTIONS 1. Motion Regarding Messengers At the December 9, 2014 meeting of the Executive Committee, a motion was made by Eric Rentz, First Ludowici, New Sunbury Association, and was approved that Article II, Section 2, Messengers, of the Constitution of the Georgia Baptist Convention be reviewed by the Administration Committee to consider if this portion of the Constitution should be revised to reflect percentage giving or equal sacrifice, rather than its current standard of a specified $800, which is reflective of equal gifts; and that this body receive a report and hear a motion from said committee s findings, no later than the September 15 meeting of 2015; and should the committee discover the need for revision, it shall propose a formal motion to the Executive Committee specifying the messenger to percentage giving ratio. Article II, Section 2. Messengers: Each cooperating church, having contributed through the Convention for the Cooperative Program and Convention causes during the preceding year, shall be entitled to two messengers and to one additional messenger for each $800 contributed through this Convention for the Cooperative Program and Convention causes, but in no case shall any church be entitled to more than fifteen (15) messengers. 2. Debt Retirement on the Missions and Ministry Center Celebrated At the March 10, 2015 meeting of the Executive Committee, President and CEO of the Georgia Baptist Health Care Ministry Foundation, Will Bacon, announced that in the February Georgia Baptist Health Care Ministry Foundation board meeting, a unanimous decision was made to provide the funds to pay the entire debt of $24,631, on the Georgia Baptist Missions and Ministry Center in Duluth. Executive Director J. Robert White responded that this is an incredible gift that God has provided and He is to be praised and glorified through this action of the Georgia Baptist Health Care Ministry Foundation. He shared that in May of 1922, the Georgia Baptist Hospital was about to go under financially and the hospital asked the Convention for help that resulted in Georgia Baptists assuming that ministry. He added that since 1970 the Convention has blessed the hospital ministry with gifts of over $32 million and now the Georgia Baptist Health Care Ministry Foundation has provided needed help to the Convention. Members of the Executive Committee celebrated this action by joining in singing and praising God. 3. Affirmation of the Reinvention of the Convention At the September 15, 2015 meeting, the Executive Committee affirmed the reinvention of the Convention presented by Executive Director J. Robert White that will focus upon how future ministry might be more effective, efficient, and built on a commitment to: global missions support, Georgia church services, Georgia church planting partnerships, and Georgia community evangelism and missions. He added that the reinvention embraces the following eight objectives: 1. Ministry that compels the next generation to be engaged 2. Ministry that strengthens churches and church leaders 3. Ministry that puts more resources into connecting children and teens 4. Ministry that results in more Gospel proclamation and salvations Book of Reports

21 5. Ministry that brings ethnic churches and leaders into leadership and full participation 6. Ministry that directly supports the priorities of the Five Smooth Stones 7. Ministry that mobilizes people to personally engage in missions, and 8. Ministry that compels people to want to give more financially. Dr. White reported that the reinvention includes changing the doing business as name from the Georgia Baptist Convention to the Georgia Baptist Mission Board as it better represents that the Convention is a missionary sending agency in Georgia. He added that the corporate name of The Executive Committee of the Baptist Convention of the State of Georgia will not change. He said that the reinvention will include field based personnel with employees and practitioners who will work closer to the churches across the state. Dr. White reported that the reinvention includes changes to the organizational structure in order to meet the objectives, focusing upon practicality that makes sense, avoiding duplication in ministries, strengthening successful ministries, partnering with churches and associations in successful events, and planting campus churches in Georgia Baptist properties across the state. He reported that the reinvention has already started with the sharing of resources of The Christian Index with the Communications ministry area. He announced that the new operation schedule for the Missions and Ministry Center in Duluth will be Monday through Thursday with a call center to receive and refer calls to staff who will be available remotely on Friday. 4. Report from Administration Committee Regarding Messengers At the September 15, 2015 meeting of the Executive Committee, the Administration Committee reported their study of the December 2014 motion to consider amending Article II, Section 2, Messengers, of the Constitution of the Georgia Baptist Convention to reflect percentage giving or equal sacrifice, rather than its current standard of a specified $800, which is reflective of equal gifts. The Administration Committee reported that the results of applying a percentage-based formula would be that 402 churches would gain 1 to 15 messengers, 1,127 churches not be affected, 1,787 churches would lose 1 to 13 messengers, and the maximum number of messengers would be reduced. The Committee also reported that when a church does not report an ACR, the Convention would not have any basis on which to determine a percentage of Cooperative Program giving to qualify for messengers. The Administration Committee recommended no action by the Executive Committee regarding changing the constitutional guidelines for messengers. 5. Resolution Regarding Pinebloom Property At the September 15, 2015 meeting of the Executive Committee, the following resolution regarding the Pinebloom property was approved by the Executive Committee: RESOLUTION OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REGARDING PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1585 SOUTH PONCE DE LEON AVENUE, ATLANTA, DEKALB COUNTY, GEORGIA WHEREAS, the Executive Committee owns certain real property located at 1585 South Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, DeKalb County, Georgia 30307, consisting of approximately 3.5 acres (the Property ); and 2015 Book of Reports 21

22 WHEREAS, the Executive Committee recognizes that certain decisions may need to be made regarding the Property, including a determination as to whether or not the Property should be sold. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: 1. That the Executive Committee delegates to the Executive Director in consultation with the Administration Committee authority to determine if the Property should be sold. 2. Further, should a determination be made that the Property be sold that the Executive Director in consultation with the Administration Committee shall have full and complete authority to determine the sales price and terms for the sale, and that the Executive Director shall have authority to negotiate, approve, enter into, execute, and deliver any purchase and sale agreement, or any other agreements with a purchaser or other interested parties, and to execute and deliver any other documents or instruments as may be deemed necessary, appropriate, desirable, or required, including without limitation, deeds, transfer documents, certifications, affidavits, or other agreements, or documents in order to complete a sale of the Property. 3. Further, that the Administration Committee shall have full and complete authority for and on behalf of the Executive Committee to approve any resolution, motion, or action to authorize the sale of the Property and to transfer the Executive Committee s right, title, and interest in such property on such terms as determined by the Executive Director and the Administration Committee to be in the best interest of the Executive Committee. 6. Recommendation Regarding Changes in the Convention Standing Rules At the September 15, 2015 meeting of the Executive Committee, the following changes in the Convention Standing Rules 5 and 16 (removed text noted as stricken and added text underlined) were approved by the Executive Committee: 5. The report of the Committee on Nominations shall include the name of the church and the association of each nominee and the report shall be made available to messengers in writing prior to the presentation of the report with the allowance for oral corrections or additions. (Adopted 1987) (Amended 2015) ******************************************************* 16. A proposed resolution, in order to be considered by the Convention, must be signed and personally delivered by its author or his designee to the Recording Secretary, or one of the Assistant Recording Secretaries, by the end of the Monday evening session of the Convention. All proposed resolutions will be automatically referred to the Committee on Resolutions without discussion, except where the president of the Convention rules that a proposed resolution shall be considered at the time offered or referred. The Committee on Resolutions shall review proposed resolutions and shall present appropriate resolutions to the Convention for its consideration. Whenever possible, resolutions presented by the Committee on Resolutions for consideration by the Convention shall be printed and distributed available to messengers prior to the presentation of the report to the Convention. (Adopted 1997) (Amended 2015) Book of Reports

23 VII. SPECIAL RECOMMENDATIONS REQUIRING CONVENTION ACTION 1. Recommendations Concerning Convention Operations. In addition to this report of activities of the Executive Committee and the program of work of the Convention, there are several other recommendations for Convention action. The Executive Committee of the Georgia Baptist Convention recommends: That the Cooperative Program be presented and used as the principal channel of financial support of Baptist work at home and abroad. That our churches engage in the five areas of ministry reflected in the 5 Smooth Stones in a strong effort to reduce lostness in Georgia and to strengthen our existing churches. That our churches be urged to adopt a budget in which the Cooperative Program is included as a specific percentage of the total budget. That our churches encourage individual church members to grow in their commitment to tithing through the local church. Churches are challenged, in turn, to grow in mission support through the Cooperative Program. In addition, churches are encouraged to utilize the services and materials available through the Georgia Baptist Convention in their efforts to enlist and develop all church members as responsible Christian stewards. That these recommendations include all of the recommendations incorporated in the proposed Cooperative Program Budget for And, that churches make even greater use of Georgia Baptist missionaries, ministries, and agencies as a means of more fully enlisting and developing their members and church organizations in supporting the Cooperative Program Book of Reports 23

24 2. Recommendation of the Cooperative Program Budget Committee. The Cooperative Program Budget Committee has made the necessary studies and recommends the following Cooperative Budget for RECOMMENDED 2016 COOPERATIVE PROGRAM BUDGET $40,600,000 SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION MINISTRIES COOPERATIVE PROGRAM 42.00% $17,052,000 Disbursements* International Mission Board 8,595,913 North American Mission Board 3,886,151 Theological Education Ministries 3,778,723 Facilitating Ministries/SBC Operating 509,855 Christian Ethics and Religious Liberty Ministries 281,358 Total $17,052,000 *Disbursements based on SBC Executive Committee Budget GEORGIA BAPTIST MISSION EXTENSION MINISTRIES COOPERATIVE PROGRAM 11.85% $4,812,500 Disbursements Colleges/Universities Shorter University 2,000,000 Brewton-Parker College 1,000,000 Truett-McConnell College 1,000,000 Ministerial Education Fund 200,000 Education Commission 12,500 4,212,500 Baptist Village 250,000 Baptist Retirement Communities of Georgia 250,000 Georgia Baptist Foundation 100,000 Total $ 4,812, Book of Reports