- Pray
Seriously, isn’t “Pray” the first item on every listicle (an article in the form of a list) on every church or religion blog? There is a reason for that. It is our primary tool for communicating with our Father and aligning our thoughts with His will. We ought to start every endeavor in prayer seeking our Father’s guidance. We all know this but it is so extremely vital that we have to keep mentioning it.
As you prepare for the BCI Annual Meeting please pray for guidance and wisdom for all of the officers, staff, speakers, board members, nominees and messengers. Pray that God’s will would be done through all of the proceedings. Pray that God leads you to make connections, renew relationships and engage with others at the meeting.
The Iowa Board Room and Lounge located on the lower level of the hotel has been reserved as a prayer room throughout the Annual Meeting.
- Make sure that you are registered and signed in
Proceed to the registration table for your name tags and information packets when you get to the meeting. Even if you have pre-registered online you will still need to check in. If you don’t check in, you won’t get to vote, or EAT!
- Participate in democratic process
If you are attending the meeting as a Messenger, you will be asked to vote on several matters throughout the meeting. It was said above, but it bears repeating. Make sure that you are properly registered as a messenger and check in to receive your name tags and ballots starting at 8:30 am.
Check out the Book of Reports to familiarize yourself with the items that will be up for a vote.
Meet some of the people who will be nominated for BCI officer positions at bciowa.org/annmtgdetails.
- Read the Book of Reports now
Another item that bears repeating. Let’s be honest, some of this is pretty dry reading, but it is crucial to the business of our meeting. Take the time to read it now, and you will have more time to spend on these other items while you are at the meeting. Click HERE to download and read the Book of Reports.
- Network
Connect with other people at the meeting. Meet people from other churches who have the same roles that you have and share ideas. We all face similar challenges, and we don’t have to face them alone. Try to both give and receive encouragement. Exchange contact information and stay in touch.
- Check out the exhibits
Many ministries and partners will have exhibits just outside of our meeting room. Give them a moment of your time and see what they have to offer you, or how you and your church can become active in their ministry.
- Welcome new pastors, newly affiliating churches and new church plants
This is exciting stuff, so when you recognize these churches and pastors after they are introduced, give them a warm welcome to the Iowa Baptist family.
