Known as the theme park capital of the world, Orlando is considered the ultimate summer destination. But for N.C. Baptists traveling to the Sunshine State for the 2026 Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) annual meeting and pastors’ conference June 7-10, the trip is about much more than a fast pass or a photo op.

Whether it’s witnessing SBC President Clint Pressley of Charlotte preside over his final meeting as president, honoring Danny Akin’s legacy at Southeastern Seminary or gathering for fun and fellowship, pack your bags because N.C. Baptists will be well represented in Orlando. Here’s your guide to N.C. Baptists’ involvement, events and highlights at this year’s SBC annual meeting.

Pressley presiding

SBC President Clint Pressley, senior pastor of Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Charlotte, will preside over the annual meeting. Pressley is scheduled to deliver his president’s address on Tuesday, June 9, at 11:25 a.m. Pressley previously announced “Walking Worthy,” drawn from Ephesians 4:1-3, as the theme for this year’s meeting. The meeting will also mark the conclusion of Pressley’s two-term tenure as SBC president.

Worship

Gerald Malloy, worship ministry pastor at Hickory Grove Baptist Church’s Mallard Creek campus, is serving as this year’s convention music director. Malloy has served at Hickory Grove since 2009. Members of various aspects of Hickory Grove’s worship ministry will help lead times of worship throughout the annual meeting.

Sending Celebration

One of the highlights of the SBC annual meeting is the International Mission Board’s (IMB) Sending Celebration, during which attendees hear testimonies and pray over newly appointed missionaries who will take the gospel to the nations. This year’s Sending Celebration is scheduled for Tuesday, June 9, at 10:30 a.m., and it will include missionaries from N.C. Baptist churches.

NC Baptist meetup at SeaWorld

If you’re in Orlando, join N.C. Baptists and friends for a special night at SeaWorld’s Antarctica Penguin Encounter on Monday, June 8, from 8-10 p.m. Guests can enjoy a selection of desserts, an up close encounter with more than 200 penguins and rides on the Kraken roller coaster. The event is sponsored by Provision Financial Resources of N.C. Baptists and the Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina in partnership with the Baptist state convention. Register for free at www.ncbaptist.org/meetup.

Exhibit hall booths

The Baptist State Convention of North Carolina and Provision Financial Resources will have booths in the annual meeting exhibit hall. If you’re in Orlando, stop by to meet with N.C. Baptist and Provision staff to learn more about various missions and ministry opportunities.

Murray to be nominated for 2nd VP

J. Allen Murray, pastor of Mount Pisgah Baptist Church in Supply, N.C., and current president of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, will be nominated for second vice president of the SBC at this year’s meeting in Orlando. Chris Griggs, lead pastor of First Baptist Church of Welcome, N.C., plans to make the nomination.

NC pastors to offer prayers

Four N.C. Baptist pastors are scheduled to lead the convention in prayer during business sessions of the annual meeting. They are:

Jordon Willard, senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Weddington (closing prayer on Tuesday afternoon).

Chris Griggs, lead pastor of First Baptist Church of Welcome (opening prayer on Wednesday morning).

Ronnie Parrott, lead pastor and directional elder at Christ Community Church in Huntersville (closing prayer Wednesday morning).

Mike Powers, elder and lead pastor of Richland Creek Community Church in Wake Forest (opening prayer Wednesday afternoon).

SBC board, committee nominees from NC

Several N.C. Baptists are among those being nominated to serve on various SBC boards and committees by the Committee on Nominations, which puts forth a list of individuals for messengers to consider and approve at the annual meeting. N.C. Baptists who are being recommended by the committee, along with their church and location, are as follows:

SBC Executive Committee: Christopher J. (Chris) Griggs, First Welcome, Lexington.

International Mission Board: Donald M. Cline, Mt. Anderson, Maiden.

New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary: Jordon R. Willard, First, Weddington.

North American Mission Board: David E. Amiss, Poplar Spring, Zebulon.

Southern Baptist Theological Seminary: Dave Russell, Oakhurst, Charlotte.

Akin’s final meeting as Southeastern president

This year marks Danny Akin’s final SBC annual meeting as president of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Akin will deliver his final presidential report to messengers during the joint seminary reports, scheduled for Tuesday, June 9, at 2:15 p.m. He will also be honored during the annual Southeastern Alumni and Friends Luncheon in Orlando on Wednesday, June 10, at noon. Akin is retiring on July 31 after serving for 22 years as Southeastern’s president. Scott Pace has been elected to serve as Southeastern’s next president. 

Hollifield to be honored

Former N.C. Baptist Executive Director-Treasurer Milton A. Hollifield Jr. will be honored as one of two distinguished alumni award recipients by Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary at this year’s meeting. Hollifield will be recognized at the Southwestern Seminary Alumni and Friends Luncheon on Wednesday, June 10. A native of western North Carolina, Hollifield led the work of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina for nearly 15 years and served as a staff member for more than 27 years overall before his retirement in 2021.

Livestream

If you can’t make it to Orlando, you can watch the proceedings from this year’s SBC annual meeting and pastors’ conference at www.sbcannualmeeting.net. The site also includes a detailed schedule of the meeting as well as information about all of the related events and activities taking place.

(EDITOR’S NOTE— This article originally appeared in the spring 2026 edition of the Biblical Recorder magazine.)