06/11/2026
The SBC 2026 Annual Meeting in Orlando ended Wednesday. As Erin and I wait to fly home today, I sit reflecting on the two days of meetings and thought I would share five thoughts (this is a lengthy post):
5. Erin and I are grateful for Blanchard First for sending us to represent you at the convention. Blanchard First, you are a blessing!
4. Free swag makes me happy! I am coming home with enough t-shirts and pens to last me a year, not to mention the free books. Grateful for the Exhibit Hall and all the free stuff that the Exhibitor’s provide. Who doesn’t like free stuff!
3. Meetings are not always fun, but they are necessary, important, and have a purpose. But I am also reminded that meeting fatigue is real!
2. There were over 21,000 people in attendance. A little over 11,600 were registered messengers at SBC26 and we voted on many things. The one vote that got the most attention was the “Truth and Unity” Amendment to the constitution of the convention which states that a cooperating SBC church "does not act to affirm, appoint, or endorse a woman serving in the office or function of a pastor/elder/overseer, specifically preaching to the assembled congregation." This amendment was overwhelmingly approved by the messengers, but it will need to be approved again by a 2/3 majority in next year’s annual meeting in Indianapolis to be ratified.
This amendment simply reiterates what Blanchard First and Southern Baptist believes Scripture makes clear (1 Tim. 2:12-14, 1 Tim. 3:1-7, Titus 1:6-9). Also, it is line with the Baptist Faith and Message 2000.
Contrary to what outside sources are saying, this amendment is not saying that women do not belong or are not important to the mission or ministry of the local church, nor does it say that women cannot serve in a ministry role in the local church. This amendment is stating that the office of elder/pastor/overseer “is limited to men as qualified by Scripture,” which we agree.
There are those who are concerned, based on this amendment, that some in the SBC will come after churches that have women who serve on a ministerial staff and will want to disfellowship them from the Convention. It has been stated that is not the case, but if it is then that will be a bridge we will cross as a church at a later date.
For now Blanchard First, you know my heart and the heart of our church, which is that all ladies, young and old, are important to the mission and ministry of Blanchard First. We are grateful for all the ladies at Blanchard First who are on staff or serving as a teacher or on one of our teams that use their spiritual gifts to share the Gospel, make disciples, and help move the mission of Blanchard First forward for the Glory of God. We love you and appreciate you!
There is a lot more that can be said, but for the sake of time at this moment I will simply say that if you have questions about this amendment or anything else you may have read or heard that went on at the 2026 SBC Annual meeting then please feel free to reach out to Pastor Josh or myself along with our wives. We would love to have a conversation with you.
The SBC is not perfect and we have our flaws, but a few things are still clear: The SBC loves the Lord, believes in the inerrancy and infallibility of the Scriptures, and is still about fulfilling the Great Commission through the local church and missions (Matthew 28:19-20).
1. Here are a few of my personal favorite highlights of SBC26: For the 5th year in a row baptisms among SBC Churches is up! In fact, over 263,000 were baptized in 2025
Church attendance on Sunday mornings are up. There are 4.5 million who meet in SBC churches every Sunday
Tuesday night, Messengers from Oklahoma Baptist Churches got together to fellowship. I am grateful for how our Oklahoma Baptist State Convention loves on its Ministers and families!
Tuesday morning 63 IMB Missionaries were commissioned by the convention to serve as missionaries over seas. Many of whom, who could not show their face, use their real voice, or reveal where they are going. Six out of those 63 were from Oklahoma. It’s a reminder that we are to go and proclaim the Gospel, no matter the cost.
Erin and I return from Orlando feeling hopeful for the future of the SBC. Again, thank you Blanchard First for allowing Erin and I to go!
-Pastor Travis
