ORLANDO, Fla.—Southern Baptist Convention messengers adopted a series of resolutions Wednesday addressing political violence, immigration, antisemitism, pastoral leadership, and the importance of gathered worship, while rejecting several proposed amendments during the final day of the 2026 SBC annual meeting.
Messengers also completed the slate of officer elections for 2026-2027.
On the office and function of pastor/elder/overseer
Messengers approved Resolution 9, “On the Office and Function of Pastor/Elder/Overseer,” after defeating an amendment concerning church governance structures.
The resolution reaffirms the convention’s position on the office of pastor/elder/overseer being limited to men who meet biblical qualifications.
It states pastoral oversight of, preaching to, and teaching the gathered church are inseparably connected to the pastoral office and should not be separated from the qualifications required for the role.
The resolution encourages churches to use the titles “pastor,” “elder,” and “overseer” consistently with the office as described in Scripture and the Baptist Faith and Message 2000
On political violence and speech
Messengers adopted Resolution 6, “On Political Violence and Speech,” after rejecting an amendment that would have added a specific reference to the 2025 assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.
Ryan Helfenbein, a messenger from Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg, Va., and on behalf of the Resolutions Committee, acknowledged Kirk’s influence and his close friendship with him but urged messengers to preserve the resolution’s broader focus.
“This tragic event, along with the multiple attempts on President Trump’s life and other acts of political violence, served as a major catalyst for drafting this resolution,” Helfenbein said. “The current statement does not name any individuals, and that was intentional, and the committee had found no precedent in past resolutions of this nature being limited to just one individual.”
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On immigration, human dignity, and the rule of law
Messengers next adopted Resolution 7, “On Immigration, Human Dignity, and the Rule of Law.”
The resolution supports lawful immigration enforcement and accountability for criminal activity, rejects amnesty without accountability, and opposes nativism, racial hostility, ethnic discrimination, and dehumanizing rhetoric.
It also urges special care for children and families, protection of religious liberty, and continued ministry to immigrant communities.
On evangelism, discipleship, and care for the disabled
Messengers approved Resolution 4 highlighting the importance of ministry with and care for persons with disabilities and their families.
The resolution acknowledges millions of Americans live with physical, intellectual, developmental, sensory, and mental disabilities, and many families caring for individuals with disabilities experience unique challenges, including isolation, exhaustion, financial burdens, and limited access to church participation.
Citing Scripture’s teaching that all people bear God’s image, the resolution affirms the equal worth and dignity of people with disabilities and rejects attitudes that diminish their value or exclude them from church life.
The resolution passed as part of the SBC’s broader effort to encourage churches to engage underserved populations with the gospel while strengthening ministry support for families facing significant challenges.
Resolutions on antisemitism and the physically gathered church
Messengers agreed to consider Resolutions 10 and 11 together.
Resolution 10 condemns the rise in antisemitism following the October 2023 Hamas attacks, citing violence, harassment, terrorism advocacy, and online conspiracy theories targeting Jewish people.
It specifically rejects claims Jewish people collectively control media, finance, politics, culture, or even weather, describing such accusations as modern versions of historic antisemitic libels that have fueled persecution for centuries.
Resolution 11 affirms the local church is an embodied gathering of baptized believers and regular, in-person assembly is essential to worship, discipleship, fellowship, accountability, and ministry.
While recognizing the value of digital technologies for gospel proclamation, communication, and biblical instruction, the resolution states online participation cannot replace the biblical functions of the gathered church or the personal ministry of pastors and church members.
On finishing well in life and ministry
Earlier Wednesday, messengers adopted Resolution 8, “On Finishing Well in Life and Ministry.” The resolution expresses gratitude for positive leadership examples, honors those who lead faithfully over many years, and encourages all ministry leaders to persevere in holiness and faithfulness to Christ.
Officer elections
Messengers cast nine ballots for convention officers, the most in SBC history, according to Registration Secretary Don Currence. This number includes the Pastors’ Conference that precedes the SBC annual meeting. Three elections resulted in runoffs.
In addition to electing a new convention president, messengers elected the following officers for 2026-2027.
Craig Carlisle, director of missions for Etowah Baptist Association in Gadsden, Ala. and current second vice president, was elected first vice president after a runoff with Paul Purvis, lead pastor of Mission Hill Baptist Church in Temple Terrace, Fla.
Allen Murray, pastor of Mount Pisgah Baptist Church in Supply, N.C., was elected second vice president after a runoff with Ethan Jago, lead pastor of 5 Bridges Church in Panama City, Fla.
Travis Kerns, associational mission strategist for Three Rivers Baptist Association in Taylors, S.C., was elected recording secretary after a runoff with George Schroeder, lead pastor of First Baptist Church in Fairfield, Texas.
Don Currence, administrative pastor of First Baptist Church in Ozark, Mo., was reelected registration secretary without opposition.
Wayne Bray, pastor of First Baptist Simpsonville/Upstate Church in Simpsonville, S.C., was elected president of the 2027 SBC Pastors’ Conference.
Messengers also elected the convention preacher, alternate preacher, and music director for the 2027 SBC annual meeting in Indianapolis, Ind., respectively: David Dockery, president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; Jackie Allen, pastor emeritus at Cross Church in Surprise, Ariz.; Kyle Mullett, lead pastor of worship at Calvary Baptist Church in Clearwater, Fla.
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