General Missionary Baptist State Convention 2025 Spring Session
By Rev. S. M. Harrington
JA Contributing Writer
General Missionary Baptist State Convention (GMBSC) Christian Educators & Church Leaders Conference was held Monday, March 10th through Wednesday, March 12th, in Natchez, Mississippi. GMBSC President Rev. Reginald Buckley and his leadership cabinet accomplished their vision and purpose for the conference, which is “to empower and equip pastors, preachers, and local congregations to maximize their individual potential for engaging in effective ministry.”
From the opening gavel by Rev. Buckley, each day commenced with 8:00 a.m. devotional scripture, powerful prayer, and purposeful preaching. These were followed by numerous separate educational sessions, lunch break, and more sessions during the afternoon. The outstanding selected instructors were experts in church administration, church leadership development, and couples in ministry work.
The Natchez Convention Center provided the perfect location. The Natchez mayor and other city officials ensured the GMBSC and participating vendors had the appropriate safe space.
Because of the excellent GMBSC conference planning team, each attending church leader was provided with a GMBSC conference book that included the summary description of all sessions conducted, a map of building layout, vendors supporting the conference, and information with times of daily speakers.
On Monday and Tuesday nights at Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, Pastor Rev. Melvin White, the GMBSC attendees, and general public were invited to participate in worship service at 7:00 p.m. The GMBSC musical openings on both nights created a spiritual atmosphere lifting hearts and minds in preparation for the powerful sermons delivered to the congregation. These worship services were provided live online for GMBSC listeners across Mississippi.
Natchez College, which was established in 1884, is under renovation as the newly named Baptist Heritage and Arts Center building at Natchez College. The completed first floor meeting area was open for tours on Tuesday during the Spring Session.
On Wednesday as closing hours approached, the announcement was made for GMBSC Annual Convention in Jackson on July 21-24, 2025. Registration is open for churches to join. The listing of other upcoming public events and services will be posted on the GMBSC website.
To summarize this event, this Baptist preacher-seasoned saint would say, “We are going to be Alright!” The fellowship afforded for attending church leaders was genuinely felt during each break time with spirited conversations and sincere exchanges. What a blessing to see much collaboration and networking that has potential of positive communication connections to benefit more communities!
Truly the 2025 SPRING GMBSC SESSION was well designed to enhance and renew leaders according to the GMBSC theme –FOLLOWING HIM:
“. . . as disciples, we are called to faithfully follow Jesus. Following Jesus means looking to Him for affirmation so that our ministries are in step with Him and our hearts are content in Him. Following Jesus means looking to Him for inspiration so that our visions are not our own but are distinctively His and divinely given. Following Jesus means looking to Him for confirmation so that our mission is in alignment with the Great Commission and our churches embody all that He commanded.”
The full schedule of GMBSC sessions for youth leaders, laymen, women, ushers, teachers and ministers can be found on GMBSC website. For additional information, please contact Rev. Harrington at revsmharrington@gmail.com.
