by Craig Webb, HPBC Executive Director-Treasurer
Aloha Hawaii Pacific Baptists,
Tomorrow, June 12, 2026, I begin my first sabbatical in 40 years of ministry. My hope for these six weeks is simple: to rest and to be renewed by the Lord.
My last bit of “work” was participating in the 2026 Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting held in Orlando, Florida, on June 9-10. Before I turn off my phone and e-mail for six weeks, let me share a few highlights.
It was a remarkable gathering — more than 20,000 people, including nearly 11,700 messengers, the largest crowd since just after Covid. What struck me most was the spirit of unity and the unmistakable return of missions to center stage. The highlight of the meeting was the International Mission Board “Sending Celebration,” where messengers met 63 new missionaries headed to the field, and IMB President Paul Chitwood shared that the missionary pipeline has grown dramatically in recent years (by 500%).
Messengers also took meaningful steps to strengthen disability ministry across our churches and elected Willy Rice of Florida as our next SBC president.
You’ll also want to know that messengers approved the “Truth and Unity Amendment,” brought by Southern Seminary president Dr. Al Mohler, which states that “a cooperating SBC church does not affirm, appoint, or endorse a woman serving in the office or function of pastor/elder/overseer, specifically preaching to the assembled congregation.”
It passed by a wide margin (roughly 75%), but as a constitutional amendment, it must be approved a second time by a two-thirds majority at next year’s annual meeting in Indianapolis in 2027. This was the most discussed and highly anticipated moment of the two days. Messengers also approved a resolution on the same topic. For those who’d like to go deeper, I’ve prepared a document with my own analysis of the amendment and its implications.
Thank you for the privilege of serving with you. I’ll see you on the other side of summer, Lord willing, rested and ready.
By His Authority and In His Presence,
Craig