Indiana pastors convene, look ahead at annual convention

The 56^th annual session of the MLK Memorial Baptist State Convention concludes with president’s reflections

The 56^th annual session of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Baptist State Convention rallies around the successful conclusion of its statewide convention held July 8-11, 2024, at the historic St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Indianapolis hosted by Pastor Phillip L. Shobe. The meeting brought together pastors in the convention from East Chicago, Gary and Indianapolis to examine and amplify its goals and initiatives for the upcoming year.

The convention opened its first night with an insightful Social Justice Symposium narrated by the Director General for Social Justice of the Progressive National Baptist Convention (PNBC), the Rev. Daryl Gray of St. Louis, Missouri. Morning and evening worship services were held Tuesday through Thursday.

The Women’s Department sponsored a brunch around the theme, “Walk in Your Purpose: Step by Step,” featuring a vibrant panel discussion. Daily interactive training sessions and workshops for laypersons were aimed at strengthening ministries and individual spiritual growth.

Key content of the convention included two resolutions sent to Governor Holcomb’s office on behalf of PNBC, Inc. The first was the 2023 Amnesty International Resolution and the second was the 2023 Democracy Resolution.

President Dwight Gardner, of Trinity Missionary Baptist Church in Gary, shared a synopsis of his stewardship since July 2023, as well as his annual address titled, “What Are We Going to Do?”

Gardner said there were key developments on the horizon that will affect the organization over the next few years and that are pivotal to the organization’s mission and growth. Gardner said youth membership is vital to the future of the convention. Congruent with his message, he cited that forming a District Association in Indianapolis was a high priority.

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Baptist State Convention is an affiliate of the Progressive National Baptist Convention. The 2025 and 2026 conventions will be in Gary. Memorial Rev. Tony Guthrie, Indianapolis, is the first vice president; the Rev. R.E. Robinson, Gary, is the second vice president.

Rev. Dr. Marilyn Gill is a member of the Memorial Baptist State Convention. Pastors interested in joining the convention may call (219) 614- 9490.