IMB Missionaries being sent to proclaim the Gospel around the world.

 

ORLANDO, Fla.—More than 10,000 registered messengers from Southern Baptist churches across the United States and globe gathered in Orlando, Florida for the 2026 Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) Annual Meeting and related events.

During the morning session of the opening day of the 2026 SBC Meeting on June 9, the International Mission Board (IMB) Sending Celebration took place, as 63 newly-commissioned missionaries are being sent to the nations.

Among the 63 IMB missionaries, six Oklahoma Baptists were featured, including Tanner and Sallie from OKC, Frontline South.

Oklahoma Baptists Executive-Director Todd Fisher said, “Sending missionaries to the nations is at the heart of who we are as Southern Baptists. Today we were blessed to send 63 newly-appointed missionaries—including six Oklahoma Baptists—with the Gospel. We are so grateful for the Lord for their faithfulness to follow God’s call and for this shared Gospel work we have.”

Oklahoma Baptist Pastor Chris Wall of Owasso, First, said on social media following the IMB sending, “There are many reasons I love our cooperation as a group of SBC churches. But this right here is the main reason: Missionaries are going to the nations.”

Prior to the SBC Annual Meeting, the 2026 SBC Pastors’ Conference preceded the annual meeting, taking place June 7-8 and featured Gospel preaching and “micro-conferences designed to equip local churches.”

On the evening of June 8, the IMB hosted a special dinner event to convey the central importance of missions. Close to 2,000 people filled tables at the IMB dinner. The theme of the evening resonated across screens: Together, We Sustain Gospel Presence.

Chitwood took to the stage to conclude the event, speaking transparently about what it takes to keep a missionary family on the field. Among other support, generous gifts to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering® and Cooperative Program cover missionary salaries and living expenses, education for children, healthcare, language acquisition, housing, visas, security and research tools.

“I have had the privilege of leading this organization for seven years now,” Chitwood said. “And I can tell you that what keeps me going — what I come back to when the work is hard and the challenges are real — is rooms like this one. People like you.”

He closed, “Southern Baptists have decided that the nations matter, that the unreached deserve to hear the gospel, and that we are better together than we could ever be apart.”

Also during the morning session on June 9, a special time of recognition for America’s 250th anniversary was celebrated called “Celebrate Freedom” and was led by Chaplain Major General Doug Carver, U.S. Army retired, who is executive director of chaplaincy with the North American Mission Board.

Jeff Moore, senior pastor of Altus, First, presented the Committee on Nominations Report, which was approved by messengers.

Jeff Moore, senior pastor of Altus, First, presented the Committee on Nominations Report, which was approved by messengers.

For information on the SBC Annual Meeting or to view a livestream video, visit https://sbcannualmeeting.net/.

The SBC Annual Meeting will continue until June 10 at the Orange County Convention Center and featuring times of worship, preaching, missionary sending and key business.

Look for future coverage in upcoming editions of the Baptist Messenger or visit www.baptistpress.com.