This Week at Cross Church: My Dear Cross Church Family

I wish there was a way for me to sit across from each of you and share straight from the heart. Since I am unable to do that, please know it is my joy to share some very important things with you via this means of communication today. Please take the time to read through each of these.

1. The greatest thing you can do for me is to pray for me. Please do not undervalue this. These next few days are going to be very challenging and special. Pray for Jeana as well, as she will be by my side in the midst of the challenges and the special times. We need prayer! Extraordinary prayer!

2. Pray for me at 6:20 p.m. EST (5:20 p.m. our time) Sunday night, as I preach at the Pastors’ Conference of the Southern Baptist Convention. I am giving the opening address, preaching on: “God’s Glory: Distinguished by it or Distanced from it?” Please pray as I preach from Exodus 33:12-18.

3. Pray for Dr. Al Mohler, President of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, as he nominates me for the office of President of the Southern Baptist Convention. He will make this nomination at approximately 10:30 a.m. Tuesday (EST) (9:30 a.m. our time). As usual, there is more than one candidate, and we are praying for God’s will. We trust Him. Dr. Mohler is one of the most brilliant theologians on the planet, highly influential, not only in Southern Baptist life, but also in evangelical Christianity. It is a humbling experience to have him nominate me for this office. Please pray for Dr. Mohler to be used of God greatly, anointed by Him, and able to articulate clearly the need before us. If I am elected and called upon to serve, we will know by noon on Tuesday.

If this occurs, I will begin serving as President when this year’s Southern Baptist Convention concludes late Wednesday afternoon. Let me be clear: This is a voluntary and unpaid position, in which I will remain as Pastor of Cross Church, but will also serve in this role if called upon by the Southern Baptist Convention. If I am not elected, we trust the Lord and His will in all matters. Please pray for the will of God relating to it all. There is no greater need I have than prayer.

4. Pray for our son, Josh, his wife, Kate, and their three boys, Peyton, Parker, and Jack, as they transition to the greater Birmingham, Alabama area. After 10 years of service at Shiloh Christian School, comprised of four state championships, another state finalist appearance, and numerous conference championships, Josh is leaving to become the Head Football Coach of the Hewitt-Trussville High School, which is located in the Birmingham metropolitan area. They play against some of the greatest high school football programs in the country; therefore, the competition will be massive and exciting.

Obviously, we will miss all five of them dearly. We have had the privilege of having Josh and his family here during the majority of his coaching career. It will be a major transition for all of us, but pray especially for them. This will be a tremendous gospel opportunity, allowing Josh to use the position of Head Football Coach to advance the gospel of Jesus Christ. Please pray their house here sells rapidly.

5. Pray for this Sunday, as it will be a great day here at Cross Church. The summer is kicking in big-time, so let’s engage and see God do a great and phenomenal work among us.

Finally, God bless each of you. I love you and appreciate you.

Yours for the Great Commission,

Ronnie W. Floyd