Dakota Baptist Convention

Dakotans to Gather in Williston for Annual Meeting and Focus on Prayer

The Annual Meeting of the Dakota Baptist Convention will be at Cornerstone First Baptist Church in Williston, ND. The dates of the meeting, which will be led by DBC president Josh Brown (Rapid City, SD: Redeeming Grace), are October 3-4. The theme for this year’s Dakota Gathering is “We Always Pray.”

The theme is taken from Paul’s promise, “To this end also we always pray for you that our God may make you worthy of His calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by His power; so that that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thess. 1:11-12).

Highlights of this year’s meeting include messages from James Proctor (Rapid City, SD: South Canyon Baptist), Brown, and DBC Executive Director Fred MacDonald. Vice president Chip Holmes (Wolsey, SD: First Baptist) will share a testimony on Thursday and open the Friday morning session with a devotional. Worship throughout the meeting will be led by Scott Ristau (Aberdeen, SD: Sovereign Grace Church). 

The major business items will take place on Friday evening. Executive Board chairman Dude Garrett (Fargo, ND: Journey Church) will present the proposed 2025 annual budget and calendar for approval by the messengers. Reports from various committees and DBC staff will take place on Friday morning, as well as election of officers for 2024-2025.

The meeting will open at 1:30 on Thursday afternoon with a time of worship, preaching of the Word, and prayer. Proctor will share his message, “Make Us Worthy,” in a plenary session. This will be followed by men and women’s breakouts. The men’s session will feature Holmes’ testimony, sharing, and prayer. The women’s coffee will feature a discussion on prayer and prayer journaling. Leading the ladies’ session will be Funmi Adeyemo (Rapid City, SD: Hills of Grace), Toni Harp (Belfield, ND: Belfield Baptist), Denise MacDonald (Rapid City, SD: Hills of Grace), and Esther Queen (Williston, ND: Cornerstone First Baptist).

On Thursday evening, before the opening business session, the DBC will host a mission banquet. Messengers and guests will have a meal together to recognize DBC churches that led the way in evangelism and missions giving. They will also hear from representatives of various SBC agencies. There is no charge for the meal. The SBC Executive Committee assists in providing this meal.

Registration for both messengers and guests is now open on the DBC website, www.dakotabaptist.com. There is also information on the website about a hotel that is giving those that need a room a special rate. In addition to registering, messengers need to complete and bring a messenger card. These were sent to churches at the end of August, along with a copy of the proposed budget.

The Executive Board will have a brief organizational meeting after the conclusion of the annual meeting.