I’m not really in the know like some of the others here at Voices, but I’ve got my ear to the ground as we prepare for #SBC17. I’m hearing now that Bart Barber and Dave Miller will be the only two guys in Phoenix wearing a suit and tie. President Gaines has issued an executive order declaring that the dress code for this year’s convention is business casual.
Here’s what he told Baptist Press:
“Because of the severe heat in Phoenix during the summer months, I encourage all messengers to the 2017 Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting to dress casually. Men should feel free not to wear a necktie. Speakers on the platform are encouraged to dress in business casual attire without a necktie. I hope this will make our annual meeting more enjoyable for all.”
Surely there was a day when the old suit and tie was standard attire for the convention, but I doubt most Southern Baptists in this day needed to be encouraged not to don a suit and tie in Phoenix in the middle of June. It seems to me that in recent years, the men in suits have been far outnumbered. In years past, a suit and tie has been the surefire way to spot an entity head, aspiring entity head, and Wiley Drake. Of course things are even changing on that front. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen David Platt wearing a tie, and Kevin Ezell is now known for rocking the sweater vest. In fact, Ezell asked for dress code clarification on Twitter yesterday.
Are sweater vest considered business casual? #headedtotjmaxx https://t.co/YEZn4aOZsZ
— Kevin Ezell (@kevezell) June 2, 2017
That’s all funny, but the forecasted temperature in Phoenix during the annual meeting is no joke. The high is above 100 degrees all four days of the pastors’ conference and convention. Wednesday’s high is 106. But don’t worry. It’s a dry heat. Yeah, and so is an oven. Thankfully, we will spend most of our time inside doing the important business of the Southern Baptist Convention. Or talking with friends in the exhibit hall. But you get the picture.
I am excited for this year’s convention. If you haven’t yet planned to come, it’s not too late. Consider this video invitation from SBC President Steve Gaines.
