The following post is by Amy Grizzle, the minister to adults at Houston’s South Main Baptist Church.

CBF General Assembly in Houston July 2-3  – 
11 Random Things You Should Know about Being There:

1. General Assembly is a great way to connect with old friends and build new relationships. Engaging, Connecting and Relationship-building is crucial for sustaining ministerial well-being and is the heartbeat of our Baptist identity. We don’t have hierarchy structures to connect us; it’s up to us to know each other and to support each other.
2. Houston really isn’t that hot in July. I’m a Georgia girl from Atlanta now living in Houston and the concrete jungle of Atlanta is just as hot in the summer. Convention centers are notoriously well air-conditioned so being outside will give you a chance to thaw out.
3. CBF needs you. We are CBF. All of us. If we don’t show up to participate in decision-making and relationship building, then who will? If you’re older, those of us who are younger would like to know you. If you’re younger, you’ll want to know those who are older and wiser within CBF. If you come, we’ll all be in the same place at the same time and have the chance to connect. Amazing people abound.
4. Tex Mex food is worth the trip to Houston. Really. If you’re Baptist, you like to eat. If you don’t have the best Mexican food ever in Texas, find me and I’ll buy your lunch. Chuy’s, Ninfa’s, Bocados, Lupe Tortilla’s, Irma’s for lunch near the Ball Park…ask the locals where to go.
5. Where else can you experience the largest church business meeting you’ll ever go to? You know you’ll love another outlet for using Robert’s Rules of Order…
6. The Convention Center is located at Houston’s brand new Discovery Green park. It’s a great place to see and to be. Downtown Houston is a great downtown area. Explore the offerings in the Theatre district, just blocks from the Convention Center. The Metro rail line will take you straight to the Museum District and Hermann Park. You can’t go wrong at any museum you choose. See www.houstondowntown.com  
7. I’m 31 years old, have been attending General Assembly since college, and have never been to a General Assembly I didn’t like. I know that probably makes me a bit of a geek (or a Preacher’s Kid…). If you come and truly make an effort to engage the opportunities provided, you’ll have a great time and will be glad you were here. I walk away, thankful for old friends, excited about new connections, and happy to be a Baptist engaging in God’s work in the world.
8. Nothing’s perfect. If you don’t like something, be a part of it and work to change it. Contribute and connect; we’re Baptist. It’s what we do.
9. If you can stay to see the fireworks downtown on Saturday July 4, you’ll be glad you did.
10. The Missionary Commissioning will be on Wednesday night at my church. We have a beautiful and historic sanctuary and more importantly, the service is one of the most meaningful times of worship I get to experience. It reminds me of why CBF matters and it reminds me of why I love being Baptist. I hope to see you there.
11. NASA is cool…and it’s a half-hour drive from the Convention Center.

It’s not too late to pre-register for General Assembly. Take advantage of summer airfare sales and book a ticket to Houston. Or, if you’re within driving distance, get a few friends to come with you to experience the Fellowship firsthand. Visit www.thefellowship.info/assembly to pre-register. It’s easy and free.