Are you one of those addicted to the new life found through various forms of social networking? I find it amazing how small the world has become now that, with a simple search, I can find old friends and connect in ways that are still relevant even though we live miles apart and, often, in different hemispheres.

Well, I’ve just read my Facebook and find myself experiencing a warm, fuzzy feeling after being reminded of the many people who have been so important in my journey. Today, I certainly had my fill of laughs and was moved by the concern of others for my welfare.

I signed off, and as I did, I asked myself, “When was the last time I had this sense of communal bonding?”

I thought on it a minute and then went to work – time to continue planning for … General Assembly! That’s it.

For me, the General Assembly of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship is more than a convention or a forum or an annual learning experience. It is my time to continue building community. For almost a week, I dive into this non-virtual version of social networking – it is so much fun and it’s life-changing.

As with my news feeds on Facebook, I meet old friends in non-structured ways. Sometimes, we actually find time to sit down to dinner. Other times, we meet on the fly. Several years ago, I was running between events and literally smacked into an old friend. After a quick hug, we both spilled our stories. Some news was good. Some news wasn’t so good. The next year, I was in a line and turned around to be face to face with the same “bumped into” friend. Her first question was about the story I had shared the previous year. We picked up where we left off. Week’s later, a package arrived in the mail, and this same friend sent a book of encouragement based on our very brief reunion.

I love that there is always the opportunity to make new friends. Maybe it’s the way people express themselves in workshops or worship, but I always find someone I really want to meet. Last year, it was a young man whose expressions and presence during hymn-singing brought me joy – sort of like looking at some great, engaging photos online. Well, he was sitting by a friend, and so after the service, I had her introduce us so that I could thank him for helping me worship.

I remember my first General Assembly – Houston, Texas, in 1998. I thought I would know no one – turned out it was an early lesson related to Baptist-connectedness. Several times I went to lunch with new folk only to learn that somehow there was less than six degrees of separation between us. And that experience typically occurs each year.

For me and my daughters, General Assembly is a family event. The youngest has raced through the hallways and eagerly loaded treats on her plate during evening receptions in the Resource Fair. She behaved as if she were with our local church family at a Wednesday evening meal. It brings me great joy to know my children have grown up in the care of a loving and nurturing Fellowship, and now as young adults, the older ones are finding their own place of service and leadership within this community.

Although I’ve shared that, for me, the assembly is more than a gathering or learning experience, I don’t diminish those experiences. I have been changed because of opportunities to hear from beloved field personnel, eloquent and thought-provoking theologians, inspirational musicians, and passionate lay persons. I never come away from General Assembly the same.

So this morning, I’ve decided that General Assembly is my favorite form of social networking. Perhaps, it could be the same for you. Please join me and the several thousand other participants who will gather in Charlotte, June 23-27, to … reunite in the halls, meet at local restaurants, participate in worship and the commissioning of field personnel, send our children and youth to safe, fun and educational events, gather in discussion groups to pursue our passions for ministry, learn from one another and be better people because of the woven tapestry that is the Fellowship. http://thefellowship.info/assembly.