The Baptist Headquarters has announced the creation of a new theme logo for the General Baptist State Convention.  The theme logo is based on the Convention theme:  "To Convince the Unconvinced to be Convinced ... through Missions, Education and Fellowship."  This theme was announced last year by GBSC President Gregory K. Moss as a means of giving the Baptist Family in North Carolina a working and focus theme for 2006 to 2010.  The new "Convinced" theme logo grows out of that theme.

According to Executive Secretary-Treasurer Haywood T. Gray, the new theme logo is "a striking, colorful and bold design."  The design features the word "CONVINCED" cascading along the left side of the image in a deep red color.  A colorful stained glass window featuring three images is prominently displayed.  In the stained glass are a cross (a symbol for our Christian missions), an open book (a symbol for our Christian education), and a bright sun (a symbol for the warmth of our Christian fellowship.)  Below the stained glass window are the words "MISSIONS," "EDUCATION" and "FELLOWSHIP."  At the base of the design are the letters GBSCNC (for General Baptist State Convention of North Carolina) and 2006-2010 (for the term of the current presidential administration).

"The new theme logo is designed to be bold and inviting to emphasize the new excitement of our Baptist family in North Carolina," says Gray.  "In a sense, the new theme logo will give witness to persons and Churches and associations who have become 'convinced' that the General Baptist State Convention is moving in the right direction."  Significant emphasis has been put on the issue of accountability over the past few years and that emphasis is paying off by increased involvement and interest in the GBSC from all across the state.  "The design is a definite conversation starter," says Gray.  It is hoped that as people see the theme logo on various promotional items that it will stimulate interest in the work of the Convention as well as give an opportunity for persons who have become 'convinced' to tell why they are convinced and committed."

The new "Convinced" theme logo DOES NOT replace the official insignia of the Convention.  The familiar concentric circle design of the official seal of the Convention remains the official imprimateur of the General Baptist State Convention and will continue to be used as the official seal of the Convention.  The new theme logo is designed to emphasize the current theme and will augment Convention promotional and branding items.

The first item carrying the full-color theme logo to be released will be a lapel pin that will become available at the May One Day Session in Roanoke Rapids.  The new theme logo lapel pins will sell for $5.00 each and pre-orders may be sent to the Baptist Headquarters prior to the One Day Session release date.