TOGETHER: Three great things about BGCT ’03_111703

Posted: 11/14/03

TOGETHER:
Three great things about BGCT '03

Years from now, we may look back on the 2003 Baptist General Convention of Texas session in Lubbock as one of the most significant events in our history. Three things make me hopeful that is true.

First, we changed the format. We offered 44 breakout events, providing opportunities for leadership development and an occasion to discuss important issues. Response was greater than expected, and many rooms were overflowing. I heard the encouraging words “candor” and “openness” used to describe the workshops, as well as the comment: “This is real help for my church. Do this again.”

CHARLES WADE Executive Director BGCT Executive Board

The missions program was moved to the middle of the convention, and Texas Baptist Men and Woman's Missionary Union of Texas met Sunday evening rather than Tuesday afternoon. The result was improved attendance at all these missions-oriented events.

My thanks to the officers of the convention, the order of business committee and our staff for the creativity, tenacity and hard work involved in making these successful changes. Of course, we want to continue to improve, so we will evaluate carefully feedback received as we begin making plans for next year.

Second, we celebrated the founding of a new missions enterprise, WorldconneX. God is guiding as we enter into a new missions paradigm where churches feel a personal, hands-on responsibility for doing missions in the world. Bill Tinsley, the first elected leader of WorldconneX, and his board have asked Stan Parks to join the staff to help give birth to this new missions vision.

In my judgment, WorldconneX has enlisted two of the finest mission practitioners in the world. Both have first-rate minds and a passion for missions. Together, they bring a broad range of experience and expertise to this great challenge.

Third, we entered into a partnership with the National Baptist Convention of Mexico. We pledged to work with them in building bridges of understanding and mutual commitment to reach the people of Texas and Mexico for Jesus Christ. Our Texas Partnerships Resource Center is helping coordinate this effort from our side of the Rio Grande.

We met Tuesday afternoon with the combined leadership of NBCM, BGCT and Hispanic Baptist Convencion to continue the planning process, resolve several matters and hear encouraging reports.

For years, our churches and institutions have worked in Mexico, and Mexican pastors have contributed to our outreach to immigrants in Texas. Now, there is a way for us to help coordinate, encourage, evaluate and improve all our efforts.

Pray with me for the success of these initiatives. You never know what will grow from a mustard seed!

For example, in 1951 Wayland Baptist University admitted its first African-American students, becoming the first university in the old Confederate states to integrate. One student was George May, later a leading Texas Baptist pastor. In Lubbock, our convention elected as second vice president his son-in-law, Dennis Young, who has become one of our finest leaders . He will serve with new BGCT President Ken Hall of Buckner Baptist Benevolences, and First Vice President Albert Reyes of the Baptist University of the Americas.

Pray for the elected leaders of our convention as they help us move forward in advancing all the interests of the Redeemer's kingdom by assisting our churches and related ministries to be the presence of Christ in the world.

We are loved.