African-American Texas Baptists want to be full partners in BGCT, leaders say_111504

Posted: 11/12/04

African-American Texas Baptists want
to be full partners in BGCT, leaders say

By Felicia Fuller

For Texas Baptist Communications

SAN ANTONIO–The African American Fellowship of Texas is not merely a mission of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. It's a partnership, its leaders say.

“We're a fellowship that seeks to strengthen the larger family,” fellowship President Jerry Dailey told participants in a worship service held prior to the BGCT annual session in San Antonio.

Edward Hayes, pastor of St. Stephen Baptist Church in San Antonio, delivers a point during a sermon for the African American Fellowship. (Eric Guel Photo)

“Without us, (the BGCT) wouldn't be complete,” Dailey explained. “But it's not ultimately about any of us. It's about God.”

Dailey was master of ceremonies for the Nov. 7 worship service at Calvary Baptist Church, a congregation on the city's east side that ranks among nine predominantly African-American BGCT churches in San Antonio.

BGCT President Ken Hall, who heads Buckner Baptist Benevolences in Dallas, commended participants for their work in the Christian community and solicited their continued “involvement, attention and advocacy” in the BGCT.

“It is a privilege to be part of who you are,” he said. “We want to be a better reflection of the body of Christ. You help us to be better.”

BGCT Executive Director Charles Wade noted that since Hall assumed leadership, the convention has become decidedly more racially diverse. “Two years ago, there wasn't an African-American in a key leadership role. Now there are two,” he said, referencing Dennis Young, second vice president, and John Ogletree, Executive Board chairman.

“It is a privilege to be part of a people in Texas who are learning to love folks they never used to know … to be brothers and sisters in Christ because of the gracious work of Jesus on the cross. But I want us to be something more: I want us to be friends, because to be friends you have to spend time with one another.”

Charles Price, director of missions for San Antonio Baptist Association, continued the theme of inclusion and cooperation among ethnic groups.

“I believe God is doing a marvelous work in our state through the 'ethnos,' the ethnic groups. That's what his command was: 'Go make disciples of all the people,'” Price said, adding that the BGCT, the African American Fellowship and San Antonio Association are answering the call with a “whatever-it-takes” level of commitment.

The evangelistic harvest is ready, but more laborers are needed, said sermon presenter Michael Brown, pastor of True Vision Baptist Church in San Antonio. “God wants us to be imitators of him. But, first, there has to be a conversion.”

Joining in congregational praise at the African American Fellowship of Texas rally are (left to right) Chance Bonner, Carol Wilson and Remethia Little.Edward Hayes, pastor of St. Stephen Baptist Church in San Antonio, delivers a point during a sermon for the African American Fellowship.Eric Guel