TOGETHER: Priorities map BGCT transformation_112204

Posted: 11/19/04

TOGETHER:
Priorities map BGCT transformation

The Baptist General Convention of Texas is in the midst of a continuing and exciting transformation. We are determined to recognize the changing realities of the world in which we minister. As we go through this change, we have set six priorities to guide us.

These priorities will guide budgeting and personnel assignments of the Executive Board and the staff. We pray these priority statements will find broad acceptance among our Texas Baptist pastors and churches.

Unto the glory of God, we will:

Start, develop and strengthen transformational churches.

“Transformational” has become an important word for us. Change is at the core of the gospel, as Christ takes sinners and transforms them into his likeness.

CHARLES WADE Executive Director BGCT Executive Board

We are going to be intentional in starting churches that have the transformation of souls at the top of their agenda. This means evangelism with the lost and nurture and discipleship with the saved.

Meet human needs.

Following the example of Jesus, Texas Baptists know we must be concerned about people's physical and material needs. The love God has given us for all people compels us to express that love in action.

Human needs are great, but the resources in our churches are great as well. We will encourage our human care institutions to increase effective missions collaboration between churches and institutions.

Identify and develop transformational leadership for churches and affiliated ministries.

We will not get where we need to go without leadership. We must be intentional in discovering and encouraging those whom God has called to lead and join in the ministry of preparing them for courageous servant leadership.

We will develop these leaders through a wide range of educational opportunities that emphasize all aspects of ministry preparation.

Provide a comprehensive missions and evangelism strategy that encourages, facilitates and connects churches and individuals to be on mission in their communities and in the world and to participate in prayer and financial support.

In a world of increasing interactions of people across cultural and national boundaries, the opportunities in missions and evangelism are great. But they will require some new ways of thinking.

We will develop biblically based strategies that help us touch the world that has come to our doorstep and the world beyond that requires us to reach out with longer arms.

Conduct research and development for cutting-edge ministries, methods and processes and for understanding multiple cultures.

Rapid change is a part of our world, and we need to do a better job of anticipating it, responding to it and affecting it. This requires more effort in developing the new and not just pushing the old.

Operate and serve as a truly multicultural organization.

Texas Baptists, as a whole, are not as culturally diverse as the general population, but we are fast moving in that direction. We are committed to having a state convention that reflects our state's cultural diversity in its church membership and in its convention leadership.

These are our priorities. They will guide your Executive Board staff, and I pray they will prove to be helpful to your church as we partner together in the future God is calling us to embrace.

My desire is that these priorities will become issues of the heart, motivating us to serve God and this world together in ways we could not do alone.

We are loved.

Charles Wade is executive director of the Baptist General Convention of Texas