BGCT approves sweeping change in governance structure

Posted: 11/18/05

BGCT approves sweeping
change in governance structure

By Teresa Young

AUSTIN–Messengers to the Baptist General Convention of Texas annual meeting overwhelmingly approved a revised constitution and set of bylaws that streamline its governance structure and make the convention's Executive Board more directly involved in the decision-making process.

The decisions set in motion “the most sweeping changes in BGCT governance since 1959,” said Wesley Shotwell, pastor of Ash Creek Baptist Church in Azle and chair of the Executive Board's Governance Commit-tee.

The previous constitution provided for an Executive Board of 230 members, making governance difficult, he said. The structure also created “a disconnect” between the Executive Board and the committees that did much of the convention work.

“The problem with this is that legally, the Executive Board is responsible for all the decisions that are made, and none of our 230 members now have a part in shaping those decisions,” Shotwell said. “There is also a lack of accountability.”

The approved new constitution will restructure the board as a 90-member entity composed of three people each from 30 different sectors across the state, based on county lines and determined by a formula of resident church membership, number of churches and amount of Cooperative Program giving.

The revised bylaws combine what were two individual sets of bylaws and essentially provide greater detail for the formation of the Executive Board. At least 30 percent of the board membership will be non-Anglo, which Shotwell said “represents an intentional strategy of diversity in the convention governance.”

In addition, Shotwell said, the board will reflect gender diversity as well, with purposeful inclusion of women in the group.

The board will meet three times a year, with the BGCT assuming travel expenses, a move Shotwell said will help members from smaller churches with limited budgets.

The 90 members will be assigned to serve on various committees, including the executive committee, the church missions and ministries committee, the institutional relations committee, the administrative support committee and the audit committee.

The revised governing document dissolves the Christian Education Coordinating Board and the Human Welfare Coordinating Board, with their duties falling under the institutional relations committee of the board.

The board is expected to transition to 90 members in less than two years, since current board members cannot be asked to resign or be “fired” under Texas nonprofit law.

Shotwell noted several Executive Board members declared their intent to resign if the constitution passed, but some had elected to complete their terms.