BGCT officer elections reflect convention’s diversity

Posted: 11/18/05

BGCT officer elections
reflect convention's diversity

By Miranda Bradley

AUSTIN–The Baptist General Convention of Texas elected Michael Bell, pastor of Greater St. Stephen First Baptist Church in Fort Worth, as president–the first African-Amer-ican to hold the position.

Bell defeated Rick Davis, pastor of First Baptist Church in Brownwood, 1,278-310 in a ballot vote. Annual meeting messengers responded to the result with a round of applause.

Bell moved into the position after serving as BGCT first vice president for the past year.

David Currie of San Angelo, executive director of Texas Baptists Committed, nominated Bell. He praised Bell's credentials and encouraged voters to make a historical decision by electing the first African-American BGCT president.

“Electing Michael Bell would send a message around the state and throughout the nation that Texas Baptists are inclusive,” Currie said. “Make history today and elect my good friend Michael Bell as president.”

David Montoya, pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Mineral Wells, nominated Davis, saying Texas Baptists deserve choices.

“We can once again come together and have a choice of leadership,” he said to the crowd gathered at the Austin Convention Center.

Prior to the election, both Montoya and Davis said the move was not racially motivated and they respect Bell.

Steve Vernon, pastor of First Baptist Church in Levelland, was elected BGCT first vice president by acclamation, and Dan Wooldridge, pastor of Crestview Baptist Church in Georgetown, was elected BGCT second vice president by general consent.

Other officers elected in Austin were David Nabors of Duncanville as recording secretary, Mark Cook of Fort Worth as registration secretary and Bernie Spooner of Coppell as secretary of the corporation.