Meghan Hendrickson to Valley Ranch Baptist Church in Coppell as discipleship pastor, from Dallas Baptist University where she was director of the Baptist Student Ministry.
Dan Newburg to Fannin Terrace Baptist Church in Midland as pastor, from First Baptist Church in Devine where he was senior pastor.
Wayland Baptist University announces the promotion of longtime staff member Teresa Young to the role of associate vice president for institutional advancement. A 1994 Wayland graduate, Young brings more than two decades of experience in communications, alumni engagement and fundraising to her new position. She most recently served as development officer for annual gifts and grants, where she played a key role in donor engagement and stewardship during the university’s successful Thrive campaign. Young earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in mass communicationand English from Wayland in 1994 and a Master of Arts in mass communication from Texas Tech University in 2003. Before joining the university, she worked as a journalist for the Weatherford Democrat, Plainview Daily Herald and Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. She began her career at Wayland in July 2000 as director of public relations and communications. After a two-year stint serving in mission work with Athletes in Action in Ohio, Young returned to the university in 2013 as director of annual giving. She later served as director of alumni relations beginning in 2017 and moved into her most recent development role in 2022. In her new role, Young will manage strategic fundraising initiatives and provide leadership to the university’s development team.
This year Houston Christian University celebrates the 50th anniversary of The Guild and its success in raising more than $2.6 million in scholarship funds to support graduate students since its inception. Established in November 1974 as the President’s Advisors, The Guild is a group of civic-minded, dedicated Christian women from various denominations who joined forces under the auspices of the president of Houston Christian University to fulfill a unique role in the future growth and development of the university. In 1994, The Guild launched a graduate scholarship program—an initiative that has since awarded 567 scholarships, including 81 endowed and 486 annual scholarships.The Guild recently hosted its annual Silver Tea, a major fundraising event supporting their scholarship program, which benefits graduate students in the School of Christian Thought and the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences. For the upcoming academic year, this organization has awarded 34 annual scholarships and eight endowed scholarships for students pursuing degrees at both the master’s and doctoral levels. Since its founding, The Guild has brought together civic-minded Christian women, united through service, social fellowship and spiritual purpose, to support the university’s mission of preparing students for lives of service and leadership.
The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor’s chemistry department recently received a $40,000 grant from the Robert A. Welch Foundation of Houston. This grant will fund student chemistry research for the 2025-2026 academic year. It also will facilitate student research scholarships, conference travel, publications and new equipment. During the 2024-2025 academic year, eight UMHB chemistry students received chemical research scholarships from the Welch Foundation’s three-year grant to UMHB. They are Amber Dickey from Frisco, Jordana Discher from Plano, Courtney Glasterfrom Humble, Constantinos Loullis from Salado, Morgan McMullen from Niederwald, Shane Melick from Oro Valley, Ariz., Camille Ornelas from Weslaco, and Lyndsey Schwope from Marble Falls.
Oleksandr Geychenko, rector of Odesa Theological Seminary, invites all who wish to participate to the Summer School of Theology 2025, hosted by Eastern European Institute of Theology July 28 through August 2. The event will be via Zoom and mostly in English. Lectures presented in other languages will have English translation for those requesting it. The theme of the school is “The World with Broken Borders: Theological Perspectives on Displacement and Diasporas.” For information on presenters and to register click here.
BRISBANE—The Baptist World Alliance Women’s Summit celebrated the work of Baptist women around the globe and connected them to support one another with renewed sense of purpose in living the good news.
Along with BWA Women Executive Director J. Merritt Johnston and outgoing President Karen Wilson and Secretary/Treasurer Sherrie Cherdak, the women who comprise BWA Women Executive Board lead continental unions of Baptist women.
These serve voluntarily as BWA Women vice presidents and as presidents of their continental conferences.
Each regional leader reported on special projects their organizations have undertaken, as well the ongoing work of Baptist women in her continent or region.
Union leaders reported work related to ministering to victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse, religious persecution, literacy education for children and adults, disaster relief, ministry in areas of conflict and to internally displaced people and otherwise meeting basic human needs.
All the while, women proclaimed the good news of Jesus and sought to disciple and intentionally seek to engage young Baptist women to become Jesus-shaped leaders.
The unions and their leaders include: Verónica León Caro, Unión Femenil Bautista de América Latina; Siham Daoud, European Baptist Women United; Karlene Edwards-Warrick, Caribbean Baptist Women’s Union; Patty Lane, Baptist Women of North America; Elissa Mcpherson, Baptist Women of the Pacific; Jane Mwangi, Baptist Women’s Union of Africa; and Vernette Myint Myint San, Asia Baptist Women’s Union.
Tamiko Jones, executive director of Woman’s Missionary Union of Texas, challenged BWA Women to live counter-cultural lives, formed by the Holy Spirit, and do good even if it means suffering like Jesus.
Jones noted four teachings found in Romans 12 showing how to live lives on the basis of Christ.
First, Christians are to demonstrate love—not a transactional love, but a genuine love that seeks to outdo one another in showing honor.
Christians are not to wait until someone is “worthy” to show love, but rather to love one another as Christ, who died for us while we were still sinners, loved us, Jones said.
Also, Christians are to serve enthusiastically, “not as unto man, but unto the Lord Jesus,” who though he was worthy to be served, chose instead to serve.
Following Christ means that we are servants first, “as we serve in a global community, as we serve right where he has placed us,” Jones said.
Romans 12 also compels Christians to keep on praying even through the most difficult circumstances and to practice hospitality, holding each other accountable in community and giving testimony to the ways our lives never have been the same since meeting Jesus.
“Our sisters” around the globe need hope, Jones asserted, noting “we have more in common than our differences.”
“For such a time as this, we must be unified and demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ to the world,” she said.
Two panels discussed the global issue of gender-based violence and sexual abuse and global Baptist women leaders.
French Baptist theologian Valérie Duval-Poujol began the Red Chair Project to raise awareness of domestic abuse and sexual abuse. She shared startling statistics to answer the question of “why” there is a need for global advocacy on this matter to begin panel discussion.
Duval-Poujol noted:
Other panelists included Ruta Aloalii, community conversations facilitator and leader of Village Connect in Australia, and Zandile Tshabalala, general secretary of the Baptist Convention of South Africa National Women’s Department and manager of Ndawo Yahko, a women’s shelter for abused women and their children in South Africa.
Aloalii and Tshabalala discussed with Duval-Poujol and moderator Pastora Nohemy Acosta, of Honduras, their efforts to combat domestic and sexual violence in their countries.
Baylor University President Linda Livingstone participated in the second panel featuring global Baptist women leaders, which included Penetina Kogoya, who has served for 20 years as representative for Paupua Indigenous peoples in the Papuan Parliament and Melissa Lipsett, CEO of Baptist World Aid.
Outgoing BWA Women President Karen Wilson of Australia explained the term for the new officers beginning their terms will be shorted from 5 years to 2.5 years. Caribbean Baptist Women’s Union President Karlene Edwards-Warrick was announced as incoming president, the first Caribbean woman to hold the position.
Wilson noted the second officer now will serve under a new title as first vice president. That officer’s term also is reduced to 2.5 years but with the hope that the first vice president then would step into the role of president. Rula Abassi form Jordan was announced as the new first vice president.
BWA President Tomás Mackey of Argentina prayed a blessing over the women as they assume their new leadership roles.
The Baptist World Alliance General Council on July 9 approved 17 new BWA member bodies and partners—including five affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas or are closely connected with Texas Baptists.
Convención Bautista Hispana de Texas, with 42,520 members in 1,063 churches, was among the new conventions and unions approved as BWA member bodies.
Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, with 1,665 students, and No More Violence/No Más Violencia in Arlington, which had 765 students in 2023, were among the educational institutions approved as new BWA member partners.
One aid organization, Texans on Missions, and one financial institution, HighGround Advisors—both affiliated with the BGCT—were approved as new BWA member partners.
The BWA Executive Council elected Jerry Carlisle, president of the Texas Baptist Missions Foundation, to serve as the first chair of the Trustee Committee.
BWA created the Trustee Committee when the BWA General Council adopted a restructured constitution and bylaws during its 2024 annual meeting in Lagos, Nigeria.
BWA General Secretary Elijah Brown, in his remarks, announced a memorandum of understanding between Baylor University and BWA will be signed at the 23rd Baptist World Congress “to establish for the first time ever a BWA program and center of study focused on the Baptist World Alliance.”
Four other Baptist conventions and unions were approved as new BWA members:
Four new members are the first BWA partner members in their respective countries:
Two other educational institutions were approved for BWA membership:
One news organization, The Alabama Baptist, Inc., became “the first BWA member partner focused primarily on media.”
Baptist Mission Australia also was approved as a new BWA member partner.
Tomás Mackey of Argentina concludes his five years as BWA president at the 23rd Baptist World Congress.
Karl Johnson of Jamaica, current BWA vice president, was elected to succeed Mackey as chair. The title of president was changed to chair in the new BWA constitution and bylaws to reflect the pastoral nature of the role.
Lynn Green of the United Kingdom was elected vice chair, succeeding Johnson as vice president.
The new BWA constitution also created a Leadership Council that includes 12 at-large members. Igor Bandura of Ukraine, Bela Szilagyi of Hungary and David Washburn of the United States were elected as at-large council members.
Brown reported more than 3,400 registrants from 130 countries for the 23rd Baptist World Congress.
BWA has grown 32 percent worldwide over the last 10 years, Brown said, “and now includes 53 million baptized believers in 134 countries.”
Brown reported growth in the BWA Global Mission Network with the addition of the Asia Pacific Baptist Mission; New Zealand Baptist Missionary Society; Fiji Baptist Convention Mission; the Africa Baptist Mission Board; and Baptist Evangelism, Church Planting and Missions Network of the Baptist Union of South Africa, bringing the global network to more than 7,000 missionaries.
Additionally, a first-ever collaborative mission initiative will launch during the 23rd Baptist World Congress thanks to a $1 million donation.
Noting the 30th anniversary of the Rwandan genocide, Brown expressed gratitude to Bashaka Faustin, present in the room, for his efforts to keep many people alive during the massacre.
“President Bashaka, we want to publicly say ‘thank you,’ because your courageous protection kept more than a hundred people alive,” Brown said.
“He sheltered more than a hundred people in his Baptist church in downtown Kigali and kept them alive, selling what he had to keep those who were doing the harm out.”
Preparation for spiritual growth is addressed specifically in Ephesians 4:11–13, which highlights the notation thatleaders with a variety of roles are gifts to the church.
And, they are “to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”
This Scripture underscores the importance of members of the church being equipped for service and understandingone’s place of significant service within the body of Christ.
“Every member a minister” is more than a motto, it is a truism.
The task of the leaders is to equip individual members of the body to know and assume their position of service in thechurch.
The unique callings to specific ministry areas can be discerned by discovering spiritual gifts, areas of concern,previous experiences or supernatural desires.
Leaders should seek out followers and guide them to explore and embrace their “works of service.”
Followers should submit themselves for training and placement. Preparation encompasses both formal teaching, such as biblical or doctrinal studies, and informal learning through life experiences and mentoring.
Notice three outcomes of effective preparation: unity in the faith, knowledge of the Son of God and maturity in Christ.
Believers are built up and the church is strengthened when all are contributing to the kingdom enterprise of disciple making.
Serving one another provides opportunities for believers to develop their gifts, demonstrate love and grow in humility. In serving others, believers are shaped more into the likeness of Christ, who came to serve and not to be served (Mark 10:45).
Ministry also fosters a sense of accountability within the church community, which is essential for spiritual maturity.
Spiritual growth is a dynamic and multifaceted process influenced by a variety of experiences and environments.
While the ultimate source of growth is the Holy Spirit, certain experiences such as prayer, the hearing of the word,participation in ministry, and enduring trials all contribute to a believer’s maturation.
Similarly, the church community and obedience to the leadership of the Holy Spirit provide environments in whichbelievers can grow in faith and continue to pursue maturity in our walk with him.
To learn more about GC2 Press and the Connect360 Bible study series, or to order materials, click here.
David Dykes, longtime pastor of Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler, died July 3 after a brief time under hospice care. He was 72.
Dykes began his tenure as pastor of Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler in 1991, where he served until his retirement in 2021, becoming pastor emeritus.
The church announced his passing on Facebook: “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dr. David Orlo Dykes. Pastor David finished his race surrounded by his family at his home in Tyler, Texas on July 2, 2025. …
“Pastor David was deeply loved by his church family and East Texas community. His passion and dedication to teaching God’s word has impacted countless lives over the years in East Texas and around the world.”
Under Dykes’ leadership, Green Acres Baptist Church gave substantially to Baptist causes at state and national levels.
Dykes received on behalf of the congregation the M.E. Dodd Award, the Southern Baptist Convention’s highest cooperation award, at the 2008 SBC annual meeting in Indianapolis.
In the year preceding the award, Green Acres’ giving to the SBC Cooperative Program eclipsed the next highest giving congregation by almost one half-million dollars.
In his acceptance speech, paraphrasing New York Yankees legend Lou Gehrig, Dykes noted: “I consider myself to be the most blessed person alive. I’m pastor of the most missions-minded church I’ve ever heard about. They’ve taught me more about missions than I could ever teach them. …
“If I told them we were going to attack hell tomorrow morning with water pistols, they’d ask, ‘Pastor, where do we fill up?’”
Equally committed to Texas Baptists’ Cooperative Program, the congregation also was honored in 2019 as the top giving church of its size at the annual meeting of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, a distinction the church has held multiple years.
Texas Baptists quickly began to respond on social media to the news of Dykes’ passing.
East Texas Baptist University President Blair Blackburn—where Dykes served in numerous capacities—reflected: “Dr. Dykes has been teaching me God’s truths since I was in college. He has modeled for me what it means to give your life in service to Jesus and to shepherd the flock.
“He has fed his sheep, and I am one of them. I am grateful to have been a part of his ministry at Green Acres—what a blessing to grow in my walk under his guidance since my college days at UT Tyler,” Blackburn continued.
“He has been a loving and caring pastor to Michelle and me, our kids, my parents, and the ETBU Family. He has shaped our lives and our discipleship. … I watched him show us what ‘become less’ means as he led others to see ‘Jesus become greater.’”
ETBU noted Dykes “is the namesake of ETBU’s Servant Leadership Award and has served as a dedicated trustee, chapel speaker, adjunct faculty member, and faithful friend to our campus community.”
David Ritsema, senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Waxahachie, expressed deep loss in a Facebook post and by email: “I’ve been dreading this news. David’s impact on my life is immeasurable—my first pastor, my mentor, my dear friend.
“He was not only the first pastor I ever had, but the one who shaped the course of my calling, my convictions, and my character.”
“He was part of every major decision of my adult life; he was one of my biggest cheerleaders and encouragers,” Ritsema said, “believing in me, even when I struggled to believe in myself.”
“His calls, notes, emails, and prayers always came at just the right moment and always felt like they came straight from heaven,” he said, noting, “I know I wasn’t the only one. David made everyone he loved feel uniquely seen, deeply valued, and eternally anchored in Christ.”
“To me—he was the prince of preachers, and a man who walked the walk with the highest humility,” but “his sermons went beyond what was spoken. His life was a living sermon, and he lived it with quiet courage and unwavering faithfulness.”
Ritsema asserted, “The legacy he leaves behind is not etched in stone but in souls—in mine, and in countless others who met Jesus more clearly because of him.”
Yet, Ritsema recalled a sermon in which Dykes said he wanted Philippians 1:21 etched on his gravestone: “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
“How fitting,” Ritsema said.
Darin Wood, pastor of First Baptist Church in Midland, paused a social media break to note: “We have lost a legend and for me, this loss is profound. Dr David Dykes was used by God to change many lives including mine. In 2008, I was at a low point in ministry, to the point I was seriously considering leaving pastoral life altogether. Into that moment David called me.
“To this day I don’t know why or how he even knew I existed,” Wood continued. “He invited me to lunch and thus began a conversation that has endured. His encouragement and confidence in me gave enough strength to try again and to keep going.”
Dykes submitted Wood’s resume to First Baptist Midland on his behalf, Wood noted.
“I laughed at him and told him he was crazy,” Wood said. “He saw something in me I didn’t. Literally, I wouldn’t be where I am without David … Thanks David. If I am half the man you were, I’ll count myself fortunate and highly blessed.”
Andrew Hébert, lead pastor of Mobberly Baptist Church in Mobberly, wrote on behalf of the church: “David Dykes’ influence for the gospel in East Texas and around the world cannot be quantified in this life.
“He was a pastor’s pastor. He and his wife Cindy have made an eternal impact through their ministry at Green Acres Baptist Church. His time at Mobberly Baptist Church as interim pastor before the Lord called our family here provided stability and wisdom to the Mobberly church family.”
Dykes was raised in Alabama, where he earned a degree from Samford University. He attended Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky., and also studied at the University of Cambridge in England and ETBU.
Dykes authored more than 20 books, baptized thousands and led many mission teams to serve internationally in more than 30 countries, notably including trips to both the Crimea in the early 1990s and China in the 2000s.
Dykes often described himself as a missionary disguised as a pastor.
Before being called to Tyler, he was pastor of churches in Alabama.
Dykes was born in Ruston, La., on January 16, 1953. He became a Christian at age 9 and began preaching in 1970 at age 17.
In addition to his formal degrees, in 2017 Dykes received an honorary doctorate from East Texas Baptist University and was honored as Southern Baptist Theological Seminary’s Alumni of the Year in 2021.
Dykes served locally on the boards of the American Red Cross, P.A.T.H., The Greater Tyler Chamber of Commerce, The Mother Frances Foundation and Baptist Child and Family Services (Breckenridge Village).
He also served on the Board of Trustees for ETBU and LeTourneau University. He served 10 years as a member of the Executive Board of the SBC, and he served as volunteer chaplain with the Smith County Sheriff’s Department.
In his 30 years as senior pastor at Green Acres Baptist Church, the church grew from 9,000 members to 17,000 members.
Dykes was married to his wife Cindy for 51 years, and he was a devoted father and grandfather. He was an avid golfer and had his private pilot’s license. Throughout his life, he enjoyed traveling the world, and he and Cindy led more than two dozen tours to Israel.
Dykes is survived by his beloved wife Cindy; his daughters Jennifer Holman and Laura Grace Dykes; his sons-in-law Jason Holman and Joseph Provencher; his grandchildren Lizzie Holman, Caroline Holman, Ada Liner, Grant Holman and Samuel Provencher; his sister Judy Kapa and his brother Daniel Dykes.
A memorial service for Dykes will be held on Wednesday, July 9, at 1 p.m. at Green Acres Baptist Church Worship Center with Michael Gossett and Jim Gillen officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Green Acres Foundation, 1607 Troup Hwy., Tyler, TX 75701, or through gabc.org.
Kyler Beltran to Valley Ranch Baptist Church in Coppell as worship pastor. Beltran, who previously served Valley Ranch on an interim basis, recently graduated from Dallas Baptist University, where he led the chapel worship team.
Kyle Dodson to Valley Grove Baptist Church in Stephenville as minister of college and missions, from the Tarleton Baptist Student Ministry, where he was a campus missionary.
Ryan Keele to First Baptist Church in Center as pastor of worship and administration. This is his first full-time ministry position.
Ray Miller to First Baptist Church in Abilene as senior pastor, from Crievewood Baptist Church in Nashville, Tenn., where he was senior pastor and adjunct professor of Bible at Belmont University.
Kelly Pigott to First Presbyterian Church in Roswell, N.M., as pastor, from Hardin-Simmons University where he was professor of church history.
Randy Rives to Inglewood Baptist Church in Grand Prairie as minister of music.
Sean Sivils to Northside Baptist Church in Victoria as executive pastor, from First Baptist Church in Wimberley, where he was pastor of students.
Michael Walker to First Baptist Church in Smyer as pastor.
A team of students, faculty and staff from Wayland Baptist University has returned from the university’s seventh trip to Honduras, where they participated in a week-long medical mission to rural villages near Granadilla. The mission—led by Adam Reinhart, dean of the Kenneth L. Mattox School of Mathematics and Sciences, with assistance from Donnie Brown, director of spiritual life—combined medical outreach with gospel-centered ministry. Rebekah Grigsby, dean of the Ben and Betha Mieth School of Nursing at Wayland’s San Antonio campus, also was involved in the trip. Other participants included Olivia Fisher, Sarai Segura, Jazmin Ortega, Dylan Dodd, Carter Biggs, Rogelio Saucedo, Peyton North, Chloe Ratheal and Ellen Bruffey. The trip, part of an ongoing partnership with Joseph Denton and Tree of Life International, offered students in pre-health programs hands-on experience in health screenings, medication distribution and anti-parasite treatments. But organizers say the trip is about much more than physical care. “What excited me most was seeing students use their gifts and abilities to serve others and share the gospel,” Brown said. “This isn’t just about doing good—it’s about equipping students to live missionally, both in Honduras and when they return home.”
This spring, Dallas Baptist University alumna Cora Moncibaiz was named one of the 2025 Future Texas Business Legend Scholars by the Texas Business Hall of Fame. Selected from universities across Texas, Cora joins 21 students recognized for their entrepreneurial drive, leadership and vision for the future of business in Texas. While at DBU, she served as a student worker for the Women’s Auxiliary Board—a role that sparked a love for event planning and floral design. This passion blossomed into a thriving business, and in 2021 she began Imago Dei Events—a wedding and event company that reflects Cora’s heart for ministry and her desire to serve others with purpose. What began with grocery store flowers, and a dream has turned into a thriving business now recognized across the Texas business community. For the full list of 2025 Texas Business Hall of Fame Scholars click here.
Howard Payne University’s fourth annual North Texas Alumni Golf Tournament was held June 23 at Texas Rangers Golf Club in Arlington. Alumni and friends networked and connected while also raising funds to support student scholarships at HPU. The first-place team was comprised of Bryan Allen, Garrett Goodwin, Tim Goodwin andRoyce Jesko. The second-place team included Brad Andrews, Garrett Einspahr, Mike Hibbs and Eric Skalos. Third place went to Rodney Bell, Chase Brown, Jim Miller and Terry Minton. Randy Lewallyn, a 1997 alumnus and HPU trustee, served as chair of the tournament. Plans are underway for the 2026 tournament. Alumni and friends can visit www.hputx.edu/golf for updates.
Woman’s Missionary Union of Texas will partner with Send Relief and Texans on Mission to share Jesus through Serve Brownsville on the Texas border, July 31 to Aug. 3. During the event, WMU of Texas will host a block party featuring a school supplies drive, as well as crafts and activities for kids. Volunteers will have an opportunity to share the gospel with children and adults, as WMU of Texas provides activities and play for children while other events meet additional needs in the community. Texas Baptists can bring hope and healing to those in need through the back-to-school drive and block party, benefiting children and families in the Brownsville area by joining the volunteer team serving in Brownsville, giving online or collecting school supplies by July 17. Visit wmutx.org/brownsville to register, give or access the donation list and drop-off instructions.
Wayland Baptist University celebrated the successful completion of its three-year Thrive Campaign, raising more than $19.5 million and surpassing its original $18 million goal by more than $1.5 million. The comprehensive campaign has fueled projects that support students across every area of university life, from academic programs to student services and campus enhancements. Launched in 2022, the Thrive Campaign shattered records for the number of donors in fiscal year 2023 and 2025 and set a record for any three-year period. Federal grants were secured to support first-generation and military-affiliated students through scholarships, staffing, and programs such as the Summer Bridge Program and a new Veteran Success Center.
Ahead of the 23rd Baptist World Congress in Brisbane, Australia, July 7-12, the Baptist World Alliance and Baylor University announced the establishment of a Baptist World Alliance Program—the first-ever university-based, graduate-level study center devoted specifically to the study of the life, history and ongoing mission and ministry of the BWA. The BWA Program will be housed at Baylor’s Truett Theological Seminary. Baylor University President Linda Livingstone and BWA General Secretary Elijah Brown will participate in a ceremonial signing of the programagreement July 10. The BWA Program will operate at Truett Seminary and stretch across the Baylor family to offer multidisciplinary, academic and scholarly education, research, support and practical engagement. Anticipated activities include both non-credit and graduate-level certificates for current and future leaders, pastors and students; collaborative learning opportunities including courses, workshops, conferences and seminars; speaking opportunities at Baylor University and BWA events; and support for research and active scholarship. In addition, Baylor University and Truett Seminary will offer seminars leading to a Doctor of Ministry in collaboration with the John Leland Center for Theological Studies at the BWA global headquarters in Falls Church, Va.
Fellowship Southwest received the McCall Racial Justice Trailblazer Award at this year’s Cooperative Baptist Fellowship General Assembly. Presented during the annual luncheon hosted by CBF’s Pan African Koinonia, the award celebrates the legacy of Emmanuel McCall and honors those working to advance racial justice within and beyond the church. In his acceptance remarks, Stephen Reeves, executive director of Fellowship Southwest, expressed his appreciation for sharing the honor with Broadway Baptist Church in Fort Worth, noting: “Racial justice is absolutely at the heart of what Fellowship Southwest is all about.”
Since 2010, WMU of Texas Women’s Build volunteers have traveled to the Rio Grande Valley to offer hope, build relationships and share Jesus. Women’s Build, a ministry of WMU of Texas, is an annual women-led home build experience in partnership with Buckner International. Each year, two teams of volunteers build a brand-new home for a family participating in Buckner’s Family Hope Center Program. No experience is necessary to come learn how to build a home while sharing the gospel. This year’s Women’s Build Project will be in Mission. Team One will build on Oct. 19-24 and Team Two on Oct. 23-28. Cost is $185 per person, including room and board. Visit https://www.wmutx.org/get-involved/womens-build for more information.
Alfonso Flores after 63 years of ministry, including the last 35 years as pastor of Primera Iglesia Bautista Mexicana in San Antonio.
Spiritual growth is a natural and essential part of the Christian journey. From the moment a person is reborn in the Spirit, a supernatural process begins, leading the believer from spiritual infancy to full maturity in Christ.
This journey involves stages of growth—infancy, childhood and adulthood—shaped by the believer’s commitment to God, their surrounding environment, and their willingness to surrender to the process.
The consequences of stunted growth are significant, both for the individual and the body of Christ. Therefore,believers are called to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, continually striving toward maturity in him.
By understanding the stages of spiritual growth, the influence of external factors, and the need for intentionalsurrender, believers can cultivate the spiritual growth necessary to fulfill their calling in Christ and contribute to the flourishing of the church.
The goal of Christian ministry is to present every believer mature and complete in Christ, a transformation that takes place through the work of the Holy Spirit and the believer’s cooperation.
Spiritual maturity involves becoming more like Christ, reflecting his character, adopting his mindset, and engaging in his work of reconciliation. The destiny of every believer is to be conformed to the image of Christ, and this process requires intentional growth, learning and service.
As the church continues to fulfill its calling, the goal remains clear: to help each believer grow into their God-given purpose, reflecting the fullness of Christ in their lives.
While spiritual growth is a supernatural process, it is not without external influences.
The environment in which a believer grows plays a significant role in either nurturing or hindering theirdevelopment. The church community, mentors, spiritual leaders and even cultural influences all impact spiritualgrowth.
In the initial stages of spiritual growth, believers need strong spiritual leadership and sound teaching to help them navigate the stages of faith.
As 2 Thessalonians 1:3 suggests, faith and love grew in the Thessalonian church and was cultivated through constant prayer, encouragement and mutual support.
Similarly, the presence of a supportive Christian community can accelerate a believer’s growth, providing a safespace for questioning, learning and practicing the faith.
To learn more about GC2 Press and the Connect360 Bible study series, or to order materials, click here.
FORT WORTH (BP)—Southwestern Seminary President David S. Dockery announced June 27 the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges extended sanctions against Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary first implemented in 2023.
Dockery noted the regional accrediting body acknowledged “significant recent accomplishments in addressing noncompliance” and that institutional evidence “makes it reasonable for the Board to assume it will remedy all deficiencies within a 12-month period.”
In an eight-page letter to the Southwestern community, Dockery noted the institution’s “long-term pattern of challenges, financial and otherwise” and pledged to continue to work with the agency to address its concerns.
He also pledged to Southwestern’s “constituents and publics” that the institution “will work faithfully and responsibly concerning expectations from accreditors.”
Dockery commended the work of the board of trustees, faculty, staff, students and others “who have worked so hard, sacrificed, served, prayed, given, supported, counseled and encouraged” the administration for the past 33 months.
“The decision from SACSCOC, which cannot be appealed, does not in any way take away from the remarkable strides that have been made by the entire Southwestern community since the fall of 2022,” he said, adding it is “vital to recognize” all academic programs “remain fully accredited.”
Dockery said the association’s “decision must not be seen as a setback but only as further motivation to continue the institutional resolve and good progress that has been made to this point.”
In a separate statement, Bob Brown, chairman of the seminary’s board of trustees, said while he is disappointed in the decision, he is “extremely optimistic about Southwestern’s future.”
“With our enrollment continuing to rise and our financial position measurably stronger, there are sound reasons to be positive about the future of SWBTS,” said Brown, executive director of Lakeway Christian Schools in White Pine, Tenn.
“However, my optimism is primarily driven by the work of the Holy Spirit on Seminary Hill with hope and unity sweeping the campus in tangibly observable ways every day.”
Expressing appreciation for Dockery and the rest of the seminary leadership, Brown also pledged the “full cooperation” of the board of trustees with the regional accrediting agency “to take the actions necessary to bring the seminary in full compliance with its accreditation standards and policies.”
In its disclosure statement posted on the organization’s website on June 27, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges reported the seminary’s accreditation has been continued for “Good Cause” and placed on “Probation” for 12 months following its review, citing Core Requirement 13.1 (Financial resources) and Standard 13.3 (Financial responsibility).
These two standards have been at the core of the concerns from the agency since the conclusion of the 2021-22 fiscal year when the institution completed the year with an operational deficit of $8,911,823 and a decrease in net assets of $15,317,497.
“These standards expect the institution to have sound financial resources and a demonstrated, stable financial base to support the mission of the institution and to manage its financial resources and operate in a fiscally responsible manner,” the notice said.
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges noted after two years of monitoring: “Instead of removing the institution’s accreditation, the SACSCOC Board of Trustees can act to extend the accreditation for Good Cause if (1) the institution has demonstrated significant recent accomplishments in addressing non-compliance, and (2) the institution has provided evidence which makes it reasonable for the Board to assume it will remedy all deficiencies within a 12-month period, and (3) the institution has provided assurance to the Board that it is not aware of any other reasons, other than those identified by the Board, why the institution cannot be continued for Good Cause.
“Probation for Good Cause is the most serious public sanction imposed by the SACSCOC Board of Trustees short of loss of accreditation.”
Dockery expressed gratitude for the commendations offered by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
While acknowledging Southwestern is not in compliance with the agency’s standards, Dockery noted the seminary’s financial position in the spring of 2025 “was measurably stronger” than it was in the spring of 2021 when its accreditation was reaffirmed.
“Southwestern has reached a place of financial stability, but we need to establish what SACSCOC refers to as ‘a pattern of financial stability.’ Our efforts are now focused on ongoing sustainability as well as additional improvement,” he said.
“We respect the SACSCOC process and promise to work with them regarding next steps,” Dockery said. He invited the seminary community “to join with me in asking the Lord for his ongoing help as we recommit ourselves to the good work that has been started.”
Dockery also said he welcomed the seminary’s regional accreditor for its April 2026 site visit to evaluate the institution’s progress. The seminary remains in good standing with its national accreditor, Association of Theological Schools.
Dockery’s letter cited many enrollment and financial metrics that demonstrate dramatic improvements in the financial picture of the seminary since the initial warning status was put in place by SACSCOC in 2023 and before.
Among the metrics cited by Dockery are:
“Overall, these numbers have resulted in a significant change in Southwestern’s overall financial picture,” he said, noting the seminary’s bankers “have applauded the commendable progress” of the institution since the fall of 2022.
“We pledge to the Southwestern constituents and publics that Southwestern will work faithfully and responsibly concerning expectations from accreditors,” Dockery said.
“I invite Southwesterners to join me with a new resolve for the sake of Southwesterners who have gone before us, for our shared love for our current students, and for our shared hopefulness regarding future students.
“Together, we will work to seek first God’s kingdom and his righteousness in all things, trusting in our providential God and acknowledging our full and complete dependence on him for his provision and protection for Southwestern in the days to come.”
Dockery’s letter to the Southwestern community is available here, as well as a Frequently Asked Questions document here.
WASHINGTON (BP)—The United States Supreme Court ruled June 27 a Texas law requiring age verification for adult websites is constitutional.
The law in question, Texas House Bill 1181, requires websites to verify users are at least 18 years old if at least one-third of their hosted content is considered “harmful to minors,” such as pornography.
The Texas law additionally requires websites to include a warning describing the harmful medical and societal effects of pornography consumption.
The bill—authored by Rep. Matt Shaheen, R-Plano, and sponsored in the Texas Senate by Sen. Angela Paxton, R-McKinney—which passed in June 2023, does not apply to internet service providers, search engines or social media sites.
Texas Baptists’ Christian Life Commission expressed approval of the court’s decision on social media, noting it, “protects from harm a group of the most vulnerable Texans—children. This is a significant victory for our state.”
Violators of the law face penalties of up to $10,000 per day or $250,000 if a violation leads to a minor accessing sexual content.
The legislation is one of 20 such laws passed in various states aimed at protecting minors from pornography.
The case, Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, involved an adult industry trade organization, a group of pornographic websites and other plaintiffs suing the state of Texas to prevent the law from taking effect. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton was named as the defendant in the case.
The challengers, who filed suit just a month after the bill was passed, argue the law places a burden on adults’ access to content they believe is protected by First Amendment free speech.
After a federal district court granted the group’s preliminary injunction, the Texas Attorney General’s office appealed the ruling, and the injunction was vacated by the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals.
The challengers then came to the Supreme Court in April 2024 asking it to intervene. The High Court declined to stay the injunction, letting the law take effect, but later announced in Oct. 2024 that it would take up the case. Oral arguments in the case were heard Jan. 15.
The Supreme Court’s ruling was dependent upon how it determined whether a user’s First Amendment rights have been violated.
The choice is between two methods or tests of interpretation known as the “rational basis” review or the “strict scrutiny” test.
The rational basis method, used by the lower court in its decision, looks at whether or not the law is rationally related to a legitimate government interest.
Conversely, strict scrutiny review is the most demanding tier of judicial review.
The challengers argued the strict scrutiny method should be applied in this scenario, which would mean it is up to the government to demonstrate that age verification is the least restrictive way to protect minors from harmful content.
The Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision rejected the strict scrutiny argument, saying the Texas law only has an “incidental” effect on free speech.
“The First Amendment leaves undisturbed States’ traditional power to prevent minors from accessing speech that is obscene from their perspective,” the decision stated.
“That power includes the power to require proof of age before an individual can access such speech. It follows that no person—adult or child—has a First Amendment right to access such speech without first submitting proof of age.”
The Supreme Court ultimately determined neither party’s argument as to the level of review was appropriate, settling on an in-between level of review known as intermediate scrutiny.
Justice Clarence Thomas delivered the court’s opinion. Justice Elena Kagan filed a dissenting opinion and was joined by Justice Sonia Sotomayor and Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson.
“We celebrate the Supreme Court’s ruling today, which affirms the right of states to adopt and enforce restrictions, such as age verification requirements, that protect minor children from being exposed to harmful sexual content,” said John Litzler, Texas Baptists’ CLC director of public policy.
“Passed in 2023, House Bill 1181 is a good law that is designed to protect children from the dangers of online pornography, which is both destructive and ubiquitous,” he continued.
Litzler noted Texas Baptists joined with the Southern Baptist Convention and the Southern Baptist Convention of Texas to advocate for the constitutionality of HB 1181 before the Supreme Court.
“Today’s ruling is a win for children and families in Texas and other jurisdictions that have passed similar legislation,” he said.
Brent Leatherwood, president of the SBC’s Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, called the Texas law “common sense,” and spoke to the impact the High Court’s ruling will have on similar laws around the country.
“Combatting the porn industry on behalf of kids is constitutional. That’s the takeaway from today’s decision upholding a common-sense law that protects children from harmful pornographic materials,” Leatherwood said.
“Age-verification requirements are an entirely appropriate and constitutional tool in a digital age. Moreover, they represent the bare minimum we should expect in a nation that wants its youngest generations protected from a predatory and dehumanizing industry.
“Upholding this law opens an avenue for other states and the federal government to develop smart policies that create a healthier online environment—an environment that prioritizes the family and respects human dignity. We urge lawmakers to do so swiftly.”
The ERLC filed an amicus brief in the case in Nov. 2024 alongside the Baptist General Convention of Texas and the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention.
The brief appealed to the 2001 SBC resolution “On The Plague Of Internet Pornography” and the Baptist Faith and Message 2000 to illustrate Southern Baptists’ stance on the dangers of pornography, especially for minors.
“As originally understood, the First Amendment existed primarily to protect political speech and speech on matters of public concern,” the brief states.
“It has been understood from the beginning of the Republic that States have broad discretion to use their police-power authority to protect minors from such expression. The Constitution has long given State policymaking a wide berth in this regard.”
Additionally, nearly 60 lawmakers from 15 of the states where laws are in effect jointly filed an amicus brief in support of the Texas law and by extension their own.
Ohio, Indiana and 22 other states also filed a brief in the case, where they noted that pornography is not constitutionally protected because it is considered obscene to minors and adults under previously established Supreme Court standards.
Louisiana, a signer of both briefs, was the first state to successfully implement an age-verification law for adult websites.
The law, which went into effect at the beginning of 2023, was written by Louisiana Republican representative Laura Schlegel, who is also a licensed professional counselor and certified sex addiction therapist.
Schlegel said protecting minors from obscene content is not just a “compelling legal interest,” but should be “a compelling, bipartisan issue at every kitchen table in this country.”
With additional reporting by Calli Keener.
A network of Ascent-related seminaries, including Baylor University’s Truett Theological Seminary, will launch a pilot program this fall hoping to open the door to theological education to a cohort of students for whom “taking the first step” has been an obstacle.
Ascent is a newer cooperative missions movement comprised of theologically centrist congregations of varying denominational backgrounds, several of which are BGCT-cooperating churches.
The group’s First Seminary Initiative will utilize a graduate theological education exchange model, offering up to 18 credits—six courses—of graduate-level courses over the course of a year.
“It’s a pilot program to try and mobilize more people toward theological education,” Ascent senior director Chris Backert explained.
“One of our statements or axioms about this is that the church in North America needs more theological education, not less,” he said. “It just needs to be delivered differently.”
The classes, digitally distributed, are the same courses generally offered during the first year of theological studies in traditional campus-based seminaries, Truett Dean Todd Still explained.
He said teaching responsibilities will be shared among professors from Truett Seminary; Winebrenner Theological Seminary in Ohio, associated with the Churches of God denomination; Northern Seminary in Illinois, historically American Baptist; and Missio Seminary in Pennsylvania, which in addition to its Philadelphia campus cooperates to offer theological education digitally through Kairos Seminary. Kairos opened an extension campus through San Antonio Baptist Association last year.
All of the participating institutions are Association of Theological Schools accredited, and all will accept coursework completed through the program toward a degree at their respective seminaries, offering students a chance to sample a variety of seminaries to determine which is best suited to complete their studies, Backert explained.
A student is not obligated to continue studies at any of the institutions, but these courses taught by these professors will give a good sense of what each school offers, he noted.
Still said Truett’s contribution will be Introduction to Christian Mission and Witness, taught by Truett’s longest-tenured professor, Mike Stroope.
Prospective students will apply to the pilot program and take as few or as many of the courses, offered in mini terms, as they are interested in taking at the affordable cost of $300 per month. That cost is intended to get people “off of a zero, and into a ‘yes’” to pursuing theological education, Backert said.
Then, at the Ascent summit next March 10-12, “there will be a convening of everyone” who participated.
Still noted, of the participating institutions, only Truett Seminary offers primarily an in-residence university-based seminary. The other three schools offer degrees that could be completed virtually. Truett offers one digitally distributed degree, the Master of Arts in Theology and Sports Studies.
The seminary is trending in a positive direction, he said, with more Baptists in-residence pursuing a Master of Divinity degree. Enrollment is trending toward a record number of students this fall, he added.
The challenge, Still noted, for theological schools is “to innovate, without forgetting the thing that you’ve done best since the beginning,” which for Truett has been and continues to be the Mastery of Divinity degree, he said.
While Ascent hopes to see the seminary network grow to include other schools, Still said, “it’s the start that stops most from beginning seminary.”
The Ascent related seminaries don’t want “the ideal, or the perfect, be the enemy of the good.”
So they asked themselves, “How can you create something that is accessible, something that is affordable, something that is flexible, so that students” through the one-year pilot program can take a step into theological education.
They decided to offer two classes in the fall, two classes in the winter and two in the late spring, early summer.
“We’re playing a small part in something that is larger than we,” Still said. “The idea is that as you take these courses, we will be an option among other options.”
He noted Dennis Wiles, pastor of First Baptist Church in Arlington and several other Texas Baptists pastors and congregations have strong buy-in to the Ascent movement.
“We feel like we’re serving in concert with our primary constituency, Texas Baptists,” Still said, but Truett also has much in common with Virginia Baptists, who helped launch Ascent.
So, participating in the program to offer to students “a taste” of several schools, seemed a good opportunity to try, he said.
“That’s why we’re calling it a pilot,” he said, noting none of the participating schools has “any grand ideas” about where the program will lead.
The classes do not constitute a micro-degree of any sort. They are a “suite of standalone courses” that can go toward a degree.
“We’re trying to get people interested in theological education,” he said.
Many churches have said seminary is optional or that it isn’t needed anymore, Still observed.
“What we’re saying is a call to ministry is a call to prepare for ministry, and this is the next faithful step,” he said.
Still acknowledged this program is one pathway to theological training among many and emphasized they “are piloting it to see if it really is viable.”
The initiative represents “a good faith attempt to do something together” with the great hope it will “introduce people who sense both interest and call to theological education, so that they can begin the journey.”
Backert added: “Our main heart is we’re trying to propel people to say: ‘OK, I can take a jump into seminary education. It’s affordable. It’s accessible, and still quality.’”
So, the students can feel good about deciding where they’re going at the end of the year.
“The journey begins with a single step,” Still noted. “We’re eager to see if there are some students out there who might think this is a suitable and doable way to start.”