During the Convención Bautista Hispana de Texas 2026 annual meeting, attendees met at Howard Payne University in Brownwood, honoring past and present staff members, celebrating and encouraging God’s work among youth, and raising money to support Venezuela.
HPU President Cory Hines welcomed attendees in English and Spanish, thanking them for attending, and extended a presidential scholarship to students in the crowd: “I want every single one of them to come to Howard Payne University, and I will give them a special presidential scholarship, an extra $1,000 just for coming and being here today.”
Special recognition was given to Jesse Rincones, Convención executive director, for 15 years of service to the convention, including early volunteer work and long-term leadership that helped grow the convention into the third-largest Hispanic convention in the world. It was also noted that his work brought more than $60 million in support to the convention.
The Rev. Roberto Cuellar, pastor of Primera Church in San Angelo, was recognized as the Honorary President for 2026.
Martin Ortega, pastor of Iglesia Bautista Emanuel in Midland, was presented with the Gary Cook Servant Leadership Award.
Griselda Rivas Stearns, HPU alumna and social worker, was presented with the HPU Latina Legacy Award “for continuing the rich legacy of Latina leadership by honoring the past, serving the present, and shaping the future.” Stearns is the daughter of Jose Rivas, a notable Hispanic Baptist leader and HPU professor.
Convención also recorded 640 attendees, compared to 911 attendees during last year’s annual meeting in Duncanville.
Sowing faith
The 2026 annual meeting theme focused on “Sembrando Fe” (Planting Faith) in the next generation of believers, with a large emphasis on meaningful children’s ministry, growing young Latino leaders, and building a legacy for the next generation.
Workshops and general session sermons focused on preaching the gospel to children, helping families develop stronger spiritual habits, and planting purpose in the next generation.
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Celebrating offerings, business
A special offering collected during the first general session of the convention raised more than $1,000, and the funds were designated to support relief efforts in Venezuela following the catastrophic destruction of many homes and businesses caused by recent earthquakes. Over the course of the gathering, $2,443.40 was raised to support these efforts.
During the Tuesday morning business session, Ricardo Brambila, senior pastor for Primera Iglesia Bautista in Dallas, was approved by acclamation to fill the position of first vice president of the convention, filling a vacancy made by lead pastor Fernando Riojas of Azel Avenue Baptist Church in Fort Worth.
Rincones reported that since 2018, Convención received over $6 million in grants. Convención is currently administering two grants and has two pending proposals for a $2.5 million grant for a Christian practices initiative and another grant application for $990,000.
A 2027 balanced budget of $1.258 million was also approved.
Convención changed its bylaws in 2025 to provide for two-year officer terms. Therefore, Convención officers for 2026 are: Edson Lara, pastor of Iglesia Bautista Emanuel in McAllen, president; Ricardo Brambila, pastor of Primera Iglesia Bautista in Dallas, first vice president; Demetrio Salazar, pastor of Primera Iglesia Bautista in Belton, second vice president; and Lydia Salazar, wife of Demetrio Salazar, secretary.
Four members of Convención’s board of directors completed their terms during the session. Dr. Gabriel Cortes and Pastor Saul Sanchez were eligible for a second three-year term and agreed to continue serving in their positions. The executive board recommended Rafael Muñoz and pastor Victor Castillo to fill the remaining vacancies.
Recognizing the BGCT
Jesse Rincones gave special recognition to Julio Guarneri, executive director of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, and the 140th anniversary of the BGCT. Rincones reminded attendees that on June 29, 1886, leaders from five distinct Baptist groups in Texas met at First Baptist Church in Waco to form one unified convention.
The anniversary message emphasized the BGCT’s legacy of cooperation amid a growing and diverse Texas. The celebration included a birthday cake and a reception sponsored by Dallas Baptist Association.
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