G5 conference focuses on sharing the hope of Christ

The fifth generation of Texas Baptist church leaders is called to continue sharing the hope of Christ throughout the state, and they’ll do it in an environment unlike any in Texas history, Baptist General Convention of Texas leaders observed.

This year’s G5 conference following the BGCT annual meeting is designed to discuss how Texas Baptists can serve more effectively in this context.

Conference leaders will lead a dialogue about how churches can be forces that reach out to the hungry in their communities. Moderators also will guide an in-depth discussion about leadership in a Hispanic context, whether in a church or community.

Ron Herring, director of the Center for Effective Leadership, said the G5 conference will help people discover and refine skills that will help them reach their areas better.

Victor Rodriguez, pastor of South San Filadelfia Baptist Church in San Antonio; Julio Guarneri, pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in McAllen; Patty Villareal, national director of church and community collaborations for Buckner International; and Lorenzo Peña, director of Texas Baptists’ associational missions team, will lead the discussion on Hispanic leadership.

“We hope that people will leave there with a better understanding of Hispanic culture, Hispanic leadership principles and how Hispanics best respond to ministry,” Herring said.

“I think the people we have presenting are as good as any in the nation.”

The conversation about meeting the needs of the hungry will continue to build on conventionwide efforts in recent years to make sure every Texan has something to eat. Joyce Gilbreath, Texas Baptist Offering for World Hunger specialist, said ministering in communities and meeting needs in the name of Christ powerfully connects with the fifth generation of Texas Baptists.

Steve Payne, community ministries consultant for San Antonio Baptist Association; Gisela Lenz, food distribution coordinator for First Baptist Church in Del Rio; and Juan Tapia, pastor of Primera Iglesia Bautista in Las Milpas, will lead the discussion on hunger ministries.

“The G5 generation wants to be involved,” Gilbreath said. “They want to be hands on. They want to connect with the ministry directly.

“We’re hoping to talk to people and show people how they can do that.”

For more information about the conference, visit www.effectiveleader.org/G5.