Marriott nominee for BGCT 2nd vice president

Ronny Marriott, pastor of First Baptist Church in Burleson, will be nominated for second vice president of the Baptist General Convention of Texas.

Cory Hines, president of Howard Payne University, said he will nominate Marriott at the BGCT annual meeting in Waco, Nov. 13-15.

“Ronny is the kind of leader that our Texas Baptist churches need for the days ahead,” Hines said. “He is committed to his Lord, his family, his church and his community.”

As pastor, Marriott has “been instrumental” in leading his church to minister to people in its community, Hines said.

‘A heart for the next generation’

Marriott “has a heart for the next generation,” he added, pointing to his service on Texas Baptists’ Theological Education Council and to the residency program First Baptist Church launched under his leadership.

“He would serve and lead us well, and we would be honored if he were elected as the second vice president for the BGCT,” Hines said.

As a lifelong Texas Baptist, Marriott expressed his desire to serve the convention and offer the benefit of what he has learned from 25 years in the pastorate and 35 years of ministry.

“I have a few gray hairs, and I hope I’ve gained some wisdom along with them,” he said. “I know a few things, because I’ve seen a few things.”

Marriott applauded what he sees as Texas Baptists’ focus on helping pastors, particularly during the shutdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and its continuing aftermath for churches.

“I would like to see even more emphasis on providing help and encouragement to the pastor’s spouse, children and whole family,” he said.

First Baptist in Burleson launched its pastor-in-residence and artist-in-residence program for young ministers about four years ago after being challenged to “call out the called” and to support those who feel led to pursue vocational ministry, Marriott said. The two-year program not only offers practical experience in the context of a local church, but also provides residents leadership training and a monthly stipend, he noted.

Denominational service noted

Marriott has served First Baptist in Burleson since 2016. Previously, he was pastor of First Baptist Church in Temple, First Baptist Church in Corpus Christi and Sunset Canyon Baptist Church in Dripping Springs. He also was pastor of Shady Oaks Baptist Church in Hurst, a congregation he had served earlier as youth pastor. He began his ministry career as youth pastor at Northlake Baptist Church in Dallas.

In addition to Texas Baptists’ Theological Education Council, he has served on the BGCT Executive Board, the Christian Life Commission and the board of trustees at Howard Payne University.

In Tarrant Baptist Association, he has served as chair of the credentials committee and as a member of the personnel and finance committees. He has written curriculum for both BaptistWay Press (now GC2 Press) and Lifeway Christian Resources, and he has served as an adjunct professor at Dallas Baptist University.

Marriott earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University and holds a Master of Divinity degree and Doctor of Ministry degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

He and his wife Robin have three children—Molly, Morgan and Ryan.