Ronny Marriott nominee for BGCT president

Ronny Marriott, incumbent president of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, will be nominated at Texas Baptists’ annual meeting for a second term.

David Lowrie, pastor of First Baptist Church in Decatur and a past president of the convention, announced his intention to nominate Marriott, the lead pastor of First Baptist Church in Burleson, at the BGCT annual meeting, Nov. 10-12 in Waco.

Lowrie praised Marriott as an experienced Texas Baptist leader with “a heart for who we are and who we need to become.”

“I believe Ronny is the right person in the right place for this time in the life of Texas Baptists,” Lowrie said.

Under Marriott’s leadership, First Baptist in Burleson “sets a good example” for cooperative giving and community engagement, he added.

Noting they served together on the board of trustees at Howard Payne University, Lowrie said, he observed Marriott’s willingness to “listen well” to various viewpoints and to adapt to changing circumstances.

“He is a thoughtful leader who is willing to do hard things when necessary,” Lowrie said.

‘It’s a new day’

Marriott was elected as first vice president of the state convention at Texas Baptists’ Family Gathering last July in McAllen, having previously been second vice president. At the same meeting, Julio Guarneri was reelected as BGCT president. Marriott assumed the presidency when Guarneri was selected as BGCT executive director.

“It was a steep learning curve, but people around me have been patient and gracious,” Marriott said.

He expressed his desire to support Guarneri in his role as executive director and walk alongside him during changing times.

“I’m excited about our future,” he said. “It’s a new day.”

Marriott particularly noted questions surrounding the upcoming vote at the Southern Baptist Convention regarding whether churches with women who serve in pastoral roles can remain in “friendly cooperation” with the SBC.

He affirmed Texas Baptists’ position affirming the autonomy of local congregations, and noted his desire to see the BGCT support and encourage Texas Baptist churches as they make their own decisions about the role of women in ministry.

During his brief time as president so far, Marriott said, he is “having a great time” and is “eager to meet more people” around the state. He pointed to the need to encourage churches in cooperative giving.

Encourage and equip young ministers

Noting his commitment to mentor and encourage young ministers, he commended Texas Baptists’ support for the Pastor’s Common—a space where ministry leaders build community, listen to each other and collaborate.

Marriott led his church to launch a residency program for young ministers, providing them two years of practical experience in a congregational context. He hopes to see Texas Baptists implement a similar residency program, as recommended by the convention’s Gen Z/Millennial Task Force.

He also voiced support for Texas Baptists’ commitment to church health and to encouraging ministers and their families.

“I want to try to be a positive influence,” Marriott said.

Before coming to First Baptist Church in Burleson in 2016, Marriott served as pastor of First Baptist Church in Temple, First Baptist Church in Corpus Christi and Sunset Baptist Church in Dripping Springs.

He also served at Shady Oaks Baptist Church in Hurst—initially as youth minister and later as senior pastor. He also served on staff at Northlake Baptist Church in Dallas as youth pastor.

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

He has served on Texas Baptists’ Theological Education Council, the BGCT Executive Board and the Christian Life Commission.

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