Kathy Hillman: Will you, please?

“And who knows but that you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14)

The last note has been sung, the final report adopted, the concluding sermon preached and the closing amen said. Exhibitors have packed their displays and left-over giveaways. The 130th annual meeting of the Baptist General Convention of Texas is history—but not its deep roots and living legacy.

Kathy HillmanThe work begins for new BGCT officers President René Maciel, First Vice President Bedilu Yirga and Second Vice President Danny Reeves. Within a few weeks, they’ll meet to plan and dream. After much thought, they’ll prayerfully call others to join them. They’ll work from their knowledge of Texas Baptists and seek recommendations. They’ll utilize a list of volunteers and those previously considered that the associate executive director keeps.

Some they call will serve on the Committee on Committees, which names committees that nominate the Executive Board and board members of affiliated ministries, such as universities. More will be involved with the 131st annual meeting in Waco or other specific tasks.

Opportunities for convention involvement even include short-term commitments, such as working a registration shift. René, Bedilu and Danny will seek individuals who represent the breadth of Texas Baptist laity and clergy, from the Panhandle, to the Valley, to the Louisiana and New Mexico borders. 

Committee on Convention Business members, including soon-to-be-elected president René Maciel and soon-to-be-elected first vice president Bedilu Yirga. (Kathy Hillman Photo)In the Bible, God called an array of individuals. Some, like Lydia, volunteered. Others, including Jesus’ disciples, were nudged. Many, like Moses, Gideon and Jonah, were pushed. A few, like Esther, were conscripted. But the heavenly Father called all—some for a short time, like Rahab, a few for a long time, like Noah, and others for a lifetime, like Timothy. And he calls us. 

But calling isn’t easy. Recently, a friend confessed she would rather do anything than ask. When our daughter, Holly, was little, she sweetly pleaded, “Will you, pretty please, with sugar and butter and everything you like on top?” She was hard to turn down.

However, maybe you’ve had contacts like some of mine: “We’ve asked a bunch of people. You wouldn’t want to do it, would you?” Another evening, the caller began, “I don’t know you, but someone thought you might be OK on the Long-Range Planning Committee.” I assumed his request was for our church, since we had taught his son. I asked the scope and timeline. He didn’t know. I queried about meetings. He didn’t know. I inquired about the chair. He didn’t know. “It will be a deacon, but none of us wants to do it.”

Former Texas WMU president Millie Bishop (left) in conversation with Texas WMU staff member Carolyn Porterfield during Texas WMU’s 125th anniversary meeting. (Kathy Hillman Photo)How then should we ask? Millie Bishop, president of Texas Woman’s Missionary Union from 1984 to 1988, mastered the art-of-the-ask-and-response, once leading a conference on the subject. 

• Enlist for major responsibilities in person. If face-to-face isn’t possible, call. Email limits discussion and increases declines.

• Understand what you’re asking. 

• Explain the position and “why we thought of you.” 

• Be specific about expectations, including time, cost and reporting. Never say, “There’s nothing to it,” unless the position is honorary. 

• Agree on a deadline for an answer. 

Often, we’re on the receiving end of calls. When do we say, “Yes,” “No” or “I need time”? How do we decide?

Is the invitation in keeping with my gifts, talents and passion? Do I feel called?

Texas Baptist Associate Executive Director Steve Vernon with ministry assistant Bethany Frisch.  Their office relates to officers and convention committees and keeps a list of potential volunteers. (Kathy Hillman Photo)How does the request align in time and timing with family and other responsibilities? 

What can I contribute and/or how will the experience help me grow?

How involved is the commitment—one-time, quarterly for several years, ongoing that requires weekly preparation and attendance? 

If I feel inadequate, is there someone whose counsel I should seek?

Ask for reasonable time to consider the request, but respect the deadline.

There’s much to do in God’s kingdom. There’s a place for all of us in our churches and in the convention as we accept the challenge of the Great Commission and seek to live the Great Commandment. God calls from morning’s first light through evening’s last shadow, today and every day. 

At long-time missionary Van Gladen’s memorial service, the family reprinted one of his poems. They shared the final lines of “When the Lord Calls You” with us: “It may be a river, a fence or a wall: the line that keeps nations apart. But borders can’t silence that clear, haunting call that echoes in some person’s heart. An angel? A vision? The voice of the Lord? Precisely, you may never know. ‘Come over and help us’ is clearly the word, and when the Lord calls, you must go.”

So if you’re called and God leads, say, “Yes.” You will be blessed and bless others.

Kathy Hillman concluded her term as president of the Baptist General Convention of Texas at the BGCT annual meeting Nov. 10. She is director of Baptist collections, library advancement and the Keston Center for Religion, Politics and Society at Baylor University.