Voices: Texas Baptists are future-thinking

Texas Baptists are investing in the next generation.

While we are grateful for the 140-year-old legacy we have received, we realize we cannot live in the past. One of the reasons Baptist institutions and organizations can thrive for multiple decades is because they learn how to minister in the present and prepare for the future.

I’ll never forget when, several years ago, I was elected to serve on the Buckner International board.

Albert Reyes gave the incoming trustees a rich historical tour of Buckner’s beginnings in Dallas. Then he showed us a framed photo in his office of a wrecking ball demolishing an old building. He told us it was a reminder to him that while we build on the past, we should not be afraid to do new things or do things in a new way; in other words, to be innovative.

First Chronicles relates to us about the tribes of Israel that joined David in claiming the God-promised kingship. The list of tribes includes various descriptors for each. The men of Issachar were distinguished for understanding the times and knowing what to do.

That is what Texas Baptists aim for. We need to understand the present, have an idea of the future, and act accordingly, so we might be effective servants of our King Jesus.

We have said previously, regarding this value: “While God’s truth is unwavering, our methods must be adaptive. We discern the times, recognize patterns, and are willing to cast the net on a different side of the boat. We approach the future with strategy and a willingness to try new things.”

Times change, gospel doesn’t

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. The gospel does not change. The Scriptures do not change. Yet, the world is in a constant state of change. Generations are different from the previous ones. We adapt our methods to reach everyone with the gospel.

While we can learn much from the past, we are not restricted to “the way we have always done it.” We become attentive to God’s voice. Even if we have had ample experience in doing ministry, when Jesus says, “Throw the net on the other side,” we are ready to obey.

The God of our fathers is alive today. He moves in new ways and challenges his people: “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland” (Isaiah 43:19 NIV).

This summer, we are in the midst of a staff realignment and budget right-sizing. This is driven by our desire to be more effective in our changing context and by the acknowledgment of economic realities.

Furthermore, we are launching the GC2 Strong Pilot Project this fall. I will share more about these three things—staff realignment, budget right-sizing, and GC2 Strong Pilot Project—in the weeks to come. They are the most concrete and current examples of our future-thinking value.

Our state is growing. Our churches are seeing their communities change. New generations are rising. Demographic shifts are taking place. The culture around us is changing. God has brought the nations to us. We must be ready to step into the present with a future-thinking posture.

Julio Guarneri is the executive director of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. This opinion article is adapted from his July 22 weekly update.