November 10, 1999
Vote approves opening
BGCT to non-Texas churches
___By Mark Wingfield
___Managing Editor
___EL PASO--Texas Baptists came one step closer to opening their state convention to churches from other states Nov. 9 with approval of the first of two required readings of a proposed constitutional amendment.
___The amendment, suggested by Phil Lineberger of Williams Trace Baptist Church in Sugar Land, would change a small piece of wording in Article 8, Section 1 of the constitution. That article, which explains how the governing boards of BGCT agencies and institutions are elected, currently requires trustees to be "active members of cooperating Baptist churches in the state of Texas."
___Lineberger's amendment would change the requirement for trustees to be "active members of cooperating Baptist General Convention of Texas churches."
___"There are churches outside the borders of Texas that share in our vision and the kinds of ministries we're involved in," Lineberger told messengers. "Some of them want to be actively supporting of the BGCT. These churches should have full rights and privileges in the BGCT."
___"Texas is not simply a state; it's a state of mind," said Billy Spencer of First Baptist Church in Brady, who spoke in favor of the amendment. "Let's say, 'Welcome brother' and not be divided by geographical boundaries."
___The motion was approved with only a scattering of opposition. Constitutional amendments require approvals by two-thirds of messengers attending two consecutive annual sessions. Lineberger's amendment must be considered a second time when the state convention convenes next year in Corpus Christi.
___Although few words were spoken in debate, the action could have profound implications for the BGCT's future.
___Because of the BGCT's efforts in recent years to distinguish itself from the increasingly conservative Southern Baptist Convention--and because Baptist conventions in some adjoining states have fallen in line with the SBC's changes--churches in other states have expressed interest in affiliating with the BGCT.
___This is the impetus behind formation of a new Baptist Association of the Southwest, which is expected to include churches from Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana.
___Others have seen the possibility of Texas becoming an even broader convention in an age of changing denominational identities. At a 1998 meeting of Texas Baptists Committed in Houston, Baylor University chancellor Herb Reynolds proposed creation of a Baptist Convention of the Americas that would span from North America to South America.
___That proposal received widespread media attention and mixed reviews from leaders inside and outside the BGCT.
___In reality, however, nothing in the BGCT's current constitution and bylaws prohibits churches from other states from joining the BGCT. Lineberger's proposed amendment would remove the only reference in the constitution to churches being located geographically in the state of Texas.
___Article 3 of the constitution defines membership as open to "regular, missionary Baptist churches that shall voluntarily cooperate with churches of like faith in the work and purposes" of the convention.
___The purpose of the convention, the constitution states, is "to awaken and stimulate among the churches the greatest possible activity in evangelism, missions, Christian education and benevolent work and enterprises; to cultivate a closer cooperation among the churches and promote harmony of feeling and concert of action in advancing all the interests of the Redeemer's kingdom."
___While churches from any state theoretically could seat messengers at BGCT annual sessions if they contributed to the BGCT's work during the previous year, they would have to be affiliated with an association to gain representation on the BGCT Executive Board.
___
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