January 27, 1999
GRACE & PEACE:
Education plays important
role among Texas Baptists
___"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15).
___Texas Baptists are a people known for their passion for evangelism and missions. Why, some ask, do Texas Baptists put such great emphasis on Christian higher education? Why? Because Texas Baptists have a passion for evangelism and missions! We believe, on the basis of the Bible, that a well-developed mind and effective ministry,missions and evangelism go hand-in-hand.
___Texas Baptists have viewed education as very important for those God has called to be pastors, teachers, evangelists and missionaries.
___More than 3,000 students in schools related to the Baptist General Convention of Texas indicate a calling of God for church-related vocational ministry. They already are involved in missions and in leading lost people to a saving faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and in the years to come will be used by God to do even more.
___Schools related to the Baptist General Convention of Texas exist not only for those who will serve in "church-related vocations" but for tens of thousands of others who will serve Christ in other occupations and who will be effective leaders in churches in a variety of ways. Through the "lay envoy" missions ministry of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, numbers of these people will serve the Lord in missions endeavors in other countries.
___Schools related to the Baptist General Convention of Texas also demonstrate the close relationship of education and missions and evangelism by the number of people who come to saving faith in Christ each year through their ministry. Revivals, dorm Bible studies, Baptist Student Ministry programs and personal witness by faculty and staff result in hundreds of professions of faith in Christ.
___The schools also provide thousands of graduates who take their places in families and places of work having experienced education in a Christian context, including Bible study and worship.
___The strength of the Baptist General Convention of Texas in evangelism and missions, in the number of churches and members is closely related to its affiliated schools. Playing such an important role, they merit our support.
___Churches have been sent materials to highlight the schools in a special emphasis next month. Encourage your pastor and other church leaders to utilize these materials to inform the members of your church of the marvelous ministry of the schools.
___Please pray for the schools related to the Baptist General Convention of Texas: Baylor University and Truett Seminary, Dallas Baptist University, East Texas Baptist University, Hardin-Simmons University and the Logsdon School of Theology, Houston Baptist University, Howard Payne University, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Wayland Baptist University, San Marcos Baptist Academy, Hispanic Baptist Seminary and the Valley Baptist Missions/Education Center. Pray for trustees and administrators, faculty and staff, students and parents. Pray that these schools always will be centers not only of education but also of evangelism and missions.Frontpage / Contents/ Masthead / Why We're Here / Links / Archive / E-mail us/ SUBSCRIBE!