March 3, 1999
GRACE & PEACE:
What a wonderful year ...
what a great challenge
___"First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world" (Romans 1:8).
___The New Testament sets the example for praising and giving thanks for churches that demonstrate faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Texas Baptists can do that in regard to the churches related to the Baptist General Convention of Texas. The reports concerning the churches' faithful ministry last year reveal the blessings of God and the faithful service of God's people.
___For example, the number of baptisms increased again. Also,every aspect of church life showed an increase in membership and participation. Total membership in the churches, Sunday school enrollment and attendance increased to record levels. Discipleship training, Woman's Missionary Union, Texas Baptist Men, music ministry and people in missions projects all experienced increases. The number of churches and missions reached a record, the result of concentrated effort over the past years to establish new churches as well as to strengthen existing churches.
WILLIAM M. PINSON JR.
Executive Director
BGCT Executive Board
___The reason for rejoicing is not in statistics but in the people they represent being reached for Christ.
___The total receipts of churches also increased to record highs. Furthermore, the churches showed concern for evangelism, missions, education and ministry beyond the local congregation by record funds contributed for missions, including Cooperative Program, association missions and state, home and international missions offerings.
___Last year was very difficult in Texas. Drought and floods destroyed lives and property. The decades-long controversy among Southern Baptists continued. Interest rates declined, aiding business but reducing the income for many retirees on fixed incomes and thus their tithes to churches.
___In the face of these difficulties, how can such a wonderful year be explained? Only the blessings and grace of God can explain it. God's hand is evident on the churches and ministries related to our convention. As the Texas 2000 vision statement declares: "To God be the glory!"
___The Texas 2000 vision and priorities also have played a part in the increases and records set in the churches. Texas 2000 has helped keep us focused on the really important priorities of the Lord Jesus Christ for us.
___The dedication, prayer, skill and labor of church staff members and thousands of volunteers in the churches have been a major reason for the increases and records. The various ministries of the convention focusing on the health of congregations and of their spiritual leaders has no doubt been a positive factor.
___We can indeed rejoice in the reports of last year and give God the glory. Yet we also must remember that the challenges of the vast Texas mission field remain. We have much yet to do and a multitude yet with whom to share the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. In light of the Great Commission and the expectations of our Lord, we prayerfully must strive to do even better this year than last.
___Please pray in thanksgiving for the victories of last year. Pray that we will give God the glory. And pray that by being laborers together with God, this coming year will be even more glorious in his service.Frontpage / Contents/ Masthead / Why We're Here / Links / Archive / E-mail us/ SUBSCRIBE!