BGCT plans to meet diverse needs
of African-American churches in Texas
___By Ken Camp
___Texas Baptist Communications
___A "one size fits all" approach does not work with African-American churches, according to Michael Evans, recently named director of the Baptist General Convention of Texas office of African-American ministries.
___The fact that the BGCT understands this principle is part of what attracted Evans to the new job, Evans said. He came to the post after serving 10 years as pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Mansfield.
___"African-American churches don't all evangelize alike, don't all think alike and don't all act alike," he said. "At the same time, there are threads of culture that run though our diverse programs and worship styles that still tie us together."
___In his new role, Evans hopes to expand customized and contextualized service to more than 700 predominantly African-American churches affiliated with the BGCT.
___He is committed to "bold initiatives" among African-American churches, and he already has in mind clear goals for the near future:
___ Enhanced missions awareness and involvement. He wants to see a greater emphasis on hands-on missions involvement by black churches, particularly in international missions.
___ Leadership training. Evans wants to provide training opportunities to "help pastors weather the storms that are part of being pastor."
___ Reaching youth. Evans plans to work closely with the BGCT Center for Strategic Evangelism in developing models for reaching African-American young people. One avenue is through music, he observed.
___ Stewardship growth. At a time when overall giving to the Texas Baptist Cooperative Program is down from the previous year and more than 10 percent below budget, giving by African-American churches is up 20 percent, Evans noted.
___"I want our pastors to think about the benefits received from the Cooperative Program," he said. "Our goal in African-American churches is to help fill the gap."
___ Advocacy. Evans wants to serve not only as the liaison between the BGCT and predominantly black Baptist conventions in Texas, but also as an advocate for individual pastors. In particular, he wants to help African-American pastors who serve bivocationally, which is more than 80 percent of all African-American pastors.
___Evans is quick to express gratitude for the contributions of his predecessor, Jim Culp, who served with the BGCT in the area of black church relations 18 years.
___"The fortitude of Jim Culp cannot be measured," he said. "Through his advocacy, mentorship and leadership, he helped pave the way for the next generation.
___"I don't think I would have been able to do this 20 years ago; ... Jim Culp blessed the BGCT. He prepared the way for bold initiatives."
The Baptist Standard
News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Texas Baptist churches, in the BGCT, the Southern Baptist Convention ( SBC ) and around the world.
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