November 5, 2001
Wade calls Baptists to a challenge 'worthy of our lives'
___By Scott Collins
___For Texas Baptist Communications
___DALLAS--Take on "the challenge worthy of our lives," Charles Wade urged the Baptist General Convention of Texas during its 116th annual session in Dallas Oct. 29.
___That challenge is synonymous with the BGCT's new mission statement--"be the presence of Christ" in the world, proclaimed Wade, the BGCT's executive director.
cutline
___The challenge comes straight from the mouth of Jesus, who said, "As the Father has sent me, I am sending you," Wade stressed during his annual report to the convention.
___BGCT Baptists should take on their challenge in the same way New
___"Over 300 of these brave souls died in fulfilling their mission," he acknowledged. "But thousands were saved because they were there."
___And similarly, Texas Baptists are challenged to exhibit courage and conviction to be present in the world, leading people to their Savior, Jesus Christ, he said.
___When Jesus' disciples were afraid of the world around them, "he met their fear with a challenge," he added. "This is just like God. He comforts, to be sure, but he calls us forward. Indeed, you could say that he comforts by calling us forward. ... The world needs people who have looked evil in the eye and know that God will show up. People who pray to be useful to God more than safe."
___God's challenge is worthy of Texas Baptists' lives because they approach it in the same manner as Jesus did--sent by God, Wade stressed.
___"We are on mission. God sent Jesus to be the first missionary of the gospel," he said. "God sent him from heaven to earth to save a rebellious and needy people. In the same way, Jesus sends us into the world."
___As Christians go into the world, they do so "in the power of the Holy Spirit," Wade promised. "We cannot--never have been able to--do the work of God in the world in our own power. We are Holy Spirit people, or we are not his people."
___Being the presence of Christ in the world under the power of the Holy Spirit means Texas Baptists follow Jesus' example of sacrifice, he said.
___"Our assignment is to be the presence of Christ in the world in such a way that people get a good look at Jesus," he explained. "We want them to be drawn to him. We grieve that those who love their own righteousness, or won't make up their mind about who Jesus is, or have given their soul to evil will turn away.
___"But we do not quit loving. We keep pointing to Christ, proclaiming his gospel and being open every day to his work in us, cleansing and shaping and growing us up to be like him."
___With Jesus as the model for ministry, Wade said, a committee of more than 70 Texas Baptists "studied, interviewed, prayed and committed themselves to bring Texas Baptists a vision that is worthy of our lives and will send us eagerly and obediently on mission into this new century."
___The result is a strategic plan for the BGCT that includes seven initiatives, he said.
___Those initiatives are reaching all people; beginning new churches; helping churches be healthy churches; helping churches and related ministries encourage healthy, Christ-centered families; assisting churches and related ministries to obey and serve Jesus by meeting physical, spiritual and emotional needs; equipping Baptist laity for full service; and expanding theological education opportunities for all ministers.
___Concluding his message, Wade told BGCT messengers: "There are two great responsibilities I believe the BGCT has to you.
___"The first is to serve you by helping you fulfill the vision God has given to your church. The second ... is to help provide a way for your church to network with other churches and thereby accomplish goals and ministries that you could not achieve alone."
___Those responsibilities enable BGCT Baptists to meet the needs of the state and world to which God has sent them, he added.
___"And Texas Baptists will not stop until our Lord himself calls the day to an end and welcomes us home."
___Charles Wade gives his second annual report as executive director of the Baptist General Convention of Texas.
Get printer-friendly version of this story
Send this story to a friend
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.
Contents/ Masthead / Why We're Here / Links / Archive / E-mail us/ SUBSCRIBE!/ Signup for FirstLook
