TOGETHER:
Texas Baptists can be
grateful for special committees
___I have just read again two important documents regarding our work together as Texas Baptists. Each time I read the reports of the Missions-Sending Agencies Study Committee and the Strategic Planning Committee, they inspire me even more.
___The BGCT Administrative Committee affirmed these reports and recommendations. The documents have been mailed to members of the Executive Board, and the board will
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CHARLES WADE
Executive Director
BGCT Executive Board
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meet May 22 for discussion and vote.
___Permit me to share my thoughts about these timely and crucial reports.
___First is gratitude: For Texas Baptists, that we have such wonderful resources of people and money that we can dream great dreams with God. For strong leadership in our churches and convention, as men and women make sacrificial commitments of time, abilities and resources to achieve what we believe God has put in our hearts. For a mission field in Texas and around the world that challenges the very best that is in us to be faithful to God's call. For the 62 men and women who worked with Ellis Orozco, pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in McAllen and chair of the Strategic Planning Committee. For the 18 men and women who worked with Jim Denison, pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas and chair of the Missions-Sending Agencies Study Committee. To God, for trusting us with such Good News for our world and providing us with a heart to partner with him in putting our arms around Texas and the world.
___Second is excitement. The strategic plan identifies the mission of the BGCT to assist churches and related ministries to be the presence of Christ in the world. There can be no greater calling for those who follow Christ. The best news we have is Jesus. He is the one to whom we point when we bear witness. We tell of his holy virgin birth, his sinless compassionate life, his wisdom and courage, his atoning death, his victory in the resurrection, his creation and empowering of the church to be his continuing presence bearing witness to his saving grace in the world, and his promised second coming.
___The strategic plan identifies core values that Texas Baptists share:
___ Biblical authority (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
___ Missions and evangelism (Acts 1:8).
___ Prayer and spiritual vitality (Matthew 6:5-13; John 15:5,7).
___ Inclusion and diversity (Galatians 3:28).
___ Worth of all persons (Genesis 1:26-27; Matthew 25:31-46).
___ Baptist heritage/ polity/doctrine (Isaiah 51:1; I Peter 2:9).
___The vision is to reach all people, start churches, improve church health, encourage healthy families, meet human needs, equip laity and expand theological education. Strategies for implementing that vision have been developed, and goals are being set. This is a great time for Texas Baptists to come together for the sake of those who need the good news and saving touch of Jesus.
___Third is readiness. I am tempted to say impatience. I am impatient to get on with the task of missions and evangelism in Texas and the world. We have accomplished much over the past decade. We have studied a lot these last 18 months, and it is time to move forward with all our energy as we depend upon the Lord to give us strength.
___The mission study report has carefully outlined concerns and made specific recommendations as to what we need to do. The report encourages Texas Baptists to work with the International Mission Board, North American Mission Board, Global Missions and others who want to partner with us in fulfilling the Great Commission of Christ. We can work together in Texas to help all our churches be on mission for Christ in their communities, throughout Texas and the world. The missions-sending agencies that were studied all cooperated with us in our efforts to understand and to set out recommendations. I am ready to go forward--together.
___We are loved.
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