March 10, 2003
TOGETHER:
Four P's empower BGCT ministry
___Last week, I spoke at an orientation for new Executive Board members. These men and women from varied locations and ethnic groups are Texas Baptists' elected representatives. We count on them--and all the volunteers who give their time to boards, committees and commissions related to the Baptist General Convention of Texas--to serve our convention much as deacons serve the church in ministry. I asked them to remember four words--process, permeation, purpose and passion.
___The BGCT is a complex organization, and in order for us to be effective and accountable, we must give attention to process. Just as Paul noted in 2 Corinthians 8:20-21 that he wanted to be accountable to the churches for how money was spent, we are to be accountable to our churches and to the people of the convention. We do that by meas
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CHARLES WADE
Executive Director
BGCT Executive Board
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urements of progress or lack of it, and we do it by a process that holds people responsible.
___This process is designed to develop a stronger spirit of cooperation. Cooperation is never gained through coercion or control. True cooperation is gained through mutual trust and shared vision. The reason there are so many people involved in the work of Texas Baptists is that we want people to know someone from every association, from every section of the state. As others come to know their character and integrity, confidence in our work grows.
___Christian leaders should permeate the state with their presence and influence. I encourage board members to share in their churches and associations what is happening in our BGCT Executive Board ministries. As they are effective in permeation, they help us build relationships across this state. True cooperation built on mutual trust and shared vision always grows out of relationships.
___The purpose of our work together on the Executive Board is spelled out in our constitution. "The object of this body shall be to awaken and stimulate among the churches the greatest possible activity in evangelism, missions, Christian education and benevolent work and enterprises; to cultivate a closer cooperation among the churches and promote harmony of feeling in concert of action in advancing all the interests of the Redeemer's kingdom." This purpose statement is connected deeply to the Great Commission.
___Passion moves us forward. It is expressed in our mission statement: "The BGCT exists to help churches and related ministries be the presence of Christ in the world." Only Jesus can change Texas and the world. The church is the body of Christ. We are to be his presence in our communities, going where he would go, speaking what he would speak, weeping where he would weep, rejoicing where he would rejoice. We are to be our Lord's heart and hands.
___In "The Divine Conspiracy," Dallas Willard insists the greatest task of the church is to enroll men and women as apprentices in the school of Jesus. The true test of a church is this: After people have been among you five years, are they more like Jesus or less?
___Please join me in praying for all those who serve Texas Baptists on our boards, commissions and committees. Pray they will be attentive to process, committed to permeating the state, directed by a clear sense of purpose and consumed by a passion for being more like Jesus.
___We are loved.
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