HOUSTON—The first group of messengers and visitors to arrive in Houston for the Baptist General Convention of Texas annual meeting of Texas Baptists was a little different than normal. They all were under age 35. 

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Participants in Stream—a special event added to the meeting schedule to appeal to young Baptists—gathered on the Union Station rooftop overlooking Minute Maid Park and downtown Houston.

“I enjoyed meeting people who all have a heart to live for Christ,” said Emily Prevost, associate director of the BGCT Center for Effective Leadership.

“We just hung around, talked and shared experiences. It set a great tone for Stream workshops and worship. It’s the whole reason why we held this meeting,” she said.

More than 200 Stream participants filled workshops on living missionally, human trafficking, the Texas Hunger Initiative, challenges of church leadership, the arts and worship, and creation care.

“The Stream workshops were created on topics that appeal to, interest and apply to Baptist leaders of our generation,” said Stephen Reeves, legislative counsel with the Texas Baptist Christian Life Commission.

During a break in the annual meeting schedule, several Stream participants who were not registered messengers performed mission service at Houston Food Bank as a part of the Feeding America emphasis.

Brittany Green from First Baptist Church in Marshall came with a group from East Texas Baptist University to earn extra credit for her ministry formation class—and to discover what’s going on in Baptist churches and the BGCT.

“After coming, I realized that the BGCT is about all kinds of ministries going on and the outreach that’s going on,” Green said. “It was also great to see Christian Motorcycle Association recognized, as I’m a member.”

Green attended the human trafficking workshop and learned “where I can be needed as a missionary and a praying Christian and where I can help as a consumer.”

Paul Holt, a messenger from Bethlehem Baptist Church in Flint, attended his first-ever Texas Baptist event.

“I came to network and find new ways of ministry in communication and to help myself and my relationship with God,” Holt said.

“I really enjoyed the event for the younger ministers. I’ve been interested in this, and it’s been a success so far,” said Patrick Adair, youth pastor at First Baptist Church in Waco, who attended the Stream session on the challenges of church leadership. “It was great to speak openly with a representative from BGCT and be heard about helping young ministers succeed.”

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