2nd Opinion: ‘We are partners in shaping … lives’

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Posted: 1/06/06

2nd Opinion:
'We are partners in shaping … lives'

By John Lilley

The Baylor University board of regents, in electing me as the university's 13th president, has given me a great opportunity to come back and lead an institution that had a transforming effect on my life.

Arriving on campus in the late 1950s, fresh from Louisiana, Baylor opened a whole new world to me. I not only received outstanding instruction and mentoring from Baylor professors who cared deeply about me and my calling, I was taken in by the wonderful Baylor families who worshipped at First Baptist Church in Waco. First Baptist became my home away from home. Two days after my election as Baylor's president, my wife, Gerrie, and I united with this church. It was a true homecoming for me.

Also during my student days, I had the opportunity to serve as music director at three Texas Baptist churches–Mountain Baptist Church in Gatesville, Eastside Baptist Church in Killeen and Alice Avenue Baptist Church (now Park Lake Drive Baptist Church) in Waco.

The good people of these churches encouraged me and allowed me to grow spiritually and professionally, while providing me a source of financial support. My two summers of youth-led revivals, sponsored by the Baptist General Convention of Texas, similarly contributed to my spiritual and professional development.

Of course, I would have had none of these life-changing opportunities were it not for the vision of Texas Baptists, who founded this great university in 1845. Of the 15 colleges and universities chartered by the Republic of Texas, only Baylor survives. To this day, more than 160 years later, the motto Pro Ecclesia, Pro Texana–for Church, for State–has held true. Baylor exists to serve the church and society.

I believe Baylor has long been the crown jewel of Texas Baptists. Over the years, through many ups and downs in its relationship with the Baptists of this state, Baylor has never wavered it its commitment to serve those who gave birth to this institution. Because I have such a great belief in, and respect for, this relationship, it will be my intention as president of Baylor to ensure that those bonds are strengthened. Texas Baptists need the support of Baylor, and Baylor needs the support of Texas Baptists. We are partners in shaping the lives of young people who will go out into this world to serve and to lead.

Over the next few months, I will be visiting Baptist churches across this state. I look forward to making many new friends and connecting with the thousands of Baylor graduates who serve these churches as staff members and lay leaders.

Baylor is special to Texas Baptists. I have known that for a long time because I am a beneficiary of the partnership. I now consider myself to be a steward of that relationship. Baylor must, and will, continue to serve Texas Baptists.

Pro Ecclesia, Pro Texana.

John Lilley began his tenure as president of Baylor University this month.

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