Texas Baptist Men has named David Hardage, who recently retired as executive director of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, to lead the missions organization’s efforts to engage churches in TBM ministries. Hardage will help churches across Texas serve through TBM, including disaster relief ministries, water impact efforts, volunteer builder projects and discipleship initiatives. “Dr. Hardage is widely respected for his passion to help congregations take the gospel into their communities, across the state and around the world,” said TBM Executive Director/CEO Mickey Lenamon. “We are blessed to have him and excited about the future as more and more people share God’s love through TBM ministries.” As Texas Baptists’ executive leader, Hardage helped more than 5,000 churches focus on the Great Commandment of loving God and loving others, as well as the Great Commission to share the gospel—guiding principles that shape TBM. “For years, I have supported and encouraged people to get involved in TBM ministries,” Hardage said. “TBM volunteers are the first to meet needs after disasters. They follow God’s calling to give people access to clean drinking water around the world. They share the gospel wherever they are. That’s what Christ calls his followers to be about. I’m excited about joining TBM in their mission to share God’s love.” Hardage was BGCT executive director from 2012 to 2023. Previously, he was director of development for Baylor University’s Truett Theological Seminary, led Waco Regional Baptist Association and served as pastor of several churches in Texas and Oklahoma. Hardage earned a bachelor’s degree from Baylor University, a Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a doctorate from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife Kathleen have two grown children.
Texas Baptist Men disaster relief volunteers are serving at several sites in Central Texas after the ice storms that paralyzed the state for several days. On Feb. 6, five chainsaw crews and several large equipment operators were working in Austin, Round Rock, Canyon Lake, Temple and surrounding areas. A shower and laundry unit, a feeding team, assessors and a site coordinator were deployed to Manchaca Baptist Church in Austin to support the chainsaw crews.
The 2023 Martin Luther King Commemorative Council in Lubbock recognized Ray Travenia and his business, R&J Detail Shop, for outstanding longevity and continued service to the community. Travenia is pastor of St. John’s Baptist Church in Littlefield.
Anniversary
100th for First Baptist Church in Santa Rosa on March 19. A catered lunch will follow the 10:30 a.m. worship service. All former pastors, former members and other guests are invited to the homecoming celebration. Reservations are requested. Call the church office at (956) 636-1603, Lowell Bookout at (956) 200-4852 or Marie Bookout at (956) 373-0007.
Retirement
Michael Holster as pastor of Second Baptist Church in Levelland, effective March 31. He completes 20 years at the Levelland church on March 16, and he retires after 40 years in the gospel ministry.
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