AMARILLO—When messengers gather for the Baptist General Convention of Texas annual meeting, they will be carrying out a tradition of making decisions to advance God's kingdom just as their predecessors have done for 125 years.
|
During an annual meeting birthday party of sorts, Texas Baptist messengers will celebrate 125 years of the convention sharing the hope of Christ throughout Texas and around the globe.
Born in 1886 when five state conventions united, the BGCT's ability to minister in large ways has always relied on affiliated churches' willingness to partner for the sake of God's kingdom, said Alan Lefever, director of the Texas Baptist Historical Collection.
Lefever, who noted that even the name "Baptist General Convention of Texas" brings together the names of the two largest pre-existing Texas Baptist conventions, said God has brought Texas Baptists together in a spirit of cooperation to share the hope of Christ.
As a result, they have started hospitals, colleges and children's homes, he noted. Churches have reached out to people in need in the name of Christ, providing food, clothes and encouragement.
"I think the biggest thing we should be celebrating is what we have accomplished by cooperating," Lefever said.
Called by God, Baptists throughout the state have had a significant impact in Texas and beyond, Lefever noted.
George W. Truett, former pastor of First Baptist Church in Dallas, emphasized the importance of religious liberty and separation of church and state. William and Anne Bagby of Waco founded the first Baptist church in Brazil. Countless people have been influenced through Texas Baptist schools and human-care institutions. The convention launched the Youth Evangelism Conference, Super Summer and See You at the Pole.
Sign up for our weekly edition and get all our headlines in your inbox on Thursdays
"When you talk about the BGCT, the people within the convention have reached out to touch the world," Lefever said.
The calling of the convention doesn't end at 125 years, Lefever is quick to point out. God continues calling Texas Baptists to serve him. Looking backward should be done only for the benefit of learning as the convention moves forward in ministry.
"Celebrating an anniversary is a great opportunity to look at the accomplishments of the past," he said. "At the same time, if we miss the opportunity to reflect on current challenges, we make past accomplishments irrelevant."
We seek to connect God’s story and God’s people around the world. To learn more about God’s story, click here.
Send comments and feedback to Eric Black, our editor. For comments to be published, please specify “letter to the editor.” Maximum length for publication is 300 words.