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  Recognize trauma’s prevalence in pews and pulpits

  Trauma survivors sit in practically every church pew and stand behind many pulpits, licensed professional counselor Katie Swafford told a workshop at Texas Baptists’ Family Gathering.

  07/24/2023 - By Ken Camp / Managing Editor

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  Church revitalization requires community engagement

  If a church is declining in attendance or plateauing for several years, there is good news. It doesn’t have to stay that way, said Jonathan Smith, director of Church Health Strategy for Texas Baptists.

  07/24/2023 - By Teresa Young

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  In discussing sexuality and gender confusion, listen first

  Following the principles of James 1:19 can guide ministry to those who struggle with LGBTQ+ issues, David Sanchez with the Christian Life Commission told a workshop in McAllen.

  07/24/2023 - By Teresa Young

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  Dwight McKissic points to Antioch church as model

  If the 21st century church needs a model for healthy relationships, growth and leadership, Pastor Dwight McKissic said to look no further than Acts 13 and the first church.

  07/24/2023 - By Teresa Young

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  Guarneri calls on Texas Baptists to ‘seize the day’

  Texas Baptists need to “understand what time it is”—not just the day and hour, but the significance of the moment, Baptist General Convention of Texas President Julio Guarneri told messengers to the convention’s annual meeting in McAllen.

  07/19/2023 - By Ken Camp / Managing Editor

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  Ammons urges total obedience over presumption

  Listening to God and practicing total obedience are keys to remaining people of influence, Pastor Greg Ammons of First Baptist Church in Garland, told Texas Baptists’ Family Gathering in McAllen.

  07/19/2023 - By Teresa Young

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  McKissic encourages witness without barriers

  Preaching the gospel should transcend all barriers, Pastor Dwight McKissic of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Arlington told Texas Baptists’ Family Gathering.

  07/19/2023 - By Teresa Young

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  Christina urges Texas Baptists not to forget their first love

  Craig Christina, associate executive director of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, exhorted messengers to the BGCT annual meeting to remember and remain unified by their first love: Jesus.

  07/19/2023 - By George Schroeder / Texas Baptist Communications

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  Texas Baptists called to leverage diversity for God’s sake

  Pastor and community leader Michael Evans challenged Texas Baptists to “leverage” their diversity to meet the challenge of making disciples of every people group in the state.

  07/19/2023 - By Ken Camp / Managing Editor

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  Texas Baptists urged not to grow weary in doing good

  Using examples of how Texas Baptists have impacted his life and his native country, Pastor Thong Lun encouraged participants at Texas Baptists’ Family Gathering to follow Paul’s words in Galatians 6:9-10 to “not grow weary in doing good.”

  07/19/2023 - By Teresa Young

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  Shifting trends have big implications for Texas Baptists

  Projected trends for population growth and demographic change have important implications for Texas Baptist churches, workshop participants at Texas Baptists’ Family Gathering learned.

  07/19/2023 - By George Schroeder / Texas Baptists Communications

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  Texas Baptists avoid vote on ‘pastoral roles’ for women

  When asked to approve a motion calling on the BGCT to help churches “interested in calling and employing women in ministerial and pastoral roles,” messengers to the BGCT annual meeting instead adopted an amended motion referring to “women in ministry and leadership roles.”

  07/18/2023 - By Ken Camp / Managing Editor