BGCT annual meeting: It’s going to be worth it

“That was sure worth it!” That’s a phrase we hear often in life. We might hear someone say those words after downing a cold glass of sweet tea at the end of mowing the lawn on a hot summer day. We might hear someone express those words after watching the finale of the local July 4th fireworks show.

Danny ReevesPeople love to feel like “it was sure worth it.” As a pastor, I always am looking for something that is worth it to me. I am pressed for time, pressed for energy and pressed for fresh ideas. So, when I go away to a conference, I want one that offers me something. I want some takeaways that make me feel like it was all worth it!

Today, I am writing this article to my fellow pastors in Texas, and I am just going to be up front: I am making plans to attend the annual meeting of the Baptist General Convention of Texas this year, because I think it’s going to be worth it!

This year’s annual meeting is loaded with value and opportunities for you as a pastor. Let me tell you about a few:

1. We are going to have a series of apologetics sessions for pastors to assist us in developing our readiness to answer the big questions that come from the skeptics of our day. (I need that!)

2. We have invited Todd Still, dean of Baylor University’s Truett Theological Seminary, to provide a complete overview of a New Testament book. You will take home prepared notes you can teach from immediately. (I need that!)

3. We will have dynamic training for preachers to deepen our understanding of preaching in a culturally and ethnically diverse setting. (I need that!)

4. We will offer a session to speak to one of the stirring, resurfacing theological topics of our day—Calvinism. (I need that!)

And this is only the beginning. We have invited Jim Denison to speak on current societal matters important to pastors. We have invited Byron Johnson from Baylor University’s Institute for Studies of Religion to share with us ground-breaking statistical research on religion in America. And we have invited numerous other experts to speak on race relations, church revitalization, the future of health care, providing safety in a church setting and so much more. (I need all of that!)

I hope you will give serious consideration to attending this year’s Texas Baptist gathering. It is not just for pastors, but I assure you so many things have been planned with you in mind.

So, pastor, please come join us in Waco Nov. 13-15. Come enjoy the rich fellowship. Come be renewed in the meaningful times of worship. Come be deepened in the many worthwhile seminars. Come feel the synergy of being with a statewide gathering of gospel-centered Texas Baptists!

If you attend, I almost guarantee you will leave saying, “That was sure worth it!”

Danny Reeves is second vice president of the Baptist General Convention of Texas and pastor of First Baptist Church in Corsicana.