Today, I would like to share how the Bivocational/Small Church Association cares about those who serving in the small church ministry field. We believe that God has called you to serve where you are and you are vital to the building up of the Kingdom of God and we want to be an advocate for your church and your calling.
Richard RayWe are an Association that is a recognized affinity group of the Baptist General Convention of Texas (BGCT). I have the privilege to sit on the Executive Board of the BGCT as a voting member as I represent the over 3500 Texas Baptist Churches that average 100 or less in Sunday School. What this means is that this association is your advocate to the State Convention as well as a resource for your everyday ministry needs.
In the 27 years that this association has been in existence we have sought to provide affirmation and support for the bivocational/smaller church and it’s ministers and their families. We do this through different avenues such as a state-wide annual conference hosted on the campus of the Baptist University of the America’s in San Antonio. This year’s conference is scheduled for July 11-12, 2014.
At this year’s conference you will be able to attend breakout sessions showing you how to get unstuck in ministry, you will be able to share your heart with other pastors, there will be a time for spiritual assessments, as well as a session for those new to the ministry, along with a session to help you prepare a sermon.
As for fellowship we are blessed to have the Texas Baptist Men providing the Saturday breakfast and lunch with a special catered meal for the Friday evening gathering where you and the whole family will be entertained by a Christian illusionist and comedian.
The Baylor Mobil Medical Unit will be on hand to provide all attendees and the local community a free health screening on Saturday afternoon while the children will be entertained by a Christian clown company. The ladies will have an opportunity to have a free manicure along with some refreshments. We also have a San Antonio downtown trip planned for the youth.
This conference is designed for the bivocational/smaller church minister and their families. We desire to honor those who are serving the Lord in the field of small-church ministry and this conference is one way we can do this. I will be sending additional information concerning this conference in the coming weeks. If you would like to attend this conference or receive additional information please send me your email address or other contact information to [email protected].
In my next article I want to share with you what your Association is striving to do in meeting the need of affordable health insurance for those serving in our Texas Baptist churches. Until next time, please visit our website www.bivocational.com.
Richard Ray is president of the Bivocational/Small Church Association, pastor of First Baptist Church in Wink and director of missions for Pecos Valley Baptist Association. You can reach him at [email protected].
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.