In Touch: Open house, retreat, annual meeting, officers, book, gospel

Hello, Texas Baptists! I hope you will make plans to join us for our Christmas Open House this Thursday, Dec. 8, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. We’ll share some cookies, punch and coffee and will give tours of our offices. This is a perfect time for you to come and see all the great things Texas Baptists are doing to serve you and your church. Email [email protected] to RSVP.

david hardage 130David Hardage

The Preschool and Children’s Ministers’ Retreat is Jan. 16-17. The theme is “This Isn’t Your Grandma’s Childhood Ministry!” Join us for two days of worship, Bible study and fellowship at the picturesque Summers Mill Retreat and Conference Center, between Belton and Salado. Our Bible study leader and keynote speaker will challenge us as we explore God’s word together and examine new trends in preschool and children’s ministry. This is a retreat you do not want to miss!

I want to thank everyone who joined together with Texas Baptists for the 131st annual meeting in Waco, focusing on “Celebrating Service.” We had over 1,800 messengers and guests, and the workshops were full to capacity. We enjoyed great preaching and wonderful music. Click here for highlights of the messages. I hope you are already making plans to attend next year’s meeting!

Rambler invitation 450Congratulations to our newly elected convention officers, President Danny Reeves, pastor of First Baptist Church in Corsicana; First Vice President Joseph Fields, pastor of New Beginnings Baptist Church in Lewisville; and Second Vice President Jim Heiligman, pastor of First Baptist Church in Bryan. These are all great servants of God and will lead our convention well.

Walter Jackson, director of missions for Guadalupe Baptist Association, has written a new book, Start Strong: Advice for Young Pastors. You can contact him for more information at [email protected].

It’s going to take more ways and more people to reach the world for Christ than what we are doing now. I have the honor of preaching all across the state in different congregations most every Sunday. One thing remains the same; our pastors are diligently preaching the gospel. 

Blessings!

David Hardage is executive director of the Baptist General Convention of Texas Executive Board.