IN FOCUS: So, just what exactly is the BGCT?

What exactly is the Baptist General Convention of Texas? That is a question I have been asked several times since coming to work for the convention six months ago.

It came from folks at the church I pastored for many years as I was preparing to move. It came from new neighbors as we moved to Garland. It even came from pastors who wanted to know exactly where we, as a convention, are these days.

Let me give you some observations from a newcomer looking inside out.

Let me tell you what the BGCT is not. It is not an address on Washington Street in the heart of Dallas.

Now, don’t get me wrong. The Baptist Building is a wonderful place to work. The people here are some of the most gifted and committed people I have ever been around in my life. There is a heart for Christ here that is food for the soul. But the identity of the BGCT is not found in this address or these servant leaders as they faithfully do their work.

The BGCT is a mosaic of churches of all shapes, sizes and colors committed to do the work of the kingdom of God across the world.

• It is the megachurch in one of our cities taking dozens of mission trips each year to reach Eastern Europe or Africa or Asia.

• It is the rural church in West Texas planning a mission trip to the Indian reservation in northern New Mexico.

• It is the ethnic church worshipping and ministering in a language of their homeland.

• It is the church faithfully meeting, planning and working in a growing or dying community while faithfully praising the Lord, studying his word and ministering for the kingdom.

The BGCT is a group of partners ministering and working in the name of our Lord.

• It is educational institutions, health care and other care institutions witnessing to the saving power of the gospel.

• It is Texas Baptist Men feeding hungry people in the name of Jesus.

• It is Texas Woman’s Missionary Union teaching missions and helping women train for and find jobs.

• It is about partners helping churches find the money they need to get the facilities to do kingdom work.

• It is about partners committed to telling the story of how churches, institutions and people are sharing the story of Jesus.

That is only a start.

The BGCT is about sharing the gospel with a lost world. The BGCT is about teaching and discipling the church. The BGCT is about caring for those in need. Our strength is in the power of God shared in, and through, his people.

So back to the question. Here is my answer: As the BGCT, we are on a kingdom journey with the Savior of the world. We are 5,600-plus churches seeking the Lord and doing his work.

What a mission!

My favorite quote of all times is attributed to Dag Hammarskjold. It describes where I am. “For all that has been, thanks! For all that will be, yes!”

Steve Vernon is associate executive director of the Baptist General Convention of Texas Executive Board. He is filling in for Executive Director Randel Everett.