IN FOCUS: Why do we need a state convention?

In a few days, messengers will gather in Houston from across Texas for our annual meeting. As we approach this time together, we should ask ourselves, “What is the primary purpose of Texas Baptists?” My answer is to reach Texas for Christ.

In Jesus’ instruction in Acts 1:8, the church is to take the gospel to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the uttermost part of the world. Texas is our Judea when we consider this verse geographically. Typically, we believe each church has a responsibility for her Jerusalem. Most churches have national conventions as partners with a strategy to reach the world. Only state conventions have the primary task of reaching their states.

The BGCT obviously is involved in ministries that reach beyond our state and have implications throughout the world. But if Texas Baptists are not committed to reaching Texas, who will? I honestly believe we have the greatest resources and strategy for reaching Texas with the hope of Christ than any other convention. There are many wonderful churches and conventions throughout our state, but I know of none that has been given the resources God has entrusted to us for sharing the hope of Christ with everyone in Texas.

God has worked through the faithfulness of our forefathers to provide 5,700 churches, nine Texas Baptist universities, four children’s homes, missionaries on 120 of our university campuses, hospitals across Texas, 561 certified chaplains (including military, hospital, prison and, among other things, even “biker” chaplains) and numerous other ministries.

Texas has great state universities with many faculty and students who are dedicated Christ followers. But none of these universities can teach from a Christian worldview. In our Baptist schools, our professors in math, science, languages, religion or any other disciplines have the opportunity (and I believe the responsibility) to teach from a Christian point of view. Christian students are strengthened, and those who do not yet know Christ who come to our schools will have opportunities to hear and see the power of the gospel. We need these Christian schools to equip leaders for today’s nihilistic and secular world.

When disaster strikes, Texas Baptists are there with food, shelter and the hope of Christ. Baptist chaplains bring grace and courage to the hurting and grieving in hospitals, jails or military conflicts. Church staff trained in our schools and seminaries lead established congregations and start new ones that reach the unchurched in rural and urban communities.

Yet with all these resources, the number of Texans who give no indication of knowing Christ is growing every year. Half of the state claim to have no church affiliation. Texas still leads the nation in the number of children who are hungry. Hundreds of languages are spoken in our neighborhoods, many coming from cultures who know nothing of Jesus.

We gather in Houston for fellowship, reports and inspiration. Yet in every gathering, I pray we will remember our greatest assignment is to share the hope of Christ with everyone in our state.

Randel Everett is executive director of the Baptist General Convention of Texas Executive Board.