Howdy and welcome to Abilene! This is the Baptist General Convention of Texas’s 140th annual meeting! Our very first meeting was in 1886. What a legacy as we enter this milestone anniversary year.
I hope and pray that your experience during this annual meeting will be inspiring, informative and encouraging to you. I also hope and pray that we will all experience a spirit of unity among our Texas Baptists family, the same spirit that brought five conventions together 140 years ago to form what is now the Baptist General Convention of Texas.
Our theme this year is “Live Out GC2: Love God, Love People, Make Disciples.” We hope to highlight the Great Commandment and the Great Commission in our plenary sessions and our workshops. May we come together around these two GCs the Lord has given us.
We are very grateful for our Convention officers, Dr. Ronny Marriott, president; Dr. Debbie Potter, first vice president; and Joseph Adams, second vice president; the committee on annual meeting and our stellar staff who have prepared this year’s annual meeting.
The keynote speakers will explore the various aspects of loving God, loving people and making disciples. They include Rolando Aguirre, associate pastor of teaching and Spanish language ministries at Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas; Elijah Brown, general secretary of the Baptist World Alliance; Delvin Atchison, senior pastor of Westside Baptist church in
Welcome Texas Baptists!
As President, I want to welcome you to Abilene and our 140th Annual Meeting of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. This meeting is designed to be fun, informative and inspirational. One reason our convention exists is to support and resource churches to carry out the Great Commandment and the Great Commission. Thanks to so many incredible ministries and ministry partners, we can advance the Kingdom of God not only in Texas but in our nation and the world. I hope you will take time to learn about the ministries and ministry partners and how they can help meet the needs of your church.
Under the leadership of our executive director, Dr. Julio Guarneri, the footprint of Texas Baptists continues to extend across our state and beyond our state through missions, church planting, church revitalization and so much more. We really can do more together. Over the next few days, you will hear more of how you and your church can be a part of a God sized and God honoring vision.
Living Out GC2 is the theme for this year’s meeting. Mathew 22:36-40 contains an incident when a Pharisee confronted Jesus with a question. The question, “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment of all?” Jesus’ reply, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. The second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” The greatest commandment echoed by Jesus is known as the Shema and is first found in the Old Testament book of Deuteronomy chapter 6. God told Moses and the Hebrew
Welcome
Lewisville; Gregory Love, founder of MinistrySafe; Dennis Wiles, senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Arlington and Ronny Marriott, pastor at First Baptist Church in Richardson and president of Texas Baptists.
Worship will be led by the 317 Collective, Eric McElhaney and the Abilene Community Choir, Tiffany Stotts and the HardinSimmons Chapel Worship Band and Jeff Wash and the FBC Midland Worship Team. Additionally, we will receive a greeting from Jeff Iorg, president and CEO of the SBC Executive Committee.
Workshops will include Awaken the Church’s Heart: Igniting Mission Through Six Transformative P's, Cultivating a Church Planting Culture, Gen Z and Millennials: How They Lead and Follow, Pastor Strong, Texas Baptists: Beautifully Diverse, Thriving Churches in Small Towns and Rural Communities and Sexual Abuse Prevention - An Effective Safety System.
During my executive director report on Monday night, I will give an update on the GC2 Strong strategy. We will conduct the business of the convention on Monday and Tuesday mornings. Let’s pray for unity and rally around the Great Commandment and the Great Commission!
Julio S. Guarneri, Executive Director
people how to live out the Shema. Immersion was the strategy. Parents were to immerse themselves and their children in this command.
Matthew 28:18-20 and is known as the Great Commission. Jesus commanded his disciples to go and make disciples of all nations by teaching them all the things Jesus taught them including the Shema. The commands to love God, love people and make disciples are given to every believer and every church which follows Jesus Christ. The Baptist General Convention of Texas is committed to helping every church carry out these commands. This focus gives Texas Baptists churches unity among diversity, an anchor amidst the storm and a focus in the middle of this chaotic world. The truth is we are engaged in a raging spiritual battle for the souls of people. However, we are confident that the church is the hope of the world because we proclaim the most important message of all time, the gospel of Jesus Christ. You will learn and experience during this annual meeting that you are not alone in fulfilling your calling. The BGCT is here to help your church thrive in accomplishing its God-given and world changing mission.
My hope is you leave this year’s meeting with more ideas, excitement, resources, friends and involvement than when you arrived. May the Lord bless you and your church and may the Lord increase His Kingdom through the efforts of Texas Baptists.
Your friend,
Dr. Ronny Marriott President of the BGCT
August 28, 2025
To Whom it May Concern:
As Mayor and on behalf of the City Council and the City of Abilene, it is my privilege to welcome you to our city and to the 2025 Baptist General Convention of Texas We are excited to have been chosen as the host city for this event!
It is our pleasure to serve you and I know you will be welcomed with our gracious hospitality. I hope that your schedule allows you time to experience a little bit of Abilene and to get to know our warm and friendly citizens.
If you have the opportunity, you don’t want to miss our award winning attractions like the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature, The Abilene Zoo or our one of a kind storytelling museum, Frontier Texas!, where stories from the last 150 years are told through holograms and the wild west truly comes to life.
The City of Abilene guarantees exceptional facilities, smiling faces and true West Texas hospitality. Most cities in Texas brag about their friendly people, but Abilene consistently proves that we have the most friendly and helpful folks in the state. Please enjoy your stay in our city and your time with one another and we look forward to hosting you again in the near future!
Sincerely,
Weldon Hurt Mayor of Abilene
ABILENE CONVENTION CENTER
FIRST FLOOR
CONFERENCE CENTER Meals/Rallies
FOYER
EXHIBIT HALL
Workshops/Meals/Rallies at the Double Tree Hotel
Information Registration Credentials
AUDITORIUM General Sessions
SECOND FLOOR Resolutions
Minister Spouse Fellowship
THANK YOU
We are grateful for the partnership of these 2025 sponsors
PROGRAM
ABILENE, TX NOVEMBER 16-18
BASIC SCHEDULE
SUNDAY – NOVEMBER 16
4:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Registration Open/Exhibits Open
Martinez, Ariel - Lead Pastor, Del Sol Church, El Paso
McElhaney, Eric - Minister of Music, Pioneer Drive, Abilene
Rule, Keely - Managing Partner, Simplicity Guardian Group
Shotwell, Wesley - Retired Pastor, Ash Creek Baptist Church, Azle
Slover, David - Senior Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer, HighGround Advisors
Stotts, Tiffany - Instructor of Worship Leadership, Hardin-Simmons University
Treviño, Noe - Director, Center for Missional Engagement, Texas Baptists
Waller, Jase
Wash, Jeff
Whitten, John
Wiles, Dennis
Wooldridge, Dan
BUILDING A MINISTRY or BUYING A HOME
should not be complicated
SPEAKERS
DENNIS WILES
Dennis Wiles, an Alabama native, earned degrees from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has pastored churches in Oklahoma, Alabama and Texas, serving as pastor of First Baptist Church Arlington since 2001. He and his wife, Cindy, have two children and five grandchildren.
GREGORY LOVE
Gregory Love is the managing partner at the law firm of Love & Norris. He is the co-founder of MinistrySafe and Abuse Prevention Systems.
His clients include denominations, churches, camps, private schools, universities, public and private charities and youth sports groups.
He is an expert in legal standards of care related to child sexual abuse and has consulted with organizations such as the U.S. Olympic Committee, U.S. Center for SafeSport, Awana International, Trail Life USA, the North American Mission Board and several faith-based organizations and denominations.
Love is a visiting faculty at Dallas Theological Seminary, where he teaches the only graduate-level course on Preventing Sexual Abuse in Ministry Contexts.
Love regularly provides instruction and continuing education training to lawyers and risk management professionals.
ROLANDO AGUIRRE
Rolando D. Aguirre serves as the associate pastor of Teaching and Spanish Language Ministries at Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas, where he devotes his life and ministry to Christ and the advancement of His kingdom. With a heart for discipleship, biblical teaching, expository preaching, leadership development, missions and community outreach, Dr. Aguirre brings a wealth of pastoral experience and vision to his role.
Originally from Colombia, he has served across Texas and Latin America in a wide range of ministry contexts. He is the visionary founder of Calvary en Español at Calvary Baptist Church in McAllen. He served as president of the Convención Bautista Hispana de Texas. Dr. Aguirre is the founder and author of “Un Minuto con Dios (A Minute with God)”, a daily devotional podcast and book that is deeply appreciated for its theological clarity, accessibility and pastoral warmth. He resides in Richardson with his wife, Janet, and their two children, Celina and David.
JULIO GUARNERI
Julio Guarneri has a long history of service within the Convention. Prior to being elected executive director, Guarneri served two terms as BGCT president and two terms as first vice president. He has served as the chair of Buckner International, vice-chair at Buckner, chair of Stark College and Seminary and on the BGCT Executive Board.
Guarneri has also served as a faithful Baptist pastor for about three decades. He has led Calvary Baptist Church since 2010, and before that, he served as senior pastor of Iglesia Bautista Getsemaní for 17 years. Additionally, he has served as the minister of education and youth at Segunda Iglesia Bautista in Corpus Christi, founding pastor of Shalom Baptist Mission in Corpus Christi and pastor of Primera Iglesia Bautista in Taft.
Guarneri completed his undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University in Kingsville. He also earned a Master of Arts in Religious Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. in leadership studies from Dallas Baptist University. He and his wife, Monica, have four children and two grandchildren.
ELIJAH BROWN
Elijah M. Brown, a native Texan, serves as general secretary and CEO of the Baptist World Alliance, representing 53 million Baptists in 134 countries. A global leader and advocate for religious freedom, he has traveled to over 60 nations to advance missions, peace and gospel-centered collaboration worldwide.
RONNY MARRIOTT
Ronny Marriott is the pastor of First Baptist Richardson. He served at First Burleson from 2016 – 2024. Marriott served as pastor of First Baptist Church of Temple, First Baptist Church Corpus Christi and Sunset Baptist Church in Dripping Springs. He also served at Shady Oaks Baptist Church in Hurst— initially as youth minister and later as senior pastor. He also served on staff at Northlake Baptist Church in Dallas as their youth pastor.
He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University. He holds a Master of Divinity and a Doctor of Ministry from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
He has served on the Texas Baptists’ Theological Education Council, the BGCT Executive Board and the Christian Life Commission.
He and his wife, Robin, have three children—Molly, Morgan and Ryan.
DELVIN ATCHISON
Delvin Atchison is the beloved senior pastor of Westside Baptist Church in Lewisville, Texas. He formerly served as director of the Great Commission Team for Texas Baptists.
Atchison began preaching God's word at an early age and has always recognized the importance of cultivating his God-given gifts to preach and share God's word with the world. He pursued undergraduate study at the University of Texas in Austin and earned his Master of Divinity with honors from George W. Truett Seminary at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. Atchison's studies have taken him all over the world, having studied at Regent's Park College, Oxford University in England, under the tutelage of his mentor and friend, Dr. Joel Gregory. He also traveled to Italy to study at the Vatican in Rome.
For more than 40 years, Atchison has impacted thousands using his gift of preaching and teaching through written words and powerful oration. His sermons have been published in numerous periodicals including Epitome, The Groves Standard and the Truett Pulpit, with contributions made to Christianity Today, Common Call and Baptist Voice, just to name a few. He has presented at numerous conferences worldwide. Atchison is passionate about equipping pastors and preachers to spread the gospel more effectively through his support of mentoring and coaching programs and has been privileged to guide the journeys of countless numbers of those called to spread God's word throughout the world. His major body of work centers around an expository preaching and exegetical sermon preparation methodology, which he shares in "Page to Pulpit" seminars.
Atchison's personal life has focused on family and showing love for others. He grew up in Hearne, Texas, as the fifth of six siblings. He is blessed to be married to his lovely wife, Dr. Brenda Atchison. Together, they have five children and are proud grandparents to two beloved grandchildren. Atchison's vision for life and ministry is to serve God by sharing Christ and loving people.
WORSHIP
317 Collective
317 Collective is a worship collective from Fort Worth, TX, with one goal in mind - to worship and glorify Jesus through song. We believe that one moment in the presence of Jesus can change someone forever. We lead worship for retreats, conferences and events to help individuals develop a growing relationship with Jesus.
Eric McElhaney and the Abilene Community Choir
Eric, a native of Garland, Texas, joined Pioneer Drive in 2016 as the associate minister of music and became worship pastor in 2020. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Music in 2001 and a Master of Arts in Worship Leadership in 2008, both from Dallas Baptist University. Eric married his wife, Pamela, in 2002, and together they have three wonderful children: Ali, Bryce and Carson. He enjoys spending time with family and friends and relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Florida.
Tiffany Stotts and the Hardin-Simmons Chapel Worship Band
Tiffany Stotts serves as full-time music faculty and director of Worship for Hardin-Simmons University, where she teaches classes on leadership, ministry, team-building and music. She trains and equips students that lead worship for weekly chapel services, nights of worship and community worship events with HSU. She attends Pioneer Drive Baptist Church, where her husband, Craig, serves as the worship pastor for The Gathering. They have lived in Abilene for 8 years and have 4 beautiful and wild children! She loves all things coffee, movies and music!
Jeff Wash and the FBC Midland Worship Team
Jeff Wash serves as the pastor of worship arts at First Baptist Church, Midland, Texas, where he leads the worship, media and communications teams across multiple campuses. With more than 30 years of ministry experience, Wash is passionate about Christ-centered worship that combines biblical depth with creative excellence.
A graduate of the University of Texas at the Permian Basin and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wash has directed large-scale worship events all over the country, bringing together multigenerational teams to glorify Christ through music and the arts.
He and his wife, Laurie — head choral director at Odessa Permian High School — frequently collaborate on worship and production projects, equipping churches to share the gospel through music, media and story.
SPECIAL INTERESTS
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17
2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Minister Spouse Fellowship, ACC, 201-202
Monica Guarneri, Tracy Christina and Jenna Hayes would like to invite all spouses of TXB ministers to come join us in an afternoon of fellowship. Robin Marriott, First Lady of First Baptist Richardson, will be our keynote speaker. Lindsay Mayberry, one of our own Texas Baptists church planters in New York, will lead us in a fun game. There will be snacks, a special gift and prizes! Ministers’ spouses only.
For questions contact: Monica Guarneri at msguar@sbcglobal.net and Tracy Christina at moments4u@yahoo.com
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18
9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Chinese Baptist Fellowship Meeting, DoubleTree Hotel, Gateway A Contact Pastor Jason Lee at 832-361-6498 or jcl011550@gmail.com for more information.
Korean Baptist Fellowship Meeting, Offsite
Contact Pastor Jongsu Heo at 682-365-4651 or jongsu.heo@texasbaptists.org for more information.
Joint Ethnic African Baptist Churches of Texas (JAEBCOT), DoubleTree Hotel, Gateway C
Contact Pastor George Effiom at 682-667-8089 or geffiom@yahoo.com for more information.
If you did not get your church property and liability insurance questions answered at the breakout session or booth, please join us for a free lunch to discover more information.
Mark Heavener, Director, Intercultural Ministries, Center for Cultural Engagement, Texas Baptists
Cory Liebrum, Jennifer Howington & Kurt Krodle, Discipleship & NextGen Team, Center for Church Health, Texas Baptists
The Church and Minister Checklist
When God Calls: Overcoming the Fears of Transition
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION
We love God by obeying our governing authorities. This checklist helps churches and ministers with compliance with tax law so nothing falls through the cracks.
There are 5 main fears of transition for pastors, staff, and churches. We will provide the courageous actions needed to overcome the barriers fear establishes.
Boardroom
Thriving Churches in Small Towns & Rural Communities
Loving Your Neighbor by Sharing the Gospel Compassionately
Texas Baptists Indemnity ProgramHow's it Going
An interactive time offering small town or rural churches practical strategies and insights to help you effectively reach your community and make a lasting impact.
Gateway A
Texas Baptists: Beautifully Diverse
Learn simple strategies for unleashing the power of personal evangelism in yourself and your church through clear, compassionate, gospel-saturated conversations.
An update on our captive insurance launch and plans for the year ahead. Find out how you can join and what you can expect!
Gateway B
Discipleship Resources for All Ages
Exploring case studies of partnerships with Texas Baptists Intercultural Churches. While thinking about the what if’s of “we can do more together” for the Kingdom.
Most churches are searching for ways to develop their leadership pipeline. Learn to equip ministry leaders with the Discipleship Collective resources TXB provides for leaders of all ages.
Jennifer Howington, Associate Director & Childhood Ministry Specialist, Discipleship & NextGen Team, Center for Church Health, Texas Baptists
David Scott, Director of BOUNCE; Leah McMullen, Missional Church/Community Ministry Specialist; Center for Missional Engagement, Texas Baptists
Rolando Rodriguez, Director, Texas Baptists en Español, Texas Baptists
Joyce Porto, Missional Lifestyle Strategist for Multicultural, WMU of Texas / Shirley Porto, Global Partnership Associate, Baptist World Alliance
Gregory Love, Founder/CEO, MinistrySafe, Ft Worth; Olga Harris, Director, Counseling Services, Center for Ministerial Health, Texas Baptists
Jonathan L. Smith, Associate Director, Center for Church Health, Texas Baptists
Oran Lee, Associate Endorser, Pastoral Care and Support / Todd Combee, Director, Chaplaincy Relations, Texas Baptists
Darrin Moore, pastor, Truevine Baptist Church, Spring/ Ira Antoine, Director, Bivocational Ministry, Center for Ministerial Health, Texas Baptists
Special Needs Ministry and Your Church
Community Ministry: Living a Missional Life at Home and Beyond
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION
Did you know that individuals with disabilities and their families are the largest unreached population in our churches and communities? Families with special needs often feel unseen and isolated, even within the church. Join us for a panel discussion with ministry leaders across the state as we discuss ways in which the church can create a culture of inclusion and acceptance with a holistic approach to serving families with disabilities.
We will explore the practical "whys" and "how's" of missional living at home, at church, and beyond through Community Ministry involvement and Mission Trips.
Boardroom
Gateway A
Espere Transformar al Mundo
Culturally Intelligent Churches and Ministries: Reaching and Discipling All Nations
Como Iglesia, debemos entender que el camino para llegar a ser una Iglesia saludable radica en dirigirse hacia el interior y luego extenderse hacia el exterior: hacia la comunidad.
Through interactive activities and practical exercises, participants will learn strategies for building culturally intelligent ministries to reach the cultures for Christ in their surrounding communities.
Gateway B
Sexual Abuse Prevention – An Effective Safety System
Child sexual abuse prevention happens at the church-level. Learn about MinistrySafe 5-Part Safety System, which includes Sexual Abuse Awareness Training, Skillful Screening Processes, Appropriate Background Checks, Tailored Policies & Procedures and Monitoring & Oversight.
Gateway C
Heritage Ballroom A
Principles for Growing Your Healthy Church to the Next Level
Discover six strategies necessary for every growing church.
Heritage Ballroom B
The Forgotten Ones in the Church: Understanding and Caring for Those Struggling with Chronic Illness
Let's discuss the impact of chronic disease on church members. We will explore ways for the church to effectively care for them.
Heritage Ballroom C
Bivocational Leaders: Effectively Ministering in Two Places
We will assist church leaders with practical strategies for effectively balancing their ministry responsibilities with their secular employment, all while prioritizing their personal well-being.
Roy J. Cotton, Director, Ambassador Program, Texas Baptists
Oran Lee, Associate Endorser, Pastoral Care and Support / Todd Combee, Director, Chaplaincy Relations, Texas Baptists
Debbie Potter, 1st Vice President, Texas Baptists; Children's Pastor, Trinity Baptist Church, San Antonio/ Bennye Bryant, Director, Women in Ministry Network, Texas Baptists
Jordan Lovelady, Assistant Vice President for Client Investment Solutions, HighGround Advisors
Kyle Jackson, Lead Pastor, 3rd Coast Church. Texas City; Israel Mendez, Pastor, Alamo Community Church, San Antonio; Cameron Strange, Lead Pastor, Impact City Church, Schertz, David Foster, Director, Millennial / Gen Z Network, Center for Ministerial Health, Texas Baptists
Jonathan L. Smith, Associate Director, Center for Church Health, Texas Baptists
Texas Baptists/GC2 Ambassadors: Encouragers of Strengthening a Multiplying Movement of Churches
When Suicide Touches the Family of Faith
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION
Four Ambassadors/Panelists will share how ambassadors encourage pastors, staff and churches Boardroom
The suicide rate is at epidemic proportions, and the church is not exempt. We will discuss ways to respond when suicide touches the church.
Women In Ministry: God Opens Doors
Stewarding Your Ministry's Assets
You've answered your call and prepared yourself, yet opportunities seem out of reach. Waiting is challenging. God opens doors in His timing. How're you waiting?
Gateway A
Gen Z and Millennials: How They Lead and Follow
How can nonprofit leaders best protect and grow the assets that advance Kingdom purposes? We’ll explore investment principles and the solutions available to establish an investment strategy that will support your mission today and tomorrow.
Gateway B
Pave Preview and Panel
Feel like you're speaking a different language? Gain insight into how younger generations think, lead and follow so you can lead with them, not just over them in a way that multiplies influence and trust
Gateway C
Heritage Ballroom A
An overview of PAVE, the TXB church health, growth and revitalization strategy, intended for pastors interested in participating in PAVE.
Clinton W. Lowin, Director, MAP & TXB Missionaries, Center of Missional Engagement, Texas Baptists
Three Money Mistakes Ministers Make
Awaken the Church's Heart: Igniting Mission Through Six Transformative P’s
Jeremiah Herrian, Director, Forgotten Ministries, Enid, OK Tell-Gate Ministry
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION ROOM
In our pursuit to fulfill the great commission, we face many challenges in our overall health and well-being. We will help you understand how to avoid three major mistakes that ministers often make in their finances. The importance of maximizing housing allowance, what happens if you opted out of Social Security and the value of using the right retirement plan.
Ready to awaken your church's missional imagination? Join us as we' dive into six powerful "P's" that will transform your approach to mission: Passion, Pain, Product, Partnership, Parenting and Prayer. This is a unique opportunity to unlock the full potential of your church’s missional calling and walk away with fresh, actionable insights that will set your congregation on fire for God's work in the world! Don’t miss out—let’s ignite mission together!
To honor God, reach children and families with His love and truth, and enable others to join us in this ministry
STCH Ministries is a faith-based, nonprofit organization that has been caring for children and families since 1952
James "Mac" McLeod, Consultant, Western Heritage and Country Church, Texas Baptists
To the Tithe and Beyond!
Answer the Call: Encouraging the Next Generation of Ministry Leaders
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION
Biblical strategies for developing financial resources for your church's ministry.
Strategic Compensation and Benefits Strategies for Churches
Ethical Leadership in a World w/o a Compass
Oza Jones Jr., Director, Evangelism, Center for Church Health, Texas Baptists iWITNESS
Clinton W. Lowin, Director, MAP & TXB Missionaries, Center of Missional Engagement/ Joshua Minatrea, Senior Director, Resource Development/ Sergio A. Ramos, Director, GC2 Network/ Jonathan L. Smith, Associate Director, Center for Church Health/ Noe Treviño, Director, Center for Missional Engagement, Texas Baptists A GC2 Awakening
Kevin Abbott, Director, Pastoral Health Network/ Chap Schapiro, Director, Pastor Strong; Center for Ministerial Health, Texas Baptists
Pastor Strong
Gateway A
Discover how to identify, encourage, and mentor emerging ministry leaders in your congregation, fostering their God-given call.
Pastors and ministry leaders should finish well. Join us as we discuss strategies to enhance the financial security and resilience of those serving the Lord.
Biblical Servant Leadership which shows love for Christ and neighbor, drawing others to Jesus as we overcome strongholds of harmful and toxic practices and behaviors.
The SHARE Evangelism framework is a comprehensive strategy designed to equip pastors, leaders and parishioners with tools to effectively share the gospel, engage their congregations and foster growth. SHARE stands for: See, Heart, Ask, Respond, Empower.
Gateway B
Texas Baptists exist so that Texans without hope can hear the gospel. In our rapidly growing state, Baptist churches must refocus on the Great Commandment and the Great Commission. Join the GC2 Design Team as they share a bold new strategy to help pastors lead evangelistic churches that spread the gospel across Texas and beyond.
Gateway C
Heritage Ballroom A
Heritage Ballroom B
Heritage Ballroom C
Five Habits for those in ministry to Finish Life and Ministry Well.
Heritage Ballroom D
2025 EXHIBITORS FOR ANNUAL MEETING
121 Abilene Christian University Graduate School of Theology
309 Abilene Convention and Visitor Bureau
327 Baptist Church Loan Corporation
124 Baptist Credit Union
103 Baptist Standard
214 Baptist University of the Americas
203 Baptist World Alliance
226 Baylor Health Care System
414 Buckner International
116 Camp Barnabas
404 Carpenter Bus Sales
104 Chemistry Staffing
209 Children at Heart Ministries
114 Circle 6 Youth Camp
324 Criswell College
109 Dallas Baptist University
127 Denison Forum
321 East Texas Baptist University
223 Editorial Mundo Hispano/Casa Bautista de Publicaciones
221 Faith Bible Institute
113 GC2 Press
303 Guardian Financial Group (Simplicity Financial Group)
227 GuideStone Financial Resources
429 Hardin Simmons University
315 Hawaii Baptist Academy
313 Hendrick Health
323 Hiding Place Ministries
408 HighGround Advisors
229 Highland Lakes Camp
217 Horizons Stewardship (Next Level Generosity)
306 Hospitality House
115 Houston Christian University
108 Howard Payne University
215 International Commission
106 International Mission Board
220 Joint Ethnic African Baptist Churches of Texas
326 Kids Outdoor Zone
128 Lifetime Commercial Roofing
126 Minnesota-Wisconsin Baptist Convention
125 Mobberly Baptist Church
204 MomQ
205 North American Mission Board
224 NW Church Planting
222 One by One Ministries
123 Pastors' Hope Network
207 Rescue Communications
307 San Marcos Baptist Academy
322 Send Relief
329 Sight & Sound Theaters
303 Simplicity Financial Group (Guardian Financial Group)
314 Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
422 STCH Ministries
406 Texans on Mission
325 Texas Baptist Associations DOM
206 Texas Baptist Camping Association
129 Texas Baptist Historical Collection
228
Texas Baptist Historical Museum
105 Texas Baptist Women in Ministry
225 The Freedom Fight
304 Tri Rivers Retreat Center
118 Truett Seminary
100 University of Mary Hardin Baylor
305 Upward Sports
428 Valley Baptist Missions and Education Center
213 Vision Bridge - Church Architecture
117 Wayland Baptist University
317 WMU of Texas
TXB Big Booth/Main Foyer
Center for Church Health
Center for Collegiate Ministry
Center for Cultural Engagement
Center for Ministerial Health
Center for Missional Engagement
Cooperative Program
GC2
Texas Baptists Ambassadors
Texas Baptists Indemnity Program
Texas Baptist Missions Foundation
Center for Missional Engagement
The Center for Missional Engagement connects churches with strategic missions opportunities from their local communities to the ends of the earth, all while intentionally living out their missional lifestyle.
Ways Your Church Can Join the Mission:
MISSIONARY ADOPTION PROGRAM
Partner with Baptist networks around the world to support a missionary.
COMMUNITY MISSIONS
Equip your church to reach your community through local initiatives and youth mission opportunities like BOUNCE.
CHURCH STARTING
Help plant churches where the need is great and workers are few.
Explore other missional opportunities designed to help your church engage the world. Every Church can be on mission. Let’s do it together.
Schedule your mission team to serve on the Texas/Mexico border and throughout Mexico. RIVER MINISTRY
BULLETIN TEXAS BAPTISTS
LIVING OUT GC2,
TIME OF FELLOWSHIP
AND UNITY EXPECTED AT UPCOMING ANNUAL MEETING
By: Jessica King
On Nov. 16-18, messengers and guests from across the Texas Baptists family will gather at the Abilene Convention Center for the 140th Texas Baptists Annual Meeting. Under the theme “Live Out GC2: Love God, Love People, Make Disciples,” attendees will join together in worship and business sessions, hear from seven keynote speakers, choose from among 32 unique ministry workshops, learn about the new, church property/liability insurance program and experience numerous times of fellowship throughout exhibit halls, meals and receptions, rallies and more.
Main sessions are scheduled for Sunday at 7 p.m., Monday at 9:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., and Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. Sunday and Monday evening sessions will feature worship, and Monday and Tuesday morning sessions will combine worship and business. You can find more information on the schedule and preregister as a guest or messenger at txb.org/am.
GC2-focused speakers, worship leaders and workshops
The Annual Meeting’s keynote speakers will include Julio Guarneri, Executive Director of Texas Baptists; Rolando Aguirre, Associate Pastor of Teaching and Spanish Language Ministries, Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas; Elijah Brown, Baptist World Alliance General Secretary; Delvin Atchison, Senior Pastor, Westside Baptist Church, Lewisville; Gregory Love, Founder of MinistrySafe; Ronny Marriott, pastor at First Baptist Church Richardson and president of Texas Baptists; and Dennis Wiles, Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church Arlington.
Guarneri will deliver the executive director’s report Monday evening, and Marriott will deliver the president’s address during the Tuesday morning session.
Worship will be led by 317 Collective from First Baptist Church Arlington; Eric McElhaney and the Abilene Community Choir; Tiffany Stotts and the Hardin-Simmons Chapel Worship Band; and Jeff Wash and the First Baptist Church Midland Worship Team.
Workshops will include topics such as church health, vision and strategy, identity, evangelism, discipleship, kingdom giving and more. Attendees are encouraged to stop by exhibit halls throughout the three-day gathering to learn more about ministry resources from Texas Baptists staff, ministry partners and other vendors, and for networking and fellowship.
Several meals and receptions will also be hosted by Texas Baptists ministries and partners.
Rallies scheduled for Sunday evening include the Culp Legacy Sneaker Ball Banquet, held in Conference Rooms 3 & 4 at the Abilene Convention Center, and the 25th Anniversary Celebration Cowboy Church Rally, held in Conference Rooms 1 & 2 at the Abilene Convention Center. Sunday rallies will begin at 4 p.m. and end at 6:30 p.m. to allow attendees time to join the 7 p.m. Evening Worship Session at the Abilene Convention Center.
Sunday evening dinners will include the Pastor’s Common Dinner and the Baptist Student Ministry Dinner, beginning at 4:30 pm and 5 pm, respectively.
Church affiliation practices and special relationship agreement among business considered by messengers
During business sessions, messengers will elect officers and vote on recommendations, including the 2026 proposed cooperative missions and ministries budget, the proposed 2026 allocation of worldwide missions initiatives and partnerships, and nominations for Executive Board directors, boards of affiliated ministries and committees.
Messengers will also hear and vote upon a recommendation to affirm the convention’s longstanding practice to receive into harmonious cooperation churches that affirm traditional Baptist beliefs as generally stated in either the 1963 or 2000 Baptist Faith and Message, or a similar Baptistic confessional statement.
The adoption of a special relationship agreement between Dallas Baptist University and Texas Baptists will also be considered by messengers.
These and other business items are available online via the “Business” page of the Annual Meeting website.
Rallying around GC2 and prayers for unity
Guarneri said he is praying for unity as churches rally around the Great Commandment and the Great Commission.
“I hope and pray that we will all experience a spirit of unity among our Texas Baptists family, the same spirit that brought five conventions together 140 years ago to form what is now the Baptist General Convention of Texas,” said Guarneri.
Attendees are encouraged to access all of the information above, including the schedule, worship and business sessions, workshop titles and descriptions, rallies, meals and receptions and more, via the Texas Baptists app, which is free to download online at txb.org/app.
To register as a messenger or guest for the Texas Baptists Annual Meeting, visit txb.org/am. Online preregistration closes Sunday, Nov. 16.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Registration for this annual meeting is being held in the Foyer of the Abilene Convention Center beginning Sunday, November 16 at 4:00 p.m. Visitors are required to register at the registration desk.
Online Registration: Pre-registered messengers who have the QR code and ID, proceed to the “fast” Pre-Registration line.
Standard Registration: Bring your Messenger Card (required) and ID to register, proceed to the Registration line.
Guest/Visitors are required to register. Proceed to the Guest Registration line to self-register and receive your name badge. Attendants will be there to assist.
CONSTITUTION OF THE BAPTIST GENERAL CONVENTION OF TEXAS (excerpt)
Article III – Membership
Section 1. This Convention in session in all its meetings shall be composed of messengers elected by Baptist churches that shall voluntarily cooperate with the Convention. All messengers must be members of the church by which they are elected. A messenger must be enrolled at the Convention in session to be qualified to vote. The messengers have no right to act except for annual or special meetings constituting the Convention in session for which they have been elected by their cooperating churches.
Section 2. Each church cooperating with this Convention shall be entitled to:
A. Two messengers for the first one hundred (100) members or fractional part thereof. Two additional messengers for the first two hundred fifty dollars ($250) given during the previous fiscal year to the Texas budget as adopted by The Baptist General Convention of Texas in annual session, and
B. One additional messenger for each additional hundred members and each additional one thousand dollars ($1,000) given during the previous fiscal year to the Texas budget as adopted by The Baptist General Convention of Texas in annual session, and
C. If, as calculated under B above, a church’s giving surpasses its membership, then one additional messenger for each two thousand dollars ($2,000) given during the previous fiscal year to the Texas budget as adopted by The Baptist General Convention of Texas in annual session, not to exceed six additional messengers, provided, however, that
D. No church shall be entitled to more than twenty-five messengers.
E. A mission church shall be considered a church under the Constitution solely for the limited purpose of electing messengers to the Annual Meeting if it is identified as a body of believers separate from its sponsoring church; it contributes to the BGCT in an identifiable way either directly or through the sponsoring church from its own resources; it exists to address some specific mission need, such as language, culture or location, it regularly practices baptism and the Lord’s Supper separate from its sponsoring church; and it identifies itself with, aligns itself with, and endorses, generally, the purposes and work of the Convention. The total number of messengers a mission may qualify for is four (4).
STANDING RULES
The Convention will be asked to act on the following recommended “Standing Rules” for this annual meeting:
1. All reports, motions, or amendments to the constitution, bylaws or articles of incorporation shall be submitted by a registered messenger to the body, then sent to the recording secretary in writing, legibly signed by the maker and shall include their name, address, church membership and phone number where they can be reached during the convention.
2. All motions requiring a vote not scheduled on the agenda, including amendments to the constitution or bylaws, must be introduced during the “Introduction of Miscellaneous Business” in the Monday business session. Time will expire after ten minutes, and the schedule will advance to the next item of business on the agenda unless a motion to “suspend the rules in order to extend the time for miscellaneous business” passes by 2/3 vote. Time may be extended by increments of up to 10 minutes.
3. All resolutions must be submitted in writing by noon on Monday, November 17, to a member of the Resolutions Committee. [Please, see instructions “To Propose a Resolution” printed in this program.]
4. To obtain the floor: Pages will be at the microphones to assist messengers in obtaining the floor. Messengers shall approach the microphone, address the chair, give his or her name and church and wait to be recognized.
5. Discussion, debate and nomination speeches shall be limited to two minutes for each speaker. There may be no more than one nomination speech per candidate.
6. No messenger shall speak more than once on the same question or topic.
7. The chair shall recognize messengers wishing to speak to each side of the question, “for” and “against,” alternatively. If no messenger wishes to speak “for” or “against” a motion, debate automatically concludes and the chair will call for the vote.
8. All messengers who attend and participate in the business meetings of the convention shall conduct themselves in keeping with the stated objectives of the constitution of Texas Baptists.
9. Voting shall be conducted by voice or by the raising of ballots by messengers. Division of the assembly vote count shall be conducted by asking messengers to stand and raise ballots. Should the chair, by his or her own decision, deem it best to vote by ballot, it shall be so ordered.
10. In the election of officers, if no nominee receives a majority vote of the messengers present and voting, there shall be a runoff election between the two nominees who received the greatest number of votes on the first ballot.
TO MAKE A MOTION
A motion calls for specific action by Texas Baptists or some entity of Texas Baptists. Only registered messengers may make a motion. A motion normally begins with “I move to ...” or “I move that …”
1. Write the motion legibly. (If the motion is spontaneous and you don’t have time to write it before presenting it to the convention, write the motion before leaving the microphone area.)
2. Go to a microphone at a time when business is being considered.
3. When recognized by the presiding officer, state your name, that you are a messenger, the name of your church and read your motion, which must be presented to the convention during a business meeting to become an official motion.
4. Before leaving the microphone, give the written copy of your motion to the page at the microphone. A page will take the copy of your motion to the platform so the motion can be entered into the record by the recording secretary.
5. The Committee on Annual Meeting will announce a time for the convention to consider the motion or recommend its referral to some convention entity.
The Texas Baptists Bulletin is published daily during the Annual Meeting by the Baptist General Convention of Texas.
The Bulletin includes announcements, committee reports and proceedings.
Julio Guarneri Executive Director
Craig Christina Associate Executive Director
Ward Hayes Treasurer/CFO/Recording Secretary
Joshua Minatrea
Senior Director of Resource
Development
Coleen Wall Director of Conferences & Event Planning
Lauren Childs Graphic Designer
NOTICE
Texas Baptists’ Bylaws call for the meeting of the convention to be conducted according to the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised. The officers abide by the manual on parliamentary procedure. In the past, a messenger’s motion has been ruled out of order because it did not comply with Robert’s Rules of Order when a change in wording was all that was necessary for the motion to have been appropriate and in order.
Every effort is being made for the business of our convention to be conducted in the smoothest and best way possible for the advancement of our Lord’s Kingdom. If a messenger has a motion to make, the parliamentarian will be available to assist with the wording so that the motion will be in proper format.
Note: A motion will not be considered by the convention until a messenger has personally made it at the appropriate time and place while the convention is in session. A motion cannot be submitted to the delegates except during the Annual Meeting.
COMMITTEE ON CREDENTIALS
The Committee on Credentials has been assigned an area near Registration, located in the Foyer of the Abilene Convention Center. Pre-registered messengers will present the QR code they received via email for Registration. Duly elected Messengers who are not pre-registered must have a messenger card properly endorsed by the church clerk or church moderator. Messengers who do not have such a card or did not pre-register will need to be approved by the Credentials Committee. Guests may register at the Guest Registration Kiosk.
TO PROPOSE A RESOLUTION
A resolution has been defined as an expression of opinion from a messenger, as opposed to a motion, which calls for action. The following guidelines are offered for persons desiring to submit a resolution.
• Only registered messengers may submit a resolution.
• Resolutions must be submitted in print directly to any member of the Resolutions Committee on Monday, November 17 by the closing of the Monday morning session at noon. The committee members are identified on page 43 of the Bulletin. The committee members will be available to receive resolutions and answer questions. The Resolutions Committee will be available in rooms 207/208 on the Second Floor of the Abilene Convention Center. All resolutions must be submitted to the committee by noon on Monday.
• The resolution should be typed and state the name of the messenger submitting the resolution, the name of the BGCT church from which the messenger was elected, and a contact phone number in case the Resolutions Committee has questions or concerns.
• Anyone needing help submitting a resolution may contact any members of the Resolutions Committee or the BGCT staff liaison Katie Frugé at (817) 475-4173 or katie.fruge@texasbaptists.org.
The Resolutions Committee will consider every resolution properly submitted. However, the Resolutions Committee is responsible for deciding which resolutions will be presented to the messengers for their consideration (see Article IV, Section 5 of the Bylaws of the BGCT).
HELP FOR MESSENGERS
Materials are prepared each year to help messengers during business sessions of the Texas Baptists Annual Meeting. Among those materials is the Book of Reports, which contains the annual reports of Texas Baptists Institutions and Agencies, the Texas Baptists Executive Board and a copy of the Texas Baptists Constitution and Bylaws. Additionally, the Texas Baptists Bulletin contains information about business matters to be voted on and proceedings.
SECURITY PRECAUTIONS
In cooperation with the Abilene Convention Center and Abilene Police department, please always wear your Texas Baptists Annual Meeting name badge. Texas Baptists has taken every precaution to ensure the safety and security of all messengers and visitors.
FIRST AID
First Aid is in the main lobby of the Abilene Convention Center, located at the exit doors toward the DoubleTree hotel. First Aid will be available Sunday, November 16th from 3:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. and Monday, November 17th from 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. and Tuesday, November 18th from 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
A special thank you and note of appreciation to the volunteer/staff of Hendrick Health – Abilene, coordinated by Susan Greenwood, who has graciously donated their time to assist us in the First Aid Area.
LOCAL INFORMATION
Maps, restaurant guides and other local information can be found at the kiosk’s information desk located by the Texas Baptists Information Desk located in the Main Lobby of the Abilene Convention Center.
LOST AND FOUND
To find a “lost” item or to turn in a “found” item, please go to the Texas Baptists Information Desk located in the Main Lobby of the Abilene Convention Center.
PHONE CHARGING STATIONS
As an added convenience for Annual Meeting attendees, phone charging stations (that accommodates most phone and tablet connections) are provided in the exhibit hall.
FOOD SERVICE OFFERED
Coffee and limited refreshments will be provided during exhibit hall hours on Sunday from 4:00 p.m.6:30 p.m., Monday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., and Tuesday from 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Local restaurant information is available at the digital kiosk’s information board located at the Texas Baptist Information Desk
TRADUCCIÓN ESPAÑOL/SPANISH TRANSLATION
Todas las sesiones generales y de negocios de la Reunión Anual de 2025 se traducirán al español. Se pueden alquilar auriculares en el puesto de información ubicado en el vestíbulo del Centro de Convenciones de Abilene.
All General Sessions and Business Meeting Sessions of the 2025 Annual Meeting will be translated into Spanish. Headsets are available for check out at the Information Booth located on the Lobby of the Abilene Convention Center.
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OFFICERS OF THE CONVENTION
Ronny Marriott, President FBC, Richardson
Debbie Potter, First Vice President Trinity BC, San Antonio
Joseph Adams, Second Vice President FBC, Mount Pleasant
Ward Hayes, Recording Secretary FBC, Plano
Michael A. Evans, Sr., Registration Secretary Bethlehem Baptist Church, Mansfield
William Arnold, Secretary of the Corporation Park Cities BC, Dallas
John Litzler, Parliamentarian Sunset Canyon BC, Dripping Springs
2024–2025 EXECUTIVE BOARD OFFICERS
Heath Kirkwood, Chair, FBC, Lorena
Suzanne Liner, Vice Chair, FBC, Lubbock
2025 COMMITTEES
Committee on Annual Meeting
John Whitten, Chair, Pioneer Drive BC, Abilene
Marty Akins, FBC, Ballinger
Jason Burden, FBC, Lubbock
Deanne Celelli, Crestview BC, Georgetown
Russell Dixon, Sunset Canyon BC, Dripping Springs
Nikki Fannin, Shady Oaks BC, Hurst
David Goddard, FBC, Temple
Michael Gossett, Green Acres BC, Tyler
Veronica Griffith, Cornerstone BC, Arlington
Jewel London, Church Without Walls, Houston
Kalie Lowrie, FBC, Brownwood
David Miranda, The Promise Church, Farmers Branch
Darrin Moore, TrueVine Missionary BC, Spring
Diego Mota, Duncanville FBC, Duncanville
Adam Pardue, Highland BC, Lubbock
Joshua Sharp, FBC, Chappell Hill
Laura Tosto, FBC, Corpus Christi
Jacob West, Pioneer Drive BC, Abilene
Committee on Committees
Stacy Conner, Chair, FBC, Muleshoe
Melonye Batson, Faith Fellowship, Red Oak
Clint Davis, FBC, Mount Pleasant
Rhoda Gonzalez, North Dallas Family Church, Dallas
Brian Hill, FBC, Corpus Christi
Cheryl Jones, FBC, Temple
Chris Liebrum, Lakepointe Church, Rockwall
Truett Newton, FBC, Lufkin
Aaron Pardue, North Side BC, Weatherford
Danny Reeves, FBC, Corsicana
Grace Rodriguez, Primera Iglesia Bautista
Mexicana, San Antonio
Taylor Sandlin, Sugar Land BC, Sugar Land
Cameron Strange, Impact Church, Schertz
Committee on Credentials
Ariel Martinez, Chair, Del Sol Church, El Paso
Sam Bunnell, FBC, Henrietta
Anita Foster, Trinity BC, San Antonio
Sharon Guthrie, FBC, Stephenville
Renetta Montgomery, FBC, Richardson
Robert Morrison, West Conroe BC, Conroe
Lydia Santibanez, FBC, Temple
John Wheat, Trinity BC, Kerrville
Committee on Memorials
C.V. Blake, Chair, FBC, Abilene
Rick Cadden, FBC, Burleson
John Davis, Pioneer Drive BC, Abilene
Tracy Dophied, FBC, Richardson
Dana Stubblefield, Trinity BC, San Antonio
Committee on Resolutions
Wesley Shotwell, Chair, Ash Creek BC, Azle
Becky Biser, University BC, Fort Worth
Julia Butler, FBC, Waco
Joe Fields, New Beginnings Church, Lewisville
Danny Quintanilla, Bear Creek BC, Katy
Sara Rangel, Alamo Heights BC, San Antonio
Emmanuel Roldan, Primera Iglesia Bautista, Waco
Jordan Villanueva, FBC, Blanket
Chris Wigley, FBC, Burleson
Committee on Nominations for Boards of Affiliated Ministries
Ryan Chandler, Chair, FBC, Arlington
Nathan Adams, FBC, Hereford
Henry Batson, III, Faith Fellowship, Red Oak
Virginia Bowers, FBC, Muleshoe
Carl L. Brown, Jr., FBC, Clyde
Tony Canady, Triumphal Christian Fellowship, Waxahachie
Kimberly Cook, FBC, El Paso
Daniel Crowther, South Main BC, Pasadena
Chris Curran, Southland BC, San Angelo
Nick Ferguson, FBC, Hallettsville
Cynthia Jaquez, Segunda Iglesia Bautista, Corpus Christi
Pamla Joseph, Marvelous Light Church, Houston
Bel Sanchez, South Park BC, Alvin
Shawn Shannon, Tallowood BC, Houston
Jean Ann Underwood, FBC, Waxahachie
Committee to Nominate Executive Board Directors
Jase Waller, Chair, Telephone BC, Telephone
Clay Bowers, Arcadia FBC, Santa Fe
Danny Cancino, FBC, San Antonio
Larry Dooley, FBC, Bryan
Teresa Herrera, FBC, Athens
Robyn Lowrie, FBC, Decatur
Elaine Mason, FBC, Texas City
Demetrius McClendon, One Church, Midlothian
Brad Miles, FBC, Shallowater
David Paul, Sugar Land BC, Sugar Land
Walid Saade, Arabic Christian Fellowship, Fort Worth
Jeff Scott, Pioneer Drive BC, Abilene
Gary Walton, FBC, Silverton
Darin Wood, FBC, Midland
Dan Young, Park Cities BC, Dallas Tellers Committee
Robby Hargrave, Holly Brook BC, Hawkins
Jeannie Miller, FBC, Garland
Randy Miller, FBC, Garland
Larry Post, Sugar Land BC, Sugar Land
John Spencer, FBC, Garland
PRESIDENTS OF THE AUXILIARY GROUPS
Delvin Atchison, African American Fellowship, Westside BC, Lewisville
Jason Burden, Texans on Mission, FBC, Lubbock
Jackie Faughn, WMU of Texas, First McKinney BC, McKinney
Dillard Fisher, Bivocational/ Small Church Membership, Cross Bearers Church, Copperas Cove
Jason Lee, Chinese Fellowship, Tallowood Chinese Baptist Mission, Houston
John Nguyen, Vietnamese Fellowship of Texas, Vietnamese Redeemer BC, Plano
Tasha Schlueter, BSM Co-President, FBC, Quitaque
Joel Williams, BSM Co-President, FBC, Blackwell
NOMINATIONS FROM COMMITTEE ON COMMITTEES
Nominations to Committee on Nominations for Boards of Affiliated Ministries
2028 Term
David Cepeda, Iglesia Bautista Getsemani
Josh Fults, FBC, Orange
Alteasa Hawthorne, FBC Lewisville
Cynthia Jaquez, Segunda Iglesia Bautista, Corpus Christi
Tanner Watson, FBC, Arlington
Nominations to Committee to Nominate
Executive Board Directors
2028 Term
Luis Amario, Central BC, Livingston
Cody Favor, FBC, Levelland
Jonathan Hernandez, Jr., Primera Iglesia Bautista de Arlington, Arlington
Stanley Jones, FBC, Hallsville
NOMINATIONS FROM COMMITTEE TO NOMINATE EXECUTIVE BOARD DIRECTORS
Nominations for New Executive Board Directors
2028 Term
Zack Brackett, Lazybrook Baptist Church, Houston
Galen Cooper, Oak Ridge BC, Oak Ridge
Milt Eichler III, Magnolia's First BC, Magnolia
Brian Hill, FBC, Corpus Christi
Chris Johnson, FBC, San Antonio
Savann Kruoch, First Cambodian BCAldine, Houston
Thong Lun, Greater Houston Burmese Christian Fellowship, Houston
David McLarry, Northside BC, Victoria
Lang Mung, Zomi Emmanuel Church, Houston
Thomas Reiff, Rice Temple BC, Houston
William Rushing, University BC, Houston
Randy Stark, Field Street BC, Cleburne
Timothy Stephens, Milam County Cowboy Church, Rockdale
Ron Swanson, Tallowood BC, Houston
Brandon Webb, Wesbtury BC, Houston
Bruce Webb, The Woodlands FBC, The Woodlands
Malcolm Yarnell, Lakeside BC, Granbury
Nominations for Second Term Executive Board Directors
2028 Term
Joseph Barrett, Central BC, Ellis
Matt Brashier, FBC, Decatur
Jose Carreno, Northside Fellowship, Baytown
Ross Chandler, FBC, Marble Falls
Antonio Herrera, Primera Iglesia Bautista, Jacksonville
Fred Hobbs, Mt. Nebo BC, Victoria
Tammy Hutchings, Telephone BC, Telephone
Kim Jones, FBC, Vernon
Michael Jones, FBC, Texarkana
Bryant Lee, Higher Expectations Community Church, Humble
Pam Palmour, Copperfield Church, Houston
Ray Sanchez, FBC, Weslaco
Philip Schroeder, Grace Fellowship A Baptist Community, Bulverde
Gary Singleton, The Heights BC, Richardson
Flor Soto, Iglesia Bautista Victoria en Cristo, Fort Worth
Robert Templeton, Mt. Olive BC, Odessa
Keith Warren, North Side BC, Weatherford
Nominations to Fill Executive Board Director Vacancies
2027 Term
Rickie Sowell, Fairy BC, Hico
2026 Term
Chase Miller, Shiloh Terrace BC, Dallas
NOMINATIONS FROM COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS FOR BOARDS OF AFFILIATED MINISTRIES
Nominations to Board of Baptist University of the Américas
2028 Term
William Brian, FBC, Amarillo
Dean Dickens, Shearer Hills BC, San Antonio
Sam Medina, One Accord Fellowship, Lubbock
Belinda Reyes, Park Cities BC, Dallas
David Smith, FBC, Bridgeport
Nominations to Board of Baylor University
2029 Term
Carey Hendrickson, FBC, Arlington
Nominations to Board of Dallas Baptist University
2028 Term
Greg Ammons, FBC, Garland
Denise Campbell, FBC, Garland
Sandra Doty, Park Cities BC, Dallas
Sam Holm, First McKinney BC, McKinney
Hubert Martin, FBC, Mineola
Jonathan Pokluda, Harris Creek BC, Waco
Gary Singleton, The Heights Church, Richardson
Wayne Stevenson, FBC, Plano
Cherry Williams, FBC, Arlington
Nominations to Board of East Texas Baptist University
2026 Term
D.M. Edwards, FBC of Tyler, Tyler
2027 Term
Glenn Bickerdike, Mobberly BC, Marshall
2028 Term
Angela Huffhines, Mobberly BC, Marshall
Ben Raimer, FBC, Galveston
Nominations to Board of Hardin-Simmons University
2028 Term
Julie Hammer, FBC, Lewisville
Ben Lovvorn, FBC, Dallas
Daisy Sanchez, Southland BC, San Angelo
Dan Stahl, FBC, Belton
Rick Strange, FBC, Midland
Michael Waters, FBC, Plano
Nominations to Board of Houston Christian University
2028 Term
Dale Jefferson, Tallowood BC, Houston
Nominations to Board of Howard Payne University
2027 Term
Michael Cunningham, Crestview BC, Midland
Lesley Wyse, FBC, Boerne
2028 Term
Mickey Eddins, FBC, Sulphur Springs
Brent Gentzel, FBC, Kaufman
Bob Knoll, Oakwood BC, New Braunfels
Alan Hough, The Avenue Church, Waxahachie
Bill Taylor, FBC at The Fields, Carrollton
Nominations to Board of San Marcos Baptist Academy
2028 Term
Danny Dawdy, McDade BC, McDade
Joseph Sullivan, FBC, San Marcos
Nomination to Board of Stark College and Seminary
2028 Term
Melinda Rodriguez, Calvary BC, McAllen
Nominations to Board of University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
2028 Term
Terri Covington, FBC, Belton
Jack Phelps, Crestview BC, Georgetown
Don Ringler, Taylors Valley BC, Temple
Cindy Roberts, FBC, Killeen
Nominations to Board of Wayland Baptist University
2028 Term
Sherman Aten, Acton BC, Granbury
Joe Berry FBC, Plainview
Matthew Broyles, FBC, Plainview
Sally Eaves, FBC, Plainview
Gary Jolene, FBC, Lubbock
Randall Kaufman, FBC, Plainview
Nominations to Board of Baptist Community Services
2028 Term
Lori Boykin, FBC, Amarillo
Stacy Sharp, FBC, Amarillo
Brent Wade, Trinity BC, Amarillo
Nominations to Board of Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio
2028 Term
Elizabeth Dixon, FBC, Universal City
Kenneth Kemp, Antioch Missionary BC, San Antonio
Aaron Perez, CrossBridge Community Church, San Antonio
T. Brad Wilson, FBC, Boerne
Nominations to Board of Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas
2028 Term
John R Adolph, Antioch Missionary BC, Beaumont
Greg Dykeman, Calvary BC, Beaumont
Nomination to Board of Baylor Health Care System
2029 Term
Rodrick Robinson, First McKinney BC, McKinney
Nomination to Board of Buckner International
2026 Term
Lisa Eady, Southland BC, San Angelo
2027 Term
Debbie Potter, Trinity BC, San Antonio
2028 Term
Brenda Treviño, North Dallas Family Church, Carrollton
Nominations to Board of Children at Heart Ministries
2028 Term
Hal Harris Jr., First Woodway BC, Woodway
Greg Kalb, Austin BC, Austin
Calvin Lee, FBC, Round Rock
Philip Newman, FBC, Georgetown
Jonathan Spencer, Austin BC, Austin
Nominations to Board of Hendrick Health System
2028 Term
Larry Smith, FBC, Abilene
Nominations to Board of Hillcrest Health System
2028 Term
David Alford, Columbus Avenue BC, Waco
Elizabeth Oates, First Woodway BC, Woodway
Nominations to Board of South Texas Children’s Home Ministries
2028 Term
Keith Bruce, FBC, San Antonio
Sid Colwell, FBC, Gonzales
Jean Culli, FBC, Beeville
Thomas Culver IV, Parkway Fellowship, Richmond
William Stockton Jr., FBC, Beeville
Nominations to Board of Valley Baptist Missions-Education Center
2028 Term
David Chan, Calvary BC, McAllen
Alton Hold, Island BC, South Padre Island
Steve Vernon, FBC, Belton
Nomination to Board of Baptist Church Loan Corporation
2028 Term
Woody Conradt, Valley Ranch BC, Coppell
Daniel Edwards, Park Cities, Dallas
Nominations to Board of HighGround Advisors
2028 Term
Rodrick Cummins, FBC, Dallas
John Owens, FBC, Lubbock
Nominations to Board of The Baptist Standard
2028 Term
Ben March, Trinity BC, San Antonio
Evelyn Ogletree, First Metropolitan BC, Houston
Ross Shelton, FBC, Brenham
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2026 BUDGET PROCESS
The Business and Financial Plan calls for each administrative office, ministry and program area of the convention to submit an itemized budget of its expected expenditures for the next fiscal year to the executive director. The executive director works with staff to make necessary changes and presents the proposed budget to the Finance Committee of the Executive Board which, in turn, presents it to the Executive Board for its approval. The Executive Board submits the Cooperative Program budget, consisting of all the anticipated income and expenditures which have been submitted and approved, to the Convention in session.
Preparation of the proposed budget includes months of projections, research, planning, committee reviews and prayer to arrive at the proposed resource plan for the coming year. Such is the case for the proposed 2026 calendar year budget.
For ordained staff members, the Executive Board allows advance designation of a portion of the salary as housing allowance as permissible by IRS regulations. Ordained staff members pay their own selfemployment taxes, which are 15.3 percent of taxable compensation.
The detailed budget is published annually and provided to the Executive Board and committees involved in the budget preparation process. A budget summary is mailed to each church annually. The budget summary and the detailed report can be found at txb.org. For a hard copy, please call 888.244.9400.
The Finance Committee is authorized, on a contingency basis, to adjust spending based on actual receipts.
2026 BUDGET SUMMARY
2026 Budget Detail of Theological Education and Institutional Support
Baptist Univ ersity of the Américas Bay lor Univ ersity
Dallas Baptist University
East Texas Baptist University
Hardin-Simmons Univ ersity
Houston Christian Univ ersity
Howard Pay ne Univ ersity
Truett Seminary Univ ersity of M ary Hardin-Bay lor
Wayland Baptist University
San Ma rcos Academy
S ta rk Co llege
Valley Baptist Missions Education
Center M inis te rial Sc hola rs hips
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Special thanks are extended to numerous persons, institutions and organizations that have helped to make this Annual Meeting possible:
• Churches and members of Abilene-Callahan Baptist Association, for providing leadership and volunteers for various opportunities of service at annual meeting
• The City of Abilene and the Abilene Chamber of Commerce for their hospitality and friendly welcome. Kim Bosher and the Abilene Convention & Visitor’s Bureau for their assistance in planning and providing the convention center facilities, maps and local restaurant guides
• Abilene Convention Center staff for their kind direction and assistance with the planning details over this past year
• Scott Smith of B & L Sound Services for their technical planning and coordination of lighting, sound and image projection support and providing streaming services of main sessions
• Joe & Debby Luscombe of NewDay Productions for video and audio support throughout the workshop and varied meal and receptions
• Vanessa Thornton of Superior Expo Services for event decorations, staging and exhibit support
• Michael A. Evans, Sr., Texas Baptists Registration Secretary, for coordinating volunteers to assist in the registration process. Distributing materials, bags, and name tags for messengers and visitors
• Fernando Rojas and Betsy Trejo for providing Spanish translation for General and Business Sessions
• Volunteer staff of Hendrick Health, coordinated by Susan Greenwood, who has graciously donated their time to assist us in the first aid area
• San Marcos Baptist Academy, under the direction of Michelle Harper for providing select senior students to serve as Pages to assist the officers and messengers in the business sessions
• Local Arrangements Team led by Eric Bruntmyer and John Whitten, who have assisted and given direction with the countless number of local volunteers that have served as ushers, greeters and registration workers
• Baptist institutions and churches who provide technical and news staff support
• A host of others who helped in countless ways
• Thousands of Texas Baptists who have prayed for this 139th Annual Meeting and worked diligently to make a huge success for the Kingdom of our Lord.
Annual Meeting
11/18/25
Executive Board
09/23/25
Finance Committee
09/22/25
Item of Consideration: Recommendation for 2026 Proposed Budget
Highest Authority For this item: Annual Meeting
Originating Source: Executive Director and Treasurer/CFO
Background: The proposed 2026 budget is based on expected Cooperative Program and other income receipts. This percentage distribution is necessary to provide adequate funding for the Texas mission field.
Background Attachments: None
Recommendation:
We recommend a budget for 2026 of $37,502,456 from the following sources of revenue:
Annual Meeting
11/17/25
Executive Board
09/23/25
Finance Committee
09/22/25
Item of Recommendation for 2026 Texas World Missions Initiatives and Consideration: Partnerships Allocation
Highest Authority For this item: Annual Meeting
Originating Source: Treasurer/CFO
Background: Continue funding of strategic international missions/partnerships and Texas initiatives.
Background Attachments: None
Recommendation:
We recommend a 2026 proposed allocation of $1,100,000 of Cooperative Program Texas Worldwide Missions Initiatives and Partnerships as follows:
Annual Meeting
11/17/25
Executive Board
05/20/25
Institutional Relations Committee
05/19/25
Item of Recommendation to adopt the relationship agreement between the Baptist Consideration: General Convention of Texas (BGCT) and Dallas Baptist University (DBU).
Highest Authority
For this item: Messengers at the 2025 Annual Meeting
Originating Source: The board of DBU
Background:
DBU is an affiliated ministry of Texas Baptists requesting a change to related by special agreement. DBU is a Christ-centered university whose focus is to please God above all else and to develop Christian servant leaders through a transformative educational experience. Rooted in a shared history and commitment to the Baptist tradition, Texas Baptists and DBU have worked in unity to further their missions and prepare students to be servant leaders who will impact the world for God’s glory. The reason the board of DBU requests a change to related by Special Agreement is to reaffirm, strengthen, and clearly define their relationship with the BGCT.
According to Article VIII, Section 1, Paragraph B of the BGCT Constitution:
“A new agency or institution may be established or a change in relationship with an agency or institution may be approved by a majority vote of the votes entitled to be cast by the messengers when the vote is taken without regard to the total enrollment at any meeting of the Convention upon the recommendation of the Executive Board, and must be considered by the Executive Board not later than a September meeting of the Board preceding the annual meeting of the Convention. In the case of a new agency or institution, the recommendation must include a comprehensive plan of development, a set of proposed articles and bylaws, and a proposed annual budget.”
When an affiliated institution wants to change its relationship status with the BGCT to related by Special Agreement the proper procedure is to present the Special Agreement to the BGCT Executive Board’s Institutional Relations Committee (IRC). Once the Special Agreement is approved by the IRC, the IRC will recommend the agreement to the Executive Board for approval. Upon approval of the Executive Board the Special Agreement is submitted for vote at the next annual meeting of BGCT messengers.
Background Attachments: 1) Relationship Agreement Between the BGCT & DBU
Recommendation: We recommend adopting the relationship agreement between the Baptist General Convention of Texas and Dallas Baptist University.
Annual Meeting
11/17/25
Executive Board
02/18/25
Executive Committee
02/17/25
Item of Consideration: Recommendation for the Affirmation of BGCT’s Current Practice in Regard to the Affiliation of Churches and their Respective Confessions of Faith
Highest Authority
For this item: Messengers at the 2025 Annual Meeting
Originating Source: Executive Leadership and Executive Committee
Background:
At the November 2024 Annual Meeting in Waco, a messenger presented a motion asking the Baptist General Convention of Texas (BGCT) to “affirm the 2000 Baptist Faith and Message (BFM).” The motion was defeated. As a result, several supportive BGCT churches that affirm the 2000 BFM have reached out to Executive Leadership seeking clarification on several issues; mainly, are 2000 BFM churches welcome in the Texas Baptists family. While BGCT staff continue to encourage, serve, and support all churches in harmonious cooperation, a definitive statement is needed from messengers at the 2025 Annual Meeting to codify the convention’s practice of welcoming churches that hold various Baptist confessions of faith.
While the BGCT Constitution and Bylaws do not offer any requirements for harmonious cooperation based on doctrinal beliefs, messengers to the convention have spoken over the years–albeit rarely–on confessions of faith and a few, clarifying doctrinal issues. In response, BGCT staff have compiled these actions into a list of bullet points related to affiliation. The following is stated on the txb.org website under “Join”:
“A church desiring affiliation affirms:
● We are an autonomous Baptist church that makes its own decisions.
● We are identified as a body of believers separate from any church or churches who sponsor us.
● We regularly practice the ordinances of believer’s baptism by immersion and the Lord’s Supper.
● We will contribute to the BGCT in an identifiable way from our own resources.
● We will work in harmonious cooperation with the BGCT.
Logsdon School of Theology: A Legacy of Service
At HSU, we’re proud to stand with Texas Baptists in preparing students for lives of service, leadership, and calling.
This year, we celebrate the Logsdon School of Theology at Hardin-Simmons University, continuing its tradition of training pastors, chaplains, missionaries, counselors, and scholars to lead with integrity and faith.
Meet Dr. Jacob West at the HSU booth and visit us on campus.
r. West is the Dean of Logsdon School of Theology and a proud alumnus of Hardin-Simmons University (’04, ’07, ’13). Dr. West is eager to connect your church and students with our vibrant HSU community, encouraging spiritual formation, forging a collaborative space, and promoting a Gospel vision. hsutx.edu
Mentored by world-class faculty with a Christian perspective, Wayland students have spent 20 years pushing scientific boundaries. Their RecA research, begun in 2012, led to globalfirst tuberculosis breakthroughs in two areas in 2024—proving undergraduates can do more than dream. They can discover.
Scan or tap here to read the full story
Senior Dylan Dodd uses a near UV/ blue light to detect a fluorescent protein bioengineered into a bacterial culture, providing a glowing positive control for comparison to the target RecA protein.
Making Disciples Who Make Disciples
NOTES
SERVING CHILDREN. STRENGTHENING FAMILIES.
We’re grateful for Texas Baptists and our shared commitment to love God, love people, and live out our faith through action. Together, we strive to serve those who are most vulnerable with the support and structure they need to find hope, experience healing, and rebuild their lives.
SCAN TO WATCH OUR 75-YEAR LEGACY OF SERVICE ON YOUTUBE.
