SPOTLIGHT / TEX AS BAPTISTS BENEVOLENCE
T H E G R E AT E S T P O S S I B L E
benevolence Back in 1848, at the first Baptist state convention in Texas, a handful of words were used to describe the primary purpose of the group gathered. Later on, in 1886, those same words were incorporated into the Baptist General Convention of Texas constitution at its formation. Today, Baptists in Texas continue their cooperative efforts to live out the Great Commandment and the Great Commission with a commitment to those same words:
“The object of this Convention shall be to awaken and stimulate among the churches the greatest possible activity in evangelism, missions, Christian education and benevolent work and enterprises; to cultivate a closer cooperation among the churches and promote harmony of feeling and concert of action in advancing all the interests of the Redeemer’s Kingdom.” (Article II - Object, Constitution of the Baptist General Convention of Texas)
C O N T I N U I N G A L E G ACY OF SEEING AND MEETING NEEDS BY : J O S H UA S E T H M I N AT R E A , D I R E C T O R O F C O M M U N I C AT I O N S AL AN LEFE VER, DIRECTOR OF HISTORICAL COLLECTION
Oftentimes throughout history, one person becomes a catalyst for a particular cause. That’s not to say that the cause would not have progressed without their involvement, but rather that, because of their involvement, a particular response was accelerated. There is no doubt that the very first Baptists in Texas were committed to living out the Great Commandment, showing God’s love and helping those in need, but it was not until after the Civil War that the problem of caring for widows and orphans overwhelmed the local church and the community it served. Fortunately, God blessed one man with a vision to both see and meet needs in new ways.
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TEXAS BAPTISTS LIFE