2020 Texas Baptists Book of Reports

BOOK REPORTS of

2020

TEXAS BAPTISTS

Annual Meeting NOVEMBER 16

Executive Board........................................................................................................................................ 4 Great Commission Team........................................................................................................................ 6 Discipleship......................................................................................................................................7 Evangelism.......................................................................................................................................8 Music and Worship....................................................................................................................... 9 Missions Team...........................................................................................................................................10 Bounce Student Disaster Recovery....................................................................................... 11 Church Starting............................................................................................................................ 12 Missionary Adoption Program................................................................................................ 13 Multi-housing................................................................................................................................14 River Ministry/Mexico Missions.............................................................................................. 15

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR..................................................................................................................................3

Connections Team................................................................................................................................... 16 Area Representatives................................................................................................................. 17 Bivocational Pastors Ministry.................................................................................................. 18 Center for Financial Health...................................................................................................... 19 Texas Baptists Counseling Services....................................................................................20 Interim Church Services............................................................................................................ 21 Western Heritage Ministry...................................................................................................... 22 Christian Life Commission................................................................................................................... 23 Ethics & Justice........................................................................................................................... 24 Public Policy................................................................................................................................. 25 Hunger & Care Ministries......................................................................................................... 26 Cultural Engagement Team................................................................................................................ 27 African American Ministries................................................................................................... 28 Hispanic Ministries..................................................................................................................... 29 Hispanic Education Initiatives................................................................................................30 Intercultural Ministries............................................................................................................... 31 Collegiate Ministry.................................................................................................................................. 32 Associational Relations........................................................................................................................ 33 Church Administration..........................................................................................................................34 Office of Cooperative Program Ministry........................................................................................ 35 Communications Team......................................................................................................................... 36 Texas Baptists Baptist Heritage Center/Baptist Distinctives Council................................ 37 Texas Baptist Historical Collection................................................................................................... 38 Texas Baptist Missions Foundation.................................................................................................. 39 ASSOCIATE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR.................................................................................................... 40 BaptistWay Press..................................................................................................................................... 41 Chaplaincy Relations............................................................................................................................. 42 Church Architecture..............................................................................................................................43 TREASURER/CFO.........................................................................................................................................45 Statement of Financial Position........................................................................................................46 Statement of Activities......................................................................................................................... 47 Human Resources.......................................................................................................................48 Finance and Accounting..........................................................................................................49

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Information Technology and Support Services..............................................................50 Conferences and Events........................................................................................................... 51 INSTITUTIONS................................................................................................................................................ 52 Universities & Academics Baptist University of the Americas...................................................................................... 52 Baylor University........................................................................................................................54 Dallas Baptist University.......................................................................................................... 56 East Texas Baptist University................................................................................................. 58 Hardin-Simmons University....................................................................................................60 Houston Baptist University..................................................................................................... 63 Howard Payne University........................................................................................................ 65 University of Mary Hardin-Baylor......................................................................................... 67 Wayland Baptist University....................................................................................................69 San Marcos Baptist Academy................................................................................................. 71 Stark College & Seminary........................................................................................................ 73 Valley Baptist Missions Education Center......................................................................... 75 Child Care/Aging/Retirement Baptist Community Services.................................................................................................. 77 Buckner International............................................................................................................... 79 Children at Heart Ministries..................................................................................................... 81 South Texas Children’s Home Ministries............................................................................ 83 Medical Centers Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio...................................................................... 85 Baptist Health System.............................................................................................................. 87 Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas.................................................................................89 Baylor Scott & White Health................................................................................................... 91 Hendrick Health System.......................................................................................................... 93 MINISTRY PARTNERS..................................................................................................................................95 Baptist Church Loan Corporation........................................................................................ 95 Baptist Standard.........................................................................................................................96 Denison Ministries...................................................................................................................... 97 Guidestone Financial Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention..................98 HighGround Advisors...............................................................................................................99 Texas Baptist Men.....................................................................................................................100 Woman’s Missionary Union of Texas.................................................................................. 101 ASSOCIATIONS............................................................................................................................................102 CAMPS.............................................................................................................................................................106 CONSTITUTION............................................................................................................................................108 BYLAWS........................................................................................................................................................... 115 INDEX............................................................................................................................................................... 124

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TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

It has been a year like no other in my lifetime and probably for most of you. Now, that being said, and as different a year as it has been, with all the daily challenges and uncertainty, your Baptist General Convention of Texas was still at work and still being used by the Lord in a powerful and positive way just like you and your church. We truly value our relationship with you and the cooperative work we do together!

This year we continued to start new churches! We continued to do the mission work on college and university campuses. This year our River Ministry just kept right on going. I could go on, but the truth is much of the great mission and ministry work we always do, we kept doing. It may have looked a bit different, but the ministry continued.

DAVID HARDAGE Executive Director

BECKY BROWN

Executive Assistant

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Hello Texas Baptists! Thank you for attending our Texas Baptists Annual Meeting! For the first time in our 135-year history, the Baptist General Convention of Texas is being held online. We are excited to welcome attendees from every corner of the state as we meet virtually.

As you read this Book of Reports you will see the great work of your Texas Baptists staff in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic. We were presented some new obstacles which turned into opportunities and I want to mention a couple of those here.

First of all, back in the Spring when so many lost their jobs all of a sudden your BGCT was able to step up, raise some money and provided emergency financial assistance to 350 pastors who had either lost their secular jobs or whose church had to decrease their salary for a time. We also were able to help more than 600 pastors in other countries with whom we have a partnership.

As most of you know our Texas Baptist encampments found themselves facing new and unusual difficulties, not caused by anything they did or didn’t do. But, in response to the issues they were suddenly facing we were able to raise more than $500,000.00 (which we used to match whatever the Camp was able to raise) which provided significant financial relief.

Going forward, you will be hearing us talk a lot about and using the phrase “GC2”. It stands for Great Commandment and Great Commission. For the past several years we have focused our mission and ministry work around these two New Testament pillars. The phrase is simple and catchy (at least I think it’s catchy since I came up with it!) to identify who we are as a state convention. We truly want to become a movement of God’s people uniquely focused on doing His work, His way. Stay tuned for more about GC2 in the months ahead.

Now, as we look forward to next year we’ll continue to do much of the work we always do and we’ll be prepared for surprises that may come our way. Thank you for your friendship and partnership in ministry. Together we’ll make a Kingdom difference in the new year!

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EXECUTIVE BOARD REPORT

MAJOR ACTIONS OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD SINCE THE LAST SESSION OF THE ANNUAL MEETING INCLUDED: Approved the 2019 proceedings of the 134th Annual Session of the Baptist General Convention of Texas that met November 17-19 in Waco, Texas.

APPROVED RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE INSTITUTIONAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE To change the Relationship Agreement between the Baptist Church Loan Corporation and the Baptist General Convention of Texas To modify the Articles of Incorporation to become the Restated Certificate of Formation for Children at Heart Ministries

APPROVED JOINT RECOMMENDATION FROM ADMINISTRATION SUPPORT AND FINANCE COMMITTEES To adopt Policy 543 Special Project Fund for use when occasions arise outside normal budget allocations that necessitate attention.

APPROVED THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS FROM THE INSTITUTIONAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE Approved recommendation to change the Relationship Agreement between the Baptist Church Loan Corporation and the Baptist General Convention of Texas.

Approved recommendation to modify the Articles of Incorporation to become the Restated Certificate of Formation for Children at Heart Ministries.

APPROVED THE FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE AUDIT COMMITTEE Recommendations to Secure 2019 and 2020 Financial Auditor Approved the firm Weaver conduct the financial audit for the year 2019 and 2020. Such audit is estimated to cost $49,500 based on a one-year contract.

APPROVED THE FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE The state is divided into sectors. To ensure that members come from all parts of the state and as populations has changed the Executive Board took another look at them and recommended that some of the sectors be redrawn In order to address major and unanticipated issued that may come up during the year, the Executive Board approved the creation of a Response composed of key elected and professional leaders.

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ELECTION OF 2020 EXECUTIVE BOARD OFFICERS Approved Dr. Clint Davis, Pastor of FBC, Mount Pleasant, Sector 13, for Chair of the Executive Board Approved Bobby Contreras, Pastor of Alamo Heights BC, San Antonio, Sector 26, for ViceChair of the Executive Board.

APPROVED THE FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE FINANCE COMMITTEE Approved Recommendation for 2021 Proposed Budget 1. We recommend a budget for 2021 of $34,266,688 2. We recommend that the percentage allotment of the adopted budget continue at 79% BGCT – 21% Worldwide, with each church selecting the recipient(s) of the Worldwide portion.

EXECUTIVE BOARD REPORT

APPROVED RECOMMENDATION TO ELECT WARD HAYES AS CFO/ TREASURER FOR THE BAPTIST GENERAL CONVENTION OF TEXAS

The budget funds primarily come from the CP of Texas and investment income Approved Recommendation for 2021 Texas World Mission Initiatives and Partnership Allocations of $1,050,000 of Cooperative Program Texas Worldwide Missions Initiatives and Partnerships Approved Recommendation for 2021 Church Start Funding that $200,000 of the investment income from the J.K. Wadley Mission Fund be allocated as needed to fund church starts.

Approved Recommendation for 2021 Funding of Campus Missionary Interns that $100,000 of current income from the J.K. Wadley Mission Fund be used to fund Campus Missionary Interns in 2021.

Approved Recommendation to forgive $1 of the total $1,000,000 loan created in the September 2017 Executive Board meeting for each $1 BUA raises from any external source between January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2022.

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GREAT COMMISSION TEAM

“When asked, ‘Where do you see yourself in 5 years?’ everybody in 2015 probably got the answer wrong.” This meme emerged as a descriptive theme of 2020. Who could have seen this coming?

PHIL MILLER Director

DEBY MILLER Administrative Assistant

www.txb.org/gct

As the finite human beings that we are, we can anticipate, some predict, but only God knows. The coronavirus pandemic that has encompassed the world has brought about significant challenges of health, loss of life for some, loss of jobs for others, and a change of habits and practices for virtually everyone else. This is the time that historians will be writing about for years to come.

The Great Commission Team (GCT) has the incredible assignment of working with churches in the areas of Discipleship, Evangelism, and Music & Worship; and whereas, the challenges have been considerable this year, the blessings have been unforgettable. With the belief that God redeems all He allows, we have found strength in the power of God’s word as the writer of Romans 8:18 reminds us that “the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed in us.”

I am extraordinarily impressed with Texas Baptists, and the collective way they have responded to a myriad of challenges. I am impressed with the staff of the Great Commission Team. The leaders we have in our areas of specialization are passionate about their call to serve the Lord by serving Texas Baptists. Typically, we are the people on the road, leading training events, doing consultations, preaching, singing, having faceto-face meetings with literally thousands of people across the state. From the middle of March through at least the middle of July (as I write this report) all travel was suspended.

Our staff did a major pivot to meet the needs of local church leaders by literally doing everything virtually. As you read the team reports on the pages that follow there are cancellations and postponements aplenty. Yet, Zoom meetings, webinars, phone calls, conference calls, emails and texts became our mode of ministry; and the GCT staff was exemplary. Events may have been cancelled, but the ministry was not.

One story that deserves highlighting comes from our Ministry Assistants in GCT. While many of our staff were busy contacting pastors, staff, and volunteers in the local church, they realized that ministry assistants in the local church were being inadvertently overlooked. So, they devised a plan to contact them via email and share encouragement with them. Over 1,600 contacts were made, and responses are still being received. These unsung heroes in the Kingdom were being shown love and appreciation.

There is the story of a children’s minister leading a child to Christ through an online conversation. And, Bible study leaders, with no prior tech experience, organizing Zoom classes that are still meeting effectively today. And, pastors learning to conduct worship services online, seemingly overnight. Some even began drive-in worship services with their stories encouraging churches in other states to do the same. God has been at work through His people in unbelievable ways.

We may not have seen this coming, but “God intended it for good.”

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TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

In the fall of 2019 groups of education/discipleship pastors around the state met in nine regional Discipleship Roundtables led by David Adams, director of our discipleship team. These discussions focused on tools and strategies for making disciples who make disciples. Major findings included: • There is renewed energy among senior pastors and second-chair pastors for implementing ministry models that emphasize basic disciple-making.

• Sunday School and/or small group ministries are still foundational strategies for all churches represented. However, many struggle to transition from content- or fellowship-focused groups to ones that facilitate life transformation.

• More churches are using smaller groups than in their Sunday School/small group ministries to encourage greater accountability and personal discipleship. Curriculum materials, meeting frequency, and duration varies.

In addition to the ideas shared at the event, these roundtables have provided new connections for ongoing shared learning among church leaders and convention staff.

Diane Lane, Children’s Discipleship Specialist, led a major effort in 2020 to support Bible Drill and Speakers Tournament throughout the state during the pandemic. As churches stopped in-person meetings, Bible Drill ministry was greatly affected. Early on, churches created Zoom meetings for Bible Drill and were able to complete the year. Lane worked with the Texas Baptist Bible Drill Council to email regional and state materials to leaders, allowing drillers and speakers to compete at these levels at their local churches. Speakers Tournament adapted to allow each speaker to submit speeches by video rather than requiring in-person events. Regarding the impact of Bible Drill, one parent wrote: “Thank you and please know that being in Bible Drill is a big part of who my child is becoming.

The verses she has learned over the past 9 years will forever be with her. I know the Holy Spirit will bring them to her remembrance at the exact time needed--wherever her journey takes her and in whatever situation she faces in life. I am so very thankful for God’s Word to be a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path.”

DAVID ADAMS

Discipleship Team Lead/Adult Specialist

JANE WILSON Youth Ministry Specialist

DIANE LANE

Preschool/ Children/Special Needs Specialist

DEBY MILLER Administrative Assistant

SHERYL PAGE Adult Discipleship Ministry Assistant

SARAH JOHNSON

GREAT COMMISSION TEAM DISCIPLESHIP

In the summer of 2019, Dan Venzin, Minister to Students at FBC Lufkin, wanted to encourage the parents of his youth. He invited Jane Wilson, Youth Discipleship Specialist, to speak over breakfast about the faith of teens and building family relationships. The event was highly successful. Dan reported that “a good partnership has developed” between him and some of the parents, and parents enjoyed increased communication with their teens. He sensed a shift from parents having aspirations for the faith in their teen’s lives to prioritizing it, which he attributes to the time spent together focusing on parenting strategies.

Preschool/ Children Discipleship Ministry Assistant

https://www. txb.org/ ministries/greatcommissionteam/ discipleship

As words like “pivot,” “virtual,” and “pandemic” became part of everyday conversation in 2020, church leaders were forced to rethink processes of discipleship, and your discipleship team was ready to help. By mid-March they had taken to the Internet to provide training and collaborative leadership experiences in the form of our re-imagined Discipleship Roundtables. By the end of May 2020, the team had led or scheduled Discipleship Roundtables for:

Leading beyond the COVID-19 Fog Childhood Ministry Relaunch Youth Ministry: Everybody’s Talking about Summer Southeast Texas Baptist Educators Statewide discipleship pastors Statewide connections/engagement/assimilation pastors Intergenerational discipleship pastors Using Facebook Groups for Discipleship Senior Adult Ministry during the Pandemic and Beyond

Videos of most of these Roundtables may be found at txb.org/roundtables.

Our discipleship staff is available to you and your church for consultation, leadership development, and connecting with other leaders and resources. Please email david.adams@texasbaptists.org or call 214-828-5253 for next steps.

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GREAT COMMISSION TEAM EVANGELISM

Evangelism & Apologetics The unique difficulties of 2020 could have been used as an excuse to slow down ministry efforts and innovation, but the Evangelism Team instead responded with an increased enthusiasm to see the gospel spread by all means possible! Spiritual eyes and ears are often more open during times of hardship. I am proud to lead a team that has employed creative and innovative ways to connect with pastors, churches and laymen all across the state and around the world. Please take a moment to be encouraged by these brief overviews of the work that was done: LEIGHTON FLOWERS Director of Evangelism

DAVID GONZALEZ Assistant Coordinator Evangelism

Youth Events/Camps Super Summer teaches students to know and share the gospel. Historically that was in person, on campus at a Texas Baptist University. COVID-19 required significant adjustments resulting in 2020 Super Summer being a fully digital experience.

ERIC HERNANDEZ

Students from Baptist churches across Texas were encouraged, through a three-part video series, to take what they learned in the classroom and share it in their communities. The experience was called “Super Summer Local” and called students “out of the classroom and into [their] world.”

OZA JONES

Texas Baptist students are part of the task force Jesus deployed to accomplish the Great Commission. The series focused on reminding students that God placed each of them in their respectively assigned times and places to accomplish the Great Commission.

Apologist & Millennial Specialist

AfricanAmerican & Revitalization Specialist

VICTOR RODRIGUEZ Hispanic Evangelism Specialist

JASON RICHARDS

Youth Events/ Super Summer Specialist

CYNTHIA ATHERTON

Lead Ministry Assistant Evangelism

LINDSEY BROWN

Youth Evangelism Ministry Program Coordinator https://www. txb.org/ ministries/greatcommissionteam/evangelism

African American Evangelism & Church Revitalization African American Evangelism (AAE) contacted over 1,000 pastors, leaders, and parishioners to equip and encourage them through the pandemic. AAE, through Recharge, hosted four statewide webinars that addressed the subjects of “Witnessing without Walls”, “Pastoring through Pain, Protest, and Pandemic”, “Teaching Techniques in Tough Times”, and “Catching in COVID” which trained pastors in creative ways to reach during this season of COVID. Another training was provided for churches that needed tools in technology to build an online presence. The training was given by Pastor Alan Parr who has a YouTube following of over 350,000. Texas Baptists churches were given detailed information about costs and software that fit their individual budgets.

Hispanic Evangelism With the help and guidance of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the Hispanic Evangelism Team provided leadership in evangelism training through citywide conferences and oneto-one training. The goal was to reach Hispanics with the Gospel through baptism and discipleship in the fellowship of our 1,200 Hispanic Baptist churches.

A Hispanic Evangelism Conference (HEC) was held in each of the cities of Houston, Corpus Christi and San Antonio in which a total of 1,450 pastors and key leaders received training in evangelism and discipleship.

Congreso Congreso required a significant adjustment by cancelling the main event for 2020. In early spring, we collaborated with Texas Baptist Universities to reach over 750 students through five Congreso Experiences.

Apologetics The [un]Apologetic Evangelism Conference is one of the events that was used to equip the local church with tools to evangelize a growing secular culture that is constantly asking challenging questions against our faith. Pastors, youth workers, and church members have described how their faith was enlightened, encouraged, and strengthened through these events.

Pastor Mike Miller is a fine example. He started a podcast series called “Miked Up” where he addresses tough questions on how to minister to non-believers.

During the pandemic, over 5,000 non-believers and believers have been reached through online discussions, debates, and evangelism training in Texas and beyond, including countries such as Malaysia, the Philippines, Canada, and the Netherlands.

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Children’s Worship University (CWU) Our premier children’s choir/children’s worship/ children’s week-day preschool music training event was held in January at First Baptist Richardson. Expert clinicians from all over the nation led and trained Texas Baptists from across our state. We had registrants from as far away as Georgia and Canada!

Worship Summits took place on the campus of Baptist University of the Americas in San Antonio, First Baptist Weslaco in the Rio Grande Valley (Our first, offering Spanish translation devices), First Baptist Nederland in the Golden Triangle and First Baptist El Paso. Summits offer a day of inspiration, fellowship, and networking primarily for the Worship Pastor. We offered our first virtual Summit in April. Worship Summits reached over 200 people this year.

Instrumental Convergence is a one-day training event where church orchestra players come together for a time of inspiration with a nationally known clinician. Composer/ Arranger, Camp Kirkland, led our 2020 event at Hyde Park Baptist Austin.

Everlasting had two great events in March just prior to the pandemic shutting everything down. We had 800 senior adults in San Antonio and Grand Prairie.

Handbell Festival this year was at Columbus Ave. Baptist in Waco with almost 100 ringers from 12 churches.

Singing Men of Texas (SMOT) has over 604 men with six different chapters around the state. This group is not only an encouragement to so many worship pastors, but also to the congregations they sing in monthly, mostly on Thursday evenings, across the state of Texas.

TOM TILLMAN Music & Worship Lead

KAREN WITCHER

Ministry Program Coordinator https://www.txb. org/ministries/ great-commission-team/music-worship

GREAT COMMISSION TEAM MUSIC AND WORSHIP

The Music & Worship team is here to help and encourage Texas Baptist churches by offering consulting to the Worship Pastor, Senior Pastor and Music Search Committees.

Our prayer and desire is to be an encouragement to the church and worship leadership.

In addition to consultations, we offer several training events for the church music and worship leadership throughout the year. This year, TXB Music & Worship trained over 1,250 people from over 250 churches through our events! Some of these are:

Singing Women of Texas (SWOT) has eight chapters and over 363 ladies. The SWOT 25th anniversary recording and combined celebration concert took place in June of 2019 at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor with over 225 ladies participating. A full house was in attendance for the concert. The recording is available in CD or digital download.

Social Media Presence Texas Baptists Music & Worship continues to have a growing social media presence. As an example, the Facebook page for TXBmusicandworship has grown from 64 followers to almost 1500. Thank you for your support and continuing to spread the word!

Follow us social media! Facebook TXBmusicandworship Instagram Txbmusicandworship Twitter TXBmusicworship

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MISSIONS TEAM

R. JOSUE VALERIO Director

STACEY RICE Lead Ministry Assistant

www.txb.org/ missions

Missions is about crossing boundaries so that we as God’s people can connect with others, share the gospel, make disciples, start churches, and multiply both disciples and churches. The Missions Team of BGCT exists to help churches/God’s people cross boundaries to fulfill the Great Commission in their community, Texas, the US or across the world. In the Mission Team reports, you will read about the many ways that we see God at work through Texas Baptists and our mission partners. We currently have mission partners in Texas and the US, on the border with Mexico, and within the countries of Canada, Mexico, Peru, Venezuela, Brazil, Spain, Sierra Leone, Uganda/Tanzania, and Asia (2 countries).

There are times in history when we as a church are shocked into action – by a pandemic disease, violence, unemployment, civil unrest, corruption, human needs, or by some other dire situation. This is one of those moments and we are having incredible opportunities to impact the world for Christ. Many of our partners in missions are facing the current seemingly overwhelming challenges with very few resources. Thanks to your gifts and offerings through Texas Baptists, we have been able to help over 600 pastoral families in Canada, Mexico, Peru, Brazil, Spain, Sierra Leone, Venezuela, Uganda/Tanzania, and the US/Mexico border.

Ministering across boundaries (geographical, demographical, linguistic, cultural, technological, and functional) is crucial for us as Texas Baptists in order to fulfill the Great Commission. We are thankful to the Lord for the resources provided for missions by our Texas Baptist churches through Mary Hill Davis Offerings, Cooperative Program, World-Wide Offerings, and Texas Baptist Foundation. In the midst of this crisis, we have seen growth in the number of people being served and people coming to faith in Christ through River Ministry, House Churches, Church Starting, Missionary Adoption Program (MAP), BOUNCE, and Urban and Mission Partnerships. New churches continue to be established and church leaders continue to be trained through the CPCs (Church Pastoral Centers). You can count on our commitment as a Missions Team to the obedience of God’s Word, to the leadership of the Holy Spirit, and to the fulfillment of the Great Commission.

As Texas Baptists continue to face difficulties and complex problems, we are learning to reframe the concept of boundaries in missions. Boundaries are not just constraints and borders but places/spaces where the church discovers God’s will and new frontiers in the fulfillment of the Great Commission. This is a time for us Texas Baptists to develop a vision to cross boundaries by stepping out of our comfort zone and established plans just like the apostle Paul in Troas did in order to fulfill God’s mission. The world is getting smaller and we as God’s people are called to go into the world; therefore, we cannot stay within our own boundaries anymore.

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Prior the decision to cancel the 2020 plans, BOUNCE was able to conduct one of its Spring Break Missions in Waco, TX. In partnership with Grassroots Community Development, 168 BOUNCERS were mobilized to assist homeowners with a variety of rehabilitation projects including painting, siding, and wheelchair ramps.

Since BOUNCE canceled summer missions for 2020, BOUNCE leadership created an opportunity for students to serve in their own communities through the BOUNCE BACK HOME DAY OF SERVICE on June 27. BOUNCE provided resources and ideas to encourage groups to find ways to be missional at home. A total of 264 BOUNCERS from 8 Texas Baptist churches cleaned up yards, removed debris, painted, built wheelchair ramps and decks, built a fence, served in feeding ministries, and more. The day concluded with a streamed worship service featuring Mike Satterfield of Field of Grace Ministries.

Kay Richardson of Baptist Temple San Antonio submitted the following report: For many of our youth, they see what they’ve done for the church in the past as WORK. It was my prayer that they would learn that MINISTRY goes beyond the actual work and I think we accomplished that with the attitude we had about the project, the words spoken within the morning and afternoon devotional and especially with the live-stream worship!

The 91-year-old woman whose house we painted was beyond grateful! She has taken care of people all her life and didn’t know why someone would want to help her. We emphasized that it was her turn to allow someone to take care of her AND that it was a blessing to be able to do it!

DAVID SCOTT Director

GLORIA TILLMAN Ministry Assistant

https://txb. org/ministries/ missions/bounce

MISSIONS TEAM BOUNCE STUDENT DISASTER RECOVERY

During the 2020 ministry year, BOUNCE planned to mobilize students for 8 BOUNCE Missions in 5 different cities including Waco, TX, Tulsa, OK, Houston, TX, Ponce, PR, and Seattle, WA. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic led BOUNCE leadership and Texas Baptist Leadership to cancel most of the plans for 2020.

BOUNCE also provided weekly resources and ideas for youth leaders to help their students live on mission during 2020.

The BOUNCE Team is grateful to Texas Baptist for continued support in mobilizing students to restore HOPE, rebuild COMMUNITIES, and reflect CHRIST. We will continue to provide opportunities for students to be involved in disaster recovery, community rehabilitation, and church planting.

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MISSIONS TEAM CHURCH STARTING

Church Starting is currently working with 295 churches who are within our 5-year process; We have a 96% success rate. Combined these churches have had 16,374 Professions of Faith and 3,634 Baptisms. They have given $2,155,930 to the Cooperative Program. In the time period of April 1, 2019 to March 31, 2020 we have helped start 53 new churches, 4 African American, 10 Anglo, 1 Arabic, 1 Chinese, 7 Hispanic, 1 Korean, 27 Multi-Ethnic, 1 Tamil and 1 Western Heritage.

One such church is Dwelling Place Church Seattle.

TOM HOWE

Associate Director Missions

JOHN SILVA West Texas

NOE TREVINO South Texas

MATEO RENDON

North Central Texas

CLAY JACOBSON

Northeast Texas

THOMAS REVILLA

Central Texas

DUSTIN PAYNE

Southeast Texas

TERRY LYNCH Ministry Assistant

SHANNON HASKINS Ministry Assistant

https://txb. org/ministries/ missions/churchstarting

Peacemaking Among Our Small Business Neighbors Small business drives our area. Though most people work at a big-named corporation in our locality, most people live and shop in the small businesses. The small business is where life happens outside of the home. As with anywhere now in our nation, those small business owners are confused and uncertain about the future of their (and their employees’) livelihood. One of our members (Jason) has the role of the Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce, an organization that exists to support the small businesses.

Though many can do that role, Jason is uniquely gifted to be a “peacemaker” among the owners. Not, “peacemaking” in the sense of keeping people from fighting, but in a way that helps our neighbors flourish (“wholeness”) during an unsettling time. Jason has had many opportunities to counsel people who would not normally come to him, and, as a follower of Jesus, he gets to point them to the Prince of Peace who he finds his peace from while chaos swirls in many people’s hearts. His Spirit-led leadership has pointed to our Savior through this time and even more clearly shown the difference Jesus makes to many who are skeptical and (normally) antagonistic to faith in Jesus.

Another church is: TBOC We are making a significant impact on the lives of 3 high schools, several families from our head start school, two apartment complexes in south Dallas. Small groups and online meetings and engagement is going on weekly. Sharing the gospel watering planting and praying God gives the increase.

This is but two examples of how all our new church plants communicate to us, God’s call by telling us their visions, values and goals. In Dwelling Place Church’s and TBOC’s cases God has blessed them in some very specific and wonderful ways. They have ministered to their community.

In support of church starting, we are working throughout Texas with local associations and key churches in developing Church Planting Centers (CPCs). We are currently working with CPCs in El Paso, Lubbock, Fort Worth, Tyler, a Hispanic CPC in Tyler, Houston, Dallas, College Station and Belton. These centers are residency programs that work to coordinate training in Assessment, Formation, Leadership, Strategy and Support to prepare future Church Planters to start Successful Church Plants.

Another aspect of Church Starting is replanting. We have consulted with 10 churches on being replanted. We currently have 4 that have entered our process.

We have led Church Starting Vision Tours to support new works in the Northwest. The areas we visited were Seattle, Portland, E Washington, S. Oregon and Detroit. In working with our partners we are able to start new churches in that area.

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Churches with churches and conventions in countries all over the world to jointly adopt local missionaries, native to those countries. These missionaries focus on evangelism, discipleship, and church planting in their own context.

Texas Baptists believe that through collaboration, we are able to take the Gospel to areas we would not have been able to alone. By joining MAP, you and your church are assigned to a specific missionary, whom you can pray for, give directly to, and visit on the field to serve alongside. One hundred percent of all the proceeds given to MAP go directly to support your missionary partner.

Director

Statistics: Kuki Chin Baptist Association, Myanmar (Burma) Professions of faith: 6 Baptisms: 4 People in Discipleship Groups: 50.

People Served due to Covid-19 Pandemic: 92 families (450 people) People Interested in the Gospel: 97

Sierra Leone

Brazil

Professed Faith: 130 Baptized Converts: 98 In Discipleship classes: 15 People served: 260

Professions of faith: 4,839 Baptisms: 149 In discipleship groups: 3,575 People served by Radical Missionaries: 44,780 people

Testimony: “In this community, diseases are related to the performance of spirits and

sorcerers. These indigenous communities have a peculiar world view when it comes to maladies. So, we pray to the Lord that believing families will make a difference by communicating “the way, the truth and the life” in Christ Jesus. I ask you to pray for the small church of Alto Arraia, to persevere and convey Truth.” Okasawara family | Brazilian Amazon

USA & Canada New Small Groups started during this period: 16 Professions of Faith: 13 Baptisms: 5 Current Discipleship: 15 Average Worship Attendance: 95

DAVID MIRANDA

India & Southeast Asia Profession of faith: 850 Baptisms: 54 In the process of discipleship: 159 Disciplers: 98 Benefited from the projects: 450 Church Planters: 21 Groups / Cells: 135 New Churches: 20

www.texasbaptists.org/map

MISSIONS TEAM MISSIONARY ADOPTION PROGRAM

About MAP: The Missionary Adoption Program exists to connect Texas Baptists

Spain: Luguii Olortegui Professions of Faith: 5 Baptisms: 0 In Discipleship classes: 37 Number of people served: 88

Testimony:

Luiguii Olortegui Roca is a Pastor and MAP missionary in Rosas, Catalonia, Spain. His mother was diagnosed with Covid-19 in March. Prior to this, she was an unbeliever.

Before church on a Sunday, she was on the phone with Luiguii, and she was so sick that she lost consciousness there in the hospital.

The next day, when she came to, she and Luiguii prayed together. This time, he tells her that he doesn’t know how everything will play out, but that he would love to see her in heaven one day. He asked her if she would be willing to become a follower of Jesus and to put her trust in him. There in the hospital, she got on her knees and made the decision to follow Christ.

He had been praying for his mother for years, and he would have never imagined that this is how she would come to know the Lord. She was discharged from the hospital but had to be readmitted a week later. When she went to the hospital the second time, she told Luiguii that this time, she was not scared. She didn’t feel alone. She knew God was with her.

Her final discharge date was on her birthday, Apr. 5th. She has since then tested negative for Covid-19. She is fully recovered. God is good.

To find out how you or your church can join in this new partnership, visit www.texasbaptists.org/map or contact David Miranda at David.miranda@txb.org or call (903)-335-6329 TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

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MISSIONS TEAM MULTI-HOUSING/HOUSE CONGREGATIONS

Here are some year to date facts about our ministry. We had 21,699 volunteers help us do this work… Thank you! Total number of people we have touched - 294,726. Thank you!

The number of people who have accepted Christ - 1,305… this is why we are here! YTD we have baptized 193 people.

The House Church Strategy consists of these five components…

PAUL ATKINSON Director

SHANNON HASKINS Ministry Assistant

https://txb. org/ministries/ missions/multihousing-housecongregations

(1) The Entry – This is the beginning and asking the who, what, where, when, and how questions about the community…. We need someone who is called of God to enter this field. Is that someone you?

(2) The Gospel – This is the whole purpose of this church… Reach the lost and Develop the saved to Reach the Lost… Each leader needs to be well trained in relational evangelism and proficient.

(3) Discipleship – This new church will have at its core Bible study and discipleship because this is what will keep the church on its Great Commission trajectory.

(4) Church Formation – This church will be a full partner with Texas Baptist…. This church will be identified by these 10 functions: Baptizing, Praying, Disciple Making, Evangelism, Loving, Worshiping, Giving, Bible Study, New Leaders and Mission Engagement.

(5) Leadership Development – This church’s leaders will be coached and connected to Texas Baptist by way of authentic relationships built on common understanding of Baptist Distinctives and Missional Multiplication.

A man came to volunteer as a dentist one day. While waiting for his patient, he noticed that some of the Mission Arlington staff people in the office. Although separated due to requirements of preventing COVID-19, the staff offered their reports of God at work in the people to whom they were ministering. Since the pandemic, the ministry has taken place door to door, rather than in groups. This man came back to the Mission Arlington office the following Sunday and said to the director, Tillie Burgin, “I want what I saw that you all have.” After talking more with him, it became evident that what he wanted was to know more about the blessing in their relationship with Jesus that each person was expressing.

He continues to come back to volunteer as a dentist, but yesterday, he asked if he could just come to volunteer even if it were not in dentistry. Please pray for this man to come to Jesus and find the relationship that he saw in others. (Tillie Burgin) Lucio Morales and his family attend el Buen Samaritano Home Church. They have been assisting in the last couple of months. The Morales family continues volunteering by bagging supplies for migrant families and helping us distribute food packs to our community. Two weeks ago, Lucio asked if he could share a devotional for the first time.

The devotional was a great blessing. His two daughters and a son have been receiving training and counseling. They have now decided to get baptized. This upcoming weekend, 4 teenagers from our youth will get baptized. We praise the Lord for what he continues to do in the lives of our congregation and families who are being ministered. (Lorenzo Ortiz) We had the joy of meeting a young man named Joe who was homeless due to crimes he committed and has been on the run. He has given his life to Christ and is praying about what his next steps are. Until then he has a new family in Christ who have loved him and are helping him prepare for what his future holds (Darrel Auvenshine).

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• Emphasize evangelism and training for disciples who make disciples • Support church planting among border cities and inside Mexico (Guadalajara, El Bajío region, México City, Monterrey, and Baja California Sur) • Provide training and materials to help pastors excel in their ministries • Assist pastoral families.

Texas Baptists churches continue to participate in this ministry, especially in the border areas, by joining in mission trips and completing River Ministry Kits. Mission trips have included activities such as medical and dental clinics, Vacation Bible Schools, sports camps, activities to support refugees and deportees, as well as doing personal evangelism and discipleship. One of the most popular Kits this past year has been the Hygiene Kit. Baptists institutions, like Colleges and BSMs, were also a great support to this ministry.

The volunteers from these churches and institutions usually touch several thousands of people per year.

Last year this ministry provided resources for several refugee centers in Laredo/ Nuevo Laredo, McAllen/Reynosa, El Paso/Ciudad Juarez, Del Rio/Ciudad Acuna, and in Matamoros. Churches from both sides of the border contributed to help in this ministry.

However, in the USA, this ministry decreased due to closures from the COVID-19 pandemic and decisions taken by both US and Mexican governments. However, in Mexico, the need is much more significant at this time because of the present situation.

From April 2019 to February 2020, your Mary Hill Davis offerings helped support 16 children’s feeding centers and a very successful Medical Ministry program. This year, in Juarez alone, over 1,000 children were fed in weekly feeding centers. River Ministry Missionaries treated more than 800 medical/ dental patients monthly. After March, these centers had to temporarily close or reduce the ministry due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

MARIO GONZALES Director

GLORIA TILLMAN Ministry Assistant

https:// texasbaptists. org/ministries/ missions/riverministry

MISSIONS TEAM RIVER MINISTRY/MEXICO MISSIONS

River Ministry/Mexico Missions has been serving the border and beyond for more than 50 years. As part of the Texas Baptists Missions Team, we have several priorities:

Combined we have 27 missionaries serving as River Ministry Missionaries and Mexico Missionaries. These missionaries serve in different ways: coordinating mission trips, working with refugees, or planting churches. Praise the Lord with us for what God has done through River Ministry Missionaries this year, April 1, 2019 – May 31, 2020.

• 2,618 local church volunteers have served • 3,174 mission groups volunteers have served • 7,086 people have made professions of faith • 138 people have been baptized • 27 new cell groups have been started • 2 new churches have been started • 67,617 people have been served through River Ministry • 10,527 people have been treated through medical/dental clinics • 2,184 people have been trained • 1,612 people have received counseling • River Ministry Missionaries have made 982 contacts to churches about serving on mission • River Ministry Missionaries have made 966 contacts to local churches about missions

Last November, we experienced a significant loss when former director, Daniel Rangel, went home to be with the Lord. We are grateful for his contribution and passion for missions and are trying to carry on his vision. We plan to add some ministries in different areas inside Mexico as well as engage more churches in mission opportunities, especially Spanish speaking congregations.

Your church can make a difference in the spiritual, physical, and emotional lives of the people we serve, while fulfilling the Great Commission, by committing to serve River Ministry/Mexico Missions. Help us share the Hope of Christ on the border and beyond.

For more information about River Ministry/Mexico Missions, contact: Mario.Gonzalez@txb.org or Gloria.Tillman@txb.org or call 214-828-5182.

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

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CONNECTIONS TEAM

There once was a young man struggling with his call to the ministry. An old pastor told him: “Do not go into the ministry if you can be happy doing anything else.” That old pastor knew that the ministry is a hard road and that one must not walk down that path unless truly called by God.

DOWELL LOFTIS Director

JULIE GALINDO

Lead Ministry Assistant www.txb.org/ connections

Why would anyone submit themselves to such a life? Because the ministry is much more than a vocation, it is a calling! The ministry has always been difficult, but some argue that ministry is more challenging today than ever before. The Texas Baptists Connections Team exists to strengthen and encourage pastors as they strive to fulfill God’s call on their lives.

The Connections Team has eight different areas that work to accomplish this task.

Center For Financial Help: The Texas Baptists Center For Financial Health is there to help when a minister experiences financial difficulties. Grants, low interest loans, personal financial counseling, financial education for churches, financial retreats, and on-line resources are all available through the Center For Financial Health.

Counseling Services: Where can a minister or his family turn for confidential professional counseling services? The Texas Baptists Counseling Services is a safe place for ministers and their families to go for help. Texas Baptist Counseling Services also provide resources in the areas of Mental Health and Sexual Abuse Prevention. It also sponsors Webinars that touch on various mental health issues.

Bi-Vocational Ministry: Being a minister is difficult enough without having to support the family through work outside the church, yet 60% of Texas Baptist pastors are bivocational. The Texas Baptists Bi-Vocational Ministry understands the unique challenges faced by bi-vocational pastors and provides resources and retreats specifically designed for the bi-vocational pastor.

Church Health Initiative: The San Antonio Church Health Initiative is a ministry funded by a generous gift from the Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio. It takes a holistic approach to the health of the minister and in 2020 sponsored a state – wide survey examining the physical, emotional, financial, and spiritual health of Texas Baptist pastors.

Area Representatives: Texas is divided into 9 Regions and there is a Texas Baptist Area Representative that lives in each region and ministers in that region of the state. Area Representatives average more than 20 years of pastoral experience in the local church.

They are uniquely qualified to minister to pastors and connect then with the vast array of resources available through Texas Baptists.

Western Heritage Ministry: Texas Baptists have around 200 Western Heritage or “Cowboy Churches.” The Western Heritage Ministry understands the Cowboy Culture and encourages its pastors through retreats, training events and working with Cowboy Church Associations.

Interim Church Services: What does a church do when they have just lost their pastor?

The Texas Baptists Interim Church Services can help a Search Committee get started and understand a healthy process of finding the next pastor. It can also provide help in finding Supply Preachers, Interim Pastors, and Certified Intentional Interim Pastors.

Minister Connection: Minister Connection is a great tool for Minister and Church alike.

Churches can submit their open ministry positions and view potential ministry candidates while ministers can submit their resumes and view ministry openings. Both are free to contact each other as they feel led to do so. If you have any questions about Minister Connection please email ministerconnection@txb.org The Texas Baptists Connection Team is here to help you! If you have any questions about the Texas Baptists Connection Team and how we can be of service to you, please don’t hesitate to call (214) 828-5111.

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TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

Our mission, as defined by our Executive Director, is two-fold: 1. Build Relationships- As Area Representatives we are to build meaningful relationships with pastors, staff members, church members, Director of Missions, and BGCT institutional staff.

2. Communicate- Area Representatives are to each day communicate pertinent information that is relevant to our constituents. We are also challenged to continually be in “listening mode” to hear the questions and concerns of Texas Baptists and in turn communicate these questions and concerns to the appropriate personnel in the organization.

For several months, the Area Representatives found themselves at the forefront of assisting pastors and churches affected by the pandemic COVID-19. In these unprecedented times we helped churches improve their online presence as in-person worship was limited or prohibited for several weeks. The Area Representatives helped pastors develop new strategies for corporate worship that ranged from drive-in church to tent worship that harkened back to earlier outdoor revival meeting days. Despite social distancing and the use of masks by parishioners the Area Representatives were continually impressed with the resiliency and determination of God’s people.

Texas Baptists continued to worship corporately in creative ways and serve faithfully exemplifying the pioneer spirit that made our state great.

TIM WATSON

Director Area 7 Representative (903) 261-1929

CHARLES DAVENPORT

Area 1 (806) 290-4087

ROBERT CUELLAR

Area 2 (325) 201-6153

DANIEL DELEON

Area 3 (956) 340-6814

CONNECTIONS AREA REPRESENTATIVES

Texas Baptists employ nine Area Representatives who serve pastors, churches, associations and BGCT institutions across 264,000 square miles of the Lone Star State.

Area Representatives serve as first responders to meet the myriad of needs of our Texas Baptists constituents.

FRED ATER

Area 4 (210) 913-1891

ERNEST DAGOHOY

Area 5 (832) 646-4965

TIM MARROW

Despite the positive things that came from adapting to COVID-19 the Area Representatives discovered many pastors experiencing physical fatigue and emotional burnout. This was due to the demands of ministering with little or no face to face interaction with parishioners or through a challenging online platform schedule to their church members. We had to be active listeners to these hurting pastors and refer several of them to counseling through our Texas Baptists counseling ministry directed by Dr. Katie Swafford.

The Area Representatives documented approximately 13,600 contacts between April of 2019 and May of 2020 to Texas Baptists churches and constituents.

Area 6 (254) 315-2667

STEVE DOMINY

Area 8 (405) 765-7880

DAN CURRY

Area 9 Representative (817) 781-2440 https://txb. org/ministries/ connections/ arearepresentatives

Our Area Representatives covet your prayers as we serve you and the greater Texas Baptist Family.

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

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CONNECTIONS BIVOCATIONAL PASTORS MINISTRY

Our purpose is to encourage, equip and engage those who serve in a Bivocational capacity or in small membership churches. We are walking alongside these hardworking servants and their churches to awaken them to fulfil their God-given vision. This past year we had the opportunity to coordinate pastor and spouse retreats, facilitate training opportunities and work with Bivocational pastors in Texas and aboard. Thank you, Texas Baptists, for your support in helping us help others. Because of this, three wonderful things occurred.

IRA ANTOINE Director

https://txb. org/ministries/ connections/ bivocationalpastors-ministry

Revival of a Different Kind. In partnership with two local fellowships, fifteen ministry couples spent the weekend relaxing and rekindling their relationship at our Mark 6 Retreat which is designed to allow Bivocational ministry couples to come away from their ministry context and rest. Many of the ministry couples stated how a simple weekend getaway helped them recharge. One of the most impactful moments came when a couple who had been married for less than five years connected with a couple who have been married for over forty years. The age difference was not the most impactful thing, but the similarities were. Both couples were interracial. The seasoned couple spent time with the younger couple sharing the joys and pains of being an interracial couple serving in ministry. The younger couple stated, “We thought we were coming to relax away from our two-yearold, but we were blessed beyond measure just meeting someone who can relate to us.” It was a revival of a different kind.

Community Dance Hall turned Church Outreach Center We partnered with a church located in a rural community of South Texas that desired to make an impact on its community by reaching out to single mothers. The small membership church decided to reach them by having a women’s conference that involved meeting their physical and practical needs while offering spiritual renewal. Instead of having the event at the church, they rented out a local dance hall adjacent to a liquor store. It was a strategic decision because most people knew where the dance hall was located. The pastor reports one woman’s testimony as follows. The woman stated, “I came to the liquor store this morning looking to get something to help me cope with my long week. I had no intentions of coming to a church party. But I am glad I was not able to get into the liquor store. I got what I needed to cope with my life at the church party.” The church is following up with the lady and her children on a regular basis.

Zoom Beyond the Borders. We were pleased to continue connecting with pastors and churches beyond Texas. Texas Baptists had the opportunity to engage and equip Bivocational pastors and church leaders in Mexico and Africa. We led a team of eight on a seventeen-day mission and ministry trip to Uganda and Tanzania. In partnership with three national conventions in East Africa, we trained and served over 600 pastors in a two-week period. Most of these pastors have no formal theological training. The COVID-19 pandemic prevented the Bivocational Pastors Ministry from traveling to Mexico as planned but it did not prevent us from providing training to the leaders. Using Zoom, we trained over 50 leaders in a two-day virtual seminar.

The Bivocational Pastors Ministry continues to serve Texas Baptists churches in awakening them to the God-given vision to fulfil God’s Mission. Thanks again, Texas Baptists, for your support that helps us help others.

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TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

We do this work because financial literacy and fiscal leadership skills are an integral part of discipleship and poor financial management can greatly impact a church’s ability to spread the gospel. Texas Baptists have dedicated this ministry to help churches and pastors be better fiscal leaders so they can be more effective in their ministry. The Center also educates church leaders on how to set up a pastor’s compensation package to encourage and equip churches in being generous to their pastors to help alleviate some of the challenging economic realities of being a pastor or minister.

We increase financial literacy by offering financial seminars for pastoral and church leaders that cover personal and church budgeting and providing free personal financial counseling for pastoral leaders. The Center for Financial Health also provides a host of financial resources on its website.

What happens when we increase the financial literacy of pastors? We surveyed pastors who had received financial literacy training through the grant and learned of the positive differences the training makes: • 93% said the grant made a positive difference in their ability to help church members with financial issues.

• 93% said the grant made a positive difference in their own confidence level when handling financial issues.

TAMMY TERVOOREN Director

CLARA MORALES Ministry Assistant

https://www. txbs.org/ ministries/ connectionsteam/center-forfinancial-health

CONNECTIONS CENTER FOR FINANCIAL HEALTH

The Center for Financial Health is dedicated to identifying and addressing economic challenges facing pastoral leaders, increasing financial literacy among ministerial and church leaders, and providing matching grants and low interest loans to pastors experiencing financial stress.

• 86% said the grant made a positive difference in their understanding of biblical truths regarding finances.

• 68% said the grant made a positive difference in their ability to give or tithe regularly.

• 68% said the grant made a positive difference in how often they preach on financial or giving issues.

• 100% of grantees said the grant made a positive difference in their personal financial habits.

• Every participant said the grant made a positive difference in providing hope for their financial future.

Pastors and ministers participating in the program also saw improvement in their household finances, increased total savings, decreased non-mortgage debt, increased non-retirement savings, and experienced a decrease in their financial stress.

In total, the Center for Financial Health has served over 130 pastors and churches, awarded over $386,000 in direct aid and brought Texas Baptists pastors and ministers hope for their financial future. The Center for Financial Health received a renewal grant from the Lilly Endowment to continue its work through 2022. Texas Baptists very generously provided the additional funding needed to continue serving pastoral leaders struggling financially. We are sincerely thankful for the support of Texas Baptists to make the financial futures of our pastors more secure and provide financial literacy that makes a lasting and positive impact on our pastors, churches, and communities.

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

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CONNECTIONS TEXAS BAPTISTS COUNSELING SERVICES

Counseling Services receives a variety of contacts related to mental health issues and we are honored to assist ministers and their families with counseling resources. Over the past year, we assisted nearly 90 ministers/families with financial assistance toward counseling, made over 1,600 contacts regarding counseling resources, and added 13 counselors to our network of over 200 approved counselors across the state. Counseling Services is grateful for the support of Texas Baptists through the Cooperative Program which helps to provide the hope and healing we strive to extend.

KATIE SWAFFORD Director of Counseling Services M.A., L.P.C.-S., Ph.D. in Leadership

CLARA MORALES Ministry Assistant

https://txb. org/ministries/ connections/ counselingservices

Here are a few examples of the calls we received and situations that we can assist ministry families with: A minister and spouse contacted our offices requesting counseling resources to address depression symptoms they were both experiencing. The minister had been going through a difficult conflict within the church and the conflict had taken its toll on both the minister and the spouse. Counseling Services was able to connect this couple with a counselor for intensive counseling.

A children’s minister contacted Counseling Services for a referral to meet with a counselor for help in dealing with past abuse. The minister described a realization that past abuse was hindering current relationships and impacting the ability to manage stress in general.

A pastor contacted our offices to seek counseling for his teenage son that was experiencing a great deal of anxiety and struggling in school. The minister and family received a referral for a counselor from our network along with financial assistance toward the counseling.

A senior pastor contacted Counseling Services to initiate a proactive approach toward emotional and mental health. Having heard of other ministers that had become overwhelmed by depression and anxiety and subsequently took their lives, the minister wanted to meet with a counselor to identify red flags, improve coping skills, and implement measures to maintain emotional and mental health for longevity in ministry.

Additional examples of calls we received: a minister needing help for a college age daughter struggling with an eating disorder; a minister and spouse seeking marriage counseling; a youth pastor seeking help with anxiety; a church struggling in the aftermath of their pastor’s resignation due to sexual misconduct; sexual abuse survivors seeking counseling; and a host of other counseling and mental health related issues including burnout, substance abuse, pornography addictions, and a desire for personal growth to be a better ministry leader.

Regardless of the struggle Texas Baptists find themselves walking through, we are here as a resource to help connect you to the mental health assistance you may need.

Our prayer in Counseling Services is that you do not encounter circumstances in your life that prompt you to need our assistance. However, should you find yourself facing one of life’s storms head on, know that we are glad to help you find the mental health resources you need and count it a privilege to come alongside you in a difficult time.

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Then, as my foot recovered enough to no longer be an issue, we were faced with another challenge: a worldwide Pandemic. “What are we going to do?” The cry of woe came from interim pastors in every corner of Texas. Once again, because of your support for our ministry, we were quickly able to provide resources to help interim churches get their sermons streaming online and to provide online giving options. These efforts have modernized many churches in ways that will never be undone. The churches were readied for the next pastor to come into a much better situation.

We also provided ongoing virtual support meetings, where interim pastors could share their hearts, their challenges, and their suggestions. When one interim pastor wept because he could not visit a dying member in person or officiate at a funeral where the church could embrace the grieving family, our virtual support meetings provided encouragement, suggestions, and the needed empathy of peers. When a pastor said, “We have a couple who are being really ugly, threatening to leave the church if we don’t open up soon (or if masks are required or if singing isn’t allowed),” a colleague could share the helpful advice of how they dealt with the same situation. In addition, during the first few months of the Pandemic, encouragement went out to over 350 non-interim churches/ pastors, as our office joined the convention-wide efforts to support our churches. A great message was clearer than ever: “We are not alone.”

KARL FICKLING Director

https://txb. org/ministries/connections/interim-church-services

CONNECTIONS INTERIM CHURCH SERVICES

It was the worst of times; it was the best of times. I’m referring to the year for the Interim Church Services office. Personally, one of the worst parts was spending the last half of 2019 still hobbled by foot surgery. But a great truth was reinforced during that time. “I was not alone!” Your Cooperative Program funds made sure that what I couldn’t do (travel) was covered by my BGCT partners, and no interim church went unattended. Our office provided support to 148 pastorless churches, over the 12-month reporting period, with search team training, consultations, resources, troubleshooting, interim pastor referrals, and Intentional Interim Ministry.

The Pandemic also impacted our interim pastor training events. In 2019, we partnered with associations, universities, seminaries, and state conventions to provided numerous interim training events. But in 2020, we completed only one early Introduction to Interim Ministry class. Then, one after another, we had to cancel all on-site classes. Fortunately, we have an online version, and that option will continue. For the specialist class, Intentional Interim Ministry training, we turned to live, virtual training—and it worked. In fact, we had one of the largest IIM classes in many years, including a trainee who joined in from the Netherlands.

So, we are pleased to report we continue to serve our mission: Assisting Churches in the Interim Period/Equipping Pastors for Interim Ministry.

In a post-denominational world, if anyone ever asks you why you are part of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, I hope you will remember that the interim time is when a church really sees the need to be part of a partnership that can help them navigate the tricky waters of finding a new pastor who matches their polity and theology. When the interim period comes to your church, remember: “You are not alone!”

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CONNECTIONS WESTERN HERITAGE 22

JASON BRYANT

Western Heritage Consultant/ Starter

JULIE GALINDO Ministry Assistant,

https://txb. org/ministries/ connections/ western-heritage

2020 marks 20 years that Texas Baptists have been partnering to help start cowboy churches. High Mesa Cowboy Church in Brownwood and the Cowboy Church of Ellis County in Waxahachie were the first two to partner with Texas Baptists in 2000.

These two churches were started through partnerships with local congregations, local associations, and the state convention. Together we are able to accomplish great things for His glory. In 2020 both of these churches are continuing to reach people for Jesus Christ and make an impact for the Kingdom! In November of 2019 Riverstone Cowboy Church in Wylie became the 190th new cowboy church start to partner with Texas Baptists in the new church start process. Thank you, Texas Baptists for partnering together to do great work for the Kingdom!

Texas Baptists Western Heritage Ministry partnered with Cross Brand Cowboy Church in Tyler again in February of 2020 to do a leadership conference for cowboy church pastors, elders, lay pastors and church leaders. Around 600 cowboy church leaders and their wives came out for the day to hear words of encouragement and be challenged to continue to do the good work that God has called them to do.

Texas Baptists Western Heritage Ministries continues to connect with and encourage cowboy church pastors and congregations to make a difference for the Kingdom in their towns, counties, and communities. Thank you, Texas Baptists, for your continued support and faithfulness to Kingdom Ministry. Thank you, Texas Baptists, for the opportunity to serve in this capacity.

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

• Dr. Ferrell Foster, Director of Ethics and Justice, retired from the CLC after twelve years of service. Thanks to God for the service and ministry contributions of Dr. Foster. The search for a new Ethics and Justice Director is close to completion.

• Public Policy Director Kathryn Freeman concluded her service in July 2019. Kathryn left to pursue an M.Div. at Truett Seminary. During this report cycle, she helped coordinate a mini-Micah 6:8 Conference at HSU. Michael A. Evans, Jr. joined the CLC as the new Public Policy Director. Michael comes to the team with an undergraduate degree in Political Science from Morehouse College, and a Master of Divinity Degree from Princeton Theological Seminary. His experiences with legislative leaders and his speaking skills will support the public policy priorities.

• After the departure of Ali Corona, Dr. Katie Frugé joined the team as the Hunger & Care Ministries Specialist in September 2019. Dr. Frugé started processes for Texas Baptist Hunger Offering and Community Care grant application and awards.

GUS REYES Director

MARILYN DAVIS

Congregational and Commission Specialist

REBECCA TREVINO Ministry Assistant

https://txb.org/ ministries/clc

CHRISTIAN LIFE COMMISSION

The CLC continues to lift up the importance of “Doing Justice, Loving Kindness, and Walking Humbly before our God.” (Micah 6:8) The CLC speaks to Baptists on current issues and raises funds through the Texas Baptist Hunger Offering to help with feeding strategies and poverty alleviation. Highlights include:

• Texas Baptists gave $544,834 through the Texas Baptist Hunger Offering in 2019.

One hundred percent of these funds are used to fund hunger and anti-poverty efforts in Texas and around the world. The CLC also is disbursing $149,525 in 2019 Community Care funds to support ministries engaged in restorative justice, community development, deaf and special needs, community health, and hunger ministry across the state.

• On January 25th, 2020, the CLC held its first Texas Rally for Life Celebration. The event preceded the Texas Rally for Life on the steps of the Capitol in Austin, Texas.

Key speakers included Dr. Michael Evans and Dr. David Hardage. The audience was blessed with music by the 100-voice choir from Bethlehem Baptist Church.

• The CLC repurposed the 2020 Community Transformation Initiative grant provided

by Mary Hill Davis funds to issue $37,000 in emergency grants due to needs created

by Covid-19.

• CLC Commissioners approved releasing $10,000 to the Baptist World Alliance to help provide emergency hunger grants due to the impact of Covid-19.

• Thanks to Marilyn Davis and Rebecca Trevino for excellent ministry and service.

CHRISTIAN LIFE COMMISSION MEMBERS FOR 2019-2020 Jacob West, Plainview (Chair)

Elmo Johnson, Houston

Randy Anderson, Salado*

Bryant Lee, Humble

D.K. Bakshodeh, Plano*

Craig Lile, Wichita Falls*

Danny Cancino, San Antonio

Brenda Rincones, San Antonio

Delcia Chisolm, Kingsville

Laura Rodriguez, Greenville

Erica Currie, Abilene

Dwaina Six, El Paso

Daniel (Tiny) Dominguez, Lubbock

Kevin VanHook, Victoria*

Jim Edwards, Azle*

Tedrick Woods, Grand Prairie

Michael Evans, Mansfield*

Glenn Young, Kilgore*

Chuck Gartman, Brownwood

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

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CHRISTIAN LIFE COMMISSION ETHICS AND JUSTICE

Christians live in a specific historical time and cultural place. Each historical and cultural place presents specific ethical challenges regarding both personal choices and societal issues. The CLC provides resources to help Christians think through appropriate responses in today’s circumstances.

“A Wheel for Christian Living”

DAVID SANCHEZ Director

To provide a foundation for an overarching Christian ethic, the CLC has developed A Wheel for Christian Living. It is designed primarily for young adults or newer Christians. It is about placing God at the center — the hub — of life and then developing good, biblical “spokes” to connect with the outer wheel — the tire — of daily experience. The Wheel can be taught by Dr. Ferrell Foster to small groups or larger gatherings in any church, association, or institution associated with Texas Baptists. The training can be merely a one or two-hour introduction, or it can deal with more details in a multi-hour setting at no cost.

College students have said the Wheel image helped give them a mental picture to hold onto in thinking about the different aspects of Christian living.

The Wheel includes eight “spokes,” which can be taught separately or as a whole. The spokes are: 1.

Listening to God—The Bible and the Holy Spirit Continuing Conversion—Not a One-Time Event Shaping Our Spirit—Spiritual Formation Living in Community—Church, But Not That Local Building

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Developing Character—Virtues & Vices Providing Care—Help, Especially for the Least of These Pursuing Justice—Fairness, Especially for the Least of These Making Decisions—Big Ones and Small Ones Add Up to a Life

The director of ethics and justice will present this material in churches, associations, schools, or other groups. Contact him at david.sanchez@texasbaptists.org.

Online Resources The Ethics & Justice web site (texasbaptists.org/EthicsJustice) is the primary means of obtaining other resources for ministers and church members who want more information on varied ethical and justice issues from a biblical and informed perspective. The issues are: Christian Living (basic principles, civility in communication, ethical decision-making) Church & State (citizenship, religious liberty) Creation Care Education Family (marriage, parenting, divorce)

Human Trafficking Hunger & Poverty Immigration & Refugees Justice (criminal justice, death penalty, restorative justice) Life, Health & Dying (abortion, aging and dying, health and medicine)

Minister Ethics Money & Work (economics, work, gambling) Race Relations Sex & Gender Issues (harassment, pornography, same-sex marriage, transgender) Terrorism, War & Peace

Biblical Perspective One specific resource available online and which may be printed for distribution free is the CLC’s Biblical Perspective series. This series offers concise overviews of varied ethical and social issues. It does not seek to be comprehensive; it seeks to provide quickly accessible information for church leaders and inquiring Christians.

The series currently includes the following issues: • • • • •

On On On On On

Christian Citizenship Civility Human Trafficking Hunger & Poverty Immigration

• • • •

On On On On

Justice Pornography Race Terrorism, War & Peace

The web address for these resources is http://texasbaptists.org/ministries/clc/ethicsjustice/resources.

All of the information is provided as a resource to help Texas Baptists think through issues from a Christian perspective. Texas Baptists are a diverse people and may come to differing positions on contemporary issues. The CLC seeks to explain the issues and to provide relevant Scripture.

The director of ethics and justice also leads workshops on ethical issues at various conferences and churches. He also joins other staff members in writing regular blog posts.

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The Director of Public Policy gave leadership to the bi-annual Texas Baptist Advocacy Day at the state capitol in Austin. This year, a little over 200 attendees from across the state came to learn about the most pressing public policy issues in Austin and to meet with their elected officials.

This year’s keynote speaker was Washington Post columnist and George W. Bush adviser Michael Gerson. We also had workshops led by World Relief’s Matt Soerens, CCCU Shirley Hoogstra, former NHCLC Education adviser Andrea Ramirez, and former Focus on the Family Vice President of Advocacy Kelly Rosati.

The Director of Public Policy also gave leadership to our public policy agenda during the 86th Legislative Session. We scored numerous victories on pro-life issues, criminal justice reform, and public education. The state of Texas will inject $6 billion into Texas public schools, increase access to re-entry programs for incarcerated women, and prohibit local governments from contracting with abortion providers.

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

MICHAEL EVANS, JR Director

https://txb.org/ ministries/clc/ public-policy

CHRISTIAN LIFE COMMISSION PUBLIC POLICY

“Christians gain influence in our culture — real lasting influence — when we act like Jesus,” Michael Gerson, CLC Advocacy Day Keynote

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CHRISTIAN LIFE COMMISSION HUNGER & CARE MINISTRIES 26

The Christian Life Commission’s Hunger & Care Ministries equips and empowers Texas Baptists to practically apply Christian faith to life through community ministries.

Texas Baptist Hunger Offering Texas Baptists gave $544,834 through the Texas Baptist Hunger Offering in 2019.

The Hunger Offering supported 117 ministries in 2019.

KATIE FRUGE Director

JESÚS ROMERO

Director, Immigration Services https://txb.org/ ministries/clc/ community-care

In 2019, TBHO funds helped serve 3,651,026 individuals, provide 29,318,857 meals, and 607,581 non-perishable food items. Additionally, TBHO Funds served 45,548,47 clients, and helped provide classes to 20,729 individuals.

In the first quarter of 2020, TBHO funds helped serve 117,406 individuals. This included 34,923 children and 40,823 families. TBHO Funds also helped provide 587,193 meals.

Community Care The CLC awarded $149,525 in 2019 Community Care funds to support ministries engaged in restorative justice, community development, deaf and special needs, community health, and hunger ministry across the state.

Immigration Service and Aid Center/ISAAC Project Dr. Jesús Romero serves as Director of the ISAAC Project along with Mrs. Elsa Romero who is the Office and Case Manager. Between April 2019 and May 2020, ISAAC gave legal counsel to 125 individuals and represented 86 of them before the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. ISAAC provided services related to family-based visa petitions, citizenship applications, religious worker visas, and DACA .

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

In addition to the Cultural Engagement Team ministry offices, the Director of CET relates directly to the 98 associations of Baptist churches in Texas. These associations serve more than 5,000 churches. The role of the association is to meet the mission and ministry needs in ways that are relevant and contextual. Thanks to the Texas Baptists partnership with Baptist associations, thousands of individuals hear the Gospel, many are trained as leaders, discipleship is taught, and communities are touched with the love of Christ. Below is a small representation of the ministries touching the lives of fellow Texans through Texas Baptist associations: Mega Associations - Our largest and most diverse populations in the state. Our Mega associations are focused on the churches surrounding the metropolitan areas of Dallas, Ft. Worth, San Antonio and Houston.

• The very existence of a Poverty Alleviation Team in one of our Mega associations demonstrates a ministry seeking to serve the underserved. With projects that target poverty and hunger countless school children are receiving assistance that would otherwise be unavailable to them.

• “Café y Teologia” meetings for Spanish Church leaders provide training and resources to Spanish Speaking church leaders

LORENZO PEÑA Director

SONJA EVANS Administrative Assistant

https://txb.org/ ministries/cultural-engagement

CULTURAL ENGAGEMENT TEAM

The Cultural Engagement consists of the offices of African American Ministries, Hispanic Ministries and Intercultural Ministries. These three offices provide customized and contextual assistance to more than 2,200 ethnic churches and missions in our state.

Borderland Associations – The associations of churches along the Mexican border.

• There are many prison facilities along the Borderland associations assist in serving that underserved community by providing Bibles and tracts to those incarcerated.

• Training classes for Hispanic pastors and lay leaders give strength and energy to those serving in this area. Most pastors are bi-vocational so every opportunity, provided through the associations, for training, resource updates or fellowship with other pastors is highly valued. One pastor speaking about a recent event stated, “I now feel adequate to continue serving my church.”

Associations – Beyond the Mega and Borderland associations, there are 89 other associations providing unique ministries to churches and their members.

• During the COVID-19 resource information was provided to all associational churches.

The association assisted churches that were new to streaming, recording, and zooming with tools to stay in touch with their congregations.

• A Disciple Making Conference has refocused the churches of one association to renew their commitment to personal discipleship. The result of this concentrated effort has had an eternal impact on the community.

• Making ministry strategic is the goal of one Texas Baptist association. Training is the key element to success in helping pastors not only think strategically but lead their congregations to be strategic in the missions and ministry of the church.

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CULTURAL ENGAGEMENT TEAM AFRICAN AMERICAN MINISTRIES

The Office of African American Ministries exists to facilitate and connect approximately 900 African American churches, affiliated with Texas Baptists, in their God given mission of transforming the world to Himself. We are connecting, contextualizing, cooperating, collaborating, and celebrating with pastors and churches. Here are brief narratives from the past year.

2019 African American Fellowship Conference ROY COTTON Director

SHARRON BRADLEY Ministry Assistant

https://txb. org/ministries/ culturalengagement/ africanamericanministries

Three hundred pastors and leaders were cordially welcomed to the annual event by Dr. Paul Sands, staff, and members of First Woodway Baptist Church. This exciting event centered around the theme “Together We Will Succeed” from Acts 2:1b. The opening evening featured “S.H.O.P,” led by Pastor Louis Rosenthal of The McKinney First Baptist Church. That is “Sweet Hour of Prayer.” The event menu offered 32 training seminars in worship, discipleship, stewardship, evangelism, preaching, understanding millennials, music, community involvement, overcoming trauma, marriage enrichment, parenting, reaching Hispanic neighbors, and more. The main course was celebrative worship, with Dr. Patrick Bradley of Westside BC—Lewisville conducting a 90-voice choir, composed of members from Westside BC—Lewisville, Bethlehem BC—Mansfield, Community MBC— Desoto, and the Waco Community Choir. Dr. Breonus Mitchell of Nashville, TN, powerfully “brought the house down” in two preaching sessions.

26th Dr. Jim Culp Banquet The Venue Center of First Woodway provided the elegant setting for the gala evening of honoring the “First Seven” (of fourteen) Presidents whose remarkably distinguished leadership set the precedent for the African American Fellowship of Texas’ 26 year history. The honorees were: Dr. Joe Ratliff (Brentwood BC—Houston); Dr. Howard E. Anderson Sr. (Singing Hills BC—Dallas); Dr. Milton Walker (Retired—Community BC—El Paso); Dr. C. Paul McBride (Posthumously—Friendship BC of The Colony); Rev. Ronald Edwards (Posthumously—Minnehulla BC—Goliad); Dr. Dennis W. Young Sr. (Missouri City BC—Missouri City); and Dr. Jerry William Dailey (Macedonia BC—San Antonio). Dr. John D. Ogletree served as banquet master, while Dr. Michael A. Evans Sr., BGCT President, brought an inspiring message entitled “Connecting the Dots to the BGCT.” Music was provided by President Evans’ inspirational Male Chorus of Bethlehem BC—Mansfield.

Camp Exalted 2019 God’s kingdom building work inspired students in finding their place in ministry in the local church and beyond. Youth testimonials support countless ministerial goals that were inspired during the camp. A strong testament to this point came through the speakers, classroom facilitators, and the worship teams. The “Night of Worship” has become a particularly popular feature for the past three years.

2020 African American Leadership Workshop 400 pastors and leaders participated in the annual AALW at Truett Theological Seminary March 6-7. Rev. Henry Batson, Faith Fellowship of Red Oak brought an inspirationally challenging theme interpretation message: “Disrupting Communities for Christ in the 21C” (Acts 17:6b). Glorious sounds filled the house under the leadership of Niya and Roy Cotton II (music director/accompanist), and the praise team. Dr. Cleophus LaRue, Dean of Homiletics, Princeton Theological Seminary, keynote speaker, preached two powerfully anointed messages (1) “What Fear Will Do” (Matthew 25:14-25), and (2) “3 Kinds of Trouble” (Matthew 14:22-30). In Black Church contextualized worship tradition, Dr. LaRue celebratedly extolled the audience to their feet! He closed by calling yours truly to the grand piano to accompany him as he extemporaneously sang “I Don’t Know About Tomorrow!”

Pandemic, Protests and Pain COVID-19 dominated headlines locally and globally. Thanks to the Cooperative Program, African American Evangelism (Oza Jones) and African American Ministries collaboratively sponsored a preaching webinar via Zoom: “Pandemic, Protests and Pain” featuring Dr. Delvin Atchison, Rev. Ronald Session, and Pastor Robert White.

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Connected with more than 300 local pastors through the state of Texas. As well as with 35 out of the 40 compañerismos across the state. Though different events, such as the men’s retreat, were men, saw the power of God in their lives and the lives of the sons. In the preaching conferences, where the Office connected pastors to the material that will help them as preachers and their congregations to receive the power of the Word in this ever-changing culture. The leadership conferences connected both older and new generation, Hispanic pastors, to the process of leading in a context where both men and women can lead with effectiveness amid chaos.

Collaborated with the Convention of the state of New Mexico, the Office of Hispanic Ministries collaborated twice in the past year. In the Inlow Baptist Camp, where the local youth leaders learned about apologetics and how the new generations can know the Lord. Non-believers attended the event, and more than 100 young people came to know the Lord. Later the Lord allowed the Office of Hispanic Ministries to minister to local pastors in New Mexico where they learned about discipleship and the importance of reaching out to non-believers.

The Office of Hispanic Ministries also collaborated with the Great Commission Team in Apologetics events and Congresso. In apologetics, the local pastors and youth leaders learned the importance of evidence or the power of the resurrection and the life of the Historical Jesus. During the Congresso, even pastors received training to take the information back to their congregations. The Office of Hispanic Ministries provided a USB where all of the information and training was available to them.

Contextualized different articles and events are happening at a Convention level. The Communications team allowed for the Office of Hispanic Ministries to contextualize the culture of Texas Baptists in the Spanish language. The Office of Hispanic Ministries provided translation in the Annual Meeting in Waco, Texas, where everything that the executive leadership shared the Hispanic pastors and their congregation could receive such information.

ROLANDO RODRIGUEZ Director

www. texasbaptists. org/espanol

CULTURAL ENGAGEMENT TEAM HISPANIC MINISTRIES

The Office of Hispanic Ministries’ purpose is to connect, collaborate, contextualize, and celebrate with the local church. Through the year, the Office of Hispanic Ministries teamed up with the local church and different ministries within the Convention to bring glory to the Lord and greatness to the kingdom. As well as other states in the country. The Office of Hispanic Ministries:

In the Leadership conferences, the Office recognized the need to contextualize the core of the Office to reach out to the younger generations who enjoy the Hispanic culture in the English-speaking language. The tracks provide the necessity in younger people whose preferred language might be English. Through this event, every person within the Hispanic community can participate.

Celebrated that God opened the door to initiate Texas Baptists en Español. The Office of Hispanic Ministries will transition with the help of brother Loreno Peña and the Executive leadership to celebrate the start of this vital ministry where the local Hispanic Church can celebrate and identify with Texas Baptist en Español as part of their Convention, not only as a department. This endeavor, the Office celebrates along with the entire Texas Baptists family.

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CULTURAL ENGAGEMENT TEAM HISPANIC EDUCATION INITIATIVES 30

Hispanic Education Initiative’s core purpose is to help by providing training, resources, and opportunities to Hispanic students across the state of Texas with potential in academia. HEI firmly believes that God has created every single person in His image. As a result, every individual has the capacity and the means to go to and through college. Our passion is to see that both parents and students gain the knowledge needed to continue their way to greatness. Our main pathways to success and how we strive to make this happen is through the public sector education but also the local church. HEI exists to provide the local church with the following tools: ROLANDO RODRIGUEZ

Acting Director

MARLON RIOS Assistant

educatetexas.org

Raising Money for College. Many Hispanic students are not going to college due to the lack of financial information. HEI has had the privilege of raising over $120,000 in the last eight years, where 120 students receive different amounts of scholarships.

Such economic opportunities have made the student’s awareness of education positive. Our goal is to educate parents and student that money should never be an issue to attend the university that fits their desires Hispanic Education Fairs. The “Educate Texas Hispanic Education Fair” exists in setting aside a specific date in different parts of the state to provide both parents and students with information vital for college. Here, HEI provides practical information through workshops; grants a specific number of students with $1,000 in scholarships. It is the goal in every Hispanic Education Fair that every student understands the importance of receiving a college education. It is a desire that at each fair, students are made aware of malleable intelligence and that college can be for everyone if the circumstances, possibilities, and desires are at place.

Hispanic Summer Missionary Program. This summer program’s funds mainly come from the Mary Hill Davis Mission State Offering. For seven consecutive years, HEI has assigned 12-15 Hispanic university students to the local church in a ten-week program. The goal if this program is for current college students to equip both parents and high school students in the local church for future endeavors.

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

Kikuyu from Kenya are Texas Baptists. Nagas from India are Texas Baptists. Zomi from Myanmar are Texas Baptists. I could use this statement for over 70 different people/ language groups, but you get the point. Texas Baptists are literally from all over the world.

These new Texans have come here for so many different reasons. Some come because not leaving their homeland would have meant death. Some come to get an education that was not available to them in their country. Many come because of war, poverty, ethnic genocide or famine. But, in reality, they are all here because God has a plan.

PATTY LANE Director

We see God’s plan in the people God brings here. They may think they are here for an education, but God knows they are here for a bigger purpose. For the first time, here in Texas, they hear and understand the gospel. They are free to receive the good news of Christ and they are excited to share it with their whole community. Churches are born and grow, find their own meeting places, ordain leaders, and evangelize their communities.

Worship looks different – sounds different, but they are Texas Baptists. Intercultural Ministries is with them from their beginning steps of this new journey.

Sometimes people come to Texas and they were strong Christians in their home country.

Many times, that is precisely why they are here – they were persecuted for their faith and came here so they would be free to worship Christ and preach the gospel without fear of prison or death. These congregations grow rapidly and transform their communities.

Intercultural Ministries is there too – connecting them to resources and assisting in everything from government paperwork to leadership training and everything in between.

Intercultural Ministries is on a mission to make sure every person in Texas hears the gospel in their heart language and cultural context. We work with existing churches and in starting new churches so that the unreached and unengaged of our state know and can respond to God’s amazing love. The relationships we build in ethnic communities allow us to work together as we all grow to be more of who Christ calls us to be. We learn, love and grow together. Our Intercultural Advisory Council is part of what that work as we learn and plan with each other.

Project Start is a good example of community ministry that assists refugees through supporting refugee churches in the Vickery Meadow area of Dallas. Through the director, Helen Cingpi, we come alongside pastors as they meet the needs not only of their church members but others in the community. Through these relationships the gospel is shared and lived out in ways that bring the gospel to life. They see what it means to be a Christian and experience the love of Christ through the love of believers and it changes lives. Intercultural Ministries is there. Texas Baptists are there. We are reaching the newest arrivals and most vulnerable, but not just with food and furniture, but with the love and light of Jesus.

MARK HEAVENER Intercultural Specialist

HELEN CINGPI Project: Start, Director

ERICA HERRON Ministry Assistant

https://txb. org/ministries/ culturalengagement/ interculturalministries

CULTURAL ENGAGEMENT TEAM INTERCULTURAL MINISTRIES

Who are Texas Baptists? It might just surprise you.

We are also fortunate to have a cross-cultural mobilizer who works with our office to train and assist us in reaching those from different faiths. His experience and insight inspire and encourage students and churches to find innovative ways to open the conversation of faith and have confidence in sharing the good news.

We are all Texas Baptists and we are so glad to be part of a big, diverse network of churches that show us all a bit of heaven on earth.

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

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COLLEGIATE MINISTRY

Thanks to Texas Baptists, Texas BSM exists to engage the 1.6 million college students in Texas to follow Christ and transform the world. Your BSM Missionaries are on approximately 115 campuses, incarnationally engaging the collegiate culture by making and multiplying disciples of Jesus. It is both exciting and challenging at Texas universities where over 300 exist statewide. Junior College attendance is a large part of the overall student population. Major universities are also establishing new campus sites to meet the needs of students in different areas.

MARK JONES State Director

JOYCE ASHCRAFT

Associate State Director

BETH SMITH Campus Consultant

BRENDA SANDERS Missions Consultant

ROBERT HOOKER

Evangelism Consultant

GINGER BOWMAN

College Church Specialist

RYAN HODGES Ministry Partner Development Director

PEGGY MOULDEN

Administrative Assistant

BECKY BARNES

Ministry AssistantCommunications/ Data Management

CINDY ZOLLER

Ministry AssistantReceptionist/ Finances

147 BSM STAFF MEMBERS

(employed and volunteer) https://txb. org/ministries/ collegiate

Hub/Sub Campuses: Texas BSM has labeled Hub campuses from which the gospel is multiplied to campuses (Subs) within driving distance. This strategy targets junior colleges and alternate campuses. This key strategy has allowed the ministries at two Sub campuses, Panola College and Angelina College, to thrive because of the commitment of trained staff and resources from the Hub campus, Stephen F. Austin BSM. The UT Tyler BSM will be starting a partnership with the Dogwood Trails Association to begin sub campus work at the Trinity Valley Community College campus in Athens in Fall 2020.

Missions: In 2020 Go Now Missions will send 375 total students out as missionaries to 23 countries and in 14 states. Below is the type of missionaries divided: • Christmas missionaries - 100 • Semester CMI’s in Texas - 120 • Special Impact (campus teams) - 50 • Summer and Impact Missionaries - 100 • Semester missionaries - 67 At Beach Reach South Padre Island this past Spring break, there were 12,264 rides given, 5,871 people prayed with, 4,810 Gospel conversations, 70 professions of faith, 22 Baptisms,34 recommitments to Christ and 3,548 pancake breakfasts.

Tarleton BSM shared this story from Beach Reach, “For many campuses, this is a catalyst for Gospel sharing back on their own campuses. We tell our students, ‘If Beach Reach ends on Friday then Tarleton Reach starts on Saturday.’ Each year we have students come to know Christ on our campus as a result of students going on Beach Reach and becoming bold in sharing the Gospel. This year, one of our students drove to his hometown the Saturday after we got back, called all his high friends together and shared the Gospel with them. One of them prayed to receive Christ!” - Clayton Bullion, BSM director at Tarleton State University.

Campus Outreach: The culture of BSM statewide prioritizes training students to share the Gospel as a key component in discipleship. Ministries at UT Arlington, Sam Houston State and Midwestern State have at least one day a week where students gather to pray, train and then go out in pairs to start spiritual conversations and share the Gospel. God has blessed this prayerful intentionality. Dozens of students have trusted in Christ.

Many campuses saw the challenges of the COVID season as an opportunity to try new methods with the same goal of engaging students and sharing the Gospel. At Texas A&M Kingsville, the staff and student leaders began to follow up on contacts that were made in the Fall. They took the challenge of going through their phone’s contact list and text or call students that they had previously met, but were not involved in the BSM. They inquired concerning their well being during the quarantine time and often were able to pray with the students and even share the Gospel! A number of students trusted Christ as a result of this effort.

Luke 10:2 The Harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few, beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His Harvest!

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BRUCE MCCOY

Director of Associational Relations

ANNA CRITTENDON Ministry Assistant

ASSOCIATIONAL RELATIONS

Texas Baptists continue to collaborate with the 98 associations of churches across our diverse state to do what they cannot do alone. Each of these associations are led by a servant-leader known as a Director of Missions (DOM); some go by the title of Executive Director. These are highly capable people of God for whom we are thankful. They are diligent servants who provide a cohesive ministry approach to their region of the Lone Star State. They coordinate a wide variety of shared ministry projects with the churches in their association. Some serve in densely populated areas. Most serve the Lord in less populated areas covering vast regions of our great state.

Here are a few examples of how we have collaborated with associational leadership in providing funding opportunities for their churches to do ministry:

Baptist Student Ministries (BSM). It has been said, “Since the resurrection, Christianity has remained one generation from extinction” (loosely quoted). However, Jesus said, “I will build My Church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18).

The Lord’s church thrives on His people winning others to faith in Christ. Your BSM directors are hot-hearted, front-line evangelists winning this next generation of thinkers to Christ! Your CP dollars continue to support this vital ministry effort. We are so thankful for our BSM directors and their leadership. We owe them our continued prayers and encouragement.

Infant Safe Sleep Environment Initiative: One association assisted churches in securing fifty-two (52) Graco pack ‘n plays and placing them in twenty-six (26) strategic locations in Tarrant County to reduce the infant mortality rate. These locations encompassed churches, hospitals, city offices, and non-profits such as pregnancy centers, refugee agencies, homeless and victim assistance agencies.

Evangelistic Focus: In a rural association, church members and invited guests from 20 churches gathered to hear the Heaven’s Gate/Hell’s Flames Presentation. After seeing the presentation, many were convicted and give their life to the Lord. There were over 200 salvations and over 100 rededications.

Camping Ministry: This indispensable part of our collective ministry to the next generation has been uniquely challenged by the Covid scourge. Thank you for your financial help through the Texas Baptists Missions Foundation (TBMF) Camp Relief Fund.

We owe a heart-felt word of gratitude to our WMU. Where would we be without these precious lady-warriors for the Lord Jesus?! Their tireless work to call Texas Baptists to support our state-wide missions efforts through the Mary Hill Davis Offering is without equal. Please make it a part of your lifestyle to go to their website and read The Bridge, the WMU magazine. They publish it twice a year. wmutx.org/about/the-bridge. Thank you, WMU, for all your Christ-honoring help! And thank you, Texas Baptists, for your faithful support.

The Ambassador Program for Texas Baptists is an initiative that enlists volunteers to reach out to affiliated churches and build that sense of family we enjoy together. We have opportunities to encourage many pastors and churches to a greater level of cooperative ministry with Texas Baptists. We remind our friends of how Texas Baptists can help and how we can do more together. The Lord is bringing back to us an increase of interest and cooperation from churches that were affiliated with us years ago. “God…has given us the ministry of reconciliation… and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:19-20a).

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CHURCH ADMINISTRATION

Church Administration One of the services provided to Texas Baptists church leaders is basic consultation on administrative matters with legal and tax experts.

Our churches are salt and light as they demonstrate integrity in a fallen world. When we communicate and operate within clearly understood procedures and policies, we are free to thrive in community and mission. If addressing issues like finances, abusefree environments, security, divisive social issues, employment practices and others aren’t leveraged as disciple-making opportunities, you’re missing the boat. Church administration done well is ministry, and church administration done poorly destroys ministry.

An important resource for your church is the fourth edition of Keeping Your Church Out of Court in both Spanish and English. It is downloadable for free on our website, and this book addresses • Church Organization and Operation • Church Liability • Decision Makers Liability and Protection • Employment Law • Taxes and Governmental Compliance, and • Intellectual Property You’ll also find 26 appendices with excellent examples and checklists.

Top issues addressed this year dealt with compensation, tax-exempt status, health insurance, church property, sexual abuse, and security. Many churches also received feedback and assistance in updating bylaws--one strategic way of responding to the increasing complexity mentioned in quiz question 1 above.

Please go to https://www.texasbaptists.org/ministries/church-administration to download Keeping Your Church Out of Court, find a helpful sample, or submit a question. And remember…church administration when done well is ministry.

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To accomplish our goal in 2019-2020: We produced our 2019 CP Annual Report – a concise yet comprehensive report on how Texas Baptists dollars are used. The report is available in print (English only) or online (English and Spanish) at texasbaptists.org/cpannualreport.

We expanded our online library of CP Videos—short videos, two to three minutes in length—about people whose spiritual and physical needs have been met as a result of CPsupported ministry. We added a few videos that highlight how our hospital chaplains, BSM leaders and local churches were able to continue strong ministries in a time of desperate need. They show how YOU, through your faithful CP giving during the COVID-19 pandemic: • Provided comfort for patients, families and healthcare workers • Gave students resources to help them bring seeking friends to Jesus • Helped Texas Baptist Men distribute food to deprived families.

These stories on video are free to download and use however best increases your church’s cooperative mission awareness. You can find them at texasbaptists.org/cp.

We published 52 Sundays – a free downloadable collection of 52 stories about lives changed through missions supported by CP. They are ideal for missionary prayer moments in a worship service or any other gathering of your congregation, as well as for sharing through social media. 52 Sundays is available at texasbaptists.org/sundays.

CHRIS LIEBRUM Director

BARBARA FORBIS

CP Specialist texasbaptists. org/cp

COOPERATIVE PROGRAM MINISTRY

SHARE Christ, SHOW Love. That’s our message as Texas Baptists. The purpose of this office is to help churches see how much farther they can reach with the love of Christ by cooperating together in missions giving.

We hosted three Celebrating Cooperation Luncheons – events designed to express our appreciation to churches who have demonstrated continued support for the Texas Baptists Cooperative Program. We look forward to hosting many more once the Covid-19 pandemic has subsided.

We offered free downloadable resources – informational pieces provided to help you communicate with your church the reach and scope of mission dollars given through the Cooperative Program. All resources are free to download and print in any quantity.

Whether you need something as simple as a card with a few CP Fast Facts, or something more detailed such as the 2019 CP Annual Report or 2020 Budget Summary, you will find it at texasbaptists.org/cp. Don’t see what you need? Give us a call! We’d love to hear what would be most helpful to you and your church as we design new resources moving forward.

Thousands of people are coming to Christ and experiencing changed lives because you are sharing Christ and showing love through the TEXAS BAPTISTS Cooperative Program.

If you’d like someone from the BGCT to visit your church and let your people hear how God is working through their faithful giving, we’d be happy to help set that up. We are grateful to be your mission partners.

THANK YOU!

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COMMUNICATIONS TEAM

New web address, subscription center make hearing and sharing the story easier than ever For the past 10 years, whenever you wanted to learn more about cooperative missions and ministry, access resources, connect with staff or read the latest news, you have faithfully typed t-e-x-a-s-b-a-p-t-i-s-t-s-.-o-r-g into your web browser. For that, I sincerely thank you. Your patience is to be commended.

JOSHUA MINATREA Director

BRITTANY THOMAS Assistant

KALIE LOWRIE

News Director

BONNIE SIESS News Writer

NEIL WILLIAMS Multimedia Specialist

BRANDI JONES

Social Media Specialist

JEREMY HONEA

Art Director

CALEB ARNDT Graphic Designer

MARITZA SOLANO Production Designer

JOHANN DYCK

New this year, your Communications Department is proud to announce that the Texas Baptist website can now be accessed at txb.org! Also, all of your favorite ministry pages, like the Cooperative Program webpage, can now be accessed with this new domain name by simply adding the old redirector to the new domain name, just like this: txb.org/cp.

Throughout all of our communications, we want to be as clear as we can, and make it as easy as possible for you to stay informed, find what you are looking for, and continue to partner with the churches of the Convention to share Christ and show love across the state and beyond.

Another improvement we are excited to launch is a new online subscription center. Many of you already receive our Texas Baptist Life magazine each quarter. You may also receive our Texas Baptist Life monthly email newsletter, or other ministry-specific email updates.

New this year, you may now access our numerous social media accounts, sign up for any one of our print or digital pieces, and update your subscription preferences for each, all in one place. And, for the first time, your subscription preferences will be saved and stored in our secure customer relationship management system capably managed by our friends in the Information Management Team.

With the launch of this new subscription center, it has literally never been easier for our Texas Baptist family to opt in, listen to, and tell of all God’s righteous deeds. We may not know how to relate them all, but that certainly doesn’t stop us from trying!

Visit our online home today, update your subscription preferences, and find out how we really are doing more together! Visit txb.org/subscribe now.

Web Content Manager

JILLIAN SANDERS

Web Content Specialist

NIGEL ROBINSON Marketing Consultant txb.org

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TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

The primary cause of this alarming trend is debatable. The FACT is not.

Baptists had been warned decades earlier by one of Baptists’ greatest leaders: “Every Baptist ought to know why he is a Baptist, and to know it from the specific commands of God’s Word.

Not to have such knowledge is for our churches to be harmed in every way.”

Leaders in the Baptist General Convention of Texas--pastors, laypersons, Convention staff-aware of the harm that could come from a continuing lack of such knowledge, began to address the problem. In the 1990s they led the Convention to develop means of providing information/inspiration to Baptists about the Bible-based beliefs and practices that have made Baptists such effective contributors to the mission the Lord Jesus Christ gave His disciples.

The Baptist Distinctives Committee (now Council) and the related Texas Baptist Heritage Center were established by official Convention actions. For more than two decades these entities have produced resources for individuals, churches, associations, and institutions to enhance the knowledge of Baptists about our beliefs and heritage. Resources have been made available through numerous meetings, a variety of printed materials, and electronic sources.

Printed materials include: Baptist Beliefs and Heritage with nineteen articles on Baptist beliefs, summary history of Baptists and heritage tidbits, a set of nineteen leaflets on Baptist beliefs, a study guide for individuals, a resource for leaders of group studies, the booklet Issues Testing Baptist Polity, the book Baptists and Religious Freedom in English and Spanish, the booklet “Welcome to a Journey,” and the book LOS BAUTISTAS: Creencias, Practicas, y Herencia, now in its third printing in one year.

Websites--www.baptistdistinctives.org and www.distintivosbautistas.org--contain downloadable materials such as twenty-seven articles on Baptist beliefs and heritage and a summary of Baptist history in English and Spanish. The Hispanic website includes a brief history of Hispanic Baptists. Persons throughout the United States and a host of persons in countries worldwide make use of these websites which provide information on how to obtain copies of printed resources.

Staff of the Texas Baptist Heritage Center cooperates with other entities to provide resources, working closely with the BGCT intentional ministries program, providing materials—chaplaincy program, assisting in conferences—and Hispanic ministries, distributing the book LOS BAUTISTAS: Creencias, Practicas, y Herencia. Following an excellent beginning, the use of the book in conferences and meetings in Texas, Mexico and elsewhere was cut short by cancellation of meetings due to the Pandemic. However, copies continue to be made to churches and individuals requesting them.

The Baptist Distinctives Council Chair helped to coordinate the cooperative effort this year of the translation into Portuguese and Mandarin the material from the website www. baptistdistinctives.org. Despite delays due to the Pandemic, the process continues to put these materials on websites and in books in Portuguese and Mandarin.

WILLIAM M. PINSON, JR

Executive Director Emeritus/ Director TX Baptist Heritage Center (Volunteer)

DORIS A. TINKER

Director Communications/ Organization (Volunteer) www.baptist distinctive.org

TEXAS BAPTIST HERITAGE CENTER/BAPTIST DISTINCTIVES COUNCIL

ALARM BELLS…!!!

MORE AND MORE BAPTISTS KNOW LESS AND LESS ABOUT BAPTIST BELIEF AND HERITAGE.

The Texas Baptist Heritage Center functions as part of the Executive Director Emeritus Office of the BGCT. The Center relates to the Baptist Distinctives Council, elected by the BGCT Executive Board. The Council’s members assist in projects carried out by the volunteer staff.

Amid the Pandemic that has disrupted lives worldwide, bringing grief to millions, the Center continues its work with materials being developed and resource requests being filled.

We are thankful for the support of the Baptist family of Christians everywhere in these efforts and pray that those efforts will contribute to an ever-stronger Baptist denomination effectively carrying out the Great Commandment and Great Commission of the Lord Jesus Christ.

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

37

TEXAS BAPTIST HISTORICAL COLLECTION

The Texas Baptist Historical Collection marked its 87th year of operation by continuing to collect, preserve, and communicate the history of Texas Baptists. The TBHC is located at 209 N 8th Street and hosted numerous meetings including Truett classes, the Texas WMU, local churches, as well as committees from the Waco Baptist Association and the Baylor BSM. The conference room is available for use by BGCT churches. Please contact Autumn Hendon for further information (autumn.hendon@texasbaptists.org).

ALAN J. LEFEVER Director

NAOMI TAPLIN

Associate Director

PHIL HASSELL

Manager Texas Baptist Historical Museum

AUTUMN HENDON Ministry Assistant

HEATHER MOONEY

Coordinator of Community Outreach and Research https://txb. org/ministries/ texas-baptisthistoricalcollection

This past year the Collection hosted researchers from across the country examining topics including J. Frank Norris, Ann and Luther Bagby, C.W. Brister, H. Leon McBeth, Texas Baptist churches and institutions, Texas WMU, Hispanic ministry, and the American Tract Society. The TBHC staff also answered over 492 phone or email request for information from individuals, churches and institutions.

The acquisitions of new material are critical to the growth and future of any historical collection. In 2019 130 linear feet were added to the TBHC including the personal papers of Steve Vernon, associate executive director of the BGCT 2009-19, Frank Pollard, pastor and professor, W.C. Everett, Texas Baptist pastor and Russell Ware, longtime BSU director and founder of Ware Christian Ministries. The institutional papers of the Corpus Christi Baptist Association were also added to the Collection.

The TBHC oversees two museums. The museum located at the Collection’s main campus in Waco continues to attract visitors as it tells the stories of Texas Baptists and the American Tract Society. The latest exhibit in 2019 focused on past Executive Directors of the BGCT including J.B. Gambrell, J.M. Carroll and T.A. Patterson. The second and larger museum also known as the Texas Baptist Historical Museum is housed in the historic Independence Baptist Church. In 2019 displays to Sam Houston, a member of the church, were enhanced. The TBHM continues to tell the story of Baptists both globally and locally.

In addition to the 1,000s of people that visit the museum last year the TBHC Director hosted almost 3,000 Baylor freshmen in June and July as they learned why Texas Baptist founded Baylor as well as the early history of the school.

Many rural churches have played an important role in the development of the BGCT. In recent years some of these churches have closed their doors. The TBHC is actively seeking minutes and historical information on these churches so that their ministry and impact will not be lost. If you have any information on any of these type of churches, please contact the TBHC (tbhc@texasbaptists.org).

In cooperation with Anderson Baptist Church, site of the formation of the first state convention in Texas, the TBHC celebrated the 2nd annual Institutional Legacy Day on January 26, 2020. Baylor University was honored for their 175 years of service to Texas Baptists.

The church library ministry continues to be a vital component of the Collection’s ministry.

The 2020 Church Library Conference was canceled due to COVID-19 but should return in 2021. Please contact Naomi Taplin (naomi.taplin@texasbaptists.org) for information.

The Texas Baptists are encouraged to visit the Texas Baptist Historical Museum at Independence. The permanent displays at the TBHM tell the stories of the beginnings of the Baptist denomination, Baptists in America, and Texas Baptists. Important Baptist Distinctives are also highlighted on an interactive wall. To arrange a tour of the museum please contact Phil Hassell (phil.hassell@texasbaptists.org).

The TBHC offers the following services: • Research Assistance • Photograph Reproductions • Preservation • Consultations • Baptist History and Heritage Awareness

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TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

Pastor Relief Fund In March of this year, Texas Baptists quickly realized that the Covid-19 crisis was uniquely impacting our pastors. The Pastor Relief Fund was established to provide short-term grants to bi-vocational and small church pastors who were struggling financially. Some of the most generous donors to the fund were fellow Texas Baptists pastors, churches, and BGCT staff. Donations and pledges totaled over $250,000, which provided support to over 300 pastors across the state.

Upon receiving news that he was awarded a grant, one pastor said, “Thank you! Due to two brain surgeries and losing two part-time secular jobs, this time has been challenging for my wife and me. I thank the Lord for the BGCT and God’s timing with your financial help. It is much needed at this time.”

Texas Tech BSM Capital Campaign Update One year ago, the Texas Tech Baptist Student Ministry was preparing for their first semester in their new facility. Although the school year went differently than they planned, the capabilities of the building allowed them to minister to the student population in new and exciting ways.

BILL ARNOLD President

JERRY CARLISLE

Vice President

STEVE MASSEY

Vice President

JOHN HALTON Senior Consultant

LESLIE SNYDER

Donor Relations Coordinator

RITA GRIFFITH Administrative Assistant

www.txb.org/ tbmf

TEXAS BAPTIST MISSIONS FOUNDATION

The Texas Baptist Missions Foundation helps individuals use their financial resources to change the world through present gifts, planned gifts, and estate gifts. From April 2019 through May of 2020, we assisted 5,314 donors who made 26,299 gifts for a total of $8,983,521 in cash and gifts in kind, with an average gift amount of $1,116. Here are some of the ways TBMF connected these donors with ministry needs in Texas:

The building is named for Dr. Robert Pinder, who taught at Tech for many years; and was, before that, a missionary to Argentina. The Worship Center honors Dr. Bill and Janie Dukes. Dr. Dukes was also a long-tenured Finance professor. It was generous lead gifts from the Pinders and the Dukes that helped make the building possible and provide a witness for Christ among Tech students for many, many years to come.

TBMF Gives $399,817 in Grants Thanks to the generosity of donors like you, 30 grants totaling $399,817 were approved by the Texas Baptist Missions Foundation Council on September 23, 2019. These grants are for use in the 2020 budget year and cover a variety of ministries including student disaster recovery work, tuition assistance for pastoral education, and chaplaincy ministry.

The Texas Baptist Center for Ministerial Excellence is using a $20,000 grant from the Texas Baptist Missions Foundation to help ease the burden of student loans for pastors who are struggling financially. One pastor that has received help is Micah Roddy, the student pastor at First Baptist Church of Corpus Christi. Although he and his wife carefully followed a budget and had no credit card debt, student loans were consuming much of that monthly budget. As part of the grant process, pastors can receive a grant up to $5,000 to help pay down debt and build an emergency fund. They are also required to meet with a financial counselor. Thanks to the TBMF grant, Pastor Roddy and his family are back on track to becoming completely debt free, allowing them to build up their emergency fund and continue to preach the Good News. TBMF is proud to be part of this important ministry project.

If you would like some ideas on how to support missions in Texas or around the world, the Foundation staff will be happy to work with you.

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

39

ASSOCIATE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

One of the greatest joys of my life has been the opportunity to serve you in this new role as Associate Executive Director of the BGCT. Soon after I was elected by the Executive Board and began to serve in Oct. of 2019, Dr. Hardage asked me to review our mission statement and organizational structure. I began by listening to the needs of our churches, ministers, and ministries. Not long into the process, I discovered that the Lord was up to something huge for Texas Baptists; and the best way to describe it is a “movement.”

CRAIG CHRISTINA Associate Executive Director

STEVE MULLEN

Director Theological Educationr

ANNA ROSALES

Executive Assistant to the AED/Exec. Brd. Coordinator

MARIBEL PAZ Committee Specialist

What is a movement? A movement is a groundswell of people working together around a common purpose to bring about a positive transformation. A movement originates from the ground-up, not the top-down. It is organic and emerges from the passion, energy, and excitement of people who naturally join together to achieve the same goal. In a culture where people are being pulled apart and polarized by political, ethnic, and theological differences, God is leading mainstream, grassroots Baptists to come together in order to share Christ (the Great Commission) and to show love (the Great Commandments) until all nations are connected to him.

Under the excellent leadership of Dr. Hardage, Texas Baptists have intentionally remained a mainstream, grassroots movement of God’s people by staying centered and balanced in their desire to follow the Lord and interpret Scripture by “not turning aside to the right or to the left” (2 Kings 22:2). We will not drift away from the fundamentals of the Christian faith or the Baptist doctrines we hold dear. Instead, we are compelled to follow the Lord’s leading and unite God’s people to build relationships with like-minded Christians as we explore and expand mission opportunities for our churches.

As a result, Texas Baptists are working, giving, and going together to reach our state, nation, and world for Jesus. The BGCT is actively planting churches in Texas, Minnesota, Oregon, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Washington, California, Hawaii, New York, and in other states and countries around the world. Through our Missionary Adoption Program (MAP), BGCT churches are partnering with 13 national conventions, like the Brazilian Baptist Convention, to support indigenous missionaries from the host country. Since the year 2000, we have endorsed over 1,000 chaplains and have become the fourth largest endorser of military chaplains in the US Armed Forces. Every year, we receive multiple requests from active Baptist chaplains wanting to come under the umbrella of BGCT endorsement because they are drawn to our centered faith.

To advance our faith, we pour millions of dollars into campus ministry and theological education every year. All of our Texas Baptist colleges and seminaries (Bapt. Univ. of the Americas, Baylor, Dallas Bapt., East Texas Bapt., Hardin Simmons, Houston Bapt., Howard Payne, Mary Hardin-Baylor, Wayland, Logsdon, Stark College and Seminary, and Truett Seminary) receive over $7 million from the BGCT CP budget to prepare the future leaders of this movement. In the past 60 years, the BGCT has given over $600 million to these institutions. Likewise, we support Baptist Student Ministry on 130 college campuses across Texas to reach students with the Gospel and strengthen Christian students in their faith.

At the same time, our primary focus continues to rest on the health of our churches and ministers. If this past year of Covid-19 has taught us anything, it taught us that we need each other to be healthy. Churches have been forced to re-evaluate the true markers of church health as attendance, giving, and decisions declined. Pastors and ministers have been constantly bombarded with unprecedented decisions related to facilities, ministries, and missions. To help our churches and ministers pivot, we quickly developed a Covid-19 response page. We provided a Pastor Relief Grant and helped hundreds of bi-vocational pastors who lost secular jobs with over $700,000 in grants. In 2021, we are investing even more staff and resources into church and ministerial health. We came together, listened, supported each other, learned from each other, and moved forward.

Why? Because God is doing something huge among Texas Baptists. We are a movement of God’s people to share Christ and show love by strengthening churches and ministers, transforming culture, and connecting the nations to Jesus. For the Lord is our Shepherd, and he is leading us to explain who we are, celebrate what God is doing, and invite other Great Commandment and Great Commission Christians to join us until all people come to know him.

40

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

The Bible says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV) Thank you for boldly teaching God’s Word and sharing the hope of Christ. Our goal is to continue to provide quality in-depth resources to assist you as you teach. Please check out our online catalog of both printed and digital resources at www.baptistwaypress.org.

BOB BILLUPS Publisher

STAN GRANBERRY

Here are some highlights from April 2019 through May 2020.

Markting Coordinator

Published In-Depth Quarterly Adult Bible Studies:

NANCY FEASTER

• Pillars: Still Standing After Centuries of Change (Study of the 10 Commandments) (Summer 2019) • The Fullness of Christ: Doctrine and Duty (Colossians) (Fall 2019) • Miracles: The Transforming Power of Jesus (The Gospel of Matthew) (Winter 2019-20) • Faith Under Fire (Daniel) (Spring 2020)

BAPTISTWAY PRESS

God’s Word Changes Lives! Because this is true, the mission of BaptistWay Press® is to serve churches by helping connect people to God’s word. As the publishing arm of Texas Baptists, BaptistWay Press® produces quality Bible studies and resources, both in book form and digital downloads, for the various ministries of the convention.

Publishing Specialist

www. baptistwaypress. org

Each study in English includes a Study Guide, a Large Print Study Guide, and a Teaching Guide.

Commentaries and Teaching Resource Items are also available. Kindle editions of the Study Guide were also produced. You can find these by searching for “BaptistWay Press” on Amazon.

Upcoming In-Depth Quarterly Adult Bible Studies: • Living in the Spirit: Righteousness, Peace, and Joy (Study of the Holy Spirit) (Summer 2020) • Pure Joy: A Choice to Rejoice (Philippians) (Fall 2020) • The reMARKable Journey Begins: Faith and Hope (Mark) (Winter 2020-21) • Solomon: No Ordinary Kind of Wisdom (1 & 2 Chronicles) (Spring 2021) The name for our adult quarterly BaptistWay Press® curriculum line, Connect 360: All the Bible for All of Life, has become well-known with our churches in Texas. We also have customers in 37 other states, and 15 different countries. Our goal continues to be for people to Discover, Believe, and Live the truths of the Bible.

Thanks to the generosity of Texas Baptists through their gifts to the Mary Hill Davis Offering, the Intercultural Ministry of BaptistWay continued to add new, free, downloadable Bible studies for several different language groups.

Moving Toward the Future…BaptistWay Press® will continue to seek to expand its reach in serving churches by connecting people to God through His Word. We will support the ministry teams of the BGCT as their publisher and leverage our website to serve more churches.

MINISTRY STATISTICS FOR BAPTISTWAY PRESS® (April 2019 - May 2020) # of units sold.....................................................................106,842​​​ Gross Sales .........................................................................$490,610 ​​ # of orders ..........................................................................6289​​​ # of customers ..................................................................1771 It is an honor to serve Texas Baptists as the Publisher of BaptistWay Press®. Please feel free to contact me with your questions, suggestions, and comments. You can email me at bob.billups@texasbaptists.org or call me at 214-828-5187 or 214-828-5263.

May God continue to bless you as you continue to serve Him. TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

41

CHAPLAINCY RELATIONS

The Office of Chaplaincy Relations endorses, supports, and trains Texas Baptist chaplains.

These ministers provide pastoral care in a variety of specialized ministry settings.

BOBBY SMITH Director

ERIC WHITMORE Associate Endorser for Calling and Endorsement

JIM BROWN

Associate Endorser for Chaplain Training

WILL BEARDEN

Associate Endorser for Pastoral Care and Support

DAN FRANKLIN

Associate Endorser for Pastoral Care and Support

DONALD LACY

Associate Endorser for Pastoral Care and Support https://txb. org/ministries/ chaplaincyrelations

The office provides ecclesiastical endorsement through a process that affirms to an employer that a chaplain or pastoral counselor has met all the basic requirements of the denomination to practice ministry in a specialized setting. Basic requirements include personal, spiritual and professional accountability; educational, moral and ethical standards; ability to work in a pluralistic environment; doctrinal stability; and active membership in a local Baptist congregation.

The Chaplaincy Relations Endorsement Council is elected by the BGCT Executive Board and serves as the endorsement agency on behalf of the BGCT and The Baptist General Association of Virginia (BGAV). It reports its work to the Institutional Relations Committee of the Executive Board. The Council establishes guidelines for endorsement requirements. State and federal institutions require chaplains to be endorsed by an officially recognized faith group. The U.S. Armed Forces Chaplains Board on July 24, 2002, approved the BGCT as a recognized endorsement agency. Every major federal, state and civilian institution recognizes Texas Baptist chaplaincy endorsement.

The Office of Chaplaincy Relations continues to grow. Under the Director/Endorser are three Associate Endorsers directing three separate functions. The Associate for Calling and Endorsement coordinates communication with individuals interested in chaplaincy as they pursue their chaplaincy calling. The Associate manages the endorsement process, including new endorsements, updates, and transfers, and directs office staff and budget issues.

Three Associate Endorser for Pastoral Care and Support maintains relationships with endorsed chaplains and provides timely and quality support to meet their needs. The Associate’s primary responsibility is pastoral visitation and counseling support.

The Associate Endorser for Chaplain Training and Education coordinates training to maintain chaplain certification and professional qualification to serve in various institutions. The office also manages local church volunteer chaplain training.

In early 2017, the Baptist General Association of Virginia voted to ask the BGCT Office of Chaplaincy Relations to serve as the chaplain endorser for the Association. The BGAV consists of 1,400 churches in the Commonwealth and many affiliated churches throughout the world.

The Office of Chaplaincy Relations is committed to training Texas Baptist congregations to become authentic Christian caregivers through pastoral ministry skill training by offering courses such as Hands on Ministry and Disaster Spiritual Care Training.

Latest efforts include a worldwide mission to provide chaplain training and education at Baptist seminaries and churches, including the Myanmar Institute of Theology in Yangon, Myanmar.

Endorsement Totals (2002-2019): Chaplains Endorsed .........................................................1,027 New Chaplain Endorsements........................................810

42

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

Trending – Justice and Evangelism - Regardless of size, location, or resources, we see a trend in our churches toward the blending of Justice and Evangelism. Our churches have long focused only on evangelism. Now compassion for people is creating a desire to act more justly. For example: True Believers Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas. Church Architecture Consultant Pat Ekern met with True Believers Baptist Church again after about ten years. “The church was absolutely land-locked, and out of our discussion came the recommendation to add as much property as they could. They have increased their property to 3.7 acres by purchasing 7 lots nearby. I was so pleased to see them again and to learn how they had been steadily working to provide space on which they could physically expand their ministries.”

The church has suffered repeated break-ins and theft of their storage equipment but God is still providing for them. They have received a large, steel shipping container which is more secure, and two DART handicap accessible vans for their children and church members. “The Dallas VA Medical Center contacted them to ask if the church would provide counseling for their Veterans, which coincided with their vision to provide housing to homeless veterans. The church needed additional chairs – a business called and asked if they could use some chairs, a lot of chairs. Yes! And now they had a place to store them safely. God’s provision and timing are flawless.”

Church Architecture Consultant Ken Hunnicutt: Two small congregations share facilities in an area of Houston that has experienced a significant demographic change. The congregation is committed to doing outreach and ministry in that neighborhood. The church’s property consists of three buildings on two lots. There is no paved parking and the buildings have structural and cosmetic issues. Financial resources are very limited.

Church leaders contacted the Church Architecture team for assistance in determining how best to improve the functionality and appearance of the campus and to use the facilities for children’s ministries.

KEITH CROUCH

Team Leader; Director, Church Architecture

KAREN YOUNG

Loan & Grants Manager/Ministry Assistant to the Team Leader

PAT EKERN

CHURCH ARCHITECTURE

Effective Ministries - Our desire in Texas Baptists Church Architecture is to help our churches use and develop their buildings and property for more effective ministries. We are advocates to help churches with owner decision-making and owner responsibilities related to their facilities. We provide on-site building consultations, customized master site plan/floor plan drawing studies, funding assistance for smaller congregations, and capital fund-raising through our United We Build program.

Church Architecture Specialist

KEN HUNNICUTT Church Architecture Specialist

https://txb. org/ministries/ churcharchitecture

“We pointed out that some of the work needed will require building permits and that the city will likely require compliance with current codes as a part of the rehabilitation work. Due to the overall condition of the buildings, it is possible that the cost to make the buildings functional, safe, and attractive could exceed 50% of their value. With the assessment and information provided by our team, the church can now make prayerful and informed decisions about the future of its campus.”

Working Together - This year Church Architecture Ministry has worked to serve our churches in collaboration with numerous other ministries such as African American Ministries, Texas Baptists Area Reps, Hispanic Baptists Ministries, Intercultural Ministries, Discipleship, Missions Team/Church Starting, Western Heritage, Texas Baptist Missions Foundation, various Local Baptist Associations Directors of Missions, and Women’s Missionary Union of Texas.

All Kinds of Churches - Our team works with all kinds of churches all over Texas to be the Church in their own context. Congregations of all sizes, new churches and long-time churches, traditional, contemporary, language groups, cowboy churches, and vaquero churches are part of our ministry as we help them develop their space for more effective ministries.

Reporting Period April 1, 2019 - May 31, 2020 RESOURCE PACKETS ISSUED

CONSULTATIONS

MASTER SITE PLANS

FLOOR PLAN STUDIES

TOTAL CHURCHES ASSISTED

69

456

71

58

456

SMALL CHURCH MATCHING GRANTS 22 GRANTS TOTAL $101,750

SMALL CHURCH LOANS 5 LOANS TOTAL $125,000

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

43

44

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

The Treasurer’s Office and related areas view our work as a ministry by helping BGCT ministry teams accomplish their work. This was a busy year throughout our team as we implemented new software and processes to help provide better information to BGCT staff and churches in a more efficient manner. This was also a year of transition, as the leadership of our team changed for the first time in many years.

Our use of technology and the continual upgrading of our automated processing has strengthened our response to staff and churches and helped us better manage our costs.

These improvements have also played an incredibly important role in our reaction and handling of the issues raised during the COVID-19 crisis.

WARD HAYES

Treasurer/Chief Financial Officer

KIM PATTON Executive Assistant

TREASURER/CFO

The work of the Treasurer’s Office includes overseeing endowments, legal coordination, financial matters, human resources, information technology, conference and events, and process improvement. You will see in the following reports how this staff responds to the needs of BGCT staff and to the needs of our churches.

Through and in it all, we have worked diligently to improve our efficiency and productivity in support of Kingdom work through Texas Baptists.

Thank you for allowing us to serve the churches and ministries of BGCT!

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

45

TREASURER/CFO

THE EXECUTIVE BOARD OF THE BAPTIST GENERAL CONVENTION OF TEXAS

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION Years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018

2019

2018

Assets Cash and cash equivalents

$

Investments

8,876,096 $

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

150,842,988

140,554,999

50,197

729,236

1,799,678

1,385,607

965,181

1,014,847

2,964,433

3,477,002

2,302,681

2,949,330

20,862,774

16,174,447

11,148,624

9,349,662

Contribution receivable, net Prepaid expenses and other assets Loans receivable, net Notes receivables, net Other receivables Beneficial interest in trusts Property and equipment, net

Total Assets

7,536,517

$

199,812,652

$

183,171,647

1,763,344 $

1,953,105

4,788,668

3,940,211

Due to WMU

3,817,177

3,617,872

Other liabilities

2,175,177

2,381,983

Notes payable

1,295,916

1,509,643

Accrued postretirement benefit

7,707,678

7,524,903

21,547,960

20,927,717

38,798,598

42,527,056

139,466,094

119,716,874

178,264,692

162,243,930

Liabilities and Net Assets Liabilities Accounts payable

$

Accrued liabilities

Total Liabilities

Net Assets Net Assets Without Donor Restrictions Net Assets With Donor Restrictions Total Net Assets

Total Liabilities & Net Assets

46

$

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

199,812,652

$

183,171,647

STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES Years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018

2019

2018

Church Support & Revenue Cooperative Program Income

$

Cooperative Program Expenses

$

29,510,530

36,661,253

38,018,865

(8,074,923)

(8,508,335)

14,126,438

12,646,408

Other Program Support Investment Income

Realized and Unrealized Gain on Investments (Net) Other Program Income

Other Program Expenses Gain on sale of property and equipment

Depreciation

10,659,889

(10,710,080)

12,857,533

15,602,414

(13,596,426)

(10,698,881)

-

8,960,904

(1,009,344)

STATEMENT OF ACTIVITES

Excess of Program Expenses over Program Revenues

28,586,330

TREASURER/CFO

THE EXECUTIVE BOARD OF THE BAPTIST GENERAL CONVENTION OF TEXAS

(1,061,521)

Designated Gifts Endowment Contributions

819,074

170,371

Worldwide Designated Revenues

10,177,501

10,669,019

(10,177,501)

(10,669,019)

1,987,517

1,878,455

Mary Hill Davis State Missions Expenses

(1,748,996)

(1,918,004)

Change in Net Assets

16,020,762

6,361,731

162,243,930

155,882,199

Worldwide Designated Expenses Mary Hill Davis State Missions Offering

Net Assets, beginning of year Net Assets, end of year

$

178,264,692

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

$

162,243,930

47

HUMAN RESOURCES

The Human Resources Department is, foremost among our responsibilities, here to serve. In fact, our stated mission is: To support the mission and ministries of the BGCT by helping leaders attract, train, and retain quality staff members. We accomplish this through applying strategies and interventions in the areas of recruitment, benefit administration, employee relations, compensation, training and development, organizational design, coaching, and performance management.

ROLLIE RICHMOND Director

SILVIA SCHWALBACH HR Benefits Coordinator

LATAMRA SELLS

HR Generalist

Instead of just listing statistics, let us share a few examples of things we’ve done and are working on this year that we feel better illustrates our commitment to our Human Resources ministry.

How Are We doing – an Inward Look This past year, we continued our inward focus on process improvement with the goal in mind of serving our BGCT ministries more effectively. During this past year, our effort focused on improving our benefit communication technology for the organization.

• Specifically, we are completing the work on instituting the benefit module in our Human Resources Information System (HRIS).

• Additionally, we are beginning the work on implementing our applicant tracking module in our HRIS. When implementation is complete, the entire employee HR experience and employment lifecycle will be technology based.

COVID-19: an employment challenge like no other When COVID-19 came onto the scene in January, we began to monitor its progress and prepare as an organization for actions to take to ensure the safety of our employees while continuing to provide ministry support to our churches.

• On March 16, we implemented the decision to work from home. We adapted and found new needs to address and creative ways to continue our ministries. Our employees performed admirably, and we were pleased to be able to bless them and their families by continuing to keep them employed and serving the Kingdom every day.

• We also were ahead of legislation by making a commitment to our employees to ensure that their salaries would continue in the event that they or someone in their household was infected with COVID-19 and the employee was unable to perform their duties.

• We have established a return to work set of guidelines and will/or have enabled them to support a safe return to the office in line with CDC guidelines.

Voluntary Retirement Offer: a blessing opportunity In these challenging times where uncertainty rules, we were blessed to be able to offer 31 of our staff who met eligibility requirements the ability to voluntarily retire. Our generous offer was made to bless those who prayerfully considered this to be the time to retire. As a result, 17 of our dedicated staff accepted the offer. Each of these individuals are deeply valued and they have made a legacy contribution to Texas Baptist and the Kingdom. We know that God has the next mission already set for these servants and we rejoice in that fact and wish them all the best.

Work in Progress – Looking to the Future In HR, we are always looking for ways to improve our employee’s experience as they work daily to support Texas Baptists and the Kingdom. On our agenda for what’s next includes: • Developing a Management Handbook that will provide direction to managers on their HR responsibilities.

• Enhancing our Employee Recognition Program that will recognize and reward the performance of both management and non-management staff.

We in HR are blessed and we thank you for the opportunity that you give us to serve in His name. Please feel free to reach out to us with questions or if you need help in the HR arena – we are here to serve.

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TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

The primary ministry emphases are cash receipts, accounts payable, general ledger and financial reporting. During the past year our ministry team: • Received and recorded more than 73,000 contributions and over 18,000 product sales transactions and event registration payments.

• Processed over 13,000 cash disbursement checks and electronic payments.

• Recorded information into and prepared reports from more than 60,000 accounts in the general ledger subsidiary ledgers.

• Provided church tax information upon request.

• Continued to provide accurate financial reporting for the yearly audit.

• Coordinated the preparation of the 2020 budget.

JIM REED

Controller/ Assistant Treasurer

JEANNIE MILLER

Administrative Assistant

FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING

The Office of Finance & Accounting provides accurate and timely processing of receipts from voluntary contributions, mission gifts, event registration fees and BaptistWay Press product sales. The Office also provides assistance with budgeting and accounting information on the corporate and individual level.

The financial statements of Texas Baptists are audited annually by an independent certified public accounting firm. Also, the Controller insures proper internal controls are in place to avoid financial improprieties.

This office is also responsible for risk management. Responsibilities include determining levels of insurance coverage, negotiating rates and coordinating claims.

Upon request we assist churches affiliated with Texas Baptists by providing evidence of their exemption from Federal income tax.

All members of the Finance & Accounting Staff consider our work a ministry to Texas Baptists churches. Thank you for allowing us to serve you.

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

49

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND SUPPORT SERVICES

Information Technology (IT) serves the many ministries of Texas Baptists and WMU of Texas through technology and logistics solutions. Our called ministry is enabling and equipping those ministries.

Significant Software Capabilities Added

DAVE LYONS

Director

We implemented Zoom Meetings and Zoom Webinars in response to increased working from home and cancellation of in-person events and training. Zoom Webinar was used to conduct the May Executive Board Meeting online, which saved substantial hotel, meal, and travel money. We continued to bring more data and processes into Salesforce as our Church Relationship Management (CRM) system. Functionality added included tracking Friday Notes to churches, BSM reporting for Collegiate Ministries, automated HR Transaction Record process, and the new Center for Financial Health process. We started migrating our email contact system from disparate Constant Contact accounts into Salesforce Marketing Cloud Email Studio. A major goal is to increase and improve communication with those we serve.

IT User Support Our support team continues to provide technology solutions to accomplish the ministry goals of Texas Baptists by keeping our systems usable, current, and protected. We supported all staff working from home in response to Covid-19. This included: • Google G Suite • Key applications hosted in a stable cloud environment – Financial Edge and our shared file server • Microsoft Office 365 • Wireless networking • Managed printing • Helpdesk • Phone system upgrades and support from ShoreTel to Mitel • IT training for staff • Laptops, tablets, and desktops • Supporting 5 remote locations and dozens of mobile workers • Providing online and onsite Registration system for Annual Meeting and Convención

Information Management Team

Information Management Team (IMT) continues to serve Texas Baptists ministries to provide the most current and up to date information of churches and their respective staff and leaders. In the latest reporting period, IMT • • • • • • • • •

Answered 7,956 incoming calls Processed 5,254 online orders for BaptistWay Press and other materials Updated 5,077 Account and Contact records Made 1,846 special project outbound contacts to churches Created 32 demographic studies and over 300 reports Downloaded and processed 28,636 online donations Processed 1,686 ACP’s Created 364 list reports Updated or added 31,907 unique Salesforce contacts from Constant Contact

IMT is committed to partnering with Texas Baptists ministries to support what they do in the local church by performing ministry processes support data entry, evaluation reports and other custom data collection and reporting tools.

Support Services Our Support Services team provides important services to our staff: • • • • • • • • •

Events support Facility Safety Warehousing Shipping and receiving Meeting Management Kitchen and meeting refreshments Repairs, maintenance, and adjustments at our Rambler office and warehouse Materials transportation Bank deposits

This group serves with a laser-like focus on customer service and doing whatever it can to best serve the varied needs of our Texas Baptist ministry teams.

Information Technology and Support Services focuses on and strives to continually better serve the ministries of Texas Baptists.

50

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

• We served many of the various languages and culture groups of the Convention African American, Asian, Children, Hispanic, Retirees, Western Heritage, Youth and on and on.

• We supported over 70 + events of the Convention in various ways that include large scale conferences like Annual Meeting, all the way to a 10-member committee meeting and everything in between - training events, summer camps, retreats, conventions, executive board and meetings.

• We researched and negotiated contracts to assist in securing over 100 locations, over 100,000 sleeping room nights, as well as future and multi-year events with convention centers, churches, hotels, production, transportation and exhibit companies that allow for additional long term cost savings.

We support those events in various ways, from consulting at the beginning planning stages of a meeting, all the way through to when the lights are turned out at the end. We might create, set up and manage an exhibit hall, schedule meals and work with caterers, be the liaison with bands and keynote speakers, assist in script writing, be a stage manager for worship sessions, organize and manage workshops, develop timelines and worship schedules, serve as executive producer or design a stage set.

COLEEN WALL Director

WENDY MORRIS

Conference & Event Planning Coordinator

CONFERENCES AND EVENTS

Serving in the background to the many events of BGCT, we support our ministry office staff as they share God’s Word, by creating an environment that is creative and effective.

During the last year:

To reduce overall convention cost related to events, we work with various ministry offices to develop requests for proposals to obtain competitive services related to production, decorators (pipe/drape), catering, transportation, transient hotel rates and event equipment.

Events took a surprising turn as the Spring approached. As restrictions began to be put in place with the pandemic, our desire was to try to postpone or develop alternative forms of delivery for events that were scheduled. Many of our annual events were moved to 2021 and regional events were postponed for Fall. Additionally, virtual connections and training as alternatives were created to allow for continuation of services. Some of the ways we delivered events this Spring were by YouTube channels, Zoom meetings and training webinars for on-line use.

With the ever-changing landscape in the meeting industry, the conference and event staff has continued to seek out training and learning about advances in technology and industry standards to better support and impact the ministry offices of the Convention.

Conference & Event team thrives by serving in the background. The Convention focus on the Great Commandment and the Great Commission, fuels our passion that many will come to know the Savior, to grow deeper in their relationship with Him and to be assured of the Hope that is found only in a relationship with Christ.

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

51

INSTITUTIONS - UNIVERSITIES/ACADEMICS BAPTIST UNIVERISTY OF THE AMERICAS 52

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you (Matthew 7:7).

It has been three years since beginning my tenure as president of Baptist University of the Américas. It has been a wonderful adventure of seeing God work wonders, especially the last several months of 2020. We have sought to address many challenges and opportunities, but none has been greater than the COVID-19 global pandemic.

ABRAHAM JAQUEZ President

7838 Barlite Blvd.

San Antonio, TX 78224-1336 bua.edu

In Mid-March, due to the rapid spread of COVID-19, Baptist University of the Américas transitioned all instruction to virtual and online delivery. This was an unprecedented action that allowed all students to continue their education. Finishing the semester took an extraordinary effort from our faculty and staff, but also from our students. Those scheduled for graduation were able to finish their academic journey at the university. The 2020 Commencement Ceremony was rescheduled for August 1, 2020. Our community truly excelled during this time!

When it comes to the Fall 2020 semester, Baptist University of the Américas will start its semester as scheduled, pending any directions from government officials. Students will have a choice to take courses face-to-face, virtually or online and the Piper Student Village will remain open to house singles and students with families. In preparation for the academic year, the university has put in place COVID-19 guidelines for faculty, staff and students to follow. BUA staff and faculty are eager to welcome our students back. They are the lifeblood of the university. It will be different, but having everyone back will be a tremendous blessing for our entire community!

As with many other higher education institutions, the coronavirus pandemic has put us in a position to be very creative and use every resource available to continue our work. This has definitely been true when it comes to fundraising and recruitment. Emails, phone calls, Zoom conferences, webinars and virtual tours have become essential, as we have sought to stay connected with current donors and prospective students, but also as we cultivate new ones for the fall semester and beyond. It has been a challenge, but our team has risen to the occasion and the Lord has continued to bless us!

Last year, we submitted a substantive change request to our accrediting agency, the Association of Biblical Higher Education (ABHE), to offer a B.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies online and it was approved! This is a great opportunity for men and women who want to fulfill their calling in ministry, but due to their current circumstances, are unable to move to San Antonio and pursue it. We have begun to market the online degree and are looking forward to a new crop of students coming into this program.

My time at BUA has grown my faith in an Almighty Loving God. We have continued to emphasize the power of prayer at BUA and are looking for ways to continue creating a spiritual environment where seeking the Lord is a priority for everyone in our community.

Prayer is the key for God’s success.

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

2019-2020 Enrollment, Fall

186

Enrollment, Spring

179

Number of students on full or partial scholarships funded by institution*

101

Number of students receiving BGCT Ministerial Tuition Grants*

89

Estimated total number of students preparing for ministry*

170

Approximate percentage of Baptist students

52%

*”Non duplicating” totals for the 2019-20 school year.

SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENT Operating Revenue Tuition and fees

$

1,032,775

BGCT appropriations

357,500

Auxiliary enterprises

295,714

All other sources

988,542

$

2,674,531

Educational and general, not including scholarships

$

2,541,827

Institution funded scholarships & financial aid

449,738

Auxiliary enterprises

252,966

Total operational revenue

BAPTIST UNIVERSITY OF THE AMERICAS

BAPTIST UNIVERSITY OF THE AMERICAS STATISTICAL INFORMATION

Operating Expenses

All other expenses

-

Total operational expenses

$

3,244,531

$

(570,000)

$

3,623,516

Unrestricted

$

8,152,464

Temporarily Restricted

309,406

Excess revenue over expenses after transfers

Endowment and Net Assets Total Endowment (Market Value)

Net Assets

Permanently Restricted

Total Net Assets

3,592,580 $

12,054,450

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

53

BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Baylor University is a private Baptist university and a nationally ranked research institution. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas and affiliated with the BGCT, Baylor is the oldest continually operating university in Texas. Baylor’s mission is to educate men and women for worldwide leadership and service by integrating academic excellence and Christian commitment within a caring community.

LINDA A. LIVINGSTONE President

One Bear Place #97096 Waco, Texas 76798 www.baylor.edu

Baylor’s 15th president, Dr. Linda A. Livingstone – a distinguished scholar, academic leader and strong voice for the role of faith-based institutions in American higher education – has set Baylor on a course to become a top-tier Christian research university through the University’s Illuminate strategic plan. Undergirded by the $1.1 billion Give Light comprehensive campaign, Illuminate integrates academic, teaching and research excellence with an unwavering faith commitment and positions Baylor to have a transformative impact on students, higher education and the world.

In fall 2019, Baylor enrolled 18,033 students, including 3,307 freshmen, while Truett Seminary welcomed 316 students. Truett Seminary hosted the inaugural African American Preaching Conference and National Preaching Conference, Science and Christian Ministry Conference, Texas Baptist Women in Ministry Conference and Alongside Ministry Innovation Conference, as well as the T.B. Maston Lecture, Parchman Endowed Lectures and E.K. Bailey Memorial Preaching Event. The seminary also announced plans to launch an extension campus for the San Antonio region in summer 2021, which will be housed at Trinity Baptist Church.

In fall 2019, 24.6 percent of Baylor students were Baptist. More than 3,200 undergraduates indicated an interest in vocational Christian ministry, including preaching, missions, music, counseling and education. In 2019-2020, Baylor’s department of religion enrolled 6,964 students in religion courses, with approximately 250 undergraduate students majoring and minoring in religion and 53 students in the graduate program. Seven students earned the Ph.D. in religion. Baylor had 230 undergraduates who received the BGCT Ministry Scholarship.

Baylor University continues to contribute to the vitality of Waco through strong partnerships and programs in the community. In 2019, Baylor spent nearly $72 million locally, and its museums and attractions welcomed more than 400,000 visitors for special exhibits, field trips and guided tours. Students, faculty and staff also served 150,000 hours of community service, while $75,500 in funds were granted to Waco-area nonprofit organizations through a transformational full-credit course for students on philanthropy and public good. Since 2014, students have stewarded and given away more than $700,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations. In addition, the Baylor Collaborative on Hunger and Poverty – in partnership with the USDA, PepsiCo, McLane Gobal and others – extended the University’s community impact to the national level by delivering 5 million meals each week to rural children impacted by COVID-19-related school closures.

Baylor Missions also continued to shape Baylor’s faithful engagement with Waco and the world by creating intentional opportunities to integrate faith, learning and service within a broad Christian worldview.

Baylor’s multiple urban missions teams contributed hundreds of hours of local service through children’s ministries and recreation, eldercare, special-needs ministries, education and tutorials, and special interest teams.

Although impacted in the spring by the coronavirus pandemic, Baylor Missions sent 10 discipline-specific missions teams to five countries – Columbia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Guatemala and Peru – and two locations in the United States.

Working with missions partners over fall and winter 2019 and spring 2020, 121 students, faculty, staff and alumni worked alongside teachers; served impoverished peoples through health, education and nutrition initiatives; set up medical clinics and provided health assessments; strengthened non-profits; addressed hunger and immigration; served with sports ministries; and built a home for a family in the Dominican Republic.

54

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

2019-2020 Enrollment, Fall

18,033

Enrollment, Spring

17,383

Number of students on full or partial scholarships funded by institution*

14,422

Number of students receiving BGCT Ministerial Tuition Grants*

238

Estimated total number of students preparing for ministry*

1,781

Approximate percentage of Baptist students

BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

BAYLOR UNIVERSITY STATISTICAL INFORMATION

25%

*”Non duplicating” totals for the 2019-20 school year.

SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENT(1)

UNAUDITED

Operating Revenue Tuition and fees

$

806,333,000

BGCT appropriations

1,375,000

Auxiliary enterprises

46,471,000

All other sources

277,800,000

Total operational revenue

$

1,131,979,000

$

738,437,000

Operating Expenses Educational and general, not including scholarships Institution funded scholarships & financial aid

340,249,000

Auxiliary enterprises

37,344,000

All other expenses

-

Total operational expenses

$

1,116,030,000

$

15,949,000

$

1,381,440,000

Excess revenue over expenses after transfers

Endowment and Net Assets Total Endowment (Market Value)

Net Assets Without Donor Restrictions

819,206,000

With Donar Restrictions

Total Net Assets

1,290,701,000 $

2,109,907,000

(1) Audited financial reports are published annually in September, following the University’s May 31 fiscal year-end.

The May 31, 2020 financial information above is presented based on unaudited financial statements.

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

55

DALLAS BAPTIST UNIVERSITY

Dallas Baptist University is a nationally ranked, comprehensive, liberal arts institution, that remains the college of choice among students seeking an excellent Christ-centered education with a mission of producing servant leaders. While 2020 has brought about incredible challenges due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, the Lord continues to bless DBU as academic programs are expanded, new campus facilities are added, and its global reach inspires lives around the world.

ADAM WRIGHT President

3000 Mountain Creek Parkway Dallas, Texas 75211-9299 dbu.edu

With more than 38,000 graduates serving worldwide and enrolling more than 4,500 students, this fall, DBU welcomed its largest class of incoming first-year students in school history.

In August 2020, DBU opened Gunn Hall, located in Ford Village on the DBU main campus.

Gunn Hall is part of DBU’s residential college initiative, focused on promoting global scholarship. Residents in Gunn Hall participate in programming that creates awareness, engagement, and community with global partners. The completed residential project expands DBU’s campus housing to accommodate nearly 2,300 on campus residents.

With deep appreciation of Texas Baptists, DBU launched the Center for Baptist History and Heritage this fall, thanks to a generous gift endowing the establishment of the program and its facility. The DBU Center for Baptist History and Heritage provides resources and programming that preserves Baptist history, creates awareness of Baptist distinctives, and provides collaboration among scholars and practitioners interested in the ideas that gave rise to the Baptist denomination.

DBU Patriot Athletics celebrated several milestones this past year including the DBU Women’s Soccer Team experiencing its first undefeated regular season in program history.

DBU Head Golf Coach, Kenny Trapp, was named as the 2020 NCAA Division II National Coach of the Year by the Women’s Golf Coaches Association. Trapp has led the Lady Patriots to five trips to the NCAA National Championships. Despite the abrupt end to the spring season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Coach Dan Heefner and Patriot Baseball produced yet another noteworthy campaign having been ranked in the Top-25 for all five weeks of the spring season and by placing another Freshman on the Collegiate Baseball Freshman All-America Team. Heefner and the Patriots continue to produce Major League talent with two players, Burl Carraway and Jimmy Glowenke, chosen in the second round of the shortened MLB draft this summer. With 9 former Patriots on Major League rosters for Opening Day this year, DBU has produced 58 MLB draft picks under Coach Heefner’s leadership.

During the COVID-19 crisis, universities across the country experienced massive shifts in campus operations and worked to deliver a continuity of the college experience. In response to this work, Educate to Career, a non-profit organization based in California, examined the responses of institutions throughout the U. S. and ranked DBU in the toptier for its ability to adapt to the crisis. DBU’s professors were able to seamlessly transition all classes to a virtual format, and the campus successfully navigated shelter in place orders and COVID-19 precautions while also continuing all University operations.

With a long history of working to achieve racial equality, DBU doubled its efforts this summer by tasking its racial reconciliation committee, the Community Advocates for Racial Equality Committee, to seek ways to promote social justice and racial equality on campus while also exploring ways in which DBU can increase its effort to maintain a diverse and engaging community.

Many challenges remain in the days ahead for DBU and for all institutions of Christian higher education. However, these challenges pale in comparison to the great calling to produce men and women whose hearts are focused on the Lord and lives set to serve others. To this end, DBU continues to push toward its mission and vision to be a great Christian university that is pleasing to God.

56

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

2019-2020 Enrollment, Fall

4,487

Enrollment, Spring

3,949

Number of students on full or partial scholarships funded by institution*

3,058

Number of students receiving BGCT Ministerial Tuition Grants*

514

Estimated total number of students preparing for ministry*

624

Approximate percentage of Baptist students

41%

*”Non duplicating” totals for the 2018-19 school year.

SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENT

DALLAS BAPTIST UNIVERSITY

DALLAS BAPTIST UNIVERSITY STATISTICAL INFORMATION

Operating Revenue Tuition and fees

$

BGCT appropriations

102,240,421 1,254,267

Auxiliary enterprises

13,880,400

All other sources

3,239,510

Total operational revenue

$

120,614,598

$

79,246,013

Operating Expenses Educational and general, not including scholarships Institution funded scholarships & financial aid Auxiliary enterprises

25,677,222

7,533,151

All other expenses

8,148,130

Total operational expenses

Excess revenue over expenses after transfers

$

120,604,516

$

10,082

Endowment and Net Assets Total Endowment (Market Value)

$

51,554,119

Net Assets Unrestricted

150,042,207

Temporarily Restricted

12,432,071

Permanently Restricted

36,652,138

Total Net Assets

$

199,126,415

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

57

EAST TEXAS BAPTIST UNIVERSITY

ETBU is resilient The 2019-2020 academic year began with the second-highest fall enrollment of ETBU’s history, followed by the highest-recorded spring enrollment in University history. Despite the challenges faced during Spring 2020, East Texas Baptist University expanded its degree offerings to 45 undergraduate programs and 11 graduate programs while maintaining its 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio.

J. BLAIR BLACKBURN President

One Tiger Drive Marshall, Texas 75670 www.etbu.edu

“Since its founding in 1912, The College of Marshall, ETBC, and ETBU has confronted everything from World War I and the Great Depression to the 2008 recession, and now the global COVID-19 pandemic,” President J. Blair Blackburn said. “In times of crisis in our institution’s history, the faculty and staff of East Texas Baptist made sacrifices to ensure the stability of the operation without compromising the Christian educational mission.”

ETBU is servant-hearted ETBU allows students to live out the Great Commission locally through opportunities such as Habitat for Humanity’s Blitz Build, where over 200 ETBU faculty, staff, and students volunteered during Spring Break 2020 to construct a home for a Marshall family, as well as internationally through opportunities like the Tiger Athletic Mission Experience program, which took students to France, Japan, and Greece this year.

As the need for personal protection equipment grew, volunteers including ETBU faculty, staff, students, and trustees, sewed over 2,000 masks for ETBU graduates working in health and safety, and to share with the University family.

“The Mask Ministry moved forward with the joy of giving and the hope of helping brave individuals on the battlefront,” ETBU Administrative Secretary for Institutional Technology Danna Robins commented. “It was our spiritual duty to do what we could, and the goal of creating 2,000 masks was reached!”

ETBU is strong With God’s calling to be a Christ-centered university equipping students to be engaged and empowered citizens, East Texas Baptist stands firm and speaks boldly in our commitment to proclaim and advance the equality and dignity of all people.

“When I started as a student at ETBU, I couldn’t believe the many opportunities offered to serve Christ, my church, and my community,” alumna Emily Hicks said. “These opportunities helped me become who I am today, strengthened my relationship with the Lord, allowed me to serve others, and give back to the community that I love.”

Although the Spring 2020 season was cut short, Tiger Athletics showcased awardwinning seasons across 16 NCAA Division III sports. Tiger Softball finished number one in the nation. The ETBU Hockey team also made history as the Tigers won the TCHC North Division Championship, finishing with a 23-4-1 record. Tiger Men’s Basketball finished runner-up for the American Southwest Conference Tournament. Senior tennis player Elisa Kendall received the ASC Medal of Honor award, and was voted as the Women’s Tennis Distinguished Scholar-Athlete award winner, and the NCAA Division III West Region ‘Most Improved Senior.’

ETBU is committed to Christ-centered education 2019-2020 resounded with academic accolades for East Texas Baptist’s prestigious School of Nursing and Elementary Teacher Prep Programs. ETBU’s School of Nursing was ranked as the #1 Nursing program in Texas out of 118 programs evaluated by RegisteredNursing. org. The National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) named ETBU’s Elementary Teacher Prep Program as one of the top 15 programs in the nation.

“ETBU’s value and emphasis in Christ-centered nursing care is foundational to the excellence in nursing our graduates provide,” Dean of the School of Nursing Rebekah Grigsby said. “The success of our program reflects the commitment and hard work of both faculty and students. We celebrate this achievement, and our pursuit of excellence in nursing education continues.”

East Texas Baptist University appreciates the faithful support of Texas Baptists in partnering with us as we strive to reflect the light of Christ and develop a new generation of Christian servant leaders.

58

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

2019-2020 Enrollment, Fall

1,593

Enrollment, Spring

1,405

Number of students on full or partial scholarships funded by institution*

1,252

Number of students receiving BGCT Ministerial Tuition Grants*

45

Estimated total number of students preparing for ministry*

124

Approximate percentage of Baptist students

48%

*”Non duplicating” totals for the 2019-20 school year.

SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENT Operating Revenue Tuition and fees

$

33,939,251

BGCT appropriations

634,641

Auxiliary enterprises

EAST TEXAS BAPTIST UNIVERSITY

EAST TEXAS BAPTIST UNIVERSITY STATISTICAL INFORMATION

8,599,673

All other sources

5,766,129

Total operational revenue

$

48,939,694

$

25,996,919

Operating Expenses Educational and general, not including scholarships Institution funded scholarships & financial aid

15,572,573

Auxiliary enterprises

7,363,538

All other expenses

-

Total operational expenses

Excess revenue over expenses after transfers

$

48,933,030

$

6,664

$

66,128,332

Endowment and Net Assets Total Endowment (Market Value)

Net Assets Unrestricted

51,856,377

Temporarily Restricted

27,798,508

Permanently Restricted

34,523,313

Total Net Assets

$

114,178,198

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

59

HARDIN-SIMMONS UNIVERSITY

In 1891, Hardin-Simmons University’s foundational documents set the purpose of HSU as threefold: “To bring young men and women to Christ; to teach them of Christ; and to train them for Christ.”

ERIC BRUNTMYER President

2200 Hickory Street Abilene, Texas 79601 hsutx.edu

Since its founding, HSU has continued to offer students a high quality education enlightened by Christian faith and values. Recognized by U.S. News and World Report in the Top Tier of its Best Universities in the Western Region, HSU offers a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio where students enjoy personal attention in over 70 fields of undergraduate study and 20 fields of graduate study.

Academic Highlights Trustees approved the creation of a new College of Health Professions.

New Programs, Majors, and Concentrations: • HSU’s Doctorate of Leadership program (Ed.D.) was approved to offer a new concentration in Counseling Education and Supervision.

• HSU’s Master of Athletic Training degree program began and moved into a newly renovated facility.

• A new online Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree was prepared for launch by the College of Liberal Arts.

• A new masters’ program in Higher Education and Student Affairs was prepared for launch by the College of Human Sciences and Educational Studies.

• A unique major in Worship Ministry, offered through joint efforts of Logsdon School of Theology and the College of Fine Arts, was prepared for launch.

The Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing (a consortium with McMurry University in Abilene, Texas) received full reaffirmation of accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Education in Nursing (CCNE) for undergraduate and graduate nursing programs.

Physical Therapy students, staff, and faculty conducted a mission trip to Peru to distribute wheelchairs, orthotic devices, and therapy to impoverished families.

Student Life Highlights For the 2019-2020 school year, 681 students were involved in 44 different clubs, organizations, and club sports.

Student Life hosted the second Emerging Leaders Conference in the spring virtually since students were in remote learning locations due to COVID. The Fletcher Fitness Center earned the 2019 Special Olympics Collegiate Partner of the Year award and recognized as the Outstanding Sports Facility.

Enrollment Highlights New undergraduate student enrollment is up 14% the past four years.

Our international student population continues to grow with 82 total international students for the 2019/2020 academic year. In the spring 2020 semester, our international students represented 26 countries within our student population. We continue to award more scholarships to all our students to help make college more affordable for students and families.

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TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

This last year we’ve had 45+ worship events which where students-led and organized.

Students on our team also learn how to run sound, production, lighting and media for worship events and help with the service planning and process through Planning Center Online, Pro Presenter and multi-track technology. We have a total of 55 students in our worship team rotation.

In response to the pandemic, we created HSU Together which is a devotional shared by our faculty, staff and students. The curriculum we used was the Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren.

Advancement Highlights The Houston-Lantrip Center for Autism & Dyslexia enjoyed a beautiful grand opening. This regional center was designed to assist impacted individuals while also training teachers and educating and supporting families.

Students were awarded more than $26 million in scholarships and grants during academic year 2019-2020.

HSU led a COVID-19 Abilene Response Leadership Team that encouraged relationships and ministry across the city. Organizations that joined us included the United Way, Taylor County, City of Abilene, Dyess Air Force Base, Abilene Christian University, McMurry University, 1 Kingdom, Hendrick Hospital, and more.

HARDIN-SIMMONS UNIVERSITY

Spiritual Formation

Financial Highlights Enrollment up 10% and additional cash flow of almost $1.4M from new facilities.

For the first time since 2013, Hardin-Simmons will be able to operate a balanced positive cash-flow budget.

Athletics

For the Fall, 2019 semester, both the Women’s Soccer team and Women’s Cross Country team claimed the ASC Championship. HSU leads the way in the American Southwest Conference with 82 championships in the history of the league.

While the Spring season was canceled due to COVID-19, baseball coach Steve Coleman collected his 500th career win at HSU before the season ended. On the academic front, the overall student-athlete grade point average was a 3.45 for the Spring semester, 15 of the squads recorded a team GPA over a 3.0.

2019-2020 UNDERGRADUATE MINISTRY STATISTICS Enrollment, Fall 2019........................................................2324 Enrollment, Spring 2019..................................................2009 Approximate percentage of Baptist students........41% *“Non duplicating” totals for the 2019-20 school year.

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

61

2019-2020 Enrollment, Fall

2,324

Enrollment, Spring

2,009

Number of students on full or partial scholarships funded by institution*

1,891

Number of students receiving BGCT Ministerial Tuition Grants*

96

Estimated total number of students preparing for ministry*

181

Approximate percentage of Baptist students

41%

*”Non duplicating” totals for the 2019-20 school year.

SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENT Operating Revenue Tuition and fees

$

53,736,155

BGCT appropriations

525,736

Auxiliary enterprises

6,808,022

All other sources

15,423,423

Total operational revenue

$

76,493,336

$

19,144,614

Operating Expenses Educational and general, not including scholarships Institution funded scholarships & financial aid

26,812,049

Auxiliary enterprises

8,137,714

All other expenses

24,841,570

Total operational expenses

Excess revenue over expenses after transfers

$

78,935,947

$

(2,442,611)

$

205,072,437

Endowment and Net Assets Total Endowment (Market Value)

Net Assets Unrestricted

92,539,446

Temporarily Restricted

25,411,290

Permanently Restricted

Total Net Assets

62

130,896,615 $

248,847,351

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

HARDIN-SIMMONS UNIVERSITY

HARDIN-SIMMONS UNIVERSITY STATISTICAL INFORMATION

HOUSTON BAPTIST UNIVERSITY

A Year to Remember Undoubtedly, 2020 has become a year to remember. As an institution, Houston Baptist University observes the year with a salute to those who paved the way to a successful institution. HBU (then Houston Baptist College) was founded in 1960 with a commitment to always be a place where “Jesus Christ is Lord.” On our 60th anniversary, we are grateful that this foundational truth guides us still today when the world needs it the most.

ROBERT B. SLOAN President

7502 Fondren Houston, Texas 77074-3298 hbu.edu www.HBUonline. com

This significant year also marks the completion of the Ten Pillars Vision, established

by President Robert Sloan and University leadership to guide HBU toward a greater realization of its potential in key areas. Progress has been made in each facet of the vision: Build on the Classics; Recruit for National Influence; Embrace the Challenge of Christian Graduate Education; Establish a Residential Society of Learning; Increase our Cultural Impact through our Faculty; Renew our Campus, Renew our Community; Bring Athens and Jerusalem Together; Expand our Commitment to the Creative Arts: Visual, Musical, and Literary; Cultivate a Strong Global Focus; and Move to the Next Level as an Institution.

With strides in place toward these goals, Dr. Sloan hosted envisioning sessions to help form the next template for the future of the University.

Continued Growth The fall 2019 HBU freshman group was about 30 percent larger than the previous incoming freshman class. In fact, it was the largest freshman class in history. HBU reached its highest-ever enrollment number, including undergraduate, graduate and online learners. Additionally, eight new degree programs were launched in the fall, giving students the option of 72 undergraduate programs, 37 master’s and three doctoral programs. Fittingly, the achievements were followed by a University celebration of Founding Father Stewart Morris on his 100th birthday; a statue in his likeness was dedicated on campus.

The HBU College of Science and Engineering was established in 2019 from the merger of the College of Engineering and the College of Science and Mathematics. The College prepares students for new and emerging STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) careers.

One of three doctorate programs, the EdD in Executive Educational Leadership, produced its first graduating class. HBU continues to expand its influence as a national, comprehensive University.

Commendation and Progress The Pinky Pampell Online Division surpassed 15,000 credit hours conferred in March 2020.

The division serves students with eight bachelor’s, 16 master’s and two doctoral degrees.

HBU was named to the Top 10 in 2020 Best Online Colleges in Texas by the SR Education Group.

In May 2019, HBU Athletics captured its fourth-straight Southland Academic Performance Award. HBU student-athletes consistently earn outstanding grade point averages; the group recently posted its highest cumulative GPA since returning to NCAA Division I play in 2007.

Online and Remote Delivery When Houston and the nation were faced with a new challenge, COVID-19, in the spring of 2020, the University responded quickly. During one week in March, HBU moved nearly 800 traditional classes to remote delivery, and provided needed resources and support to students and faculty. Additionally, the institution continued to serve a group of residential students who needed to remain on campus. The time emphasized the importance of flexible learning platforms, and the necessity of the HBU Online Division, which serves learners throughout the nation and the world.

HBU’s Ongoing Legacy With a rich history and a promising future, HBU’s distinctive, Christian approach will continue to prepare learners for effective lives of service in their chosen vocational fields.

63

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

2019-2020 Enrollment, Fall

3,902

Enrollment, Spring

3,686

Number of students on full or partial scholarships funded by institution*

2,417

Number of students receiving BGCT Ministerial Tuition Grants*

19

Estimated total number of students preparing for ministry*

314

Approximate percentage of Baptist students

20%

*”Non duplicating” totals for the 2019-20 school year.

SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENT Operating Revenue Tuition and fees

$

96,418,844

BGCT appropriations

309,826

Auxiliary enterprises

11,181,869

All other sources

HOUSTON BAPTIST UNIVERSITY

HOUSTON BAPTIST UNIVERSITY STATISTICAL INFORMATION

18,022,995

Total operational revenue

$

125,933,534

Operating Expenses Educational and general, not including scholarships

-

Institution funded scholarships & financial aid

50,510,389

Auxiliary enterprises

-

All other expenses

75,988,885

Total operational expenses

126,499,274

Excess revenue over expenses after transfers

$ (565,740.00)

Endowment and Net Assets Total Endowment (Market Value)

$

105,649,538

Net Assets Unrestricted

79,791,539

Temporarily Restricted

105,911,940

Permanently Restricted

Total Net Assets

$

185,703,479

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

64

HOWARD PAYNE UNIVERSITY

Howard Payne University is a Christ-centered, close-knit academic community located in the heart of Texas since 1889.

COVID-19 Preparedness and Response HPU leadership has monitored the global outbreak of COVID-19, also known as coronavirus, since February and began preparing accordingly.

CORY HINES President

1000 Fisk Street Brownwood, Texas 76801 hputx.edu

The university’s COVID-19 Response Team, comprised of administrators representing various areas of HPU life, remains up to date on news and guidelines from city, county, state and federal officials. Dr. Hines regularly shares updates on the university’s plans and procedures with the HPU community, and a COVID-19 webpage on the HPU website, maintained for public access, features up-to-date information on the university’s response along with recommendations related to preventative measures that students, faculty, staff and others should take to protect themselves and others from illness. Updates are also shared through the HPU Emergency Alert System, university social media channels and contact with news outlets.

HPU is committed to creating and maintaining a culture of safety and prevention through diligent efforts in screening, testing procedures, hygiene practices and other initiatives.

Spring 2020 classes were moved online and all large events were postponed or cancelled.

Summer 2020 courses were offered online and in person, with on-campus classes hosted in classrooms that could accommodate social distancing while still providing quality faceto-face instruction. As of this writing, the fall 2020 semester will begin as scheduled on August 24, pending any delays or other modifications as directed by government officials.

Classrooms, residence halls and other campus facilities, as well as the university’s El Paso and New Braunfels extension centers, will be open for students while allowing for proper social distancing and other protocols in line with COVID-19 guidelines.

The semester will continue through final exams December 7-10, unless health conditions warrant adjustments to scheduling and/or class format.` Groundbreaking for Newbury Family Welcome Center HPU held a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, June 25, to celebrate the beginning of construction on the Newbury Family Welcome Center. The facility is named for the family of Dr. Don Newbury, a 1961 graduate of HPU, president of the university from 1985 to 1997 and current chancellor.

The event was attended by Dr. Newbury; his wife, Brenda and their family; and numerous alumni, community members and other friends of the university. In addition to Dr. Newbury and Dr. Hines ’97, other individuals who took part in the ceremony were Deborah Cartwright ’73, chairwoman of HPU’s Board of Trustees; Dr. Ronny Marriott ’87, member of HPU’s Board of Trustees, senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Burleson; the Honorable Draco Miller, Brownwood mayor pro tem and city councilman; Dr. Chris Liebrum ’73, director of the Baptist General Convention of Texas’ Cooperative Program Ministry; and Dr. Richard Jackson ’61, former member of HPU’s Board of Trustees, president of the Jackson Center for Evangelism and Encouragement.

The welcome center will be located on the historic former site of Old Main, the university’s original building, which was destroyed by fire in 1984. The new building will serve as an inviting facility for visitors to campus and help form the first impression of the university for future students. It will house the Office of Admission and spaces for meetings and events.

Dr. Newbury is fondly remembered for his friendly personality and leadership displayed throughout his time leading the university. The Newburys were known to frequently open their home to students and university personnel. During his tenure as HPU president, the university added numerous new facilities and experienced a major resurgence in student enrollment. Dr. and Mrs. Newbury are members of First Baptist Church in Burleson, where he serves as part-time director of senior adults’ activities.

65

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

2019-2020 Enrollment, Fall

1,031

Enrollment, Spring

880

Number of students on full or partial scholarships funded by institution*

833

Number of students receiving BGCT Ministerial Tuition Grants*

53

Estimated total number of students preparing for ministry*

90

Approximate percentage of Baptist students

33.90%

*”Non duplicating” totals for the 2019-20 school year.

SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENT UNAUDITED

HOWARD PAYNE UNIVERSITY

HOWARD PAYNE UNIVERSITY STATISTICAL INFORMATION

Operating Revenue Tuition and fees

$

BGCT appropriations

20,933,876 647,366

Auxiliary enterprises

2,662,807

All other sources

9,496,081

Total operational revenue

$

33,740,130

$

19,231,129

Operating Expenses Educational and general, not including scholarships Institution funded scholarships & financial aid

10,956,914

Auxiliary enterprises

2,641,927

All other expenses Total operational expenses

Excess revenue over expenses after transfers

$

32,829,970

$

910,160

$

59,641,734

Endowment and Net Assets Total Endowment (Market Value)

Net Assets Unrestricted

24,025,224

Temporarily Restricted

29,934,568

Permanently Restricted

40,375,343

Total Net Assets

$

94,335,135

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

66

UNIVERSITY OF MARY HARDIN-BAYLOR

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor prepares students for lives of leadership, service, and faith-informed discernment in a global society. Academic excellence, personal attention, broad-based scholarship, and a Baptist vision for education distinguish our Christ-centered learning community.

This year represents a significant milestone for UMHB as the university celebrates the 175th anniversary of its founding. While the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of some anniversary events, there has still been plenty to celebrate this year.

RANDY O’REAR

President 900 College Street Belton, Texas 76513 umhb.edu

ACADEMICS Even as the size of UMHB has grown, it has continued to offer students the personal attention that has been a cornerstone of the UMHB experience for 175 years. This fall the university offers more than 70 unique academic programs, including bachelor’s degrees in 50 undergraduate majors, 11 master’s degree programs, and 3 doctoral degrees (Doctor of Education, Doctor of Nursing Practice, and Doctor of Physical Therapy).

In January of 2020, the first group of students began coursework in the newly launched Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program. Classes are held in the new occupational therapy wing of Hardy Hall, which added 15,000 square feet of laboratory, classroom, and office space to the building.

This year also saw the creation of the Cru Community Clinic, which provides mental health counseling, physical therapy, and occupational therapy at no cost to members of the Central Texas community. The space offers a dynamic and innovative environment where compassionate healthcare practitioners develop their professional skills through interprofessional education/practice, hands-on student learning, and faith-informed community service.

In August, UMHB welcomed its students back to campus. Because of the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the university offered most of its courses in a CruFlex format this fall. Through this innovative approach, students can choose to attend their classes face-to-face, watch their classes online as they are taking place, or access their courses’ videos and assignments online 24/7. Additionally, students can move between these three modalities at any time during the semester, as needed.

STUDENT LIFE When COVID-19 stay-at-home orders made it necessary to shift classes to an online format mid-spring, students had to adapt quickly. To help them adjust to the situation, 100 staff members joined forces to call all UMHB students. Through more than 4,300 calls staff members counseled students through everything from online access issues to spiritual concerns and even the sickness or death of family members. The goal of the effort was to provide information and resources, identify at-risk students, and learn how the university family could be praying for students around the country.

In April, in the midst of the pandemic lockdown, UMHB held its 81st Annual Easter Pageant Experience. Traditionally, this student-led production depicting the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ has drawn a live audience of more than 6,000 spectators.

In 80 years, the Easter Pageant had never been canceled, and organizers were not about to let the coronavirus change that. When it became clear that COVID-19 was going to make a traditional pageant impossible, organizers began brainstorming how, rather than cancel the event, they might make it extraordinary. It was decided that this year’s Easter Pageant would be edited together to feature footage from past productions and testimonials from people who have been involved with the pageant over the years. In the end, this special production was experienced by nearly 10,000 people around the world.

MANY THANKS The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor continues to move toward its vision of being the university of choice for Christian higher education in the Southwest. Many thanks to Texas Baptists and others who support the university’s efforts to prepare students for lives of Christian leadership!

67

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

2019-2020 Enrollment, Fall

3,846

Enrollment, Spring

3,431

Number of students on full or partial scholarships funded by institution*

3,599

Number of students receiving BGCT Ministerial Tuition Grants*

28

Estimated total number of students preparing for ministry*

72

Approximate percentage of Baptist students

36%

*”Non duplicating” totals for the 2019-20 school year.

SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENT Operating Revenue Tuition and fees

$

BGCT appropriations

96,900,000 590,000

Auxiliary enterprises

12,800,000

All other sources

4,040,000

Total operational revenue

UNIVERSITY OF MARY HARDIN-BAYLOR

UNIVERSITY OF MARY HARDIN BAYLOR STATISTICAL INFORMATION

$ 114,330,000

Operating Expenses Educational and general, not including scholarships

$

65,850,000

Institution funded scholarships & financial aid

27,420,000

Auxiliary enterprises

4,400,000

All other expenses

16,580,000

Total operational expenses

$ 114,250,000

Excess revenue over expenses after transfers

$

80,000

Endowment and Net Assets Total Endowment (Market Value)

$

92,122,000

Net Assets Unrestricted

174,000,000

Temporarily Restricted

33,400,000

Permanently Restricted

59,000,000

Total Net Assets

$ 266,400,000

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

68

WAYLAND BAPTIST UNIVERSITY

For Wayland Baptist University, the transition from 2019 to 2020 has been interesting to say the least. Like other institutions, WBU was deeply affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Wayland, however, met the challenge with resolve and commitment to its students to continue providing a high-level education grounded in faith, and the university is ready to welcome students back to campus.

BOBBY L. HALL President

1900 West Seventh Street Plainview, Texas 79072 wbu.edu

Wayland made positive changes in the fall of 2019, including developing new academic programs such as the Bachelor of Arts in Humanities degree focused on table-top game design. The degree appeals to a niche market that is growing in popularity and has generated positive results and feedback as prospects interested in gaming have applied for the program. Wayland is also building its computer science program to meet the needs of another specific group.

The School of Business is adding a new digital marketing degree and is collaborating with the School of Christian Studies to offer a new Mission in Business specialization offered with the Bachelor of Business Administration. The School of Christian Studies and the School of Music are also collaborating on a new Bachelor of Arts in Worship Studies degree that is now available.

Administratively, Dr. Claude Lusk was promoted from Vice President of Enrollment Management to Senior Vice President of Operations and Student Life, and Dr. Daniel Brown was promoted to Vice President of Enrollment Management, focusing on admissions.

Athletically, Wayland celebrated as the storied Flying Queens women’s basketball program was enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in a special ceremony in Springfield, Mass., in September. The enshrinement recognized the program from 1948-82, a span of time in which the Queens set numerous records, won 10 AAU national titles, and influenced and changed the game of women’s basketball. A contingent of Wayland officials and former Flying Queens were on hand for the ceremony. Former Queen Linda Pickens Price, president of the Flying Queens Foundation, represented the group during the enshrinement festivities. The ceremonial jacket, trophy and Hall of Fame ring will be on permanent display at Wayland.

The current Flying Queens were on a roll during the spring semester with an extended winning streak. The team won the Sooner Athletic Conference championship and were ranked No. 2 in the nation heading into the national tournament. The Queens would have entered the tournament as the No. 2 seed overall, having already posted three wins against No. 1-ranked teams throughout the season. The Queens excited at the prospects of winning a national championship, but the week before leaving for the national tournament, all competition was shut down due to the pandemic.

The shutdown was just the first in a line of dominos that ended on-campus activities and moved classes completely online in mid-March. Wayland faculty adapted quickly, however, and due to the technology infrastructure and experience with online learning, the transition went as smoothly as it could have. The university has been involved in online learning since 1997 and adapted quickly to the change.

The semester ended online and graduation ceremonies were cancelled. Graduating students received a gift box from the university to commemorate their accomplishment.

They were also invited to participate in the university’s December commencement.

Moving forward, administration and faculty have already made plans for re-opening in the fall, with contingency plans for once again moving everything online if necessary. The administration, faculty and staff are excited to have students back on campus.

69

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

2019-2020 Enrollment, Fall

4,084

Enrollment, Spring

3,733

Number of students on full or partial scholarships funded by institution*

1,343

Number of students receiving BGCT Ministerial Tuition Grants*

29

Estimated total number of students preparing for ministry*

267

Approximate percentage of Baptist students

20%

*”Non duplicating” totals for the 2019-20 school year.

SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENT Operating Revenue Tuition and fees

$

43,732,349

BGCT appropriations

580,310

Auxiliary enterprises

4,139,301

All other sources

WAYLAND BAPTIST UNIVERSITY

WAYLAND BAPTIST UNIVERSITY STATISTICAL INFORMATION

10,449,920

Total operational revenue

$

58,901,880

$

51,806,641

Operating Expenses Educational and general, not including scholarships Institution funded scholarships & financial aid

6,837,983

Auxiliary enterprises

3,338,404

All other expenses

2,341,747

Total operational expenses

Excess revenue over expenses after transfers

$

64,324,775

$

(5,422,895)

$

90,860,641

Endowment and Net Assets Total Endowment (Market Value)

Net Assets Unrestricted

78,790,384

Temporarily Restricted Permanently Restricted

Total Net Assets

48,360,241 $

127,150,625

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

70

SAN MARCOS BAPTIST ACADEMY

As the only secondary school among Texas Baptist institutions, San Marcos Baptist Academy has provided excellence in Christian education for boarding and day students since 1907. San Marcos Baptist Academy began the 2019-20 school year with their highest enrollment in two decades, and students at all levels celebrated successes in academics, athletics, and the arts. Even when the pandemic halted in-classroom instruction, students continued to excel through distance learning.

Some highlights from the year include the following: BRIAN N. GUENTHER President

2801 Ranch Road 12 San Marcos, Texas 78666 smabears.org

• The Junior ROTC Bear Battalion earned the “Honor Unit with Distinction” designation during their Program for Accreditation in November. The Battalion, which almost doubled in size, scored 97.75 percent on their inspection.

• A Leo Club roared onto the campus in the fall, sponsored by the San Marcos Lions Club. Drawing 50+ members, including a number of international students, the Leo Club received its charter at an Installation Ceremony in December.

• In Fine Arts, the Theatre Department performed three shows, including a full-length musical and a one-act play that placed first at district and fourth at state. Three members of the cast and crew received All-State honors. SMA clarinetist Daniel AbuJaber performed with the ATSSB All-State Band for the second consecutive year, while SMBA’s concert band reigned as state champion.

• In athletics, the 13-1 soccer team captured the district title and advanced into the third round at state. Two members of the swim team qualified for state as well. The football team improved by five wins over the previous season, making the state playoffs. Two seniors signed letters of intent to play football at Texas Lutheran University, and a third senior was invited to join the track team at Trinity University (San Antonio).

• Sophomore Taryn Landes placed first with her steer at the Fort Worth Stock Show, and SMA equestrians earned multiple ribbons at 4-H riding events. SMA cheerleader Ava Webb and mascot Micah Burton were named NCA All-Americans.

• Seven students were baptized before the entire student body following Christian Focus Week, led by campus ministers Monica and Craig Followell in February.

• SMBA became one of the first schools in Texas to certify all staff, faculty, and Upper School students in Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE) and Stop the Bleed training, led by SRO Deputy Daniel Weber.

Success of a different kind was in store for SMBA when Hays County issued the “Stay at Home, Work Safe” order in mid-March. As many schools struggled to put distance learning strategies in place, SMBA did not skip a beat, thanks to a task force of educators who developed a plan over Spring Break. After just two days of training, teachers began delivering DL instruction to students in every grade level.

While the majority of boarding students were able to return to their homes, several could not. They remained at the dormitories for their instruction, receiving care from the residential and student life staffs. Campus employees deemed essential continued their work as usual, while teachers and non-essential staff contributed from their homes.

“I tip my hat to this group of teachers and staff,” Senior Vice President Bob Wiegand said.

“They fully embraced this challenge, and I saw no drop off in their effort. They have shown great adaptability and truly upped their game.”

In the end, all students wrapped up their coursework on time, including the 46 seniors. A highly qualified and successful class, the 2020 graduates received letters of acceptance to more than 80 colleges and universities across 24 states and two foreign countries, earning merit scholarships in excess of $2.3 million.

71

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

2019-2020 Enrollment, Fall

333

Enrollment, Spring

342

Number of students on full or partial scholarships funded by institution*

80

Number of students receiving BGCT Ministerial Tuition Grants*

Estimated total number of students preparing for ministry*

Approximate percentage of Baptist students

14%

*”Non duplicating” totals for the 2019-20 school year.

SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENT Operating Revenue Tuition and fees

$

4,676,630

BGCT appropriations

175,237

Auxiliary enterprises

351,610

All other sources

SAN MARCOS BAPTIST ACADEMY

SAN MARCOS BAPTIST ACADEMY STATISTICAL INFORMATION

1,219,594

Total operational revenue

$

6,423,071

$

2,290,202

Operating Expenses Educational and general, not including scholarships Institution funded scholarships & financial aid

670,207

Auxiliary enterprises

1,350,835

All other expenses

2,939,284

Total operational expenses

$

Excess revenue over expenses after transfers

7,250,528

$

(827,458)

Endowment and Net Assets Total Endowment (Market Value)

$

7,848,535

Net Assets Unrestricted

12,544,663

Temporarily Restricted

1,053,743

Permanently Restricted

6,358,311

Total Net Assets

$

19,956,717

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

72

STARK COLLEGE & SEMINARY

Stark College & Seminary (SCS) embraces all who seek to answer God’s call to ministry and desire to stay in the Texas region where they live and serve. For more information on our institution please visit www.stark.edu.

Our Mission

TONY CELELI President

7000 Ocean Drive Corpus Christi, TX 78501 www.stark.edu

SCS exists to equip educationally under-served followers of Christ for service in the church and community. Everything at SCS is driven by the mission to support non-traditional students who answer their call to ministry with higher education. Stark specializes in equipping working students who have limited options due to family, ministry, and work obligations. Most SCS students are older (average age is 40+), work full-time, have family dependents, and serve in some capacity in their local church. With full plates, SCS designs degree programs for working students to build success upon success. Starting with a year-long certificate program, students can achieve their educational goals from the Diploma to the Bachelors and even a Master’s degree in Ministry. Therefore, Stark students do not lose hours when moving from one degree to the next, thereby experiencing a sense of accomplishment and confidence.

Our Make Up Since its inception in 1947 as the University of Corpus Christi, Stark College & Seminary continues providing theological education for minority students in South Texas. Last year, SCS served 135 local churches through 269 dedicated students. The typical student is ethnically diverse and reflects the unique demographics of the South Texas region: 51% Hispanic, 30% Caucasian, 14% African-American, and 4% other. Likewise, faculty diversity reflects a commitment to God’s creation through professors resembling the students: 38.5% Hispanic, 38.5% Caucasian, 19.2% African-American, and 3.8% other. Another Stark distinctive is practitioner-scholar professors, who not only hold advanced degrees, but also actively serve in local churches. What the faculty teach on Monday they must put into action on Sunday. This first-hand ministry participation provides a rich classroom experience for students who are in ministry trenches as well.

Our Model Stark offers various teaching modalities, including in-person, interactive video, and online classes. While the main campus is in Corpus Christi, SCS has a campus in McAllen and extension sites in Victoria and San Antonio. The 10-year strategic plan includes expanding partnerships with churches throughout the State of Texas. It is our belief the 21st century seminary should not be bricks and mortar bound, but rather connected by a web of churches through technology. SCS exists for the local church and through these partnerships, the college and seminary equips students where they live and serve. This model enables SCS to keep tuition rates affordable for the bi-vocational church leader.

If your church is interested in becoming a teaching site partner, then please contact the Director of Church Relations Rev. Eric Tarver at etarver@stark.edu for more information.

Stark College & Seminary is accredited with the Association of Biblical Higher Education (ABHE) for all programs, including the Certificate in Ministry (19 hrs), Diploma in Ministry (60 hrs), BA in Ministry (120 hrs), and MA in Ministry (44 hrs). SCS has several articulation agreements with other educational institutions across the state of Texas creating a pathway for students to graduate with degrees whether ministry related or not. Visit www.stark.edu for more details.

73

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

2019-2020 Enrollment, Fall

175

Enrollment, Spring

193

Number of students on full or partial scholarships funded by institution*

193

Number of students receiving BGCT Ministerial Tuition Grants*

68

Estimated total number of students preparing for ministry*

269

Approximate percentage of Baptist students

63%

*”Non duplicating” totals for the 2019-20 school year.

SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENT

STARK COLLEGE & SEMINARY

STARK COLLEGE & SEMINARY STATISTICAL INFORMATION

Operating Revenue Tuition and fees

$

BGCT appropriations

359,504 —

Auxiliary enterprises

58,404

All other sources

1,707,467

Total operational revenue

$

2,125,375

$

1,992,076

Operating Expenses Educational and general, not including scholarships Institution funded scholarships & financial aid

107,416

Auxiliary enterprises

—

All other expenses

—

Total operational expenses

Excess revenue over expenses after transfers

$

2,099,492

$

25,883

$

7,110,418

Endowment and Net Assets Total Endowment (Market Value)

Net Assets Unrestricted

$25,883

Temporarily Restricted

1,139,185

Permanently Restricted

Total Net Assets

5,518,880 $

6,683,948

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

74

VALLEY BAPTIST MISSIONS EDUCATION CENTER 75

NO PHOTO

The Center, located in deep South Texas, in an area just west of the coastal waters of the Gulf of Mexico bordered by the Nueces River to the north and the rolling Rio Grande to the south. This area has become one of the great crossroads of the world uniquely centered between two literal halves of the Western Hemisphere. The Center is poised to serve the Christian community with our missions training and housing facilities. The Center has been a part of Baptist missions training since 1947. Educating and inspiring hundreds of young men and women for service was the original mission of this institution and that message is the same today.

3700 E. Harrison Harlingen, Texas 78550 vbmec.org

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

VALLEY BAPTIST MISSIONS EDUCATION CENTER STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES FOR YEAR ENDING 12/31/2019 Without Donor Restrictions

With Donor Restrictions

Total

Revenue and Other Support Contribution and gifts

$

Lease fees and tenant charges

74,640

—

2,429,095

—

$

74,640 2,429,095

Income from mission groups

1,936

—

Investment income, net

31,084

—

31,084

1,286,503

—

1,286,503

Food services provided Miscellaneous revenue

35,653

—

Realized gain on investment transactions

45

—

Total operational revenue

$

Program services

$

Supporting services

1,936

35,653

45

3,858,956

— $

3,858,956

2,887,048

— $

2,887,048

Expenses 440,901

—

440,901

3,327,949

—

3,327,949

531,007

—

Change in unrealized income (loss) - Baptist Foundation

100

44,723

44,823

Change in unrealized income (loss) on stocks

4,265

—

4,265

Total other change in net assets

4,365

44,723

49,088

535,372

44,723

580,095

8,890,561

490,412

9,480,973

535,135

$ 10,061,068

Total expenses

Change in net assets from operations

$

$

531,007

Other change in net assets

Change in Net Assets Net assets at beginning of year

Net assets at end of year

$

9,525,933

$

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

76

INSTITUTIONS - CHILD CARE/AGING/RETIREMENT BAPTIST COMMUNITY SERVICES 77

Baptist Community Services (“BCS”) is a multi-organizational system that operates and provides a variety of facilities and services to the Panhandle region of Texas. BCS’ primary focus is on the provision of quality, spiritual-based services to senior adults.

NO PHOTO

STEVE DALRYMPLE

President/CEO & Chief Legal Officer 701 Park Place Amarillo, Texas 79101 baptist community services.com

Park Central Community The Park Central campus near Downtown Amarillo is comprised currently of eight facilities which provide independent living services, assisted living services, memory care services, and long term care services to senior adults. Apartment facilities and services are provided at Park Place Towers, The Continental, The Harrington, The Talmage Apartments, and the Plemons Court Apartments. Park Place Towers, The Continental, and The Harrington facilities provide a wide array of services to their respective residents, including a Nurse Navigator program (health care access services), a chaplaincy program, dining services, housekeeping, and transportation services. The Talmage Apartments and the Plemons Court Apartments provide affordable housing facilities for lower income senior adults, with access to the services of the Park Central campus. A complete range of assisted living services are provided at the Winfred and Elizabeth Moore Assisted Living Center (which has been expanded to 66 units from 30).

As new additions to the Park Central campus, BCS has constructed a 32,000 square foot assisted living facility which provides specialized memory care/dementia services for up to 52 residents. The Sycamore opened in April of 2018. BCS has also constructed a 65,000 square foot long term care facility, The Ware, for up to 120 residents. It was opened in April of 2019.

Roving Chaplaincy Program This chaplaincy ministry consists of eleven chaplains provided by BCS, who provide spiritual care for residents and families, as well as the staff/employees of 20 senior living facilities (i.e. nursing homes, assisted living centers, etc.), a senior adult low-income housing complex, a free health care clinic, and a senior community center in the Amarillo area (each or which are not affiliated facilities of BCS).

The Arbors The Arbors is a 60-unit skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility located near the Harrington Regional Medical Center in Amarillo, Texas. This facility is Medicare certified for 60 beds, and provides a comprehensive level of skilled nursing/rehabilitation services in coordination with local acute health care facilities at the adjacent medical center.

Snack Pak 4 Kids This feeding ministry feeds more than 10,000 children and teenagers in the Texas Panhandle, who are experiencing food insecurity on weekends (not only during the school year, but also when school is out). Nutritious food packs are delivered each week for weekend use for these children and their families.

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

2019-2020 Provided on-campus or residential care Served in own homes and off-campus care Provided financial aid only Provided college education or special training Served through other ministries Total number of served through ministries (non duplicate) Professions of Faith

11

Number of employees: Full-Time Part-Time

SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENT BGCT appropriations

$

Contributions from churches

24,673 —

Residential support

28,104,564

Other Income

73,450,675

Total income

$

Total expenses

101,579,912 50,309,729

Funds available for continuing ministry Total Net Assets

BAPTIST COMMUNITY SERVICES

BAPTIST COMMUNITY SERVICES STATISTICAL INFORMATION

51,270,183 $

575,545,388

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

78

BUCKNER INTERNATIONAL

We’re better together.

After 141 years of continuous ministry, we’ve identified a couple of constants at Buckner: First, the world still needs the kind of hope we provide. The second constant is just as true: We’ve never provided hope alone. Our ministry is better when we work together.

ALBERT L. REYES

President/CEO 700 N. Pearl Street, Suite 1200 Dallas, Texas 75201 buckner. org

From our earliest days, we have always worked together with others to shine hope.

Buckner is wired for togetherness and working in tandem with others is a great model.

Many times, we’re able to take our experience and expertise, pair it with your energy, excitement, resources and heart, and change lives.

Nowhere is this more evident than with our connection to Texas Baptist churches who seek to reach beyond their walls to help children, families and senior adults. In 2019, we worked together with you to shine hope and bring positive change to more than 150,000 people in the U.S. and six other countries where we serve. That kind of work just isn’t possible on our own. We can only do it when you magnify it. I see that kind of togetherness as miraculous.

But this year, we can’t just talk about the past year’s accomplishments without acknowledging 2020’s impact on the globe, our nation and state, and our ministry. Let me share a few examples of how Buckner continues to shine hope during both the pandemic and the current national conversation on race and diversity: • Since the earliest weeks of the coronavirus pandemic’s reach on our world, our staff has utilized technology and innovative methods to continue to deliver our ministry services. We have not had to halt one day of service in Texas or internationally.

• We are grateful to God for strong continued giving as so many supporters recognize the urgency of the ministries we provide.

• Our international ministries have continued to shine hope in their countries, many of which have been devastated by the effects of COVID-19. Those efforts have included spiritual support, counseling and family strengthening activities, and tons of humanitarian aid to neighborhoods affected by illness, hunger and poverty.

• Staff at our six senior living communities in Texas have truly provided a heroic response to the threat COVID-19 poses to senior adults.

• And, because we’re better together as a nation that needs to hear a word of peace and equality, the Buckner International Board of Trustees unanimously adopted a statement they titled, “A Call for Love, Justice, and Racial Reconciliation” during their summer meeting July 10. I am proud of this action by the Buckner board as they boldly let the world know, “We repudiate racism, injustice, and racial inequality.”

Thank you for your prayers. In this year especially, I ask you to pray for the children, families and seniors we serve, our nation and our ministry as we seek to navigate the unsteady waters of 2020.

For the full report on our work last year, see our 2019 Annual Report at www.Buckner.org Cordially, Albert L. Reyes President and CEO Buckner International

79

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

2019-2020 BUCKNER CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES, INC Children served through foster care

947

Children who found a forever home through adoption Parents and children served domestically through Buckner Family Hope Centers Single parents and children served through Buckner Family Pathways

127

21,506

553

Served through other ministries

36,727

Served through international ministries

87,985

Total number of children and families served (non duplicate)

147,845

Additional number served through Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls(R)

*71,828

Professions of Faith

Number of Employees

783 341

BGCT appropriations

$

250,000

Contributions from churches

739,000

Client support

16,143,000

Other Income

27,581,000

Total income

$

44,713,000

Total expenses

$

46,309,000

Funds available for continuing ministry*

Total Net Assets

BUCKNER INTERNATIONAL

BUCKNER INTERNATIONAL - ALL MINISTRIES STATISTICAL INFORMATION & SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS BY MINISTRY (AS OF 12/19 AUDITED)

(1,596,000) $

56,366,000

* Reflects some duplication among other ministries.

BUCKNER RETIREMENT SERVICES, INC Total number of served through ministries (non duplicate)

1,727

Number of employees:

733

BGCT appropriations

$ 7,000

Contributions from churches

21,000

Client support

52,983,000

Other Income

2,931,000

Total income

$

55,942,000

Total expenses

$

55,617,000

Funds available for continuing ministry

Total Net Assets*

325,000 $

(9,163,000)

* In 2016 and 2017, Buckner Retirement Services, Inc. issued tax exempt bonds totaling $141,745,000. As part of the issuances, the Series 2007 tax exempt bond issuance was refinanced, resulting in a special charge for refunding of ($2,828,701).

BUCKNER MEMORIALS MINISTRIES, INC. Total number of served through ministries (non duplicate)

507

Number of employees:

168

BGCT appropriations

$

Client Support

10,276,000

Other Income

1,984,000

151,000

Total income

$

12,411,000

Total expenses

$

13,007,000

Funds available for continuing ministry

Total Net Assets

$

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

(596,000) 34,092,000

80

CHILDREN AT HEART MINISTRIES

Serving Children. Strengthening Families.

TODD ROBERSON

President & CEO 1301 N. Mays Round Rock, Texas 78664- 2945 www.cahm.org

Every day, Texas Baptists are helping share the love of Jesus with children and families all across the state. Through your partnership with Children At Heart Ministries, the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ shines bright in a world where darkness seems to loom around every corner and where many struggle to overcome the difficulties of circumstances that leave them without a place to turn for help. But because of your generosity, the children and families we serve are given the chance to heal from their pasts and move toward a promising future that is full of hope and joy.

“A new command I give to you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

(John 13:34-35) Because of your support, thousands across the state of Texas have encountered the love of Jesus in a variety of different ways – and many of them, for the first time in their lives!

With the completion of the first stage of The Next Step Capital Campaign and addition of the 4 new duplexes, Gracewood was able to offer home, hope, and healing to more than 20 families in 2019. Both the children and single mothers that they serve continue to flourish and thrive in both the Residential and Independent Living programs. This year, they celebrated hard work and perseverance of 2 Gracewood moms who graduated with their college degrees! We know that the children at Gracewood are watching their moms closely and learning from each step in their journeys. Seven of those children were on the honor roll at their schools, and we are so proud of their accomplishments!

In Brenham, Miracle Farm continues to invest in the lives of boys who need opportunities to heal from difficult pasts in order to grow into responsible, mature young men of integrity. In 2019, we were overjoyed that 12 of the young men at Miracle Farm came to personal faith in Jesus Christ. Through individual Bible studies with their cottage parents, to Disciple Now weekends and Bible camps, it is so exciting to see how the Lord is working in the lives of these young men. Additionally, Miracle Farm was able to offer 439 hours of counseling as well as training for families in preparation for reunification.

In their effort to ensure that every child across Texas has a healthy, forever family, STARRY finalized more than 30 adoptions and licensed 21 new foster families who served 120 foster children throughout the year. STARRY’s Counseling program continues to grow and serve children and families as they encounter difficult circumstances throughout their lives and, in 2019, STARRY provided 23,826 free counseling sessions to local communities throughout the state.

During 2019, Texas Baptist Children’s Home (TBCH) was able to serve 63 mothers and more than 110 children through their residential programs in Round Rock. In order to help these children and single mothers heal from the difficulties of their past and look toward a promising future, TBCH provided 1,378 hours of individual, family, and group counseling.

This year, 33 of the children and single mothers served by TBCH professed faith in Jesus Christ or rededicated their lives to following Him! We are deeply thankful for the partnership of Texas Baptists as we work together to honor God and build a better world by serving children and strengthening families. Your kindness makes an incredible difference in thousands of lives across the state and your generosity will continue to impact lives for many years to come!

81

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

2019-2020

Children served through foster care

121

Adoptions

31

Counseling and other ministries

19,537

Provided on-campus or residential care

302

Served through community ministry and off-campus care

2,687

Assisted with college education or special training

19

Total number of individuals served through ministries (non duplicate)

22,991

Total known spiritual decisions

55

Number of employees: Full-Time

139

Part-Time

25

GRACEWOOD BGCT appropriations

$

Contributions from churches

82,021

Residential support

10,085

1,005,448

Other Income

130,698

Total income

$ 1,228,252

Total expenses

CHILDREN AT HEART MINISTRIES

CHILDREN AT HEART MINISTRIES STATISTICS ALL MINISTRIES

1,278,690

Funds available for continuing ministry

(50,438)

Total Net Assets

$

1,708,868

BGCT appropriations

$

130,698

Contributions from churches

44,957

Residential support

MIRACLE FARM

Other Income

— 2,262,904

Total income

$

2,438,559

Total expenses

1,895,383

Funds available for continuing ministry

543,176

Total Net Assets

$ 1,468,275

STARRY BGCT appropriations

$

Contributions from churches

Residential support

130,698 7,023 —

Other Income

6,204,462

Total income

$

Total expenses

Funds available for continuing ministry Total Net Assets

6,342,183 6,751,831 (409,648)

$

2,771,131

BGCT appropriations

$

130,698

TEXAS BAPTIST CHILDREN’S HOME Contributions from churches

126,612

Residential support

41,306

Other Income

4,391,656

Total income

$

4,690,272

Total expenses

4,391,824

Funds available for continuing ministry

Total Net Assets

$

298,448 3,849,969

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

82

SOUTH TEXAS CHILDREN’S HOME MINISTRIES 83

Amid global challenges to public health resulting in social distancing and economic concerns, God continued to seek to save the lost and care for His own. STCH Ministries remained committed to serving the children and families God brought our way as they dealt with life’s challenges. Throughout the months of uncertainty due to COVID-19, STCH Ministries sought avenues to continue healing hearts and sharing hope.

ERON GREEN

President PO Box 1210 Beeville, Texas 78104-1210 stchm.org

This virus has taken lives and livelihoods, not only here in the United States, but around the world. We have had to temporarily adapt all of our ministries to keep our staff and those we serve safe from this pandemic. But we can proudly say, through it all, we have persevered and The Ministry has Continued! In fact, we have flourished and grown. We have created new and innovative ways to conduct ministry.

Family Counseling moved to distance counseling. Homes for Families and Homes for Children committed to routines of school work, chores and devotions; while enjoying more intentional time together. Faith & Work | Faith & Finances discovered new ways to teach classes through online platforms. STCH Ministries International persisted in the mission of transforming lives as families in the Dominican Republic struggled by providing food and supplies.

Our purpose or mission statement is very clear and COVID-19 has not changed it: honoring God, reaching hurting children and families with His love and truth and enabling others to join us in this ministry. Our operations may have temporarily adapted because of COVID-19 but children are still being provided safe and healthy homes to live in and all our other ministries are flourishing as well. STCH Ministries is privileged to be a partner ministry of Texas Baptists as we work to continue the ministry.

Our Ministries Homes for Children – A campus that provides a loving, family environment for children in need.

Homes for Families – A safe haven for mothers and their children whose families are in crisis.

Family Counseling – Professional counseling that is both clinically excellent and distinctively Christian.

International Ministry – Family-friendly mission trips where Americans can work side by side with local believers in churches, orphanages, and Christian schools to meet needs and advance the Gospel.

Faith & Work – Guiding people to discover God’s purpose for their lives and how to fulfill that purpose through their work.

Faith & Finances – A twelve-week class that teaches biblical principles of money management.

Pastor Care – Ministering to ministers through confidential counseling and pulpit supply.

Family Support – Connecting people in need with resources and guidance.

Ministry Consulting – Sharing expertise and resources with other like-minded ministries.

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

Directly Served in Ministries Homes for Children

195

Children served in residential care, college, transitional, and after care Homes for Families

58

Mothers and children served in residential care Family Counseling

3,766

Counseling clients served and workshop participants International Ministry

7,854

Individuals served in churches, children’s homes, schools, and medical clinics Faith & Work

152

Participants in classes for job-training Faith & Finances

275

Participants in classes for biblical money management

SOUTH TEXAS CHILDREN’S HOME MINISTRIES

STCH MINISTRIES STATISTICAL INFORMATION

Family Support 29 Individuals who received assistance or referrals Pastor Care

82

Ministers served through counseling or other assistance TOTAL DIRECTLY SERVED IN MINISTRIES TOTAL PROFESSIONS OF FAITH Other Individuals Impacted (volunteers, referrals, etc.)

Community Outreach (events, presentations, etc.)

12,411 348 1,454 17,471

Number of Employees Full-Time

96

Part-Time

10

Dominican Contract Individuals

5

FINANCIAL STATEMENT : July 1, 2018 - June 30, 2019 Texas Baptists Appropriations through the BGCT

$

Appropriations Supporting Corporations (South Texas Children’s Home and STCH Land Managment)

7,943,039

Other Income

1,113,325

Total income

$

Total expenses

9,588,584 9,618,307

Funds available for continuing ministry Total Net Assets

532,219

(29,724) $

1,762,306

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

84

85

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio (BHFSA) continues to extend its soul to meet the needs of our community. In addition to providing necessary funding to area nonprofits, the Foundation offers prayer and connection to those we encounter. Beyond supporting initiatives to heal the body, the Foundation invests in programs that heal and enrich the soul. We take the Biblical charge seriously: “To love each other as Jesus loved us” (John 17:12).

In 2019, BHFSA awarded $6,388,203 in grants to nonprofit organizations in our eightcounty service area. These God-ordained grants were given to organizations that demonstrated a clear, unwavering vision of improving the health of our community. In addition to grants, organizations were offered our time, encouragement and prayer.

Scholarship Grants ($1,359,203) were given to local higher education institutions (including the Baptist Health System’s Clinical Pastoral Education Program and Wayland Baptist University). These grants fund scholarships for students in health-related fields.

Community Impact Grants ($221,000) were given to 33 organizations to support small, localized initiatives. Many of these grants were given to organizations not traditionally associated with healthcare, but that have shown creativity in linking their specialties to healthy outcomes in the community.

Disaster Relief Grants ($62,000) were given to Texas Baptist Men and The Salvation Army to bolster their response to future emergency needs.

Strategic to Mission Grants ($1,100,000) were given to the capital campaigns of CentroMed and Meals on Wheels for their new facilities. These grants will help both organizations greatly increase their ability to serve thousands of people in San Antonio and surrounding areas.

Responsive Grants ($3,646,000) were awarded to 57 established area nonprofits. The organizations vary, from community clinics to children’s homes to youth organizations.

Many grantees were recipients in previous years, demonstrating BFHSA’s deep connection to our area’s nonprofit community.

The grants were announced at BHFSA’s annual Awards Ceremony, an end-of-year celebration and recognition of recipient organizations. God’s goodness and generosity were the central theme, as prayers were offered, and a Gospel message shared.

The Awards Ceremony also featured a recognition of the 2019 Spirit of Health Award recipient, Taylor Castro and Team Taylor. As Taylor is BHFSA’s first posthumous recipient, her parents, Naomi and Fred Herrera, were present to accept on her behalf. Throughout her fight with Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Myeloid Sarcoma, Castro continuously educated people about the importance of bone marrow donation. This gave life to the #TeamTaylor movement, which helped register thousands of new bone marrow donors, potentially saving thousands of patients waiting for a donor match. Taylor was a faithful Christian with a firm belief that God had a plan for each and every life, including her own.

CODY S. KNOWLTON President

750 East Mulberry Avenue, Suite 325 San Antonio, Texas 782123107 bhfsa.org

INSTITUTIONS - MEDICAL CENTERS BAPTIST HEALTH FOUNDATION OF SAN ANTONIO

Isaiah 58:10—If you extend your soul to the hungry and satisfy the afflicted soul, Then your light shall dawn in the darkness, and your darkness shall be as the noonday.

Overall, Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio saw another year of God’s grace poured out over our eight-county community. As always, we thank Him for His continued blessing and acknowledge Him as the giver of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17).

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

86

BAPTIST HEALTH SYSTEM

Baptist Health System (BHS) has served the healthcare needs of San Antonio and South Texas since 1903. From one hospital in downtown San Antonio, BHS has grown over the years into a comprehensive faith-based system with over 8,000 associates serving the greater San Antonio area through: 6 Acute Care Hospitals 8 Baptist Emergency Hospitals KEITH BRUCE

Vice President, Mission and Ministry 215 E. Quincy, Suite 200 San Antonio, Texas 78215

BHS Physicians Network Baptist School of Health Professions HealthLink Fitness and Rehabilitation Centers M & S Imaging Centers MedPost Urgent Care Centers

baptisthealth system.co

A “Community Built on Care”, BHS has achieved remarkably high standards in patient safety and quality of care. In 2019 and 2020, all 6 Baptist hospitals received national recognition from the Leapfrog Group, which gave each facility an “A” in patient safety.

Only 32% of hospitals attain that grade so for all of the hospitals in a large system to be recognized in this way is truly exceptional. Additionally, BHS achieved a 4 star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and was recognized as the highest performing hospital system in San Antonio in avoiding readmissions within 30 days of discharge.

A part of Tenet Health, BHS remains committed to its Baptist, faith-based mission that formally began in 1948. An important part of that commitment is to serve the needs of all San Antonio residents. In partnership with Emerus, an 8th Baptist Emergency Hospital was opened in late 2019, intentionally located in an underserved community of west San Antonio. Additionally, a renovated and expended Emergency Department was completed at Baptist Medical Center which also serves a significant underserved area.

In recent months of course, BHS along with other health systems in Texas, our nation, and around the world has faced unimaginable challenges presented by the Novel Coronavirus and COVID-19. This has been an extremely difficult time and even as this report is written, San Antonio and Texas are in the midst of a huge surge in the number of cases and deaths.

The Pastoral Care Team of BHS has stepped up in this time to creatively and energetically support the emotional and spiritual needs not only of patients and their families but of our stressed and exhausted healthcare heroes as well. Because visitors are not allowed, chaplains have often set up video conference calls for patients and families or ministered to grieving families in parking lots and other outside locations. One CPE Resident even adapted a toy remote control car to be able to carry a smart phone to the bedside of patients in order to video chat with their families. “Serenity Rooms” have been set up in multiple locations to give staff a place of respite and reflection. Email scriptural meditations and overhead prayers have brought comfort, and countless “debriefings” have been held with grieving staff and physicians.

Chaplains are not immune to the overwhelming anguish caused by COVID-19. One BHS chaplain put it this way: “I am realizing how overwhelmed in grief I am right now; all the COVID deaths and potential deaths… Overwhelmed in grief. That is my chaplain response today from these months with COVID. I want to share the celebrations – and we have had those – but there have been so many griefs…”

Texas Baptists, thank you for your long-time support of and commitment to the healing ministry of healthcare. Please pray special for the long-term effects that this pandemic has had on our world and please especially pray for our healthcare heroes.

87

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

2019-2020 Licensed Beds

1,826

1

Patients Admitted

60,837

Outpatients Treated

463,865

Charity Patients Admitted

220

Charity Outpatients Treated

48

Estimated Value of Total Charity Care

—

Enrollment in Professional Educational Programs

1,744

Number of employees FTE

5,278

Amount of Discounts Allowed: 2 Medicare

3,455,332,312

Other

7,574,538,978

BAPTIST HEALTH SYSTEM

BAPTIST HEALTH SYSTEM STATISTICAL INFORMATION

Number of Chaplains: Full-Time

14

Part-Time

7

Clinical Pastoral Education Residents

6

Volunteers

4

Total Number of chaplains and volunteers

31

Professions of Faith

17

Rededications/Recommitments

49

Patient Visits by Chaplains

68,501

Worship Services Conducted

161

SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENT Income from patients

$

BGCT appropriations

1,141,080,283 —

Other Income

26,828,357

Total income

$

Total expenses

1,167,908,640 955,309,826

Funds available for continuing ministry Total Net Assets4

212,598,814 $

1,748,690,284

1 2018 figure includes Resolute Health Hospital in New Braunfels 2 Revenue reported is net of discounts

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

88

BAPTIST HOSPITALS OF SOUTHEAST TEXAS

For 70 years, Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas has provided high-quality clinical outcomes for patients in a Christian environment. Our physicians, nurses and staff strive every day to offer newer and better programs and services to those that have entrusted their lives and the lives of their loved ones to us.

DAVID PARMER

President/CEO 3080 College Street Beaumont, Texas 77701 bhset.net

During this past year, significant efforts have been initiated to increase services, strengthen mental health resources and strengthen the footprint of Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas through the creation of outpatient clinics, successfully completing accreditations and expanding present service-lines.

The New Life Now Bariatric Program received recognition from the Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery Accreditation & Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) as a Comprehensive Center and the Women’s Services Program received recognition as a designated Texas 10 Step Facility designated to improve maternity care services in birthing facilities. The College of American Pathologists certified that Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas laboratory services has met all standards for successful recertification.

The Baptist Hospital of Southeast Texas Foundation was awarded a FOCUS grant from Gilead Sciences to fund testing and linkage to care for Hepatitis C and HIV positive patients. Philanthropic donations also allowed for the purchase of state of the art technology for the Dauphin Women’s Center allowing for the addition of breast ultrasound capabilities, bone density, 3-D breast ultrasound and genetic testing.

To better serve the needs of our community and to accommodate the desire for outpatient services by consumers, the Outpatient Imaging Center as a satellite off-site facility has been established along with a new Dialysis Access Center to serve the needs of patients suffering with end stage renal disease.

Surgical suites have been renovated to accommodate the highly advanced DaVinci Robot that was a welcome addition to general surgeons, urologists and obstetricians. This sought after technology provides better outcomes and safer procedures.

Our focus on providing mental health services for Southeast Texas resulted in Baptist Behavioral Health being selected to receive funding to continue operation for the inpatient program for children 6-12 years of age. The successful creation of an outpatient behavioral health clinic has been instituted to assist with the mental health needs of our community.

During this unprecedented time of COVID-19, we have found ourselves having to adapt to an ever-changing world. Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas has joined a trial sponsored by the Mayo Clinic that is investigating the role of convalescent plasma in treating those impacted by this devastating virus. We are proud that Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas has been able to infuse seventy-nine COVID-19 positive patients with one hundred twenty-nine units of life-saving plasma. This endeavor has set Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas at the forefront in the COVID fight.

In Southeast Texas, Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas has always been a faithful source of healing and truth. As a leader in this community, we have taken this responsibility seriously, keeping our patients at the heart of all we do. Our partners in caring, our physicians, chaplains, staff, and volunteers are clearly focused on the same mission, to Perform Sacred Work by uniting kindness, quality and healing always.

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TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

2019-2020 Licensed Beds

483

Patients Admitted

13,762

Outpatients Treated

94,765

Charity Patients Admitted

2,410

Charity Outpatients Treated

16,525

Estimated Value of Total Charity Care

211,882,414

Enrollment in Professional Educational Programs Number of employees FTE

1,449

Amount of Discounts Allowed: Medicare

888,604,796

Other

797,492,786

Number of Chaplains: Full-Time

4

Part-Time

—

Pastoral Care Volunteers

—

Total Number of chaplains and volunteers

4

Professions of Faith

—

Rededications/Recommitments

14

Patient Visits by Chaplains

BAPTIST HOSPITALS OF SOUTHEAST TEXAS

BAPTIST HOSPITALS OF SOUTHEAST TEXAS STATISTICAL INFORMATION

7,041

Worship Services Conducted

76

SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENT Income from patients

$

BGCT appropriations

Other Income

265,466,499 152,252 18,413,066

Total income

$

284,031,817

Total expenses

$

262,279,224

Funds available for continuing ministry

Total Net Assets

$

21,752,593 250,219,000

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

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BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE HEALTH

Office of Mission and Ministry (OMM) includes three divisions — Pastoral Care, Pastoral Education and Faith in Action Initiatives — to minister Christ’s healing love to people whose lives have been disrupted by illness, injury, death and to enhance the quality of health in communities through partnerships with local congregations. A summary of the work OMM is doing can be found at https://bswflipbooks.z20.web.core.windows.net/ Office_Mission_Ministry_Annual_Report_2019/index.html

JAMES H. HINTON

President/CEO 3500 Gaston Avenue Dallas, Texas 75246 baylorhealth. com

During the year, Baylor Scott & White chaplains recorded 223,337 pastoral encounters.

BSWH Hillcrest Hospital recorded 8,647 visits and BSWH Baylor University Medical Center recorded 43,426 of the total pastoral encounters. During COVID-19, chaplains have been providing spiritual and emotional care to patients and staff electronically with virtual visits and tele-chaplaincy visits and have provided communion to patients with individually wrapped packets of wafer and grape juice. The number patient virtual and tele-chaplaincy visits have increased by 30% during this time. Chaplains have also provided virtual worship services for staff and events such as the National Day of Prayer.

Chaplains have been asked to many virtual staff meetings to offer prayer and some have provided a bucket of printed scriptures so that staff can help themselves to God’s word.

Clergy, seminarians and qualified laypersons earned 79 student units of clinical pastoral education which included virtual classroom experiences and tele-chaplaincy visits with patients and families that could not be present with their loved ones.

Faith in Action Initiatives (FIAI) provided 58 Fred Roach Scholarships to BSWH employees to participate in international medical mission trips, as well as provided $4,365,500 in free repurposed medical supplies for struggling clinics and hospitals, both nationally and internationally through FIAI’s Second Life Resources. When personal protection equipment was running short for clinical, Faith in Action staff coordinated 60 volunteer groups to make over 3000 face masks to be used by staff to save surgical mask for direct COVID- 19 patient care. FIAI was also approached by senior administration to assemble 20,000 face shields to be used by BSWH medical staff.

OMM continues to engage faith communities to improve access to care, enhance the health of congregations, and provide local community members with support through its rapidly growing Faith Community Health (FCH) program. Since its foundation, FCH has collaborated with over 150 faith communities, trained over 700 volunteers, and served over 250 patients. You can find additional information about FCH and the work that they are doing at https://www.bswhealth.com/about/spiritual-care/Pages/faith-communityhealth.aspx The desire of the FCH team during COVID-19 has been to ensure that our patients and community members feel supported. Faith Community Caregiver volunteers and Connectors have maintained contact with patients through weekly telephone visits and invited faith community leaders to share challenges they were facing. Once challenges were identified, professionals hosted webinars such as: Stress Management in times of crisis; Impact of COVID-19 on the family; and Male and Paternal Roles in Times of a Pandemic, to provide educational resources for faith communities to develop healthy techniques that support families.

A documentary and series of brief videos were created to highlight the work of the OMM, all are designed to share more information around the spiritual care offered to patients and families facing of medical challenges. They can be found at https://www.bswhealth. com/about/spiritual-care/Pages/default.aspx#

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TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

7/2019-3/2020 Licensed Beds

5,064

Patients Admitted

165,445

Outpatients Treated

9,838,347

Charity Patients Admitted

28,198

Charity Outpatients Treated

381,790

Estimated Value of Total Charity Care

872,350,824

Enrollment in Professional Educational Programs

791 Enrollees/ 973,783 Hours

Number of employees FTE

—

Amount of Discounts Allowed: Medicare

7,780,988,821

Other

8,067,240,198

Number of Chaplains: Full-Time

89

Part-Time

95

Volunteer

87

Total Number of chaplains and volunteers

BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE HEALTH

BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE HEALTH STATISTICAL INFORMATION

271

Professions of Faith

628

Rededications/Recommitments

198

Patient Visits by Chaplains

223,337

Worship Services Conducted

2,785

SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENT Income from patients

$

BGCT appropriations

Other Income

6,550,177,000 216,069 1,505,088,931

Total income

$

8,055,482,000

Total expenses

$

7,517,775,000

Funds available for continuing ministry Total Net Assets

537,707,000 $

6,510,973,000

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

92

HENDRICK HEALTH SYSTEM

Hendrick Health System continues its tradition of delivering high quality healthcare to residents of Abilene and the Big Country, with an emphasis on excellence and Christian compassion. This goal, expressed in our mission statement, has remained constant since our founding in 1924. While meeting the challenges of 21st century healthcare, we maintain a timeless commitment to high quality service within the framework of financial stability. Our Baptist identity is a vital aspect of our profile, and we value our relationship with Texas Baptists.

BRAD HOLLAND

President/CEO 1900 Pine Street Abilene, Texas 79601 hendrickhealth. org

Hendrick offers a comprehensive range of healthcare services, including women’s health, orthopedics, rehabilitation, oncology, neuroscience, cardiovascular, neonatal intensive care and children’s services. Throughout the decades, our campus has continued to grow, most recently with the additions of a dialysis center, a freestanding pediatric therapy gym and a new regional laboratory and blood center.

In April, Hendrick Health System announced its intention to purchase Abilene Regional Medical Center in Abilene and Brownwood Regional Medical Center in Brownwood, pending state approval. These acquisitions will expand care capacity within Abilene, Brownwood and our 24-county service area. Completion of the sale is expected later this year.

In June, Hendrick broke ground on three new urgent care clinics, two in Abilene and one in Brownwood. These facilities will provide additional means for the community to receive primary care and ease pressure on our emergency department, which is often the only recourse for persons who have no primary care physician.

Another highlight for 2019-20 came in the form of a partnership with Day Nursery of Abilene to provide additional childcare facilities for employees and residents in the area surrounding the hospital’s main campus. We continue to partner with educational institutions to prepare nurses and other healthcare workers: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center’s Schools of Pharmacy, Nursing and Public Health; Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing, Abilene Christian University, Hardin-Simmons University, Angelo State University, Cisco College and Texas State Technical College.

Our organization garnered prestigious honors that included earning the 2020 Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award for the 14th consecutive year and being selected as one of the 2020 Best Places to Work by Modern Healthcare. Hendrick was also awarded the American Hospital Association’s Annual Health Care’s Most Wired® designation, the CEO Cancer Gold Standard Accreditation, as well as the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Stage 7 Designation.

Our team members, made up of more than 3,600 employees, volunteer their talents and abilities regularly to many civic and religious organizations. Qualified employees can also receive additional Paid Time Off to participate in approved mission projects.

Expressions of our Christian mission include spiritual care services and a ministry education program offered to students of the three Abilene faith-based universities.

Our hospital Chaplains conduct weekly chapel services and deliver daily inspirational messages through hospital media. Bible verses placed in the hallways remind us of our spiritual mooring.

A statue, located in our main entrance, represents the matrix of ministry and medicine that describes our heritage. It depicts a mother holding her child, who is being examined by a physician, while a minister with an open Bible compassionately observes. Hendrick strives to meet the physical, spiritual and emotional needs of our patients and improve the health of people in West Central Texas, with a sense of Christian compassion and care. To that end, we are grateful for the gracious and prayerful support of Texas Baptists.

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TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

2019-2020 Licensed Beds

556

Patients Admitted

25,593

Outpatients Treated

337,857

Charity Patients Admitted

1,572

Charity Outpatients Treated

13,828

Estimated Value of Total Charity Care

122,206,511

Enrollment in Professional Educational Programs Number of employees FTE

2,914

Amount of Discounts Allowed: Medicare

1,390,292,622

Other

1,246,190,460

HENDRICK HEALTH SYSTEM

HENDRICK HEALTH SYSTEM STATISTICAL INFORMATION

Number of Chaplains: Full-Time

3

Part-Time

11

Volunteer

16

Total Number of chaplains and volunteers

30

Professions of Faith

1

Rededications/Recommitments

12

Patient Visits by Chaplains

7,822

Worship Services Conducted

276

SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENT Income from patients

$

463,329,436

BGCT appropriations

152,086

Other Income

47,824,209

Total income

$

511,305,731

Total expenses

$

500,212,760

Funds available for continuing ministry

Total Net Assets

$

11,092,971 582,499,242

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

94

MINISTRY PARTNERS

Dear Friends Adaptability: The quality of being able to adjust to new conditions.

In Genesis 37-50, God’s word provides a great example of adaptability through the story of the life of Joseph, the beloved son of Jacob. Joseph experienced unexpected changes and obstacles throughout his life such as being thrown into a pit by his brothers, sold to a caravan of Ishmaelites, sold to a high-ranking Egyptian officer, framed by the Egyptian officer’s wife and put into prison.

GERALD R. JAMES, JR.

President/CEO baptist churchloan.org

While in prison, Joseph was promoted to guard servant, became a dream interpreter, and was eventually freed and exalted to second in command by the Egyptian Pharaoh.

Later, Joseph had the opportunity to forgive his brothers and provide food and land for his family. Because of his faith, he adapted to the ever-changing world around him and sought to excel despite his circumstances. God was faithful to Joseph.

BAPTIST CHURCH LOAN CORPORATION

The Covid -19 virus has proven to be an interesting test for the body of Christ. Because of the limited gathering access to their facilities and the economic struggle for some of their members, many churches have already begun to adapt to the realty of today. In the early churches, the Roman roads were used as pathways to spread the gospel. In today’s world, churches will use prayer, local ministry efforts, lay leaders, technology, modified gathering venues, auto-debits and whatever else is needed to help spread the gospel.

Driven by our calling to equip churches in spreading the gospel and guided by our extensive experience, BCLC is a gospel-centered church financing organization – one that is dedicated to helping churches make good financial decisions regarding church building projects. Our services span across 30 states in the U.S. and have benefited thousands of churches with affordable real-estate loans and building project guidance. At every turn, we treat you and you church with professional and knowledgeable care as we join alongside their unique calling and circumstance to help you step into the gathering space God has prepared for you.

Thank you to the Board of Directors who volunteer their skills and time to help spread our ministry.

Blessings, Gerald R. James, Jr. President /CEO

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TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

Our desire is to keep Baptists connected. To that end, we inform, inspire, and challenge people to live like Jesus based on our core commitments to historic Baptist principles, responsible journalism, and the redemptive and reconciling work of Jesus Christ.

If we are missing the mark in any of the above, we want to hear from you. You can contact our executive director, Eric Black, at eric.black@baptiststandard.com.

We are grateful for our century-long partnership with the Baptist General Convention of Texas. As an independent partner, we are not subsidized by the BGCT but are funded through donations, advertising, and magazine subscriptions. We also receive income from an endowment.

We need you For us to succeed in keeping Baptists connected, we depend on people like you— faithful readers and financial supporters. Faithful readers share and discuss our content with family, friends, fellow church members, co-workers, and others. To keep Baptists connected, you can support us by visiting www.baptiststandard.com/donate/ or by mailing us at P.O. Box 259019, Plano, Texas 75025-9019.

How to stay connected • The Baptist Standard is published five days a week at www.baptiststandard.com.

• You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

• Our new app is available in the Apple and Android app stores.

• Our new podcast—On the Way— focuses on how a person became a follower of Jesus and what difference following Jesus makes in that person’s life. It is available on our website and through Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts and Amazon Alexa via TuneIn. • The Standard is also delivered by email each Thursday. You can sign up for the weekly newsletter at www.baptiststandard.com/email.

• CommonCall Magazine, with features not available in the Baptist Standard, is available for $24.00 per year. Special pricing is available for churches. You can subscribe at www.baptiststandard.com/subscription/ or by calling 214-630-4571, ext.

1014.

NO PHOTO

ERIC BLACK Executive Director/ Publisher

P.O. Box 259019 Plano, TX 75025-9019 (214) 630-4571 baptiststandard. com

BAPTIST STANDARD PUBLISHING COMPANY

About the Baptist Standard In 2019, the Baptist Standard’s website marked its highest traffic on record, with more than 1.18 million pageviews for the year and an average of 99,000 pageviews per month.

The number of users increased 53 percent over the previous year.

Content areas We publish news about individuals, churches, and institutions affiliated with the BGCT, as well as news related to religious liberty and other Baptist concerns around the world.

Our opinion features Texas Baptists and other Christians speaking to matters of concern to Baptists and fellow Christians, as well as interviews of Baptist leaders from all aspects of life in Texas.

This year, we entered into a partnership with Denison Forum to publish one of Jim Denison’s Daily Articles in the Baptist Standard each week.

We also provide a range of resources, including sermons, Bible studies, and book reviews, as well as articles specifically to enrich ministers and ministries.

Our Team • Eric Black, executive director, publisher, editor: In addition to oversight of operations, Eric oversees development and our opinion side. He can be reached at eric.black@ baptiststandard.com.

• Ken Camp, managing editor: Ken oversees our news side, Bible studies, CommonCall Magazine, and book reviews. He can be reached at kencamp@baptiststandard.com.

• Kayla Peltoma, finance director: Kayla oversees our accounting, advertising, and financial reporting, as well as assisting with development. She can be reached at kayla.peltoma@baptiststandard.com.

• Victoria McCrary, digital communications specialist: Victoria manages our content delivery, magazine layout, graphic design, and podcast editing. She can be reached at victoria.mccrary@baptiststandard.com.

Advertising with the Baptist Standard For advertising in the Baptist Standard or CommonCall, including placing classifieds, contact Kayla Peltoma at kayla.peltoma@baptiststandard.com or 214-630-4571, ext. 1014.

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

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DENISON MINISTRIES

DENISON MINISTRIES was founded in Dallas, Texas, in 2009 by Dr. Jim Denison and Jeff Byrd to encourage spiritual awakening while equipping believers to engage with the issues and news of the day through their brand, Denison Forum, which exists to create a community of culture-changing Christians. Denison Ministries has since launched three partner ministries: First15, Christian Parenting, and Janet Denison’s blog.

2019-2020 HIGHLIGHTS: JIM DENSION Chief Vision Officer

17304 Preston Road Suite 1060 Dallas, TX 75252 www. denisonforum. org

• DENISON FORUM (DenisonForum.org) increased its monthly aggregate audience to 1.6 million people. The Daily Article email newsletter has grown to reach 230,000 people. The Daily Article Podcast surpassed 1 million downloads since its start. Dr. Denison released multiple books, including How Does God See America?, Making Sense of Suffering, and Volumes 3–5 of Biblical Insight to Tough Questions. Denison Forum also launched A Pastor’s View (apastorsview.org), a new online resource for pastors and church leaders.

• FIRST15 (First15.org) has continued to release the First15 Devotional Series in print with volume 8, Grace, released in July 2020. In addition to growth and engagement in the daily devotional, First15 has also created a blog and downloadable resources to help people connect with God through the pandemic and racial divide in our country.

• CHRISTIAN PARENTING (ChristianParenting.org) released its annual Marked by Prayer journal, a guide for parents to pray over their kids throughout the school year, as well as a set of printed identity cards for kids, He Calls You By Name: 30 Reminders of Your Identity in Christ. They are excited to relaunch the brand in the fall of 2020, with a focus on getting the right resources to parents in every stage of their parenting journey, through printed resources, blogs, and a podcast network.

• JANET DENISON’S BLOG (JanetDenison.org) is where Janet Denison writes a weekly blog post that’s also sent to nearly 12,000 readers via email. She also writes and teaches two Bible studies that reach more than 500 women each week. She speaks to various groups in the community and does additional writing, like the annual Advent book, for Denison Ministries.

The team at Denison Ministries gives God glory for such growth. They are grateful for his blessing in providing readers and donors whose consistent support allows their ministry to speak biblical truth to a culture in desperate need of it. And they remain thankful for the encouragement and platform provided through Texas Baptists.

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TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

After a strong start to the year, U.S. equity markets began a steep descent in midFebruary as fears of the coronavirus gripped investors. The S&P 500® Index fell -34% from its high in just 22 trading days, entering bear market territory faster than at any previous time in history and wiping out all gains since President Trump took office. The market rebounded sharply in the second quarter, however, amidst unprecedented levels of monetary and fiscal stimulus and a gradual reopening of state economies. A surge of new coronavirus cases in June didn’t appear to dampen investor enthusiasm, as the S&P 500® Index finished the second quarter with its best three-month performance in over 20 years.

The entire GuideStone Funds family won the Lipper Fund Award for Best Overall Small Fund Family for 2019 (out of 29 eligible as of November 30, 2018), based on risk-adjusted total return. Of the 222 small fund families, only 29 met the standards to be considered for the Best Overall Small Fund Family prestigious award — with up to $76.8 billion in assets under management. This marks the second time in less than a decade that GuideStone was honored with this top award.

Last fall GuideStone Property and Casualty partnered with the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions to host a MinistrySafe child sexual abuse prevention conference in that state. Additionally, GuideStone and Brotherhood Mutual led two Church Safety and Security Conferences in Texas in November to provide information and pertinent resources to improve ministry security.

New insurance line Secure Health 3000 offers true medical coverage with access to the nationwide Blue Cross Blue Shield network, protecting participants from the full effects of catastrophic claims and offering an alternative for pastors and other church staff who might otherwise consider a medical sharing plan.

All the royalties from the best-selling Code series of books by GuideStone President O.S. Hawkins benefit Mission:Dignity. The series was augmented with the launch of The Apostles’ Code in February 2020, there are now 10 books in the series. An eleventh book, The Bible Code, debuts in fall 2020. All told, the Code books are approaching 2 million copies sold.

Texas Statistics as of June 30, 2020: Number of active churches in the Church Retirement Plan:.................................................2,279 Number of persons receiving retirement benefits:...........................................................5,337 Number helped by Mission:Dignity ministry:...........243 If you want more information about the products and services of GuideStone Financial Resources, call us toll-free at 1-888-98-GUIDE (888-984-8433), call your Baptist state GuideStone representative or visit our web site at www.GuideStone.org. We want to serve you.

O. S. HAWKINS President

5005 LBJ Freeway, STE 220 Dallas, TX 75244 1-888-98-GUIDE (888-984-8433) GuideStone.org

GUIDESTONE FINANCIAL RESOURCES OF THE SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION

“The Year of Transition” is GuideStone’s theme for 2020. GuideStone was birthed in 1918 in the heart of Dr. William Lunsford, a Nashville pastor. Now, a century later GuideStone’s Mission:Dignity ministry continues to financially support retired SBC ministers, workers, and their widows. Mission:Dignity is funded primarily through the gifts of individuals, groups, and churches across the SBC. 2019 was another record year with overall gifts being up $1,339,789 or 16%, as Mission:Dignity welcomed 2,140 new donors. Christmas gift checks of $400, a tradition since 1945, were mailed to some 1,700 eligible recipients in early December. At year-end, Mission:Dignity payments totaled $7,364,537. Qualifying individuals now receive $225 per month; couples are eligible for $300. The neediest individuals with at least 25 years of Southern Baptist ministerial service may qualify for double those amounts. An endowment established many years ago covers all administrative costs for the ministry.

GuideStone Financial Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention 5005 LBJ Freeway, Ste. 2200 Dallas, Texas 75244-6152 TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

98

HIGHGROUND ADVISORS

JEFF W. SMITH

President/CEO 1717 Main Street, Suite 1400 Dallas, Texas 75201 www. highground advisors .org

Founded in 1930, HighGround Advisors is a nonprofit investment and charitable giving firm with over $2 billion in assets. We serve nonprofit organizations and charitably minded individuals in their life-transforming work by providing expertise and comprehensive investment services, including asset management, gift planning and account support.

We have approximately 950 trusts, annuities and donor-advised funds and 6,700 client accounts currently under administration.

At HighGround’s all-staff vision meeting in February this year, leadership revealed our theme for 2020: Flexible Focus. While our mission to protect, strengthen and grow the missions of our clients is unchanging, we recognized the need to be flexible in our focus to fulfill that mission.

Only a month after unveiling our theme, an unforeseen pandemic swept the globe, putting every organization’s flexibility to the test. Our Flexible Focus has guided us through market turbulence and allowed us to provide unwavering support to our client partners.

In 2020, we have partnered with our clients by: • Providing continued investment guidance while adhering to our disciplined investment process and managing all portfolios in tight compliance with policy guidelines • Pruning portfolio gains and reinvesting in order to maximize gains in these market conditions • Maintaining ample portfolio liquidity to handle all standard periodic distributions as well as any unique cash needs during this time • Reviewing the fees of our investment service providers and securing fee concessions from several of our investment managers • Creating or reviewing and updating Investment Policy Statements • Sharing ways to increase and manage cash flow during times of crises • Sharing insights on the forward-looking giving trends like donor-advised funds, cryptocurrency, real estate and energy gifts • Ensuring organizations receive timely distribution payments through the use of our Direct Deposit Program MARKET OUTLOOK On the heels of a strong 2019, the first half of 2020 stands in stark contrast. In March, the coronavirus pandemic abruptly impacted the global economy and dramatically altered our outlook for the remainder of 2020. The global economy is slowly restarting, largely due to the magnitude and speed of policy response by central banks and governments worldwide.

While global equity markets recovered dramatically in the second quarter, they have not fully regained the losses incurred in the first quarter. HighGround’s Capstone Endowment Fund strongly rebounded, returning 8.0% in the second quarter, but is down 3.4% year-todate due to the sharp declines experienced in the first quarter. However, amid the market’s tumultuous volatility, the Fund has benefited greatly from its strong diversification into a broad array of different asset classes.

While it is impossible to predict when the economy will recover, we do not believe a full recovery is likely until vaccines and treatments are available for COVID-19, probably well into 2021. However, HighGround is well-positioned to face market uncertainty. In keeping with our highly disciplined, long-term investment philosophy, we will continue to seek opportunities to strengthen investment performance.

PROTECT. STRENGTHEN. GROW. In 2019, HighGround Advisors assisted donors in contributing $22 million in new gifts and additions to existing gifts for charitable purposes. HighGround also distributed $106 million to institutions, donors and income beneficiaries, working toward our vision to Protect, Strengthen and Grow our nonprofit client institutions. It has been inspiring to watch our client partners adapt their focus creatively and flexibly to fulfill their mission during these uncertain days. We are proud to champion their important work and are humbled to be their trusted partner. With a flexible focus, and with innovation and vigilance, we wish to steward well the funds and assets entrusted to us by the nonprofits and generous individuals we serve.

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TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

TBM Disaster Relief met significant physical, emotional and spiritual needs after 11 events in 2019. TBM volunteers responded following tornadoes, floods, windstorms and a hurricane in Texas cities like Franklin, Alto, Dallas, Weslaco, Orange, Liberty, Houston, Huffman, Richardson and Austin. God also called TBM to minister in Florida, Tennessee and Illinois.

Last year, TBM disaster relief volunteers who are part of churches like yours: • Provided 49,634 meals to hungry people through TBM feeding units.

• Served 72,184 hours after disasters.

• Performed 2,440 loads of laundry and provided a place for people to take 5,177 showers in TBM units.

MICKEY B. LENAMON Executive Director

5351 Catron Dallas, Texas 75227 texas baptistmen.org

TEXAS BAPTIST MEN, INC.

Christ’s love transforms each of us and compels His followers to transform the world. TBM follows God’s call to deliver help, hope and healing to a hurting world and teach emerging generations to do likewise. From Disaster Relief to Water Ministry to Royal Ambassadors, these ministries are designed to point people to Christ through our work of loving people in times of need and in times of growth.

• Cut and removed broken trees, cleaned flooded homes, provided temporary roofing and distributed more than 9,100 free packing boxes for people to use.

• Shared the gospel in word and deed with 6,861 people.

• Saw God transform the lives of 55 people who came to faith in Christ.

Together, we responded to needs created by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. TBM: • Donated 15,000 N-95 face masks to first responders and medical professionals.

• Gave 1,200 pairs of protective eyewear to the Baylor Scott & White Health System.

• Provided 100,000 meals through church food pantries across the state for the suddenly unemployed, empowering your congregation to serve double and trip the number of people.

TBM Water partners with churches in poverty-stricken areas to help them bring clean water, good hygiene practices, and a means of self-reliance to communities. In 2019, TBM Water volunteers drilled wells in some of the world’s most difficult water situations, including Papua New Guinea, Ghana and Kenya, providing clean water and instruction on hygiene to more than 10,000 people. Each of these people also had a chance to respond to the living water that is Jesus Christ as we shared the gospel with them.

Royal Ambassadors and Challengers ministered to more than 4,500 young men across the state in churches like yours in 2019. More than 3,600 of them also participated in Royal Ambassador summer camps. As a result, 311 students came to faith in Christ.

Through weekly discipleship and missions education, these boys grew in their faith and took steps toward living a missional lifestyle.

Builders men and women worked in 12 different camps 2019. While some women were alongside men building, others were sewing and knitting for the camp and campers’ needs. In addition, builders constructed cabinets for churches and camps.

Thank you for your prayerful support of TBM ministries. Together, we advance the kingdom of God.

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

100

WOMAN’S MISSIONARY UNION OF TEXAS

Thank you for your partnership in missions! Over the last year, you have allowed WMU of Texas to walk alongside you as you met the needs of many across Texas.

TAMIKO JONES

Executive DirectorTreasurer 10325 Brockwood Rd, Dallas, TX 75238 wmutx.org

The Mary Hill Davis Offering for Texas Missions experienced a year of growth in 2019.

Your generous gifts impacted 80 mission opportunities across Texas. You empowered associations and compañerismos to provide training for pastors and lay leaders, Bounce Student Disaster Recovery groups to aide in the rehab efforts for communities impacted by devastating storms, and Go Now Missions to continue to mobilize Texas university students as missionaries in the US and abroad. The current theme for the offering is I Am Texas Missions and we appreciate your partnership as we move towards the $3.6 million goal for 2020.

Engage We served with many of you as you engaged all age levels of your congregations and communities in missions discipleship. Since the summer of 2019, we have received over 600 requests for adult, student, children, and preschool missions discipleship materials.

We are excited about and supportive of a new trend of starting WMU community groups where local church groups no longer exist. Virtual training in this area will be available during the Fall Regional Training virtual event. WMU of Texas is also proud that two of the four National WMU acteens panelists are from Texas. Celebrating their 15th anniversary in 2019, the 54 CWJC and CMJC sites across Texas continue to thrive. Your support in promoting the efforts of the Sisters Who Care ministry also helped to impact the Light in the Gap (LITG) ministry of First Woodway through financial and sewn craft support.

Establish Through relationships with the Baylor University Garland School of Social Work, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Dallas Baptist University, our student interns have assisted the organization in establishing connection with associational WMU groups, improving communications with CWJC sites, marketing events and mission opportunities. We launched the pilot of the EMBRACE mentoring program for young adult women. The material for the mentoring groups will be available for churches in the Fall of 2020.

In October of 2019, two teams of women built a home for a special family in the Penitas area of South Texas. Through our partnership with Buckner International Family Hope Centers and the Mary Hill Davis Offering for Texas Missions, WMU of Texas provides the needed building materials, equipment, and construction labor so that the selected families can have a new start. The 10th anniversary of the South Texas Women’s Build will be celebrated in October 2020.

Empower While the harvest field in Texas is great, we were also challenged to invest in communities of women abroad through the development of a missions discipleship training plan. It is our hope to further our relationship with the Baptist conventions of Tanzania and Uganda by investing in the lives of women ready to disciple other women across East Africa.

Like many of you, we have had to adjust to serving and equipping through virtual means.

From the beginning of the pandemic and amidst the many event cancellations, you continued to serve. Through you, we have provided masks to essential healthcare workers, financial support to our River Ministry missionaries, offered free resource downloads to address PTSD related to the pandemic and to assist pastors in leading through the difficult circumstances. As we adjust, we grow, learn new perspectives, teach, and empower. Thank you for walking alongside WMU of Texas as we remain faithful to making disciples who make disciples.

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Big Bend Baptist Association Edward Jennings PO Box 1488 Marfa, TX 79843-1488 432-729-4349 ambigbend@gmail.com

Central Texas Baptist Association Floyd Petersen PO Box 1518 Corsicana, TX 75151-1518 903-872-2331 fp_2004tbc@outlook.com

Blanco Baptist Association Rafael Murillo 3901 Charco Rd Beeville, TX 78102-2111 361-358-9420 blancobaptist@sbcglobal.net

Coastal Bend Baptist Association Michael ONeill 712 W D Ave Kingsville, TX 78363-3632 361-522-5523 cbba361@gmail.com

Bluebonnet Baptist Association Robby Partain PO Box 312257 New Braunfels, TX 78130-3241 830-629-7674 bbassn@bluebonnetbaptist.org

Collin Baptist Association Leroy Armstrong 970 S Highway 5 Fairview, TX 75069-9461 972-529-5222 officers@cbachurchnetwork.org

Bosque Baptist Association Jim Houser PO Box 391 Clifton, TX 76634-0391 254-675-8381 bba@fbcclifton.com

Colorado Baptist Association Barry Barnet 1515 Briar Ln Wharton, TX 77488-4309 903-227-9019 coloradobaptistassociation@gmail.com

Bowie Baptist Association PO Box 7740 Texarkana, TX 75505-7740 903-831-0194 receptionist@bowiebaptist.org

Concho Valley Baptist Association Jeff Box 825 N Main St San Angelo, TX 76903-4056 325-653-4898 jeff@cvba.org

marsha.langford.acba@suddenlinkmail.com

Amarillo Area Baptist Association Bryan Houser 2123 S Van Buren St Amarillo, TX 79109-2404 806-372-6566 aabacherrie@gmail.com Asociacion Bautista Hispana Norte Central De Texas Zenon Garcia PO Box 87 Denison, TX 75021-0087 (903) 815-6598 Asociacion Bautista Latino Americana Bulmaro Luna P.O. Box 111698 Houston, TX 77293 713-851-8550 Austin Baptist Association David Smith PO Box 4978 Austin, TX 78765-4978 512-454-2558 david@austinbaptist.org Basin Baptist Network PO Box 60180 Midland, TX 79711-0180 432-563-3700 coordinator@basinbaptist.org

Burnet Llano Baptist Association Dale Hill 325 Ancient Oaks Dr. Marble Falls, TX 78654 830-693-0934 burnetllanoba@hotmail.com

Bell Baptist Association Tom Henderson PO Box 1447 Belton, TX 76513-5447 254-939-0761 bba9129@sbcglobal.net

Caprock Baptist Association Lester Griffin 2301 Utica St Plainview, TX 79072-2063 806-296-2751 caprockplains@nts-online.net

Bi Stone Baptist Association Olin Boles 500 E Carthage St Mexia, TX 76667-2814 903-288-9669 dom@bistonebaptist.org

Caprock Plains Baptist Area Lester Griffin 2301 Utica St Plainview, TX 79072-2063 806-296-2751 caprockplains@nts-online.net

BiFork Baptist Association PO Box 2125 Vernon, TX 76385-2125 940-552-2500 haley@bifork.org

Castle Gap Association Juan Avila PO Box 485 Rankin, TX 79778-0485 432-693-2385

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

ASSOCIATIONS

Abilene Callahan Baptist Association Larry Tarver PO Box 5228 Abilene, TX 79608-5228 325-673-8349

Cooke County Baptist Association Hollis Parsons PO Box 842 Gainesville, TX 76241-0842 940-665-4082 lori.geojcarroll@gmail.com Corpus Christi Baptist Association Anson Nash 3115 Ocean Dr Corp Christi, TX 78404-1614 361-853-2555 anash@ccbaptistassociation.org Coryell Baptist Association Richard Ray PO Box 45 Gatesville, TX 76528-0045 254-865-1299 tri-rivers@htcomp.net Creath Brazos Baptist Association Steven Doyle 410 Tarrow St Ste 101 College Sta, TX 77840-7892 979-846-1788 info@cbba.org

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ASSOCIATIONS

Crossroads Baptist Association John McCullough 1311 Goliad St Big Spring, TX 79720-4639 432-263-1673 contact@xroadsba.org

Ellis Baptist Association Richard Cody 3080 W Highway 287 Byp Waxahachie, TX 75167-5000 972-937-9320 richard@ellisbaptist.org

Gambrell Baptist Association Kevin Muilenburg PO Box 603 Gonzales, TX 78629-0603 830-672-3830 scba@southcentralarea.org

Dallas Baptist Association Bob Dean 8001 E R L Thornton Fwy Dallas, TX 75228-7001 214-324-2803 cindyburr@dba.net

Emmanuel Baptist Association Jimmie Neel PO Box 159 Kirbyville, TX 75956-0159 409-423-2224 info@snabarea.org

Golden Triangle Baptist Network Jim Turnbo 555 N 10th St Beaumont, TX 77702-1615 409-832-1110 office@gtbn.us

Del Rio Uvalde Baptist Association Tommy Larner 117 E Commerce St Uvalde, TX 78801-3713 830-278-5351 delriouvalde@sbcglobal.net

Enon Baptist Association Timothy Ellis PO Box 928 Linden, TX 75563-0928 903-756-7331 enondom@valornet.com

Gonzales Baptist Association Kevin Muilenburg PO Box 603 Gonzales, TX 78629-0603 830-672-3830 scba@southcentralarea.org

Denton Baptist Association Morgan Malone 1406 N Corinth St Ste 408 Corinth, TX 76208-5449 940-498-5200 rochelle@dentonbaptist.org

Erath Baptist Association Richard Ray 401 N Mcilhaney St Stephenville, TX 76401-5624 254-965-5940 brother_ray@juno.com

Grayson Baptist Association Bobby Fletcher PO Box 1806 Sherman, TX 75091-1806 903-868-9361 thegbaoffice@gmail.com

Dogwood Trails Baptist Association Lee Welch PO Box 949 Jacksonville, TX 75766-0949 903-586-5156 dtba@suddenlinkmail.com

Falls Baptist Association PO Box 192 Cameron, TX 76520-0192 254-697-6505 firmarea@sbcglobal.net

Guadalupe Baptist Association Walter Jackson 2601 N Ben Jordan St Victoria, TX 77901-5611 361-575-5281 jfiveplus@gmail.com

Double Mountain Baptist Association Joe Walton PO Box 112 Stamford, TX 79553 325-773-2462 joewdmba@att.net East Texas Baptist Area Gerald Edwards PO Box 546 Mt Enterprise, TX 75681-0546 903-822-3474 etba@eastex.net East Texas Baptist NETWORK Chris Robeson PO Box 9067 Longview, TX 75608 903-753-9900 office@geba.info El Paso Baptist Association Lary Floyd 2012 Grant Ave El Paso, TX 79930-1017 915-544-8671 lfloyd@elpasoba.org

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Fannin Baptist Association Darrel Hathcock 1505 Silo Rd Bonham, TX 75418-2864 903-583-2210 dhathcock@gmail.com FIRM Baptist Area Patrick Knowlton PO Box 192 Cameron, TX 76520-0192 254-697-6505 firmarea@sbcglobal.net Frio River Baptist Association Loren Fast PO Box P Pearsall, TX 78061-1415 830-334-2061 frioriverbaptist@outlook.com Galveston Baptist Association Jim Grant 413 8th St Galveston, TX 77550-5205 409-938-8942 office@galvestonbaptist.org

Gulf Coast Baptist Association Chuck Beem 2700 E Highway 35 Angleton, TX 77515-2904 979-849-2477 mail@gulfcoastbaptist.org Hamilton Baptist Association Richard Ray PO Box 45 Gatesville, TX 76528-0045 Harmony Pittsburg Baptist Association Jeremy Randolph 403 Daingerfield St Pittsburg, TX 75686-1405 903-856-6696 jeremy@harmonypittsburg.com Harvest Baptist Association Gerry Lewis PO Box 1735 Decatur, TX 76234-6150 940-627-0723 hba@harvestba.com

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

Laredo Baptist Association Hector Almanza PO Box 1634 Laredo, TX 78044-1634 956-523-0703 lbalaredo@gmail.com

Pecos Valley Baptist Association Eldon Mullins PO Box 1105 Kermit, TX 79745-1105 432-586-6601 edmullins1952@att.net

Hill Baptist Association Kenneth Coleman PO Box 1606 Hillsboro, TX 76645-1606 817-648-6645 broken22@windstream.net

Leon Baptist Association Tuffy Loftin 8153 FM 3178 Centerville, TX 75833-3116 903-536-7051 tuffyloftin@gmail.com

Permian Baptist Association Phillip Golden 519 W 4th St Denver City, TX 79323-3014 432-758-3291

Hill Country Baptist Association Robert Wheat PO Box 294718 Kerrville, TX 78029 830-928-2878 drrwheat@gmail.com

Lubbock Area Baptist Association Jerry Joplin 4207 34th St Lubbock, TX 79410-2641 806-791-4442 candy@lubbockbaptist.com

Hunt Baptist Association Jim Gatliff PO Box 8848 Greenville, TX 75404 903-454-2690 khunt@argontech.net

Milam Baptist Association Patrick Knowlton PO Box 192 Cameron, TX 76520-0192 254-697-6505

Independence Baptist Association Patrick Knowlton PO Box 192 Cameron, TX 76520-0192 254-697-6505

Neches River Baptist Association William Jones PO Box 995 Crockett, TX 75835-0995 936-544-3754 nrbaoffice11@gmail.com

KaufVan Baptist Association Ernest Mccoulskey PO Box 708 Terrell, TX 75160-0013 972-563-8023 npope@skybeam.com

New Bethel Baptist Association Jimmie Neel PO Box 159 Kirbyville, TX 75956-0159 409-423-2224 info@snbarea.org

Lake Ivie Baptist Association Keith Simpson PO Box 639 Ballinger, TX 76821-0639 325-365-2585 lakeiviebaptist@yahoo.com

Palo Pinto Baptist Association Ferel Gage PO Box C Mineral Wells, TX 76068-0079 940-452-1336 palopintobaptist@gmail.com

Lamesa Baptist Association Dennis Adams PO Box 1373 Lamesa, TX 79331-1373 806-201-0595 dradams1164@gmail.com

Paluxy Baptist Association Glenn Ward 1844 Acton Hwy Granbury, TX 76049-5900 817-579-5111 gwarddom.pba@gmail.com

Lampasas Baptist Association Richard Ray PO Box 45 Gatesville, TX 76528-0045 254-865-1299

Parker Baptist Association John Thielepape 118 E Park Ave Weatherford, TX 76086-5614 817-599-6586 john@parkerbaptist.org

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

ASSOCIATIONS

Heart of Texas Baptist Network Zac Harrel PO Box 1646 Brownwood, TX 76804-1646 325-643-1348 hotbnm.texasmissions@gmail.com

Red River Valley Baptist Association Guille Seigler 2320 Clarksville St Paris, TX 75460-6260 903-785-2890 redrivervalleybaptist@gmail.com Rehoboth Baptist Association Kent Pate 1139 Industrial Dr E Sulphur Springs, TX 75482-3326 903-885-2868 info@rehobothonline.org Rio Grande Valley Baptist Association 617 W Expressway 83 Weslaco, TX 78596-4326 956-968-3161 acct.rgvba@gmail.com Robertson Baptist Association Patrick Knowlton PO Box 192 Cameron, TX 76520-0192 254-697-6505 firmarea@sbcglobal.net Rolling Plains Baptist Network Daniel Datson P.O. Box 214 Snyder, TX 79550 325-573-1803 smsba@suddenlinkmail.com Rusk Panola Baptist Association Gerald Edwards PO Box 546 Mt Enterprise, TX 75681-0546 903-822-3474 Sabine Neches Baptist Area Jimmie Neel PO Box 159 Kirbyville, TX 75956-0159 409-423-2224 info@snbarea.org

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Sabine Valley Baptist Association Jimmie Neel PO Box 159 Kirbyville, TX 75956-0159 409-423-2224 theresa@snbarea.org

Southwest Metroplex Baptist Assoc Scott Whitson 601 N Nolan River Rd Cleburne, TX 76033-7007 817-645-8222 dom@swmba.net

Union Baptist Association Josh Ellis 2916 W T C Jester Blvd Ste 200 Houston, TX 77018-7051 713-957-2000 info@ubahouston.org

San Antonio Baptist Association Darrell Horn 5807 W IH 10 San Antonio, TX 78201-2800 210-525-9954 darrellh@sanantoniobaptist.org

Staked Plains Baptist Association Lester Griffin 2301 Utica St Plainview, TX 79072-2063 806-296-2751 caprockplains@nts-online.com

Unity Baptist Association Stephen Brazzel PO BOX 154510 Lufkin, TX 75904 936-634-3734 unityba@gmail.com

San Felipe Baptist Association Sam Waltman 1105 San Jacinto St Rosenberg, TX 77471-3641 281-232-8556 info@sanfelipeba.org

Strategic Church Solutions Travis Bundrick 918 S Interstate 35 Georgetown, TX 78628-4127 512-930-0965 mandy@wbatexas.org

Waco Regional Baptist Association Timothy Randolph PO Box 1848 Waco, TX 76703-1848 254-753-2408 admin@wacobaptists.org

San Jacinto Baptist Association Randell Gilchrist PO Box 1533 Baytown, TX 77522-1533 281-422-3604 sjba@sanjacintobaptist.com

Tarrant Baptist Association David Bowman 4520 James Ave Fort Worth, TX 76115-2117 817-927-1911 frontdesk@tarrantbaptist.org

Wichita Archer Clay Baptist Association Darrell Brown PO Box 4110 Wichita Falls, TX 76308-0110 940-691-0911 wacmissions@yahoo.com

Shelby Doches Baptist Association Gerald Edwards PO Box 546 Mt Enterprise, TX 75681-0546 903-822-3474

Top O Texas Baptist Association James Greer PO Box 300 Pampa, TX 79066-0300 806-665-3152 topotx@yahoo.com

Smith Baptist Association Danny Pickens 3226 Old Jacksonville Rd Tyler, TX 75701-7503 903-581-6139 danny@smithbaptist.org Soda Lake Baptist Association Peter Allen PO Box 1088 Marshall, TX 75671-1088 903-938-0756 sodalakebaptist@gmail.com South Central Baptist Area Kevin Muilenburg PO Box 603 Gonzales, TX 78629-0603 830-672-3830 scba@southcentralarea.org South Plains Baptist Association PO Box 185 Smyer, TX 79367-0185 spba.1@netzero.com

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Tri County Baptist Association Barry Schahn PO Box 1151 Cisco, TX 76437-1151 254-442-4568 tricountybaptist@suddenlinkmail.com Tri Rivers Baptist Area Richard Ray 502 E Main St Gatesville, TX 76528-1317 254-865-1299 tririversdom@gmail.com Trinity River Baptist Association David Williams PO Box 1269 Liberty, TX 77575-1269 936-336-9232 david@trbatexas.org Tryon Evergreen Baptist Association Roger Yancey PO Box 2408 Conroe, TX 77305-2408 936-856-2001 efrazier@teba.org

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

Aspendale Mountain Retreat Center 163 Pierce Canyon Rd Cloudcroft, NM 88317 Ph: (800) 959-2605 Fax: (575) 682-2608 www.aspendale.org Big Country Camp 201 FM 142 Lueders, TX 79533 Ph: (325) 228-4542 Fax: (325) 228-4586 www.bigcountrycamp.com Camp Buckner Hill Country Retreat 3835 FM 2342 Burnet, TX 78611 Ph: (512) 756-7540 Fax: (512) 756-6121 www.campbuckner.org Camp Chaparral 3784 Church Camp Rd. Iowa Park, TX 76367 Ph: (940) 855-4182 Fax: (940) 852-0602 www.campchaparral.org Camp Copass 8200 E McKinney St. Denton, TX 76208 Ph: (940) 565-0050 Fax: (940) 382-9984 www.campcopass.com Camp Menard PO BOX 1385 Menard, TX 76859 Ph: (915) 396-2162 Fax: (915) 396-4427 www.zcat.com/tbm/listings/26 Circle Six Ranch 2784 HWY 137 Lenorah, TX 79749 Ph: (432) 458-3467 Fax: (432) 458-3320 www.circle6ranch.net

Cone Oasis 23921 N. Parker La Feria, TX 78579 Ph: (956) 797-2050 Fax: (956) 797-5142 www.coneoasis.org www.coneoasis.org

Latham Springs Camp and Retreat Center 134 Private Rd 223 Aquilla, TX 76622 Ph: (254) 694-3689 Fax: (254) 694-4174 http://lathamsprings.com/

East Texas Baptist Camp 178 Private Rd. 7005 Newton, TX 75966 Ph: (409) 379-2737 Fax: (409) 379-2737 www.etbe.org

Mt. Lebanon Retreat & Conference Center 1701 Texas Plume Rd. Cedar Hill, TX 75104 Ph: (972) 291-7156 Fax: (972) 291-4958 www.mtlebanoncamp.com

Heart of Texas Baptist Camp & Conference Center 8025 North FM 2125 Brownwood, TX 76801 Ph: (325) 784-5821 Fax: (325) 784-6293 www.heartoftexascamp.com

Paisano Baptist Encampment 91872 W HWY 90 Alpine, TX 79830 Ph: (432) 837-3074 Fax: (432) 837-3074 www.paisanoencampment.org

High Plains Retreat Center 18511 City Lake Rd Canyon, TX 79015 Ph: (806) 499-3429 Fax: (806) 499-3429 http://hpretreatcenter.org

Panfork Baptist Encampment 4530 County Rd 210 Wellington, TX 79095 Ph: (806) 447-2627 Fax: (806) 447-5558 www.panfork.org

Highland Lakes Camp & Conference Center 5902 Pace Bend Rd. N Spicewood, TX 78669 Ph: (888) 222-3482 Fax: (512) 264-2794 www.highlandlakescamp.org

Pineywoods Baptist Camp 6272 East US 287 Woodlake, TX 75865 Ph: (936) 642-1723 Fax: (936) 642-2608 www.pineywoodscamp.com

Lake Lavon Baptist Camp 8050 COUNTY ROAD 735 Princeton, TX 75407 Ph: (972) 736-2273 Fax: (972) 736-6670 www.lakelavoncamp.com

Plains Baptist Camp & Retreat Center 3001 Love Rd. Floydada, TX 79235 Ph: (800) 581-3954 Fax: (806) 983-2008 www.pbcamp.org

Lake Tomahawk Baptist Encampment 408 Lake Tomahawk LIVINGSTON, TX 77351 Ph: (936) 563-4644 Fax: (936) 563-4630 www.laketomahawk.org

Riverbend Retreat Center 1232 County Rd 411B UNIT C Glen Rose, TX 76043 Ph: (254) 897-4011 Fax: (254) 897-3960 www.riverbendretreat.org

CAMPS

Alto Frio Baptist Encampment 1385 FM 1120 Leakey, TX 78873 Ph: (830) 232-5271 Fax: (830) 232-5274 www.altofrio.com

Lakeview Baptist Assembly & Conference Center PO BOX 130 Lone Star, TX 75668 Ph: (903) 656-3871 Fax: (903) 656-2993 www.lba1948.com

TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

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CAMPS

Texas Baptist Encampment 100 1ST ST Palacious, TX 77465 Ph: (361) 972-2717 Fax: (361) 972-2939 www.texasbaptistencampment.org Tejas CAMP & Retreat Center 1038 P.R. 2191 Giddings, TX 78942 Phone (979) 366-2422 Fax (979) 366-9206 www.camptejas.org camptejas@camptejas.org Timberline Baptist Camp & Conference Center 15363 FM 849 Lindale, TX 75771 Ph: (903) 882-3183 Fax: (903) 882-3184 Trinity Pines Conference Center 4341 FM 356 TRINITY, TX 75862 Ph: (936) 594-5011 Fax: (936) 594-5085 www.trinitypines.org Valley Baptist Missions and Education Center 3700 E Harrison Ave. Harlingen, TX 78550 Ph: (956) 423-0632 Fax: (956) 423-7913 www.vbmec.org Zephyr Baptist Encampment 151 FM 3162 Sandia, TX 78383 Ph: (361) 547-2448 Fax: (361) 547-6351 www.zbcamp.org

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Section 1. The name of this corporate body shall be The Baptist General Convention of Texas, hereafter Convention.

Section 2. This Convention is and always shall remain, only and solely a medium through which Baptist churches may work harmoniously in cooperation with each other, promoting the work and objects set forth in this constitution. It has not, to any degree, and shall never have any ecclesiastical authority. It shall not have and shall never attempt to exercise a single attribute of power or authority over any church, or over the messengers of the churches in such wise as to limit the sovereignty of the churches, but shall recognize the sovereignty of the churches under the one Sovereign, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Article II – Object 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 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

CONSTITUTION OF THE BAPTIST GENERAL CONVENTION OF TEXAS

Article I – Name and Nature

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 ($2000) 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) as specified in Article III, Section 2.A.

1st Adoption by Baptist General Convention of Texas in session November 17, 2014 Final Adoption by Baptist General Convention of Texas in session November 10, 2015 TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

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CONSTITUTION OF THE BAPTIST GENERAL CONVENTION OF TEXAS

Article IV – Meetings Section 1. The Convention shall meet annually at such a time and place, based on Convention site guidelines, as determined by the messengers at least two years prior to the annual meeting.

In case of emergency, the Executive Board is empowered to change the time and place of the meeting.

The minutes of the annual meeting of The Baptist General Convention of Texas are to be approved by the Executive Board of the Convention at the first meeting of the Executive Board following the Convention.

Section 2. No notice of annual or regular meetings of The Baptist General Convention of Texas shall be required. Notice of a special meeting shall be given at least 10 days prior to such meeting by publication in any newspaper of general circulation in the community in which the principal office is located.

Section 3. The right to vote is limited to the duly elected and enrolled messengers who are actually present in the session at the time the vote is taken. There will be no proxy or absentee voting.

Section 4. The quorum for conducting business during any session of the annual meeting of The Baptist General Convention of Texas shall be a minimum of 25% of the enrolled messengers.

Section 5. Special meetings of the Convention may be called by the Executive Board by a two-thirds vote of the votes entitled to be cast by directors of the Board. The call for a special meeting shall state the purpose of the meeting and the date, time and place for the meeting. The special meeting shall be limited to the purpose stated.

Article V – Officers Section 1. The officers of this Convention shall be a president, a first vice president, a second vice president, a secretary of the Corporation, a recording secretary and a registration secretary. With the exception of the recording secretary who serves by virtue of serving as Treasurer, these shall be elected annually by ballot not later than the second day of the annual meeting. By unanimous consent any officer of this Convention may be elected by acclamation. Officers shall hold their offices until the end of the last session of the Convention meeting at which their successors are elected. In case of the death, resignation, or disability of the president, or if the president is no longer a member of a cooperating church, the vice presidents shall automatically succeed to the office of president in the order of their election.

Section 2. In any election for office, the nominee who receives the vote of a majority of the enrolled messengers present in the session shall be elected. If on the first ballot no nominee is elected, there shall be a run-off election between the two nominees who received the greatest number of votes on the first ballot.

Section 3. No one shall be eligible for the office of president or eligible for the same vice president’s office for more than two successive years.

Article VI – Committees Section 1. The committees of the Convention shall be: (1) Committee on the Annual Meeting, (2) Committee on Credentials, (3) Committee on Committees, (4) Committee on Resolutions, (5) Committee on Memorials, (6) Committee to Nominate Executive Board Directors, (7) Committee on Nominations for Boards of Affiliated Ministries. The duties of the committees are included in the Convention Bylaws.

Section 2. Special committees may be established by action of the Convention to serve for specified periods of time to perform specific duties that in the judgment of the Convention cannot be effectively performed by one of the regular committees of the Convention or by the Executive Board.

The Convention shall specify the number of members to be appointed to each special committee and the method to be followed in selecting members. In the absence of other provisions, the president and the two vice presidents shall jointly appoint the members.

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TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS

Section 1. Functions The Executive Board speaks for the interest of the Convention and has authority and accountability over the work of the Convention in the interim between annual meetings, except for that which is reserved for the Convention in session as noted in the Articles of Incorporation, the Constitution and the Bylaws.

A. The Executive Board shall have charge and control, except when otherwise directed by the Convention, of all of the work of the Convention, including missions, education, and beneficence, in the interim between its sessions.

B. The Executive Board has authority to elect and employ, to evaluate performance and set compensation for the Executive Director who shall serve as chief executive officer of The Baptist General Convention of Texas and its Executive Board.

C. The Executive Board also has authority to elect an Associate Executive Director and a Treasurer/ Chief Financial Officer, both of whom shall serve under the direct supervision of the Executive Director. The Executive Director is authorized to employ other staff as provided by the plan of work and the financial plan of the Convention. The Board shall approve a compensation plan for Convention employees.

D. The Executive Board shall hold in trust and shall administer all the properties, annuities, trusts, and invested funds of this body except as otherwise provided for by the Convention, and the Board shall report annually to the Convention the state of all funds which the Board administers.

E. The Executive Board provides the Convention annually with a report of its work and with a complete financial accounting of all funds received and disbursed, including properties, trusts, and invested funds which the Board administers.

F. The Executive Board determines the organization, functions, responsibilities and working relationships of the Executive Board committees.

CONSTITUTION OF THE BAPTIST GENERAL CONVENTION OF TEXAS

Article VII – Executive Board

G. The Executive Board maintains an official organization manual setting forth the plan and organization of the Convention and its programs. It shall also maintain a policy manual (including business, financial and personnel) for those policies adopted by the Convention in session and by the Executive Board.

Section 2. Membership A. The authorized number of elected directors shall be 90 directors from 30 sectors in the Convention.

The sectors are based on resident church membership in counties, and such sector criteria will be included in the Bylaws upon recommendation of the Executive Board.

A minimum of three directors will be elected from each sector. The number of elected directors of the Executive Board will exceed ninety (90) until expiration of the terms of directors elected prior to the effective date of adoption of this amended Constitution.

B. One-third of the number of directors is elected each year to serve a three-year term. Directors are eligible for election to a second three-year term but are not eligible to serve more than six consecutive years.

C. Voting directors of the Executive Board shall be the elected directors, the convention president, and the two convention vice presidents, and the presidents of the Convention-recognized fellowships, provided that these presidents are members of churches supportive of the BGCT. Non-voting directors of the Executive Board shall be the executive director, recording secretary, and the presidents of Woman’s Missionary Union of Texas, Texas Baptist Men and Baptist Student Ministry.

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D. All Executive Board directors, including the ex officio directors, must be members of churches that are supportive of The Baptist General Convention of Texas.

E. No one who is an employee of the Convention or member of the immediate family of an employee, except an ex officio director of the Board, shall be eligible for membership on the Executive Board.

F. The membership of the Executive Board shall be generally representative of the Baptist membership in the Convention and shall include men and women, Anglo and non-Anglo persons, persons who are members of larger membership churches and smaller membership churches, and those who have abilities and experience needed by the Board. There shall be a minimum of forty percent (40%) of the persons elected each year who are church/denominational employees and a minimum of forty (40%) who are non-church/denominational employees.

Section 3. Officers A. Officers shall be chairperson, vice chairperson, recording secretary and other such officers as the Executive Board may determine needed from time to time.

B. Term of service for elected officers is one year. A person is limited to a maximum service of two consecutive years in the same office. The exception to these provisions is the recording secretary who serves by virtue of serving as Treasurer.

C. Nominations for election of officers are from the floor. A person must be elected by majority vote.

If on the first ballot no nominee is elected, there shall be a run-off election between the two nominees who received the greatest number of votes on the first ballot.

Section 4. Committees The Executive Board has the authority to establish and dissolve committees as required to carry out their responsibilities. Duties of the committees will be included in the Executive Board Policy Manual.

A. The Executive Committee plans, coordinates and monitors the general progress of the Executive Board, including the budget and financial affairs. The Executive Committee will be composed of the chairperson and vice chairperson of the Executive Board, the president and vice presidents of the Convention, and the chairperson of each Executive Board committee. The chairperson of the Executive Board will serve as chairperson of the Executive Committee. The executive director and the recording secretary will serve as ex officio members, without vote.

B. The Audit Committee is to oversee the financial audit function.

C. The Institutional Relations Committee is to give broad oversight of the institutions related to the Convention, recognizing that the institutions are managed by a separate board of trustees according to their articles of incorporation and bylaws.

D. The Church Ministries Committee shall set the direction for the operation of core ministries of the Convention.

E. The Administration Support Committee shall set direction and recommend general policies for the administrative functions of the Convention. The committee shall include a finance subcommittee for budget development and general financial oversight.

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Section 1. General Provisions A. Institutions or agencies which associate with this Convention in compliance with this Article are affiliated. Institutions or agencies which associate with this Convention pursuant to an adopted Special Agreement are related.

B. 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.

C. An affiliation or relationship with an agency or institution may be discontinued by the Convention upon recommendation by the Executive Board and by majority vote of the votes entitled to be cast by the messengers present when the vote is taken without regard to the total enrollment at any meeting of the Convention.

Section 2. Affiliated Ministries A. Trustee Membership of Boards 1. Each institution affiliated with this Convention shall have a board consisting of thirteen (13) or more trustees of which at least a simple majority shall be elected by this Convention in its annual meetings. When the charter of such institution provides for a specific number of trustees, the number so provided for shall be elected. Those persons elected by the Convention to serve as members of these boards shall be active members of cooperating churches of The Baptist General Convention of Texas.

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Article VIII – Affiliated and Related Ministries

2. No person shall be eligible for concurrent membership on more than one affiliated board or board of related institutions or agencies.

3. Each institution affiliated with this Convention shall be eligible to elect those members of its trustee board not elected by the Convention in accordance with criteria adopted by its board.

All trustees so elected shall be active members of a Baptist church and shall meet other criteria established by the Executive Board.

4. Trustees of affiliated institutions shall be elected in classes so that the terms of one class only shall expire with each Convention year. The term of office of each member of the boards of affiliated institutions shall be three years. A member who has served three full successive terms shall not be eligible for re-election until he or she shall have been out of office for one Convention year.

5. The board of trustees and the administrator of an institution may request that a trustee, whose continued service is considered imperative to meet an emergency or a special need, be elected for an additional year. Such an exception must be approved by the Committee on Nominations for Boards of Affiliated Ministries. No more than two exceptions may be made for any given term for any one institution. In the event of such an exception, the position filled by that trustee shall revert to its previous class at the completion of the extra year.

6. No Trustee shall be allowed to name his or her successor by resigning in favor of another person.

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7. No elected trustee of the board of an affiliated institution who resigns from that board before the expiration of his or her current term shall be eligible for nomination to another board of the Convention until one year after such resignation is filed. A trustee elected by the Convention who no longer meets the qualifications for service set forth by the Convention as determined by the Executive Board, shall cease to be a trustee and that place shall be deemed vacant, or the Executive Board upon a 75 percent vote of those present may recommend to the Convention the removal of a trustee.

A vote of 75 percent of the votes entitled to be cast by the messengers when the vote is taken without regard to the total enrollment at any annual meeting of the Convention is necessary for removal. The Articles of Incorporation and bylaws of affiliated institutions shall not contain provision inconsistent with this Section 2 (A)(7).

8. The Recording Secretary of the Convention shall be notified immediately of vacancies that occur on an institutional board for any cause. Should a trustee position elected by the Convention become vacant for any cause, the Convention shall name a replacement trustee for that position through its adopted processes B. The board of each institution affiliated with this Convention shall submit any and all changes or amendments to the institution’s charter to the Executive Board for approval. Any changes that significantly alter the mission of the institution or the institution’s relationship to The Baptist General Convention of Texas shall be referred to the Convention for approval.

Section 3. Related Ministries A. The institution’s Articles of Incorporation and Special Agreements with the Convention shall guide the election and terms of trustees.

B. No person shall be eligible to concurrently serve on more than one related ministry board or affiliated ministry board.

C. The board of an institution may request, with a 75 percent vote of its board, that the institution relate to the Convention through a contractual Special Agreement rather than as an affiliated institution. Such agreements must be approved by the Convention at its annual meeting and may be considered only after favorable action by the Executive Board. Special Agreements must be negotiated in accordance with policies established by the Executive Board.

Section 4. Reports and Reviews to the Convention A. The board of each agency or institution affiliated with or related by Special Agreement to this Convention shall submit to the Convention at each annual meeting such written reports as will keep the Convention fully informed concerning the activities, plans, resources, financial condition, and legal status of the institution.

B. The board of each agency or institution, except general acute care hospitals and health care systems, affiliated with this Convention shall submit for review and approval to this Convention, or to a committee designated by this Convention, each and every project or policy that involves a level of indebtedness of the institution beyond the policies of The Baptist General Convention of Texas.

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Section 1. The Cooperative Program shall be the chief means through which this Convention shall support its missionary endeavors. The mission causes shall be reviewed and the Cooperative Program Budget through which they are supported shall be adopted annually.

Annual adoption of the budget shall be voted at the Annual Meeting held in the fall. The Executive Board will be responsible for budget adoption at its fall meeting in years when a summer Annual Meeting is held.

Section 2. All funds of this Convention shall be raised by voluntary contributions provided this does not prevent acquiring funds, or property, by bequest or use of any income on property that may be bequeathed to or purchased by the institutions or agencies hereof.

Section 3. All designated offerings or special gifts shall be strictly applied according to the expressed will and direction of the contributor.

Article X – Offices The Convention shall maintain a principal office within the State of Texas and shall continuously maintain in the State of Texas a registered office which is identical with the principal office and a registered agent who is the recording secretary of the Convention as required by the Texas Non-Profit Corporation Act. The Executive Board shall, from time to time, amend the Articles of Incorporation of the Convention as necessary to reflect the then current address of the registered office and the registered agent.

Article XI – Amendments Any alterations may be made in these Articles by two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast by the messengers present when the vote is taken without regard to total enrollment at any annual meeting of the Convention, provided (1) no amendment may be considered after the second day of the Convention and (2) that an amendment shall be so approved by two successive Conventions.

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Article IX – Contributions and Funds

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Article I – General Provisions Section 1. For purposes of usage in the Constitution and these Bylaws, a church is deemed to be affiliated with the Convention if such church (1) identifies itself with, aligns itself with, and endorses, generally, the purposes and work of the Convention, and (2) is otherwise eligible to send messengers to the annual meeting of the Convention. For purposes of usage in the Constitution and the Bylaws, “supportive” and “cooperating” shall have the same meaning as “affiliated” has in these Bylaws.

Section 2. All Convention officers, members of Convention committees, all Executive Board directors, and all non-director members of any special committee, subcommittee, group, team, council or other entity created under or permitted to be created under these Bylaws shall be members of affiliated churches. An exception will be made for members of groups, teams, councils or other entities who are Baptists and live outside the state of Texas.

Section 3. If a person named in Section 2 is no longer a member of a church affiliated with the Convention, or otherwise vacates the position, the position will be deemed vacant and the vacancy will be filled according to the provisions of these Bylaws.

Determination of vacancies and the date of such vacancy will be made by the Executive Board or a committee of the Board so authorized by the Executive Board.

Article II – Messengers Section 1. Each messenger shall register with the Registration Secretary by presentation of proper credentials prior to being seated as a messenger to the Convention.

Section 2. The credentials of a registered messenger may be reviewed by the Credentials Committee as deemed necessary.

Section 3. Any challenges to the seating of the messengers of a church will be presented in writing to the Credentials Committee during the Annual Meeting.

Section 4. Any challenges to the ability of a church to have the opportunity to send messengers to the Annual Meeting will be presented in writing to the Executive Board.

Article III – Meetings Section 1. The annual meeting of the Convention shall be a gathering for the purpose of worship, fellowship, mobilizing, encouraging, informing and uniting Texas Baptists to accomplish the Great Commission, as well as to elect officers; receiving recommendations and reports of officers, committees and boards; and for any other business that may arise or be scheduled.

Section 2. The Convention shall determine its order of business at the first session of the annual meeting.

Section 3. Special meetings may be called according to the provisions of the Constitution.

Section 4. In all questions covering the proceedings of the Convention in both annual and special meetings, Robert’s Rules of Order (latest revised edition) shall be the authority used by the presiding officers and by the Convention, unless the Constitution or the Bylaws have special rules of order that apply.

Article IV – Duties of Convention Officers Section 1. It shall be the duty of the president to preside over the deliberations of the Convention and to discharge such other duties as are usually incumbent on the presiding officer of a deliberative body.

If the president is no longer a member of a church cooperating with the Convention, a vice president shall succeed to the office according to provisions of the Constitution, and this fact shall be so recognized by a resolution of the Executive Board.

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Section 3. It shall be the duty of the recording secretary to keep an accurate record of the proceedings of the Convention, and to file and keep all papers in order deemed important to be preserved.

Section 4. The registration secretary shall be responsible for registration of all messengers of the Convention.

The registration secretary shall report to the chairperson of the Committee on Credentials the number of messengers registered as of the hour the Convention convenes and periodically thereafter as prescribed by the chairperson of the Committee on Credentials.

Following the Convention the registration secretary shall provide the recording secretary the number of messengers registered, arranged by associations.

Section 5. The duties of the secretary of the Corporation shall be to attest legal papers of the Convention.

Article V – Convention Committees Those committees that use sector criteria for membership shall use the same sectors as used for the Executive Board membership in the Bylaws, Article VI, Section 1, A. Section 1. The Committee on Annual Meeting shall be responsible for recommending the time and place of future annual meetings of the Convention, for selecting the worship leaders and for formulating the agenda for the annual meeting and submitting the agenda to the messengers for approval at the opening session.

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Section 2. The vice presidents shall discharge such duties as requested by the president. In the absence of the president from a Convention session, a vice president in the order in which he or she was elected shall preside.

The committee shall have eighteen members appointed for three year terms with six appointed each year by the president and the vice presidents acting jointly.

The president and vice presidents may appoint replacements to fill vacancies.

A. This committee shall provide periods of time during the early sessions of the Convention annual meeting for the introduction of all matters requiring a vote not scheduled on the agenda and when introduced shall fix times for consideration for the same, unless the Convention gives its unanimous consent for its immediate consideration.

B. This committee shall be responsible for formulating and recommending the Standing Rules of the Convention to the Convention for adoption. The Standing Rules of the Convention may be amended without notice by majority vote.

It also shall be responsible for recommending the disposition of motions made during consideration of miscellaneous business but not finally disposed.

Section 2. The Committee on Credentials shall be responsible for verifying credentials of prospective messengers, enrolling messengers, for investigating any contention arising out of the enrollment of messengers, and for reporting its findings to the Convention. Any challenges to the seating of messengers of church that are based upon the assertion that a church is no longer in harmonious cooperation with Texas Baptists will be referred to the Executive Board and not reported on until the next Annual Meeting. At the time scheduled by the Committee on Annual Meeting, the chairperson of the Committee on Credentials shall report the number of messengers registered as of the opening of the annual meeting or special meeting and periodically thereafter.

The committee when established shall have ten (10) members appointed for two years with five (5) appointed each year by the president and the vice presidents acting jointly. The president and vice presidents may appoint replacements to fill vacancies.

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Section 3. The Committee on Committees shall be responsible for nominating persons for election by the Convention to serve on the Committee to Nominate Executive Board Directors and the Committee on Nominations for Boards of Affiliated Ministries, and for such special committees as the Convention shall designate. The committee shall have fifteen (15) members appointed for three-year terms with five (5) appointed each year by the president and the vice presidents acting jointly. The president and vice presidents may appoint replacements to fill vacancies.

Section 4. The Committee on Resolutions shall be responsible for receiving all resolutions proposed by messengers and for reporting its findings to the Convention.

The committee shall have ten (10) members appointed for two-year terms with five (5) appointed each year by the president and the vice presidents acting jointly. The president and vice presidents may appoint replacements to fill vacancies.

All resolutions shall be automatically referred to the Committee on Resolutions without public reading or discussion.

This committee is directed to report back to the Convention such resolutions as it deems proper, whether submitted to or prepared by the committee.

Section 5. The Committee on Memorials shall be responsible for preparing and presenting to the Convention suitable memorial statements in remembrance of active Baptists whose death occurred during the year preceding the Convention session.

The committee shall have five (5) members appointed for one-year terms by the president and the vice presidents acting jointly. The president and vice presidents may appoint replacements to fill vacancies.

Section 6.The Committee to Nominate Executive Board Directors shall be responsible for nominating persons for election by the Convention to serve on the Executive Board.

A. The committee shall have fifteen (15) members, five (5) of whom shall be elected each year to serve for three-year terms. Members of this committee shall be elected by the Convention on the nomination of the Committee on Committees.

A member may serve one three-year term and is not eligible for re-election until one year has elapsed. No two members of this committee shall be from churches in the same sector.

The committee shall publish its list of nominees at least two full days prior to the day on which directors of the Executive Board are to be elected by the Convention

B. All members should be persons with experience in Convention affairs. In the election of the fifteen (15) members, a minimum of six (6) shall be church/denominational employees and a minimum of six (6) non-church/denominational employees. Spouses of church/denominational employees shall be considered in that category. Retired persons and their spouses who served as church/ denominational employees shall be considered in that category.

C. If a member moves from a church in one sector to a church in another sector that is already represented on the committee, the member shall continue to serve until the succeeding Convention at which time the position will be deemed vacant and the Committee on Committees shall make a nomination to the Convention to fill the unexpired term.

If a member resigns or is no longer a member of a church affiliated with the Convention, the position will be deemed vacant and the Committee on Committees may nominate to the Executive Board at its next meeting a person who shall be elected on a temporary basis to serve until the succeeding Convention at which time the membership shall be terminated.

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Thereafter, the persons or committee charged with nominating the members of such committee shall make a nomination to the Convention to fill the unexpired term.

D. The committee shall conduct its work in accordance with a policy adopted by the Executive Board.

The policy adopted shall provide for the committee to seek information and suggestions from persons in all sectors.

Section 7. The Committee on Nominations for Boards of Affiliated Ministries shall be responsible for nominating persons for election by the Convention to serve on the boards of trustees and boards of directors of all Convention institutions, agencies, and affiliates.

A. The committee shall have fifteen (15) members, five (5) of whom shall be elected each year to serve for three-year terms.

Members shall be elected by the Convention on the nomination of the Committee on Committees. A member may serve one three-year term and is not eligible for re-election until one year has elapsed. No two members of this committee shall be from churches in the same sector.

B. All members should be persons with experience in Convention affairs. In the election of the fifteen (15) members, a minimum of six (6) shall be church/denominational employees and a minimum of six (6) non-church/denominational employees.

Spouses of church/denominational employees shall be considered in that category. Retired persons and their spouses who served as church/denominational employees shall be considered in that category.

C. If a member moves from a church in one sector to a church in another sector that is already represented on the committee, the member shall continue to serve until the succeeding Convention at which time the position will be deemed vacant and the Committee on Committees shall make a nomination to the Convention to fill the unexpired term.

If a member resigns or is no longer a member of a church affiliated with the Convention, the position will be deemed vacant and the Committee on Committees may nominate to the Executive Board at its next meeting a person who shall be elected on a temporary basis to serve until the succeeding Convention, at which time the membership shall be terminated.

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Thereafter, the persons or committee charged with nominating the members of such committee shall make a nomination to the Convention to fill the unexpired term.

D. The committee shall conduct its work in accordance with a policy adopted by the Executive Board.

The policy adopted shall provide for the committee to seek information and suggestions from persons in all sectors. The policy adopted also shall provide for the committee to establish one nominating subcommittee for each institutional board, agency, and affiliate to assist the committee by suggesting names of persons who shall be considered for nomination for election to boards. The committee shall determine the composition of each subcommittee and select the members of each subcommittee.

E. The subcommittee shall develop the lists of suggested nominees in accordance with criteria established by the Executive Board. The committee shall develop its list of nominees on the basis of the list of suggested nominees presented by the subcommittee, screening those lists to eliminate duplications and to assure compliance with established criteria.

The committee shall publish its list of nominees at least two full days prior to the day on which members of institution boards, agencies, and affiliates are to be elected by the Convention.

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Article VI – Executive Board Section 1. Membership A. The elected membership of the Executive Board shall be ninety (90) directors from thirty (30) sectors in the Convention. At least three directors will be elected from each sector. The composition of the Executive Board shall be that as defined in the Constitution. Additionally, at least thirty percent (30%) of the membership shall be non-Anglo persons.

The sectors are based on resident church membership in counties with additional consideration given to the number of churches and Cooperative Program giving for Texas causes. The drawing of sector boundaries is based on the following weighted criteria by county: resident church membership, fifty percent (50%); number of churches, twenty-five percent (25%); and Cooperative Program giving for Texas causes, twenty-five percent (25%).

Large population counties may contain multiple sectors, and smaller population adjacent counties may be grouped into one sector. Counties containing more than one sector will not be subdivided.

Sector boundaries will be evaluated every five years by the Executive Committee of the Board and any changes recommended to the Board for approval.

B. The Executive Board shall have ex-officio directors in addition to the ninety (90) elected directors.

The ex-officio directors shall be divided into these two classes.

Class 1. The president and vice presidents of the Convention and presidents of the recognized fellowships, provided that these presidents are members of churches supportive of the Convention.

These persons shall by virtue of office serve with all rights, privileges, and duties of, and shall in all matters be treated as elected directors.

Class 2. The non-voting directors named in the Constitution, Article VII, Section 2, C. These persons shall by virtue of office serve with all rights, privileges, and duties of, and shall in all matters be treated as elected directors, except these persons shall not have the right to vote in regard to actions of the Executive Board or in regard to actions of any committee of the Executive Board, and shall not be counted for purposes of ascertaining a quorum of the Executive Board or of any of its committees nor in the number needed for adoption of certain actions.

C. If a director of the Executive Board moves from a church in one sector to a church in another sector, the director shall continue to serve until the succeeding Convention at which time the membership shall be terminated and the Committee to Nominate Executive Board Directors shall make a nomination to fill the unexpired term.

In order to achieve the purposes and structure dictated by the Constitution, as each incumbent director completes the term to which he or she was elected prior to the adoption of these Bylaws, or in the event any director, prior to the expiration of his or her term, dies, resigns, is no longer a member of a church affiliated with the Convention, is removed by the Convention, or otherwise vacates the office of director, such director’s position on the Executive Board determined by the previous provisions shall be deemed eliminated and no vacancy shall be deemed to exist, except as follows: if a sector has less than three directors on the Executive Board or after the time the number of directors positions has been reduced to ninety (90) elected directors, then when a vacancy occurs for any reason outlined in the foregoing sentence, the Committee to Nominate Executive Board Directors shall nominate to the Executive Board at its next meeting a person who shall be elected on a temporary basis to serve until the succeeding Convention at which time the membership shall be terminated and the Committee to Nominate Executive Board Directors shall make a nomination to fill the unexpired term.

Should an ex-officio director resign, be unable to continue to serve, or no longer be a member of a church affiliated with the Convention, the position will be deemed vacant.

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The Executive Board shall give the entity responsible for the election of such person written notice that such person’s position as a director has been deemed vacant and that such director position shall remain vacant until it is filled by such entity’s presentation to the Executive Board of another person qualified to serve as such entity’s ex-officio director under the Constitution and these Bylaws.

D. The Constitution and Bylaw provisions in regard to the composition of the Executive Board directors pertain to directors elected under these Bylaws and not to previously elected directors continuing during the transition period.

Section 2. Elected Officers The Board shall elect a chairperson and a vice chairperson annually. The treasurer/chief financial officer of the Convention shall serve as recording secretary. The officers shall have the following duties: A. Chairperson 1. Presides at all meetings of the Board.

2. Chairs the Executive Committee.

3. Assists the executive director as the director provides leadership in the planning and implementation of Convention operations and ministries.

4. Consults with the executive director and secretary prior to each meeting to set the agenda.

5. Appoints special committees as authorized by the Board.

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6. Represents the Board in meetings of Convention agencies as invited to do so.

7. Serves the Board by carrying out responsibilities assigned to the chair.

B. Vice Chairperson 1. Assists the chairperson throughout the term as may be requested.

2. Presides at meetings of the Board and Executive Committee in the absence of the chairperson or at the request of the chairperson C. Recording Secretary

The recording secretary is to keep an accurate record of the proceedings of the Executive Board and to file and keep in order all papers deemed important to be preserved.

Section 3. Election of Officers A. Nominations

Nominations shall be made from the floor at the last regular meeting of the year.

Nominations shall be made in this order: chairperson and vice chairperson.

B. Voting

The election of officers shall be the first order of business on the agenda at the last regular meeting of the year.

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Election shall be by show of hands unless the chairperson with the appointed parliamentarian shall agree that the vote be by ballot. A majority of votes cast shall determine the person chosen.

C. Terms

Officers of the Board shall serve one-year terms and be eligible for one additional term. Terms begin immediately following the close of the last session of the annual meeting of the Convention.

Should for any reason the office of chairperson be vacated prior to completion of the term, the vice chairperson shall become chairperson for the remainder of the term.

In such case, the vacancy of the vice chairperson would be filled at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board.

Section 4. Meetings A. Authority

The Board shall meet at times and on a schedule that it adopts. The meeting date of the Convention should be a strongly influencing factor in the determination of when the Board meets.

The meetings should be calendared so as to supplement and facilitate the total work of the Convention in support of all Convention-adopted programs.

The meeting schedule of the Board shall be recommended to the Board by the Executive Director.

B. Meeting Times

The Board shall determine three-to-five years in advance the three times during each calendar year it meets.

C. Annual Meeting

The annual meeting of the Board shall be the one conducted prior to but not necessarily in conjunction with the annual Convention meeting. At this meeting, the Board will elect officers, may appoint committees, and consider other business as may come before the meeting.

D. Place of Meeting

The Board may designate any place within the State of Texas as the place of meeting.

E. Notice of Meetings

Written notice stating the place, day, and hour of any meeting of directors shall be delivered either personally, by mail, or by electronic means to each director, not less than 10 days or more than 60 days before the date of such meeting by or at the direction of the chairperson.

F. Special Meetings

Special meetings may be called by the executive director and/or the chairperson with the consent of two of the following: the vice chairperson of the Board and the president and vice presidents of the Convention; or may be called by not less than twenty percent (20%) of the directors.

The call for a special meeting shall state the purpose of the meeting, and the time, date, and place for the meeting. The special meeting shall be limited to the purpose stated.

G. There will be no proxy voting.

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Descriptions of the committees and duties of the Executive Board Committees will be described in the policy of the Executive Board as adopted by the Executive Board.

Section 6. Voting by Mail or Electronic Means Any action required by law to be taken at a meeting of directors or any action which may be taken at a meeting of directors may be taken without a meeting if consented to and signed by a requisite number of directors of the Executive Board who are entitled to vote, either in writing, by mail ballot, by electronic means, or by some combination of both, with respect to the subject matter thereof.

The requisite number is the number that would be necessary to take that action at a meeting at which the directors were present and voted. Where a specific business item may need action prior to a regular meeting, the chairperson, or the vice chairperson in his absence, may conduct the voting by mail or by electronic means, or by some combination of both.

No vote shall be taken by electronic means or by telephone unless notice of such proposed vote to be taken has been communicated by electronic means, in person, by mail, by telephone, or by any of these means, to all members of the Executive Board or to the committee or subcommittee proposing to take a vote at least three (3) business days prior to the first day on which votes will be accepted. Notice by mail shall be deemed properly given if deposited in the U.S. Mail at least five (5) business days prior to such first day.

Voting by fax, email, dedicated website, any similar technology, or any combination of such means shall constitute “electronic means” for purposes of this and the following section.

“Signing” of a ballot or other confirmation of a vote by way of electronic means shall be broadly construed to permit effective utilization of such means.

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Section 5. Committees

In addition, committees and subcommittees of the Executive Board, together with any group authorized under Section F. of this article, but not the Executive Board as a whole, may take votes telephonically as a part of a committee or subcommittee meeting via conference telephone call or any other electronic conferencing media (and without necessity of a signed ballot). Written memoranda or minutes shall be made of all meetings and votes undertaken by electronic means or telephonically or by mail, and shall be entered into the records of the Executive Board or the appropriate committee or subcommittee as of the next meeting in which the members assemble in person.

There will be no proxy voting and therefore voting by mail or by electronic means shall not be considered to be voting by proxy.

Section 7. Quorum The directors holding one-half (50%) of the total votes which may be cast at any meeting shall constitute a quorum.

Section 8. Compensation Directors shall not receive any salaries for their services but may receive reimbursement for appropriate travel expenses.

Article VII – Convention Employees Section 1. Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer Recruitment

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The Executive Board is to establish a search committee composed of seven (7) members of the Executive Board appointed by the chairperson and vice chairperson of the Executive Board and eight (8) members of the Convention-at-large appointed by the president and vice presidents of the Convention.

The chairperson and vice chairperson of the Executive Board and president and vice presidents of the Convention will nominate a chairperson of the Search Committee from among the fifteen (15) members.

The Executive Board is to approve the Search Committee and the chairperson.

Section 2. Associate Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer and Treasurer/Chief Financial Officer Recruitment The executive director with the chairperson and vice chairperson of the Executive Board and the president of the Convention shall compose the search committee for the associate executive director/chief operating officer and the treasurer /chief financial officer as needed.

Section 3. Other Employees of the Convention The executive director is authorized to employ other staff as needed in the plan of work and as provided by the financial plan of the Convention.

Article VIII – Amendments These Bylaws may be changed or amended at any regular session of the Convention’s annual meeting, except the last session of the meeting, provided said change or amendment is offered at the first session of the annual meeting, and carries over to some subsequent session during the same meeting, and then receives a two-third’s majority of messengers present and voting in the session.

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Cultural Engagement Team, 27

Stark College & Seminary, 72

Area Representatives, 17

Dallas Baptist University, 56

Associate Executive Director, 40

Denison Ministries, 96

Statement of Financial Position, 46

Associations, 101

Discipleship, 7

Associational Relations, 33

East Texas Baptist University, 58

Baptist Community Services, 76

Ethics & Justice, 24

Baptist Church Loan Corporation, 94

Evangelism, 8 Executive Board, 4

Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio, 85

Texas Baptist Historical Collection, 38

Executive Director, 3

Texas Baptist Men, 99

Finance and Accounting, 49

Texas Baptist Missions Foundation, 39

Baptist Health System, 86 Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas, 88 Baptist Standard, 95 Baptist University of the Americas, 52 BaptistWay Press, 41 Baylor Scott & White Health, 90 Baylor University, 54 Bivocational Pastors Ministry, 18 Bounce/Disaster Recovery, 11 Buckner International, 78 Bylaws, 114 Camps, 105 Center for Financial Health, 19 Chaplaincy Relations, 42 Children at Heart Ministries, 80 Christian Life Commission, 23 Church Architecture, 43 Church Starting, 12 Collegiate Ministry, 32 Communications, 36 Conferences & Events, 51 Connections Team, 16 Constitution, 107 Cooperative Program Ministry, 35

Great Commission Team, 6

Statement of Activities, 47 Texas Baptist Counseling Services, 20 Texas Baptist Heritage Center, 37

GuideStone Financial Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention, 97

Treasurer/CFO, 45

Hardin-Simmons University, 60 Hendrick Health System, 92

Valley Baptist Missions Ed Center, 74

HighGround Advisors, 98

Wayland Baptist University, 68

Hispanic Education Initiative, 30

Western Heritage, 22

Hispanic Ministries, 29

Woman’s Missionary Union of TX, 100

Houston Baptist University, 62

INDEX

African American Ministries, 28

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, 66

Howard Payne University, 64 Human Resources, 48 Hunger & Care Ministries, 26 Information Technology, 50 Institutions, 54 Intercultural Ministries, 31 Interim Church Services, 21 Missions Team, 10 Missionary Adoption Program, 13 Multi-Housing, 14 Music & Worship, 9 Public Policy, 25 River Ministry/Mexico Missions, 15 San Marcos Baptist Academy, 70 South Texas Children’s Home Ministries, 82

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