TEXAS BAPTISTS LIFE Issue No. 4
New churches reach changing communities pg.22
Texas Baptists to hold first ever online Annual Meeting pg.18
DEREK KIMES Pastor of Trailview Church in Burleson
OCTOBER 2020 / TEX AS BAPTISTS LIFE
Volume 8
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VOLUME 8 • ISSUE 4
Contents On mission around the world The Texas Baptists Missions Team engages people all over the world for Christ. From local outreach to border ministry and beyond, this team embodies the Great Commission as they truly go “to the ends of the earth.”
Publication Team
ONLINE » NOVEMBER 16 – 17 Roping, riding and sharing the Gospel: Celebrating 20 years of Western Heritage Ministries As Western Heritage Ministries celebrates 20 years, take a look at the impact cowboy churches are making in Texas.
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Texas Baptists en Español launches as a renewed emphasis on reaching the Hispanic population in Texas Learn about Texas Baptists en Español, a new ministry focused on uniting and mobilizing Hispanic churches around the state.
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Texas Baptists invited to participate in online Annual Meeting Find information about the 2020 Annual Meeting including schedules, themes and speakers.
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New churches reach growing and changing communities across Texas Church starting is a valuable way to reach the evergrowing population of Texas. See how two church starts are reaching out to their new communities.
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Texas Baptists missionary begins service in Lebanon days after massive explosion Read about Texas Baptists missionary Julia Wallace and her heart for the people of Lebanon.
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MAP stories: Bringing light to a dark city MAP missionary Larry Mayberry is spreading the Gospel to people in New York City. Read about his church and how they are staying active during the pandemic.
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Pandemic changes ministry approach along the border River Ministry missionaries on the Texas/Mexico border are working hard to provide resources and hope in the midst of COVID-19.
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Improving your mental health during stress-filled times Katie Swafford, director of Counseling Services, provides helpful information on staying healthy during a time of stress and uncertainty.
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Texas Baptists en Español inicia un énfasis renovado para alcanzar a la población hispana en Texas Texas Baptists en Español existe para conectar al exhortar, informar, y colaborar con las iglesias bautistas hispanas aliadas con los Bautistas de Texas para alcanzar las metas que el Señor les ha dado.
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Joshua Seth Minatrea Director of Communications Kalie Lowrie Associate Director of Communications/News Director Jeremy Honea Art Director Bonnie Shaw News Writer Maritza Solano Production Artist Caleb Arndt Graphic Designer Neil Williams Multimedia Specialist Brittany Thomas Communications Assistant
You are receiving a free copy of Texas Baptists Life because of your generous support of the Cooperative Program. To subscribe or update your subscription preferences, call 214.828.5232 or email subscriptions@txb.org.
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MESSAGE
from the
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Welcome to the latest edition of our Texas Baptists Life magazine. I think you will find this information encouraging and inspiring. Thank you for reading! One of the new “centers” we have established (we have basically renamed our “Missions Team”) is the Center for Missional Engagement. Josue Valerio is the director of this center and he brings years of experience as a missionary to Mexico, on the university campus through BSM, and in the local association (El Paso) to his role as a leader. Our BGCT work does so much through this Center, from Church Starting, through both the traditional and house church model, all the way to River Ministry and Disaster Relief/Recovery through BOUNCE. Just one example of the effective and efficient work of this Center is the fact that during this pandemic year our Texas Baptist Church Planting team continued to start new churches and re-start declining churches, doing this work both in Texas and beyond. This is another reason why we are now calling ourselves a GC2 Convention. We do in fact focus on the Great Commandment and the Great Commission! You can learn more about this Center and our four other new Centers at our Annual Meeting November 16-17. Yes, this year our meeting will be online-only, but even so there will be many opportunities to connect and learn. Of special interest this year will be the launching of “Texas Baptists en Español.” As you probably know we have long had an office of Hispanic Ministry. Today that office is capably led by Rolando Rodriquez, and longtime Texas Baptist leader, Lorenzo Peña, has supervised Rolando. Together they introduced the idea of renaming our Hispanic Ministry Office to “Texas Baptists en Español” as a firm indicator to our Convention that we truly are committed to reaching the growing Hispanic population of Texas with the good news of Jesus Christ. This renewed
emphasis gets kicked off at the Hispanic Rally on Sunday, November 15.
enfocamos en el Gran Mandamiento y la Gran Comisión!
I am fully aware that COVID-19 has taken a toll on many of our churches and their leaders. Through it all, we have stayed the course, done the work, and I praise God that there is much to be celebrated. We will do some of that celebration through this year’s Annual Meeting. Please register and participate. There are some really great days ahead for us and I’m honored and humbled to serve you. God bless.
Puede conocer más acerca de este Centro y los otros cuatro centros en nuestra Reunión Anual el 16 al 17 de noviembre. Sí, este año nuestra reunión será en línea solamente, pero a pesar de eso, habrá muchas oportunidades para conectar y aprender. De especial interés este año será el lanzamiento de “Texas Baptists en Español”. Como probablemente sabe, durante mucho tiempo hemos tenido una oficina de Ministerios Hispanos. Hoy esa oficina es capazmente dirigida por Rolando Rodríguez, y el líder bautista de experiencia, Lorenzo Peña, ha supervisado a Rolando. Juntos han presentado la idea de cambiar el nombre de la Oficina de Ministerios Hispanos a “Texas Baptists en Español” como indicio firme de que nuestra Convención está verdaderamente comprometida a alcanzar la creciente población hispana en Texas con las Buenas Nuevas de Jesucristo. Este énfasis renovado será lanzado en el Rally hispano el domingo 15.
¡Hola, Bautistas de Texas! Bienvenido a la edición más reciente de nuestra revista Texas Baptists Life. Creo que encontrará esta información emocionante e inspiradora. ¡Gracias por leer! Uno de los nuevos “centros” que hemos establecido (básicamente le hemos cambiado el nombre a nuestro “Equipo de Misiones”) es el Centro para Participación Misional. Josué Valerio es el Director de este Centro y aporta años de experiencia como misionero en México, en recintos universitarios por medio del Ministerio de Estudiantes Bautistas (BSM), y la asociación local (El Paso) a su papel como líder. Nuestra BGCT labora mucho por medio de este Centro, desde Iniciar Iglesias, por medio del modelo tradicional al modelo de iglesias en casa, hasta el Ministerio en el Río y Ayuda/Recuperación de Desastres a través del ministerio BOUNCE. Un ejemplo del trabajo eficiente y efectivo de este Centro es el hecho de que, durante este año de pandemia, nuestro equipo de Inicio de Iglesias de los Bautistas de Texas ha continuado iniciando iglesias y reiniciando iglesias en declive, haciendo esta labor en Texas y más allá. Esta es otra razón por la cual ahora nos llamamos una Convención GC2. ¡De hecho, nos
Estoy consciente de que el COVID-19 ha afectado a muchas de nuestras iglesias y sus líderes. Durante todo esto, hemos mantenido el curso, hecho el trabajo, y alabo a Dios porque tenemos qué celebrar. Haremos algo de esta celebración por medio de la Reunión Anual de este año. Nos esperan días muy buenos y me siento horado de poder servirle. Que Dios le bendiga. Blessings & Bendiciones,
DAV I D H A R DAG E E X EC U T I V E D IR EC TO R
OCTOBER 2020 / TEX AS BAPTISTS LIFE
Hello, Texas Baptists!
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HEALING HEARTS AND SHARING HOPE www.STCHM.org Homes for Children Homes for Families Family Counseling International Faith & Work Faith & Finances Pastor Care Family Support Ministry Consulting
AROUND TEXAS
Texas Baptists presented the 2020 Legacy Award to Charles R. “Chuck” Dooley, former church planter for Texas Baptists, and D.L. Lowrie, pastor emeritus of First Baptist Church in Lubbock on Oct. 11. Dooley’s ministry includes six fulltime pastorates, 23 intentional interim pastorates, 10 years of ministry with the North American Mission Board and 20 years as a church planter with Texas Baptists. Lowrie has served as a pastor, convention leader and professor during his over 60 years of ministry. He has served as Texas Baptists president, chairman on the Executive Board, Program Coordinating Committee and State Mission Commission.
The Texas Baptist Legacy Award is presented annually at the Independence Baptist Church in Independence, Texas, in recognition of lifelong Christian service. Typically the service is held the first Sunday in June. This year, however, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the awards were presented to each individual and their families in private ceremonies at the Independence Baptist Church on Oct. 11. The late Phil Hassell was also honored during the day, after his passing on Sept. 13. In addition to his service as pastor of Independence Baptist Church, Hassell served as director of the Texas Baptist Historical Museum.
TEXAS BAPTIST RETIREES HONORED FOR THEIR FAITHFUL SERVICE In May, the Executive Board approved a proactive plan to provide a generous voluntary retirement package to eligible staff. Several longtime Texas Baptists accepted this offer including Bill Arnold, president of Texas Baptist Missions Foundation, Chris Liebrum, director of the Office of Cooperative Program Ministry, Roy Cotton, director of African American Ministry, and executiveteam member Rollie Richmond, director of Human Resources.
These and other retirees were recognized for their faithful service in the Texas Baptists weekly internal newsletter, during the Aug. 12 Staff Day, and at the Sept. 21 Executive Board meeting. Retirees will also be invited to attend Baptist Building Retiree Fellowship gatherings each spring and fall. “We are thankful to all Texas Baptist employees for their service, experience, and wisdom,” Board Chair Donna Burney said.
Ray Malone has been named Human Resources director and comes to Texas Baptists from his pastorship of Greater Beulah Baptist Church in Dothan, AL. Malone brings years of ministry and business experience to the new role which will greatly benefit convention staff. As Human Resources Director, Malone is excited to promote and enable Texas Baptists staff members as they minister to the state of Texas and beyond. “I’ve been closely affiliated with Texas Baptists for more than 12 years. I’ve had the chance to see it from the ministry side, now I get to see it from the administration side,” he said. “Being able to come in and help people care for their family, their health, their retirement, et cetera, so that they can focus on ministry is such a blessing.” Read more news at txb.org/news
OCTOBER 2020 / TEX AS BAPTISTS LIFE
2020 TEXAS BAPTISTS LEGACY AWARDS HONOR CHARLES R. DOOLEY AND D.L. LOWRIE
Ray Malone named new HR Director
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AROUND TEXAS
2020 B.E.S.T. AWARD RECIPIENTS CHOSEN
The award celebrates Christian educators who are living out their faith daily among their students and the Texas Baptists institutions that taught them. Nine award recipients were selected, one from each Texas Baptist educational university. The award is coordinated by Chris Liebrum,
retired director of the Office of the Cooperative Program Ministry. Recipients are Margarita Garcia, a graduate of Baptist University of the Américas; Deborah Wagner, a graduate of Baylor University; Haley Briggs, a graduate of Dallas Baptist University; Jessica Sullens, a graduate of East Texas Baptist University; Shana Culp, a graduate of Hardin-Simmons University; Carla Stutts, a graduate of Houston Baptist University; Andrea Harp, a graduate of Howard Payne University; Tammy Barrack, a graduate of the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor; and Mike Manchee, a graduate of Wayland Baptist University.
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482694
07/20
Jerry Carlisle named TBMF President Jerry Carlisle was named the new Texas Baptist Missions Foundation (TBMF) President. Carlisle was previously vice president of TBMF and brings years of business, fundraising and ministry experience to his new role. Additional denominational work includes his service as President and First Vice President of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, as well as two terms on the Executive Board. In his new role, Carlisle will oversee all fundraising efforts for the Foundation and work in conjunction with the TBMF Council to develop strategic initiatives to support Texas Baptist missions and ministries. Learn more about TBMF at txb.org/tbmf OCTOBER 2020 / TEX AS BAPTISTS LIFE
On August 17, Texas Baptists announced the winners of the 2020 Baptist Educators Serving Texans (B.E.S.T.) Award.
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Discover Where You Belong Whether in the classroom, boardroom, or courtroom, God has called you to a great mission. DBU prepares you to be a servant leader, so you can transform the world for Christ. Start your journey at www.dbu.edu/prepare.
SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT
“ Back to school looks a little different this year, but our children are excited for school to start.”
Texas Baptist Men September 16 at 7:04 AM
This week, TBM chainsaw teams cleared their 400th work request in Southeast Texas after Hurricane Laura. Some of those jobs were large. Some were small. But each of them was an opportunity to minister to a person who was hurting after the storm.
techbsm August 20 at 11:46 AM
“ Had an amazing time of worship last night with all of our students! What a great way to start off the semester.”
The Woodlands First Baptist Church August 28 at 3:07 PM
“ Hey Church Family!! We have received a great deal of items! Thank you!” Donations pictured above were sent to victims of Hurricane Laura
TBM RESPONDS TO HURRICANES HANNA AND LAURA TBM Disaster Relief has come to the aid of Texas communities impacted by hurricanes. Hurricane Hanna made landfall along the Texas coast as a Category 1 storm on July 25, pouring rain across the lower Rio Grande Valley, knocking power out for thousands, bringing down trees and flooding homes. On Aug. 27, Hurricane Laura made landfall as a Category 4 storm. Though Texas did not take the brunt of the hurricane’s force, deep
Southeast Texas has been affected significantly. In response, TBM sent chainsaw teams, feeding teams, shower/laundry units, mud out teams and chaplains to help those affected. “Our volunteers are delivering help, hope and healing to the hurting. Whether we’re cutting down a tree or providing a meal, we want people to know God loves them,” TBM Chief Executive Officer Mickey Lenamon said.
OCTOBER 2020 / TEX AS BAPTISTS LIFE
STCH Ministries August 13 at 9:39 AM
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ROPING, RIDING AND SHARING THE GOSPEL: CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF WESTERN HERITAGE MINISTRIES By Meredith Rose, Social Media Specialist
This year, Texas Baptist Western Heritage Ministries celebrates 20 years of planting and partnering with cowboy churches across Texas.
“For 20 years, this ministry has been a successful avenue for starting churches and reaching people with different traditions,” said Jason Bryant, consultant and church starter for Western Heritage Ministries. We have been blessed to start 191 cowboy churches in these 20 years. They make a difference in their communities by reaching the unchurched and discipling those they reach,” Bryant continued. Since the first church was planted, more than $6 million of Cooperative Program funding has been used to expand this ministry and thousands have come to faith in Christ. God has done amazing work through the Western Heritage movement in the state. From thriving established churches to new church plants, the momentum has continued to move forward.
Continued partnership Cowboy Church of Ellis County (CCEC), founded through a partnership with Texas Baptists in 2000, was one of Western Heritage Ministries’ first church plants, in Waxahachie. Now led by Pastor Gary Morgan, CCEC has faithfully partnered with Texas Baptists for the past 20 years.
“We partner with Texas Baptists because of their faithful work with cowboy churches and their strong commitment to missions around the world,” said Morgan. “Planting churches and spreading the Gospel is important to our church, and Texas Baptists helps us do that.” CCEC seeks to reach the cowboy culture in Ellis County for Christ. The church incorporates familiar aspects of the cowboy community into its Gospel-centered ministries, creating spaces where people in cowboy culture, anyone from ranch hands to cowboy enthusiasts, feel comfortable engaging.
New church plant In May 2018, God began laying the foundation for a new cowboy church plant, Coastal Bend Cowboy Fellowship in Kingsville.
“Jason Bryant got a hold of my name and asked if I would be interested in planting a cowboy church,” said Christopher Sprenger, pastor at Coastal Bend. “I prayed about it and talked to my wife, Two of these ministries are Arena and we ended up feeling called. I’d been Church, held every week in a fully-functhinking about mission work, and what tional, on-campus rodeo arena, and Buck greater mission is there than to reach Out, an amateur bull-riding ministry people you’re familiar with in your geared toward reaching youth. own backyard?” “These ministries give cowboys an opportunity to learn about the Gospel in a setting that is normal to them,” said Morgan. CCEC also takes the Gospel off campus and into the cowboy community by participating in the annual Livestock Show and Rodeo at the Ellis County Expo Center. During this week-long event, CCEC members and staff host morning devotionals and interact with cowboy families. “This is the biggest event of the year for the cowboy community in Ellis County,” said Morgan. “We want to be there to serve them as representatives of Jesus Christ.”
Coastal Bend began as a group of nine people holding services at a farmer’s market in downtown Kingsville. “We’d play the guitar and worship, then people would sit in folding lawn chairs for the sermon,” said Sprenger. “Each week more people would come and by the end of that first year, we had 45 people.” As God continued to draw cowboy families to Coastal Bend, the church began meeting in an exposition center in Kingsville where they could host indoor worship services and rodeo events.
“Arena events are our main ministry. That’s what attracts people,” said Sprenger. “When we put on arena events, Like many cowboy churches, CCEC culti- it creates common ground. People who vates a church culture that is different have gone to livestock shows or country from the traditional model in order to western concerts their whole lives feel better reach cowboys. comfortable there and are willing to come. It’s a real source of evangelism.”
OCTOBER 2020 / TEX AS BAPTISTS LIFE
When the first cowboy churches were planted in Texas, they sought to reach out to a unique group of people who might not feel comfortable walking in the doors of a traditional church building. Boots, hats and spurs were welcomed. Greeters could be found riding horses outside the church building to welcome guests. Baptisms were often held in horse troughs. The offering might be collected in a cowboy boot and the worship music likely had a Country Western flair. The reception to this new approach was welcomed and more cowboy churches were planted around the state.
“Our motto is ‘come as you are, but leave changed.’ If you are in trouble, we will accept you. If you are unsure, we will pray with you. If you are searching, we will teach you,” said Morgan. “We don’t believe in trying to clean people up before they accept Christ. How can anyone become clean before they receive Jesus and the Holy Spirit enters their heart? That is putting the cart before the horse.”
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In addition to reaching cowboys in the local community for Christ, Coastal Bend wants to have a positive impact across the state of Texas. “ We believe in missions,” said Sprenger. “But we’re not big enough and we don’t have the funds to support our own missionaries or church starting. That’s why we give to Texas Baptists. They supported us with guidance and encouragement when we were getting started, and we want to support the missions and church starting they do in return.”
“ WE BELIEVE IN MISSIONS, BUT WE’RE NOT BIG ENOUGH…TO SUPPORT OUR OWN MISSIONARIES OR CHURCH STARTING. THAT’S WHY WE GIVE TO TEXAS BAPTISTS.” Coastal Bend continues to put down roots and reach cowboy culture for Christ through partnership with Western Heritage Ministries. “Planting a cowboy church is lots of hard work,” said Springer. “But God is using us to reach folks that no one else is reaching.”
The future of Western Heritage Ministries
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As Bryant looks back on the 20-year history of Western Heritage Ministries, he is excited about future opportunities for growth in the ministry.
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Despite the pandemic, Bryant continues working toward the start of the first Cowboy Church Pastoral Center, a program that will identify and equip new cowboy church pastors who are committed to planting churches. With the help of the Texas Baptists Missions Team, Bryant is seeking to generate interest and identify potential candidates for the program at this time. “As we look to the future, we’re excited to cultivate more cowboy church leaders. God is not done with Western Heritage Ministries. He is just getting started,” Bryant said. To learn more about Texas Baptist Western Heritage Ministries, visit txb.org/westernheritage
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Cowboy Churches started
$6 Million OCTOBER 2020 / TEX AS BAPTISTS LIFE
in Cooperative Program investment
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Texas Baptists en Español launches as a renewed emphasis on reaching the Hispanic population in Texas By Kalie Lowrie, Associate Director of Communications/News Director Texas Baptists have a rich history and heritage of ministry with and to Hispanics in Texas and an intentional effort to work with Hispanic churches to reach the lost. The Texas Baptists Office of Hispanic Ministries (OHM) has been a powerful instrument in connecting with
local Hispanic congregations, with the purpose to impact God’s kingdom. As the state continues to change, a renewed effort for Texas Baptists to reach Hispanics has been launched as Texas Baptists en Español.
“Texas Baptists en Español is not just a rebranding of the Hispanic Office but is a way of accomplishing a concerted effort in reaching Hispanics in Texas for Christ,” said Lorenzo Pena, director of Cultural Engagement. “It enables Hispanic Baptist leaders and Texas
Peña, Rolando Rodriguez, director of Hispanic Ministries, and a team of Hispanic leaders spent the last year evaluating the best ways to adapt and change ministry strategies to be proactive in impacting the Hispanic population with the Gospel through Texas Baptists en Español. They spent time reviewing “Vision 2000,” a strategic plan to reach Hispanics in Texas written and developed by a Hispanic Task Force of convention staff in 1991. Almost 30 years later, many of the key areas of emphasis were reaffirmed and the document helped guide the revisioning process. The result of the prayers and listening sessions was an intentional focus to rebrand the OHM as Texas Baptists en Español. Emphasis was placed on eight areas, discipleship, evangelism, church starting, reaching the next generation, leadership development, missions, education, and church health and revitalization. Rodriguez outlined several goals for the new initiative to minister to and reach Hispanics in Texas. He sees Texas Baptists en Español as an opportunity to promote unity, fellowship, purpose and clarity. It will allow for more
Reaching a changing state According to Dr. Daniel Sanchez, distinguished professor of Missions at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, in his book Hispanic Realities Impacting America, “the growth of the Hispanic population has exceeded even
focused and concentrated efforts towards funding. All services, events and training opportunities for Hispanic churches will be centralized through a quarterly news journal, the Texas Baptists en Español Advisory Council, a monthly e-newsletter and collaboration with the 40 Hispanic Baptist fellowship presidents. Additionally, more Hispanic churches will be planted and Texas Baptists en Español will work in conjunction with Texas Baptists’ leadership to advance the initiative to reach the growing Hispanic population in Texas and across the nation. “We felt that we needed to reflect our collaboration with the local church to continue reaching the Hispanic population that continues to expand in numbers,” said Rodriguez. “We have planned this transition from OHM to Texas Baptists en Español by inviting a group of 30 vital leaders that includes presidents of compañerismos, statewide pastors and BGCT staff, using different surveys and strategies such as nine listening sessions throughout the state with the purpose of discovering the top needs in our Hispanic churches.” “I am excited about the Texas Baptists en Español vision and direction for this time and the year to come, and also for the great opportunity I have to be part of it. I can’t wait to see what the Lord has for us in the near future and years ahead. We as a church are blessed to be part of Texas Baptists,” said Martin Ortega Sr., senior pastor of Iglesia Bautista Emanuel of Midland.
the boldest expectations of demographic experts. Between 1950 and 2008, the Hispanic population grew from 4 million to 45.5 million. By the year 2014, the Hispanic population grew to 55 million.” Just in Texas, the Hispanic population grew by more than 2 million in the last decade, according to new population
Texas Baptists en Español will officially launch during the 2020 Texas Baptist Annual Meeting, which will be a virtual event held over several days. The grand opening of Texas Baptists en Español will be Friday, Nov. 13. Several workshops and a worship service will be held on Sat., Nov. 14. Then, on Sun., Nov. 15, a virtual launch of Texas Baptists en Español will take place, where Rodriguez will present the strategic plan for the new initiative. “Texas Baptists en Español is Texas Baptists taking responsibility for the 1,100+ Hispanic churches affiliated with BGCT,” said Rodriguez. “Texas Baptists en Español will have a more holistic vision and strategy to mobilize Hispanic Baptists around the state with the purpose of transforming Texas with the Gospel of Christ.”
Texas Baptists en Español Mission Statement Texas Baptists en Español exists to connect by encouraging, informing, and collaborating with the Hispanic Baptist Churches aligned with Texas Baptists to reach the goals the Lord gave them. Our goal is to assist the congregation in their ministries by contextualizing the wide variety of services and ministries available through Texas Baptists. Together we can celebrate the advancement of the Kingdom through the local church.
estimates released by the U.S Census Bureau. Texas has drastically changed in the last 50 years and will continue to do so. Through Texas Baptists en Español, the convention is excited about a renewed effort to reach the evergrowing population.
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Baptist Hispanic staff to come together to develop a new road map that Texas Baptists can use over the next three years to refocus efforts in assisting Hispanic Texas Baptists churches to fulfill the Great Commission and the Great Commandment.”
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ONLINE » NOVEMBER 16 – 17 For the first time in history, the Texas Baptist Annual Meeting will be held entirely online. Though our gathering may look different, you can be assured that the churches of the Convention will be encouraged and equipped, and that the name of the Lord will be glorified. Join us at txb.org/am
OCTOBER 2020 / TEX AS BAPTISTS LIFE
T O H T E R M E T S AX I G RE
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Register at txb.org/am Have questions or need help? Contact us at (888) 244-9400
SCHEDULE November 15, 2020
7 p.m.
Texas Baptists en Español Rally
Texas Baptists African American Fellowship Rally
Texas Baptists Devoted: Young Adult Rally
MONDAY
November 16, 2020
6 p.m.
Business Session (Registered messengers only)
During this 2-hour meeting, registered messengers will elect new officers, vote on the 2021 budget and conduct additional business. All messengers must be registered online by November 13. Stream begins at 6 p.m. and session begins at 6:30 p.m.
TUESDAY
November 17, 2020
6 p.m. Celebration Session (Open to messengers and visitors)
The entire Texas Baptists family–messengers and visitors alike–are invited to join this online Celebration Session with worship, an update from Executive Director David Hardage, a sermon from President Michael A. Evans, Sr. and exciting stories about ministry efforts made possible through your giving to the Cooperative Program. No registration is required. Stream begins at 6 p.m. and session begins at 6:30 p.m.
Rallies All three Sunday evening rallies will be streamed to Facebook Live. Learn more and find links on the “Rally” page at txb.org/am
Business Session Registered messengers will receive an email containing a Zoom meeting link to attend the Monday evening session. If you do not receive this email, or if you have questions about how to join the meeting or cast your vote, visit our “Help” page at txb.org/am
Celebration Session Tune in to the live stream at txb.org/am or watch via Facebook Live. No registration is required.
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SUNDAY
How to watch:
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online workshops
Workshops to equip your church in missions We are bringing you timely missions content when you need it most, now! No need to wait for the two-day online meeting, check out the lineup of Annual Meeting Workshops below. Choose from upcoming live workshops, or watch past workshop videos on demand. Either way, you will be equipped, encouraged, and Compelled to share Christ and show love!
Register for workshops at txb.org/am
SEPT. 8 | 2 P.M.
Children’s Ministry and Missions
Diane Lane, Childhood Specialist, Texas Baptists (Retired) SEPT. 15 | 2 P.M.
OCTOBER 2020 / TEX AS BAPTISTS LIFE
The Why and Where of Missions
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Preston Cave, Discipleship Coordinator, TBM SEPT. 22 | 2 P.M.
OCT. 6 | 2 P.M.
WMU of Texas: Partners in Missions
Tamiko Jones, Director-Treasurer, WMU of Texas OCT. 13 | 2 P.M.
BOUNCE: Mobilizing your Students for Life Transformation
David Scott, Director, BOUNCE, Texas Baptists OCT. 20 | 2 P.M.
SEPT. 29 | 2 P.M.
Josue Valerio, Director of Missions Team, Texas Baptists
Fulfilling the Great Commission through MAP David Miranda, Director of the Missionary Adoption Program, Texas Baptists
Ministry Along the Border
Vanessa Lerma, Missionary, River Ministry, Rio Grande Valley NOV. 10 | 2 P.M.
Reimagining Witness for this Cultural Moment
Michael Stroope, Professor and M. C. Shook Chair of Missions, Truett Seminary NOV. 17 | 2 P.M.
Race and the Church: The The Church and Community Conversation Continues Oza Jones, Director of Transformation
Equipped to Evangelize Brent Edwards, President, International Commission
NOV. 3 | 2 P.M.
OCT. 27 | 2 P.M.
Missional Partnerships
Tom Howe, Associate Director of Missions, Texas Baptists
African American Ministry, Texas Baptists
SPOTLIGHT
RIVER MINISTRY TEXAS / MEXICO
On mission around the world MAP MISSIONARY NEW YORK
Texas Baptists are on mission across the globe, striving to share Christ with all people. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Texas Baptists Missions Team has adapted their work to reach people safely and effectively. From a MAP missionary in New York, to River Ministry in Mexico, to a missionary in Beirut, people are hearing the Gospel through the work of these faithful servants of the Lord. In the following stories, learn how the ministry has continued and adapted, and see how God has worked through the pandemic to draw people closer to Him.
TXB MISSIONARY BEIRUT, LEBANON
New churches reach growing and changing communities across Texas By Bonnie Shaw, News Writer
OCTOBER 2020 / TEX AS BAPTISTS LIFE
Every year, new Texas Baptists churches are started to reach out to their communities and shine God’s love and light. These new churches are created to meet Texas’ rapidly growing population and increased diversity.
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“Our population is continuing to grow, and we need more churches for that new population. This is not to replace churches, this is in addition to the churches that we have,” Tom Howe, associate director of Missions, explained. “Our population is also changing. We’re getting more and more diversity from people coming from all over the world. So some of these churches are to meet the needs of people that have come from different parts of the world.” These new churches are started by local churches who are passionate about ministering to changing communities
across Texas. The Texas Baptists Church Starting Team works alongside these new churches and associations to provide resources and encouragement. “Churches start churches and we assist them. Our process is built on church sponsorship and our partnership with associations and churches,” Howe explained. There are 334 church starts working with Texas Baptists currently, with new churches being added monthly. Through their partnership with Texas Baptists, these church starts, and their planters,
are given access to training, mentorship, counseling resources, discipleship curriculum and more. Six church starting strategists work with new churches as they begin their journey. Clay Jacobson, the service area 4 church starting strategist, explained that his job is to come alongside people interested in starting a church and support them throughout the process. This includes discerning their call in ministry and connecting them with the resources Texas Baptists has to offer. Jacobson explained that though church starts may have small beginnings, they make a huge difference in the Kingdom work that is being done across Texas. “These are future churches that are going to invest in and support the work that Texas Baptists do. These are future
SPOTLIGHT gatherings in their homes on weeknights. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the lock-down that followed prevented them from gathering. Instead, the groups began meeting virtually. Despite never meeting together in person, the four groups have grown to a total of 110 people, including adults and children. Weekly worship services were also held virtually on Sunday mornings.
Reaching growing communities One of the church starts that Jacobson has connected with is Trailview Church in Crowley. Led by Pastor Derek Kimes, the church strives to reach people in the far south suburbs of Fort Worth. This includes towns such as Burleson, Crowley and Joshua. Kimes explained that the area has seen massive amounts of growth in the past few years. More churches need to be planted to keep up with the growing population. Trailview seeks to engage young singles, who make up 18% of the local population, and those with no religious affiliation, who make up 54% of the local population. “A lot of people wonder why we need church planting in Texas, and especially in Dallas-Fort Worth, which many people view as the “belt buckle” of the Bible belt. But with the amount of
growth we’re seeing, Texas is supposed to double by 2050 in population,” Jacobson explained. “We’re not able to keep up with this growth with just our established churches. So, church plants are one of the most effective ways to reach people and keep up with the growth in the metroplex.” Kimes, who has lived in Burleson for over 18 years, noticed the growing need for new churches in his community. He reached out to Stonegate Church in Midlothian, where Pastor Rodney Hobbs invited Kimes to partner with Stonegate as they began Trailview Church. The church planting process began in July 2019, when Kimes gathered 16 fellow mature believers who he believed had potential to be leaders in the church. The group met together weekly for training in ministry and praying together. A monthly worship gathering also started for people in the community interested in joining the church. In March 2020, Kimes planned to split the original group of 16 into four smaller groups who would lead weekly
Though the growth was exciting, it led to an interesting dilemma for Kimes and other Trailview leaders. The congregation had never actually gathered together. Most of them had never even been in the same room together. “Trailview has grown as a church plant in COVID-19, but our people have never met each other. They’re in these four virtual home groups, but they’ve never gathered together. And that does some weird things to the culture of the church. We’ve had to spend a lot of time on our Sunday virtual gatherings to press in deeper the shared aspects of who we are,” Kimes explained. Trailview was able to celebrate their first official in-person worship service on September 13. They met at a local church in Crowley and were also able to offer children’s programs. Kimes looks forward to the continuing growth of the church as they grow stronger in their faith together.
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leaders of the convention. I see a lot of our future in these planters,” Jacobson said.
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Reaching diverse communities Down south in Conroe, another church start has also adapted their ministry to better reach their community during COVID-19. The Conroe Hispanic Baptist Church was started in 2017 by Under Over Fellowship. Under Over Fellowship Pastor Jerry Vineyard desired to plant a Hispanic church in Conroe for years. The city’s population is roughly 30% Hispanic, and the number continues to increase each year.
“Many people came to the church asking for help. And we made a lot of contacts with Hispanic families,” Martinez explained. Despite these connections, the first year of the church was a struggle, with 20-25 people attending the weekly services. Still, Martinez persevered and continued serving the community. The church has seen steady growth since then, but the COVID-19 crisis has seen an explosion of ministry for the church. The church is now distributing 13,000-18,000 pounds of food a week in partnership with Under Over through a door-to-door ministry. Jair Campos, a former church starter for Texas Baptists, has helped create a map of the Hispanic communities in Conroe. This helps the church see where they have distributed food and shared the Gospel and where they have not.
Vineyard found a church planting partner in Isaias Martinez, who arrived in Conroe a week after Hurricane Harvey devastated the city. Under Over already had a strong outreach ministry aimed at helping those in need, but with the hurricane the church was overwhelmed with requests. Martinez started Conroe Hispanic Baptist Church, and the newly started church quickly began assisting Under Over with meeting the needs of the hurting community.
“The food is the key to open the door of the houses of these families. We tell them we do it because Jesus Christ loves you and He sent us here to meet your needs. That allows us to start a conversation, and if the families allow us, we share the Gospel,” Campos explained. The church has reached almost the entire Conroe Hispanic community during the pandemic, and Martinez estimates that over 1,000 houses have been visited, and many houses have been visited multiple times. Over 250 people have accepted Christ because of the door-to-door ministry that is being conducted.
Trailview Church and Conroe Hispanic Baptist Church are just two of the hundreds of Texas Baptists church starts that are reaching out to their communities in unique ways.
Texas Baptists started:
20 house churches 13 philippi churches 41
traditional churches
from January to August 2020
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To learn more about church starting, go to: txb.org/churchstarting
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Texas Baptists missionary begins service in Lebanon days after massive explosion By Kalie Lowrie, Associate Director of Communications/News Director
On August 4, an explosion at the port of Beirut, Lebanon caused great devastation. Thousands were injured and 200 lives were lost. Nine days later, Texas Baptists missionary Julia Wallace boarded a plane bound for Beirut, undeterred by recent events and armed with a call to go and serve alongside Lebanese Baptists for two years.
OCTOBER 2020 / TEX AS BAPTISTS LIFE
“When I heard about the explosion, I was heartbroken,” Wallace said. “I love this country and there are so many people here that I know and love. My heart aches for them. They have been through one tragedy after another, which has caused deep sorrow and a sense of hopelessness. I wasn’t sure if I should postpone my journey or continue as planned, but as I prayed about it and sought counsel ... I had an unwavering conviction that God still wanted me to go.
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And I’m glad He did—I am one month in and I’ve already seen how God is working to bring hope and healing in the midst of this seeming darkness.” Wallace, a recent dual master’s graduate from Baylor University’s Truett Seminary and Diana Garland School of Social Work, was a member of First Baptist Church in Waco during her time as a student. She is thankful for the support she received from Texas Baptists through several ministerial scholarships during her time as both an undergraduate and graduate student.
“This generous financial support made my theological education possible, which has helped equip and prepare me to follow God’s call on my life,” she shared. In 2015, she was introduced to Nabil Costa, CEO of the Lebanese Society for Educational and Social Development (LSESD), when FBC Waco partnered with Costa to care for Syrian refugees in Lebanon. God used that connection to open the door for Wallace to pursue a calling to serve in Lebanon five years later. Now, Wallace is working with LSESD as a development officer. She assists with fundraising and partner relations, mobilizing and connecting with local and international churches. Wallace’s mission work is a joint program as a Texas Baptist missionary and through Virginia Baptists’ Venturer Program. Both networks provide prayer and financial support for her work in the Middle East. “One thing I love most about the LSESD is their emphasis on holistic ministry,” she said. “In all their ministries they focus on serving people’s body, mind, and soul, recognizing that faithful obedience to God means loving the entire person in an integrated and dignifying way.” Within her first week in Lebanon, Wallace was able to go and interview several people who were involved in the explosion. After hearing their stories, she shared the following message with supporters:
“It has been three weeks since the explosion, but still this city and this country are feeling its effects. It is a long road ahead to national healing and recovery. But I am even more grateful to be here serving alongside the LSESD. I have already seen the incredible work they are doing to house the displaced, feed the hungry, rebuild schools and provide psychosocial support to those still experiencing the effects of trauma.” As Wallace continues her ministry in Lebanon, she is thankful for the prayers and support of Texas Baptists. “To all the people in Texas who have made my move to Lebanon possible through your support and prayers: thank you,” she said. “I am happy to report that God is multiplying your gifts—to both me and the Lebanese Society for Education and Social Development—for the love of others and the glory of His name.” To learn more about how to support Texas Baptists missionaries like Julia, visit txb.org/txbmissionaries
SPOTLIGHT
MAP stories: Bringing light to a dark city By Bonnie Shaw, News Writer
“There was a big church desert in our area. And this is a walking city, so if a church isn’t within walking distance, people aren’t going to hear the Gospel,” Mayberry explained. Queens Church was launched in 2019, sent out by Connection Church in Astoria, a church that Mayberry had also helped plant. Since its start, Queens Church has baptized 15 new believers. COVID-19 has not slowed down their ministry, in fact, the most recent baptisms took place in an inflatable pool in Mayberry’s backyard while church members celebrated alongside them virtually via Zoom.
Though the church does not have a physical building to worship in, they rented out a small, 650 square foot storefront, where they offer hope and help to their community. Mayberry explained that the small office hosts everything from small groups to toddler ministries to coat drives in the cold months.
churches in the missionary’s host city or country to jointly sponsor them. The partnership with Coastal Bend Fellowship has been fruitful for both churches. Coastal Bend Fellowship has sent volunteer teams to serve in Queens and prays regularly for the church. And the experiences that the volunteers have had in Queens harbors a continued passion for missions and outreach once they have returned to Kingsville.
This small office was where one local woman found solace after the death of a friend. She told church staff at the office that she came there because she had nowhere else to go and did not want to “Since the very beginning of the church, be alone. The staff members prayed for churches have been partnering together her, and the woman began attending to continue the mission and plant more church and joined a small group. In July, churches,” he said. “The gifts received she was one of three people who was on both ends of the partnership advance baptized in Mayberry’s backyard. the Kingdom…They don’t just sponsor us, we really do partner together, and Mayberry is part of the Texas Baptists both sides benefit.” Missionary Adoption Program (MAP) For more information about the and has been adopted by Coastal Bend Missionary Adoption Program and how Fellowship in Kingsville, TX. MAP your church can get involved, contact partners Texas Baptists churches with David Miranda at David.Miranda@txb.org
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In Queens, a borough of New York City, there are only 12 Gospel-centered, English-speaking churches to meet the spiritual needs of the area’s approximately 750,000 residents. When Larry Mayberry saw those numbers, he felt God’s call to plant a church in Queens.
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Vanessa Quintanilla-Lerma, who serves as a River Ministry missionary in the Rio Grande Valley, says the need is even greater than usual. A traditional food pantry is not currently an option due to the pandemic, so churches have responded with drive-by food ministries, where people can come by and have a volunteer load a box of food in their trunk. Mission teams had to cancel their summer River Ministry trips, which usually have a massive impact in the community, but Quintanilla-Lerma was happy to share that local churches have stepped up to meet the need, with six opening their own drive-by food ministries. “Sometimes the people who come to pick up food will lower their window and want to talk, so there are opportunities to share the Gospel,” Quintanilla-Lerma said. “Lots of families are grieving because they have lost loved ones.”
Pandemic changes ministry approach along the border
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By Analiz Schremmer, Contributing Writer
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The COVID-19 pandemic has forced River Ministry Missionaries to do things differently, but it has not shut them down, and it certainly has not slowed the work of God along the Texas/Mexico border. Currently, 17 missionaries serve along both sides of the border, connecting local churches with training, resources and support for Gospel-centered ministries in their communities.
River Ministry typically hosts large gatherings, clinics and an annual back-to-school bash. Everything looks different right now, yet, as Quintanilla-Lerma puts it, “the changes have also brought a lot of good.” “Families with school children often feel isolated and discouraged. If their kids have to do school remotely, they might have trouble accessing their classes, have poor internet connections or the parents can’t help them because they don’t speak English or don’t understand technology,” she explained.
300 care packages and backpacks have been delivered in the Valley.
SPOTLIGHT “ We are the church and this season has allowed us to demonstrate that. As we love the community we continue to be the church.” –Vanessa Quintanilla-Lerma
The care packages were made possible by donations, which include a $250 gift from an anonymous donor.“ Many families are eager to tell us that the current situation has made them more sensitive to the Word and the Lord, and we can see how God is working in them,” Quintanilla-Lerma said. “And the visits have given us the opportunity to tell them that we care about them and love them and that God loves them.” In addition, the visits have facilitated a community assessment, so they can learn more about the specific needs of the people served.
“The church is not the church building,” Quintanilla-Lerma said. “We are the church and this season has allowed us to demonstrate that. As we love the community we continue to be the church. It just looks a little different.” Since Quintanilla-Lerma has not been able to offer traditional training, she has made Zoom conferences available to help churches share ideas about ministering during the pandemic and to offer tips on how to phase back into normal church life. Things also look drastically different right now on the Mexican side of the border. Dr. Gloria De La Pena, who serves as a River Ministry missionary in Piedras Negras, Coahuila, had to cancel all medical clinics this summer. The clinics serve large groups of people who may not otherwise have access to medical and dental care. Some church groups have sent gifts of medicine in lieu of their visit, which were donated to the Red Cross and the local government-run hospital, the hospital used by those with minimal resources. De La Pena normally takes a team of 8-10 dentists and hygienists into a women’s prison where she also distributes toiletry kits and shares the Word of God. This year, the coronavirus has caused visitor restrictions, so she decided to drop-off toiletry kits for prison staff to distribute to inmates.
Thankfully, God opened the door for five prisoners who were in dire need to receive dental care in a local dentist’s private clinic. The dentist offered her service free of charge. Another change since the pandemic is in the way that Bible study programs like Awana are being offered to children. The same anonymous donor who gave to Quintanilla-Lerma’s ministry, also made a gift that is providing weekly boxed lunches to 30 children who participate in Awana digitally and answer the respective Bible study questions. “The gift has been a big blessing because it has gotten the parents involved in helping their children complete the assignment, which has given them a chance to hear the Gospel,” De La Pena said. Churches are invited to prepare toiletry kits for River Ministry missionaries to distribute in different regions along the border. To learn more about Texas Baptists River Ministry, txb.org/riverministry
OCTOBER 2020 / TEX AS BAPTISTS LIFE
River Ministry responded by creating care packages that include a craft, a Bible story, snacks and a family devotional, which families receive during a personal house call. So far, 300 care packages and backpacks have been delivered in the Valley.
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Improving your mental health during stress-filled times by Katie Swafford, Director of Counseling Services
To learn more about Texas Baptists Counseling Services visit txb.org/counseling
Body Stress causes a reaction in our body that includes a hormone cascade to assist us in addressing the stressor. This process is meant to heighten our abilities for a short period of time with the expectation that once the stressor is removed, our bodies can return to a relaxed state. But, when we experience chronic stress, our bodies do not have the chance to return to that calmer state. We can only sustain this heightened response for so long before being impacted, usually in negative ways. Here are a few suggestions to mitigate the stress response and improve mental health in the process: Exercise – 30 minutes, 4-5 times per week is recommended. Exercise generates the “feel good” chemicals in the body, which helps to offset those generated by the stress response. Food – When stressed we often reach for salty or sugary foods that give us a quick boost of “feel good” hormones. But, our body will likely crash once that quick-fix ends. The better choice is to increase vegetable intake, cut back on sugar, fried foods and junk foods, and eat healthier overall. This helps to regular blood sugar and prevents spikes and crashes. Water – Even mild dehydration can impact our ability to think clearly. Water is important to help flush out toxins created in the body by stress and keep our organs working well. An easy recommendation to follow is to divide your weight in half and drink that number of ounces of water every day (180 pounds/2=90 ounces of water).
Cutting back on sugary drinks and caffeine will also help. Sleep – Getting enough sleep and good quality sleep is so important for our bodies and minds to repair, restore and renew. Strive for 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
Mind We all have an internal dialogue of some kind. And many of us struggle with a bent toward negative thinking patterns. Here are a couple of helpful tips to cultivate healthy thinking: Challenge your thoughts – Scripture instructs us to take every thought captive into the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). Not every thought you have is truthful. Sometimes we can get stuck in negative or self-destructive patterns of thinking. Challenging your thoughts is one of the best ways to break unhealthy thinking patterns. Ask yourself questions like – Is this thought true? Is this thought helpful? Where does this thought come from? Then, take steps to replace any faulty thinking patterns with truth from God’s Word. Take a break – Sometimes our brain just needs to take a break from problem-solving or decision-making. Allow yourself some downtime, optimally a few minutes several times a day, so your brain can rest. Meditation is a great tool to use and actually energizes your brain so that you can re-engage problem-solving or work tasks with more focus and energy.
Spirit Chronic stress and a prolonged sense of suffering or despair can have a negative impact on our spirit as well. Here are some ideas to address this issue and increase a sense of hope and motivation: Scripture – The Word is full of verses that uplift and offer hope. Write some of your favorites down on sticky notes or note cards and place them in areas where they will frequently be seen to remind you of God’s love, hope and
salvation. You could also listen to sermon podcasts that you find encouraging. Prayer – Lifting your praises and burdens to the Lord can be a great source of strength and hope. Make time in your schedule for regular communion with God through prayer. Solitude – Make time every week for moments of solitude where you can turn off the “noise” of technology devices, social media, news cycles, etc. Even a couple of minutes each day can be very helpful. Music – Make a playlist of music that you find calming, inspirational or joyful and listen as you have time each day. Nature – For some, being in nature is a great way to connect with God and renew the spirit. Make time to walk or sit outside and just be – listen to the noises of nature, take in the beauty of God’s creation, breathe in the fresh air and feel the breeze or sun on your skin. Gratitude - Practicing gratitude is a great way to lift your spirits and redirect your focus on God. Every night before you go to bed, identify three things you are grateful for, from the day. Start where you can. Don’t think of this as a to-do list and stress yourself over all the things you aren’t doing or don’t have time to do. Pick 2-3 of these strategies that you can start incorporating into your life, and when you’ve developed a habit of doing them on a regular basis (which usually takes about 3 weeks), then consider adding in a couple more. Through implementing some of these ideas, you can learn to reduce stress and you can improve your mental health. Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. (Philippians 4:8, The Message)
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Stress is all around us. It was present before COVID-19, and during the pandemic, I’m certain you have experienced even more stress than usual. Stress impacts mental health, and the ability to manage stress in healthy ways absolutely impacts mental health. Here are some stress management techniques which may be helpful for improving your mental health in terms of the body, mind and spirit.
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Texas Baptists en Español inicia un énfasis renovado para alcanzar a la población hispana en Texas Por Kalie Lowrie, Directora Asociada de Comunicaciones/Directora de Noticias Los Bautistas de Texas tienen una rica historia y herencia de ministerio con y para los hispanos en Texas y un esfuerzo intencional para trabajar con iglesias hispanas para alcanzar a los perdidos. La Oficina de Ministerios Hispanos de los Bautistas de Texas ha sido un instrumento poderoso al conectar con
congregaciones hispanas locales, con el propósito de hacer un impacto para el Reino de Dios. Según el estado continúa cambiando, los Bautistas de Texas han lanzado un esfuerzo renovado para alcanzar a los Hispanos–Texas Baptists en Español.
“Texas Baptists en Español no es solamente un cambio de nombre de la Oficina sino una manera de alcanzar un esfuerzo coordinado al alcanzar a los hispanos en Texas para Cristo,” dijo Lorenzo Peña, director de Interacción Cultural. “Hace posible que los líderes bautistas hispanos y el personal
Peña, Rolando Rodríguez, director de Ministerios Hispanos, y un equipo de líderes hispanos trabajaron el pasado año evaluando las mejores maneras de adaptar y cambiar estrategias de ministerio para ser proactivos al hacer un impacto en la población hispana con el Evangelio por medio de Texas Baptists en Español. Pasaron tiempo revisando la “Visión 2000,” un plan estratégico para alcanzar a los hispanos en Texas escrito y desarrollado por un Equipo de trabajo hispano del personal de la convención en 1991. Casi 30 años más tarde, muchas de las áreas de énfasis claves fueron reafirmadas y el documento ayudó a dirigir el proceso de revisión. El resultado de las sesiones de oración y para escuchar fue un enfoque intencional al cambiar el nombre de la Oficina de Ministerios Hispanos a Texas Baptists en Español. Se hizo énfasis en ocho áreas, las cuales incluyen: discipulado, evangelismo, inicio de iglesias, alcanzar a la próxima generación, desarrollo de líderes, misiones, educación, y salud y revitalización de la iglesia. Rodríguez delineó varias metas para la nueva iniciativa de ministrar y alcanzar a los hispanos en Texas. Él considera que Texas Baptists en Español es un oportunidad para promover unidad, compañerismo, propósito, y claridad. Permitirá esfuerzos más enfocados
Alcanzar un estado en cambio De acuerdo con el Dr. Daniel Sánchez, profesor distinguido de Misiones en el Seminario Teológico Bautista Southwestern, en su libro Realidades Hispanas, “el crecimiento de la
y concentrados hacia el proveer fondos. Todos los servicios, eventos, y oportunidades para entrenamiento para iglesias hispanas serán centralizados por medio de una revista de noticias trimestral, el Comité asesor de Texas Baptists en Español, una revista electrónica mensual, y la colaboración con los cuarenta presidentes de compañerismos hispanos bautistas. Además, más iglesias hispanas serán plantadas y Texas Baptists en Español colaborará con el liderato de los Bautistas de Texas para promover la iniciativa de alcanzar la creciente población hispana en Texas y por toda la nación. “Sentimos que tenemos que reflejar nuestra colaboración con la iglesia local para continuar alcanzando a la población hispana que continúa aumentando,” dijo Rodríguez. “Hemos planificado esta transición de la Oficina de Ministerios Hispanos a Texas Baptists en Español al invitar a un grupo de 30 líderes clave que incluyen presidentes de compañerismos, pastores de todo el estado, y personal ministerial de BGCT, al usar diferentes encuestas y estrategias como sesiones para escuchar por todo el estado, con el propósito de descubrir las necesidades principales en nuestras iglesias hispanas.” Martín Ortega, el pastor de Emmanuel Baptist Church of Midland, compartió, “Estoy emocionado acerca de la nueva visión y dirección para Texas Baptists en Español para este tiempo y los años por venir, y también por la gran oportunidad de ser parte de ello. No puedo esperar a ver lo que el Señor tiene para nosotros. Como iglesia es una bendición el ser parte de los Bautistas de Texas.”
población hispana ha sobrepasado las expectativas más audaces de los expertos. Entre 1950 y 2008, la población creció de 4 millones a 45.5 millones. Para el 2014, la población hispana alcanzó los 55 millones.” Solamente en Texas, la población hispana creció por más de 2 millones en la pasada década, de acuerdo con
El lanzamiento oficial de Texas Baptists en Español será durante la Reunión Anual 2020 de los Bautistas de Texas, la cual será un evento virtual celebrado durante varios días. La gran inauguración de Texas Baptists en Español será el viernes 13 de noviembre. Se celebrarán varios talleres y un servicio de adoración el sábado 14 de noviembre. Entonces, el domingo 15 de noviembre se hará el lanzamiento virtual de Texas Baptists en Español, cuando Rodríguez presentará el plan estratégico para la nueva iniciativa. “Texas Baptists en Español es los Bautistas de Texas asumiendo responsabilidad por más de 1,100 iglesias hispanas afiliadas con BGCT,” dijo Rodríguez. “Texas Baptists en Español tendrá una visión y estrategia más integrales para movilizar a los Bautistas de Texas por todo el estado con el propósito de transformar a Texas con el Evangelio de Cristo.”
Declaración de misión de Texas Baptists en Español Texas Baptists en Español existe para conectar al exhortar, informar, y colaborar con las iglesias bautistas hispanas aliadas con los Bautistas de Texas para alcanzar las metas que el Señor les ha dado. Nuestra meta es ayudar a las congregaciones en sus ministerios al contextualizar la amplia variedad de servicios y ministerios disponibles por medio de los Bautistas de Texas. Juntos podemos celebrar el avance del Reino a través de la iglesia local.
los estimados de población nueva publicados por el Instituto Nacional de Estadísticas de los Estados Unidos. Texas ha cambiado drásticamente en los últimos 50 años y continuará cambiando. Por medio de Texas Baptists en Español, la Convención está emocionada acerca del esfuerzo renovado para alcanzar a una población en continuo crecimiento.
OCTOBER 2020 / TEX AS BAPTISTS LIFE
ministerial de los Bautistas de Texas colaboren al desarrollar una nueva estrategia para los próximos tres años para reenfocar los esfuerzos en ayudar a las iglesias hispanas Bautistas de Texas a cumplir la Gran Comisión y el Gran Mandamiento.”
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