Dr. Julio Guarneri
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR of TEXAS BAPTISTS
Welcome
What a blessing and privilege it is to lead Texas Baptists into the future as we pursue God’s kingdom agenda for our state, nation and world. We are mission-driven, kingdom-focused and ready to lock arms with like-minded believers to proclaim the gospel and finish the task to the glory of God!
Latest weekly update
Feb 11, 2026
Telling the story of the nations together
Past weekly updates
Realigning the Center for Cultural Engagement to equip churches for Great Commandment, Great Commission faithfulness
Feb 4, 2026
February is here, and it seems that most everyone is returning to normal after dealing with snow and ice in some parts of our state and country.
Being a light in our neighborhoods through prayer
Jan 29, 2026
It has been an unusual week in Texas and other parts of our country due to extreme winter weather. I have watched how churches quickly prepared for ministry last weekend and beyond.
Looking at what God did in 2025
Jan 22, 2026
Last week was a busy and exciting week for me. We had our Texas Baptists staff week at the Rambler building in Dallas. Twice a year, all of our staff pause their travel and gather for worship, reporting and planning. It was a very meaningful time together!
About Dr. Guarneri
- Dr. Guarneri was born in Mexico City, attended elementary school in Monterrey, Mexico, and completed his education in Texas.
- He holds degrees from present-day Texas A&M University Kingsville, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Dallas Baptist University.
- He has more than 39 years of ministerial experience as a senior pastor, minister of education and youth minister.
- Most recently, he served for 13 years as lead pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in McAllen.
- Prior to being elected 21st executive director of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, Dr. Guarneri served as the convention’s president (‘22 and ‘23) and first vice president (‘20 and ‘21).
- He is passionate about sharing the gospel with the nations and cross-cultural missions and ministry.
- He and his wife, Monica, have four children and two grandchildren.
- Dr. Guarneri is the first Hispanic individual to be elected to the position of executive director since the Convention’s founding in 1886.
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