Guarneri provides update on GC2 Strong strategy, staff realignment and Baylor relationship during Executive Board report

PLAINVIEW– May 18, 2026 – During his address to the Executive Board on Monday, May 18, at Wayland Baptist University, Executive Director Julio Guarneri shared updates on the GC2 Strong strategy, upcoming staff realignment and relationship with Baylor University. 

Having convictional commitment in challenging times

Drawing from the powerful vision documented in Isaiah 6:1-8, Guarneri described the heritage of Texas Baptists and the meaningful vision that can mark the work of the convention.  

He shared four calls Texas Baptists have a convictional commitment to in the midst of challenging times: a conviction call, a confession call, a commission call and a commitment call. 

“That's the conviction that regardless of how troubled our times are, regardless of how uncertain things are in a country or in a denomination, God is eternal. [He is] King, high and exalted,” said Guarneri. “Texas Baptists are grounded in that kind of vision. It's a vision of God on his throne in all of his Majesty and all of his holiness. We can live out our call today with conviction and confidence [with] that new vision.” 

Guarneri reminded board members to recognize that we cannot do this alone. We need to remember the battle belongs to the Lord. 

“If we're to plant churches, if we're to help churches revitalize, if we are to help churches [live out] the Great Commandment and the Great Commission so that Texas can be won for Christ, we need the Lord of Calvary and of the empty tomb,” said Guarneri. 

Guarneri encouraged board members that God doesn't push us into the mission by force; rather, he invites us. 

“The expected outcome of an experience in God’s presence is to be sent out,” said Guarneri. “The very reason the Baptist General Convention of Texas was formed 140 years ago was to be on mission with God.”

Guarneri shared that the GC2 Strong strategy will launch in September. The GC2 Strong team has designed a process, developed an instrument, inventoried the ministries of the Texas Baptists staff, enlisted coaches and navigators, and is ready to launch the pilot project this fall, followed by broader implementation.

“One of the most encouraging aspects of the GC2 Strong process is that it is being built on a tried and true existing ministry,” explained Guarneri. “GC2 Strong is not the same thing as Pave. Yet, GC2 Strong is built on that same conceptual framework. Both processes are built on biblical principles. They offer customized assessment and resourcing to local churches rather than canned programming and they utilize practitioner coaches to come alongside church leaders.”

 Guarneri said the Convention is already working in every aspect to help strengthen churches, strengthen ministers and strengthen mission engagement for the sake of the Great Commandment and the Great Commission. He encouraged executive board directors that the GC2 Strong strategy is being developed to sharpen Texas Baptists for greater effectiveness.

Staff realignment and Cooperative Program trends

Guarneri also shared how a realignment of staff is underway to serve the mission of the organization.

“We will implement a staff reorganization this summer that helps us be more effective in our strategy,” said Guarneri. “This process has been bathed in prayer, has involved multiple leaders and has been refined over multiple meetings. It has not been easy, but we believe it is necessary in order to accomplish our purpose.”

Guarneri stated that the current organization structure of five centers will go away and three new teams will be formed – the Church Strong Team, the Minister Strong Team and the Missions Strong Team. Collegiate ministries and the Christian Life Commission will remain as active ministry efforts while being focused on the three main areas of emphasis.

He discussed trends in Cooperative Program giving and noted the hiring of the new CP Director, Jeff Donnell. A more lengthy report on CP will be provided by Ward Hayes, CFO, during Tuesday’s report. Based on the cumulative effect of declines in Cooperative Program giving over the past 20 years, Guarneri noted that changes were necessary for future budget and operations. 

“As we plan for the 2027 budget, we are looking at a sizable potential reduction in CP budget that is in keeping with current and projected giving trends,” said Guarneri. “This is not a small amount and the adjustment will touch every part of our organization.” 

Baylor University relationship review

Guarneri addressed the relationship agreement with Baylor University, noting that President Linda Livingstone met with the Institutional Relations Committee (IRC) on Monday afternoon of the Executive Board meeting. He shared details about the historical 140-year relationship between the convention and the university and several positive initiatives happening on the campus, including the current construction of the Baylor BSM building. 

He mentioned that the IRC reviewed a list of items earlier in the afternoon that will be considered in regard to a potential change in the relationship between BGCT and Baylor.

“This begins a conversation which I hope will result in a report and perhaps some recommendations for change in September. It is too early now to share details, but we will keep you informed as those conversations develop,” said Guarneri.

Guarneri concluded his address by emphasizing the importance of partnerships with universities, human care agencies and other institutional partners. 

“We need to collaborate to call out the called, to equip ministers, to mobilize missionaries, to educate the next generation of Baptist leaders in all vocations and we cannot do this alone,” said Guarneri. “At the same time we partner and collaborate with others in a way that is true to our Baptist confession and our ethical convictions and we carry it forward in a Christ-like manner.”

Following his address, Guarneri opened the floor for questions from board directors and provided further details on the Baylor relationship and staff realignment. The business session of the Executive Board will be held on Tuesday, May 19.