Having the same mindset as Christ Jesus

This is a birthday week for Texas Baptists! On June 29, 1886, the first session of the Baptist General Convention of Texas was held. Before then, there had been up to five Baptist state bodies in Texas. Some had formed because of disagreements with the others.

“Many Baptists in Texas believed that Baptist work in the state could be strengthened if the statewide bodies would unite. After the smaller bodies dissolved or merged with larger ones, the Baptist State Convention and the Baptist General Association began formal merger talks in the fall of 1885” at the First Baptist Church of Waco, through the leadership of B.H. Carroll.

“A special committee comprised of members from each group agreed to form a new consolidated body to be called the Baptist General Convention of Texas (BGCT).”

As we reflect on BGCT’s anniversary and our history this summer, we also consider the significance of various Baptist gatherings. Last week, I commented on the meeting of Southern Baptists in Dallas. This week, the Hispanic Baptist Convention of Texas met in Duncanville. Next week, we will join Baptists from around the world at the Baptist World Alliance Congress in Brisbane, Australia. More about that later.

However, this week, there has been much chatter regarding an announcement made about a grant given to Baylor University for the study of women and LGBTQ inclusion in churches. This has raised concerns and questions among several.

While we are trying to learn more about what this means, there are things that are certain and which I want to communicate to you.

1. Texas Baptists remains committed to our conviction that biblical sexuality is a gift from God, which consists of a relationship between a man and a woman within the covenant of marriage. We also believe that God created every human being as either male or female. Gender is not a choice but a gift from God. This has not changed for us.
2. In our commitment to the Great Commandment and the Great Commission, we believe that every human being is made in the image of God and is worthy of dignity, respect and love. While we consider any sexual behavior outside of the above definition of biblical marriage sinful, we strive to love every person with the desire that they would be faithful followers of Christ.
3. While BGCT’s relationship with Baylor University has been longstanding, the relationship has changed over the years. In contrast with the universities that are affiliated with us, our relationship with Baylor University is by special agreement. This has at least two implications:
   1. Funding: Cooperative Program funding does not support Baylor’s general budget. We designate our funding for scholarships of ministers’ children, the work of the Baptist Student Ministry, which Texas Baptists oversees, and ministry student scholarships exclusively.
   2. Governance: BGCT elects approximately 25% of Baylor’s board of regents, allowing Texas Baptists to have a voice but not control of the university.
4. Truett Seminary’s position on biblical sexuality is essentially the same as BGCT’s and not unlike that of Baylor University’s.
5. Pastors and leaders who are concerned or have questions are encouraged to contact the University and Truett Seminary administration.
6. The Texas Baptists Christian Life Commission has prepared resources for churches to learn how to minister to those struggling with gender identity. Our desire is for our churches to be welcoming and loving of all people while remaining true to the biblical standards of holiness and God’s design.

We hope this offers clarity about our stance on this matter and our relationship with Baylor University. We are seeking to learn more from Baylor’s leadership so that we can decide how to best move forward.