Joel Allison and Chris Simmons honored at 2026 Texas Baptists Legacy Awards

Joel Allison, retired chief executive officer of Baylor Scott & White Health, and Chris Simmons, pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Dallas, were recipients of the 2026 Texas Baptists Legacy Award. The awards were presented during a worship service on June 7 at Independence Baptist Church.

Jerry Carlisle, president of the Texas Baptist Missions Foundation, preached from Acts 13:23-36 on fulfilling God’s purpose in our generation. He explained that in this passage, Paul points to the resurrection of Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promise. In Acts 13:36, Paul said David served God’s purpose in his own generation. 

You can’t serve God’s purpose in a different generation. You can't go back to this day and age of Independence Baptist Church and say, ‘Let's start fresh with them.’ We can't jump ahead to the next generation and live their purpose for them, but fulfill God's purpose in our own generation. The one that belongs to us,” said Carlisle. “‘Through him, everyone who believes is justified.’ That is the purpose of God. To fulfill God’s purpose in our lives, that’s the message we must receive and live: To be made right with God.” 

Carlisle then told the congregation about Noah Byers, a businessman who sensed a call to ministry and was ordained in 1841 as the second Baptist preacher ordained in Texas. He went on to be a frontier missionary and planted 60 churches across Texas. Carlisle told attendees that Byers was a man who lived his life to serve God’s purpose in his own generation, so that Texas might be reconciled to God. 

He shared that, just as God poured out the Holy Spirit so that we might be empowered to be his witnesses, God is pouring out his church upon the world that needs to hear about Jesus. 

“God has a purpose for us in our own generation. Every generation before us set the stage. We stand here in this place because we remember those who have gone before us, those like Noah Byers, who have made it possible for us to travel and share the good news,” said Carlisle.   

Carlisle concluded his message by encouraging attendees that God has a specific purpose for us in our generation. 

“Texas is overwhelmingly lost… This is our time and our ability to accomplish God’s purpose,” said Carlisle. “It’s time to start and serve and share and see the power of God through salvation – the gospel, which alone can transform human life.” 

A legacy built on faithfulness

Simmons was introduced by his daughter, Christina Hood. She opened by sharing the various ways her father has served the community, as Cornerstone Baptist Church pastor and leader of the Cornerstone Community Development Corporation in Dallas, providing year-round children’s enrichment programming through free after-school programs and summer camps. Through the Corporation, he also provides clothes, meals and showers for the homeless and affordable housing in the South Dallas community.

“[The community may know him for the ways he has served], but I know him as dad and have had the privilege of working alongside him and seeing his heart to reach the least, the last, the lost and the lonely,” said Hood. I know the man who challenges us to serve better and trust God more fully.” 

Hood commended her father for building his legacy on service, rather than recognition. 

“I know a leader that never forgets that ministry is ultimately about people. His leadership has never been about recognition; it has always been about service,” said Hood. “My dad’s legacy is not found in programs, buildings or accomplishments alone. His legacy is found in thousands of lives that have been changed because he faithfully answers God’s call and invites others to join him on that mission.”

Accepting the award, Simmons thanked Texas Baptists for their partnership in his ministry. 

“We are who we are because Texas Baptists has been who they have been. We can only do what we do because of our partnership with Texas Baptists,” said Simmons. 

Simmons encouraged attendees with Luke 17:10. He said there is so much more that still needs to be finished. 

“When I think of the word ‘Legacy,’ I think of [being] faithful… If anything is worthy of recognition in my life, it is certainly the grace of God and his faithfulness to me, and I am trying to be just as faithful to him,” said Simmons. “There are still communities that need hope, families that need encouragement, children who need an opportunity, people who desperately need to know about Jesus.” 

A legacy of mentorship and generosity

Allison was introduced by Carlisle. Carlisle shared that Allison serves on the Missions Foundation Council. He shared that Allison is unmatched in hospital administration and that while attending Baylor University, Allison came to understand that God was calling him to a ministry of healing. 

“He mentors the School of Business at Baylor University. He mentors those who believe God’s calling them to that same ministry,” said Carlisle. “That ministry of healing was something that God created Joel to do. He has exemplified a life of service and leadership in a very challenging context.”

Carlisle then told the congregation about Allison’s “Faith Initiatives” ministry that he started during his time as CEO of the Baylor Healthcare System. Faith Initiatives offered employees opportunities to grow spiritually and to serve in Texas and around the world. After his retirement, the Baylor Healthcare System re-named Faith Initiatives to the “Joel T. Allison Faith in Action Initiative.” 

Carlisle said it has been a blessing to have Allison on the Missions Foundation Council. He expressed his gratitude for Allison’s generosity. 

“[Allison’s] been generous with his friendship. Generous with his wisdom. Generous with his influence, and generous financially as well,” said Carlisle. “Joel Allison’s lifetime of Christian service reflects the reality of God’s power at work when you say yes to him. I’m so glad that Joel said yes to Jesus.” 

Carlisle closed by sharing that the prayer room in the new Baylor Baptist Student Ministry building will be dedicated to Allison’s late wife, Diane, for her dedication to prayer throughout Allison’s ministry. 

Accepting the award, Allison expressed gratitude to his late wife and his Texas Baptists community that mentored him throughout his life. 

“It was Baptist men and women that God put in my life when I needed it most. These individuals mentored me and prayed for me in tough times, always supported me and gave me God’s guidance,” said Allison. “I accept this on behalf of all those men and women, and my deepest gratitude to Texas Baptists.” 

Legacies of faithful and generous service 

Allison and Simmons were chosen by a selection committee for their lifelong Christian service. Pavers commemorating Allison and Simmons were laid in the courtyard of Independence Baptist Church.

The historic church, organized in 1839, is the oldest continuously active Baptist church in Texas. The church annually hosts the Legacy Awards and is home to the Texas Baptist Historical Museum.

Alan Lefever, director of the Texas Baptist Historical Collection (TBHC), shared about the TBHC and invited the congregation to join or make a gift in support of the 1839 Society. Scott Stevens, vice president of the Texas Baptist Mission Foundation, invited the congregation to give to Legacy Day and participate in the Legacy Society. Paul Kinghorn, interim pastor of Independence Baptist, welcomed Allison, Simmons and the other visitors to the church’s Sunday service.

To make a gift in support of Legacy Day, click here. To nominate recipients for the 2027 Texas Baptists Legacy Award, email Anna Rosales at anna.rosales[at]txb.org.