Texas Baptists en Español rally urges churches to live out GC2 reimagined

Churches gathered for the Texas Baptists en Español rally in Abilene were encouraged to live out the Great Commission and the Great Commandment with renewed passion for the lost.

“There is confusion, fatigue and at times, discouragement. But thanks be to God! In the midst of all this uncertainty, we are seeing signs of a fresh move of the Holy Spirit,” said Sergio Ramos, senior director for relational development with Texas Baptists, in his keynote address during the Sunday dinner themed “Vive la Gran Comision”. “The Great Commission has not been paused, postponed or rewritten – it still calls us to go, to love and to make disciples.”

Ramos explained that GC2 reimagined is about a “heartfelt call to bring Jesus to our nation and to the world. It reverberates with the spirit of Christ calling us: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind,’” he said, quoting Jesus from Matthew 22:37.

He pointed out that the GC2 reimagined focus is rooted in the heart of Christ and is not just a slogan, but it is the heart of the church’s calling and “one inseparable mission: to love God deeply and to bring his love to others boldly.” Ramos said there is a key question being posed to us as Texas Baptists, “What would it look like if every church, every pastor and every believer lived out the Great Commandment and the Great Commission together in this generation?”

The need is clear, says Ramos, as many in Texas do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. At the same time, he said, many churches are closing their doors due to low attendance. This great need should compel believers to step out and make an impact for the gospel, he urged.

“Brothers and sisters, the spiritual condition of our state cannot leave us indifferent. We cannot become accustomed to seeing empty sanctuaries and cold hearts,” said Ramos. “That is why the need for a strong GC2 initiative is vital – because it seeks to serve, strengthen and walk alongside every affiliated church, regardless of size, language or cultural context, in order to fulfill God’s mandates.”

Ramos reported that the convention is building practical tools for churches as they live out this call, and they hope to have 25 churches to pilot the program in the first quarter of 2026. While the mandates date back to Jesus’ ministry on earth, Ramos pointed out that “what is new is the way we are intentionally organizing, resourcing and mobilizing our pastors, our churches and our institutions to fulfill this divine mandate.” Using the story of Peter’s restoration after Jesus’ resurrection and his renewed mission as an example, Ramos said GC2 reimagined is calling the church similarly, “not to strive for performance but to stay connected to the heart of Christ and move in obedience out of love.”

And this renewed mission works, Ramos said. He spoke of a small church that had a big heart but not a big budget. They began praying for their neighborhood, meeting needs and mentoring families, opening their doors to those in need. In one year, the church saw transformation simply due to returning to the heart of Jesus’ command: love God, love people and make disciples.

Ramos pointed out that the movement is only sustained by the Holy Spirit’s empowerment and direction. He issued an invitation to pastors to walk beside them as they lead, to churches to resource and strengthen them and to each believer to love God completely and take Jesus’ message wherever they go.

“The world is changing fast, but the word of God is unchanging. The culture is noisy, but the voice of Jesus is still clear. And the mission remains the same: Love God, love people, make disciples,” Ramos said. “That is GC2 reimagined. That is our calling. And that is our future, not apart from Christ but moving closer to Him.”

The banquet also included recognition of Pastor Robert Cuellar of Primera Iglesia San Angelo, pastor for 31 years and formerly a strategist with Texas Baptists. Dr. Gus Reyes presented Cuellar with the Dr. Gary Cook Servant Leadership Award in recognition of his many years of ministry, both in various West Texas churches and with the convention, as well as the mentorship of many other pastors. The convention also honored Cuellar’s commitment to service in his region. 

“With a sincere heart and much gratitude, we would never have thought when we started this career we would have come this far,” said Cuellar, who serves with his wife, Olga. “I humbly want to thank God, the BGCT, the office of Hispanic Ministries and Dr. Reyes, who assisted so that I was able to serve 17 years with the convention.”

The group also introduced Carolina Manguieri, the new executive director for Casa Bautista, the Spanish Baptist publishing house based in El Paso. A pastor’s wife who previously served with the Baptist World Alliance and other ministry roles, Manguieri expressed appreciation for the call to serve the Hispanic community in the state and throughout Latin America. Dr. Ramos and Pastor Abraham Cervantes both led prayers of commissioning over Manguieri during the event.