The spiritual beauty in collaboration

This has been an exciting week of ministry for me. As I have participated in several events around the state, I am thankful for how God brings us together to build up His body. What a privilege it is to collaborate for the sake of the kingdom!

Last week, I had the opportunity to travel to El Paso, where the Texas Baptist Christian Life Commission, led by Dr. Katie Frugé, hosted a group of pastors from around the state to discuss ministry along the border.

Hosted by the El Paso Baptist Association and Del Sol Church, the group heard an update from border patrol agents, learned about our ISAAC ministry, heard a report from our director of public policy about immigration laws and how they relate to churches and ministries and listened to testimonies about our River Ministry.

The group also had the opportunity to visit ministry sites that receive support from our Texas Baptist Hunger Offering, including the Amigos community garden, the Mustard Seed Cafe in El Paso and River Ministry sites that serve lunch to children in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico.

As leaders reflected on the event, they expressed gratitude for the blessing of collective impact along the border: Texas Baptists churches giving, the CLC, the local Baptist associations on both sides of the border, the local churches doing ministry and the specialized ministries that are on the front lines. (Stay tuned for other CLC immersion opportunities!).

“The whole body…together…grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”

This past Sunday, I had the honor of preaching at the Indian Hills Baptist Church in Grand Prairie on the occasion of their 70th birthday. In the mid-1950s, the BGCT approached First Baptist Grand Prairie about starting a new congregation in the new subdivision of Indian Hills.

FBC Grand Prairie, collaborating with the BGCT, sponsored this new work, which celebrated 70 years last Sunday. Among the many things they thanked God for was the privilege of giving ten percent of their receipts through the Texas Baptists Cooperative Program for seven decades. What a great testimony of collaboration for the kingdom!

Earlier this week, I attended the Conclave Next Gen conference at First Baptist Church Arlington. Over 900 children, student, college, discipleship, family ministers and pastors participated in this very exciting event led by Cory Liebrum, Kurt Krodle and Jennifer Howington.

Worship, speakers, breakout conferences, lunch network opportunities were all geared to providing a space for all those who minister to the next generation to be refreshed spiritually and to be encouraged in the important task of making disciples among children, students, and families.

It was beautiful to see the interaction between ministry teams of various churches in the hallways, coffee shops and lunch opportunities. One of the speakers reminded participants, “you are not alone!” How important it is for ministers to know they are part of a big family: together!

Lastly, I had the opportunity of speaking at a regional missions conference put together by Waco churches in collaboration with Baylor University and Truett Seminary. Although this was not an event led by Texas Baptists, most of the participants and several of the speakers were Texas Baptists. The focus was the Great Commission.

It is good to remind ourselves that we can only accomplish what Christ commanded us to do when we work together. There is a spiritual beauty in collaboration. And I believe God is honored in it.

In next week’s weekly update, I will continue answering questions about the GC2 Strong emphasis. In the meantime, I encourage you to pre-register for our Annual Meeting in Abilene, November 16-18.

Thank you for your continued prayers, participation and generosity through the Cooperative Program. God is doing amazing things as we collaborate together!