News

The Hispanic Baptist Convention of Texas convened as part of the the 2018 Family Gathering July 30-31 in Arlington. The joining of Texas Baptists fellowships and conventions inspired an annual message on the biblical family heard by 233 registered messengers and numerous visitors.

Just as Abraham passed his legacy on to his son Isaac, President Danny Reeves encouraged Texas Baptists to pass the baton of leadership on to upcoming generations. Reeves’ challenge was presented during his final presidential address at the 133rd Annual Meeting of the Baptist General Convention of Texas at the 2018 Family Gathering in Arlington.

Texas Baptists are taking the Good News across the state, country and world, reported Dr. David Hardage during his Executive Director’s Report at the 2018 Family Gathering Monday evening. 

"This year will be all about unity and sharing the Gospel," said newly-elected President Michael Evans. "We do that from our different platforms, different places and different faces, but the bottom line is Jesus. He binds us together." 

Dr. Steve Mullen joined the Texas Baptists staff this summer as the new Director of Theological Education. In his role with Texas Baptists, Mullen will plan and coordinate the work of the Theological Education Council; oversee the ministerial financial assistance program; and build bridges among churches, educational institutions and the convention, among other responsibilities.

Since its inception in 1974, Super Summer started not as a camp, but as a week of training students in evangelism to know and share the Gospel. Over the decades, many things have changed, but the vision of Super Summer remains focused on teaching students to know and share the Gospel. 

James Hardin of First Baptist Dallas won this year’s National Invitational Speakers’ Tournament, held on June 14-15 at Mountain Park First Baptist Church in Stone Mountain, Georgia. Josh Britton of First Baptist Church of Allen also competed in the High School Bible Drill portion of the tournament while Joseph Stalcup of First Baptist Church Breckenridge competed in Youth Bible Drill.

For the second time, joint sessions of Texas Baptists Annual Meeting, the African American Fellowship Conference and the Hispanic Baptist Convention of Texas will join together in harmonious celebration for a three-day event.

Following a call to prayer, and an urging to contact elected officials, ministry opportunities in McAllen and Laredo/Nuevo Laredo are available to Convention churches who desire to meet the needs of those impacted by the recent immigration situations.

The third cohort of Leadership Texas Baptists was honored during Texas Baptists’ Executive Board Meeting on May 21. The graduation celebration, held during Monday evening’s session, awarded and recognized the 11 emerging young leaders for their hard work and dedication during the nine-month long program.

Two hundred students and their families gathered on May 20 for the Go Now Missions Commissioning Service held at Dallas Baptist University. The service was an opportunity for families and friends to worship alongside the student missionaries before leaving for mission across the world.

Dallas Baptist University recently hosted the annual Texas Baptists Bible Drill and Speakers’ Tournament State Finals. 

During the May 22 meeting of the Baptist General Convention of Texas Executive Board, members affirmed a statement from Executive Director David Hardage encouraging Texas Baptists to seek peace in the midst of violent times in America. 

Texas Baptists welcomes Dustin Payne as the New Church starter for Area 3 in Southeast Texas including Katy, Houston, Galveston, Beaumont and College Station.

The National Baptist Convention of America International, Inc. held their Annual Tent Revival from April 23-26 at East Gate Baptist Church in Dallas. This was the first year for Texas Baptists to partner with the NBCA to help host this event.

As Victoria Lopez shared her testimony, members of the crowd dabbed their eyes to wipe away tears. The 16-year-old told the crowd of approximately 3,200 at the Ferrell Center in Waco, Texas, that she continues to look to God while fighting cystic fibrosis, a progressive genetic lung disease. She said through all her hospital stays, infections and surgeries, she has relied on God for help.

Texas Baptists offered pastors and their church members the opportunity to be refreshed and reminded of biblical stewardship, including personal and church budgeting. The first of five “Giving Your Money Purpose” day retreats in 2018 was held on Saturday, April 21, at Houston Baptist University.

The Woman’s Missionary Union of Texas (WMU) hosted their Annual Meeting and Missions Celebration on April 13-14 at First Baptist Church Georgetown. The focus of this meeting was to pursue God’s Gospel-calling. The event challenged attendees to make an impact in their communities for the Kingdom through passionately telling His story, creatively empowering leaders and obediently engaging the world for Christ.