Texas Baptists Annual Meeting

Workshops

Monday, Nov. 16, 2026

Workshops Session #1 | 8:00 AM

A Big Sing!

Presented by Carey & Geraldine Luce, Visiting Scholars, Baylor University, Waco

A community choir session for all-comers with a breadth of sung worship across a range of styles including songs from the global church, gospel songs, new hymn arrangements and spirituals. Learning and singing will be by ear. No previous experience is necessary, but you may need to bring a gospel stomp!

BiVocational Leaders: Creating Rhythms for Effective Ministry

Presented by Ben Chavez, Pastor, Iglesia Bautista Monte Sinaí, Midland; Darrin Moore, Pastor, Truevine Baptist Church, Spring; Ira Antoine, Director, Bivocational Ministry, Texas Baptists

Struggling to balance church ministry and a secular job? Create a sustainable rhythm for effective service in both, while prioritizing personal and family health. Join us to find your effective ministry rhythm.

Personal Disciple Making that Actually Multiplies

Presented by Gary Stidham, BSM Director of Training; Cory Liebrum, Director, Discipleship & NextGen; Texas Baptists

Let's learn proven and time-tested methods for producing disciples of Jesus who can produce disciples of Jesus, and how to encourage this within the small group and Bible study programs we already have in place.

Constitution and Bylaws Task Force

Presented by Suzie Liner, MD, Chair, Texas Baptists Executive Board; John Litzler, General Counsel and Director of Public Policy; Craig Christina, Associate Executive Director, Texas Baptists

A report on proposed changes to the Bylaws and Constitution presented by the Bylaws and Constitution Task Force. Changes to the Bylaws must receive a two-thirds majority vote by messengers for approval. Constitution changes will require a two-thirds majority vote by messengers over two consecutive years.

Strategic Compensation and Benefits Strategies for Churches

Presented by Greg Love, Senior Relationship Manager, Retirement, Guidestone

Pastors and ministry leaders should finish well. Let's discuss strategies to enhance the financial security and resilience of those serving the Lord.

The Church at a Crossroads: Why Balance Matters More Than Ever

Presented by Steven K. Parker, Pastor, First Baptist Church, Weslaco

Recover the biblical call to balance (axios) as pastors and churches navigate burnout, division and witness, learning to hold doctrine and compassion together in Christ.

Cómo desarrollar un plan de trabajo en conjunto con tu equipo de liderazgo

Presented by Rolando Rodriguez, Director, Texas Baptists en Español, Texas Baptists

Taller práctico para pastores y líderes enfocado en establecer metas claras, definir responsabilidades y fortalecer la unidad del equipo mediante planificación intencional y liderazgo colaborativo.

Workshops Session #2 | 2:00 PM

PAVE en Español: Amando a Dios, Renovando Iglesias — Un Camino hacia la Salud y la Revitalización

Presented by Tom Gutierrez, Pastor, Viento Fuerte Church, Waco; Vidal Muniz, Specialist En Español, Church Health & Growth, Texas Baptists

Los participantes recibirán principios Bíblicos, herramientas prácticas y un marco pastoral para evaluar la salud de su iglesia, fortalecer su identidad misional y desarrollar un proceso intencional de revitalización contextualizado para las iglesias afiliadas a Texas Baptists. Este taller está diseñado para pastores y líderes que anhelan ver a sus iglesias crecer en madurez espiritual, unidad generacional y efectividad evangelística.

Evangelism & Community Outreach Class

Presented by Jimmy Dorrell, Adjunct Professor, George W. Truett Seminary; Oza Jones, Director, Evangelism, Texas Baptists

Using a combination of biblical foundations, activities, examples and dialogue, we will focus the core principles of Christian community development. Reflecting on his 30-years of developing Christian community development, along with examples of his wife’s work in Haiti, Mexico City and North India.

Five Practices to Increase Giving in Your Church

Presented by Jonathan Smith, Church Strong Team Director, Texas Baptists

Stewardship is a challenge for many churches. But it doesn’t have to be. What if there were principles that spark generosity and increase giving? Let's discover practical, proven approaches to help your congregation embrace a spirit of generosity.

Practical Pathways for Raising Ministry Leaders

Presented by Gabriel Cortes, Director, Theological Education and Institutional Engagement; Cory Liebrum, Director, Discipleship & NextGen; Kurt Krodle, Youth Specialist, Discipleship & NextGen; Texas Baptists

Equipping churches to identify, mentor and mobilize teenagers and lay leaders through practical pathways, theological education and TXB resources for lifelong ministry development.

Texas Baptists 2027 Proposed Budget

Presented by Julio Guarneri, Executive Director; Ward Hayes, Treasurer/CFO; Texas Baptists

A time for detailed presentation, questions and discussion on proposed budget right-sizing for the 2027 budget.

Beyond Good Intentions: Holistic Financial Planning to Safeguard Your Ministry and Honor Your Future

Presented by Keely Rule, Managing Partner, Simplicity Guardian

Discover how holistic financial planning and a 403(b)(9) retirement plan support your entire church staff while preserving the pastoral housing allowance in retirement.

Through the Valley of the Shadow of Death: Spiritual Care to Those Nearing Death

Presented by Oran Lee, Associate Endorser, Pastor Care and Support, Chaplaincy Relations, Texas Baptists

Pastors often struggle knowing how to care for those nearing death. You will gain insight into what effective spiritual care might look like.

Workshops Session #3 | 3:30 PM

Birthing, Building and Becoming a TXB Church

Presented by Nic Burleson and Lee Williams, III; Church Planting Mobilizers, Texas Baptists

Strategic equipping church planters and our partners to cultivate GC2 culture, embedding Texas Baptists' DNA from launch to legacy in new and revitalized churches.

Disaster Relief: Making Your Church a Hub of Hope

Presented by John Crowder, Pastor, First Baptist Church, West; John Hall, Chief Mission Officer, Texans on Mission

Crises happen every day in your community. Make your church the anchor of hope in your community no matter what happens.

Living the Great Commandment. Fulfilling the Great Commission.

Presented by Clinton Lowin, Joshua Minatrea, Sergio Ramos, Jonathan Smith and Noe Treviño; GC2 Design Team, Texas Baptists

Healthy churches are built on more than programs—they are shaped by a deep love for God, a genuine love for people and a commitment to making disciples. We'll explore practical, biblical principles that help churches align their ministry with the Great Commandment and the Great Commission, creating a clear pathway toward lasting Kingdom impact.

Thriving Churches in Small Towns & Rural Communities

Presented by William King, III, Pastor, Greater New Hope Baptist Church, Dickinson; Glenn Young, Pastor, First Baptist Church, Kilgore; Ira Antoine, Director, Bivocational Ministry, Texas Baptists

An interactive time offering small town or rural churches practical strategies and insights to help you effectively reach your community and make a lasting impact.

Un plan de crecimiento personal para el liderazgo pastoral

Presented by Rolando Rodriguez, Director, Texas Baptists en Español, Texas Baptists

Enfocado en el desarrollo espiritual, emocional y ministerial del pastor, este taller guía la creación de un plan personal que promueva equilibrio, renovación y efectividad en el llamado pastoral.

The Case for Ministry Endowments

Presented by Jordan Lovelady, Vice President for Client Investment Solutions, HighGround Advisors

A church endowment is an expression of long-term stewardship. Let's explore endowments’ biblical foundations, common concerns and building an endowment aligned with your church’s mission.

Welcome to Pastor STRONG

Presented by Kevin Abbott, Minister Strong Team Director; Chad Schapiro, Director, Pastor Strong Initiative; Texas Baptists

Learn the 5 Choices: Habits for those who finish well as well as get a sneak peak into the 2027 cohorts.

Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2026

Workshops Session #4 | 8:00 AM

Innovation in Global Christian Witness: A Global Seminar

Presented by Clinton Lowin, Associate Director, Missions Strong, Texas Baptists

Are you ready to reimagine mission for the 21st century? If you are eager to deepen your understanding of these seismic shifts, equip yourself with innovative strategies and connect with a global community of practitioners. Join us for "Innovations in Global Christian Witness" to be challenged, inspired and radically re-centered on the global scope of God’s redemptive work.

Community Missions – Engaging with Neighbors, Needs, Networks and Nations

Presented by Josh Murray, Canyon Creek Baptist, Temple; Shon Young, River Ministry Missionary, Del Rio and Acuña; Brenda Sanders, Go Now Missions Consultant; Leah McMullen, Missional Church and Community Ministries Specialist, Texas Baptists

Community outreach is possible for every church, regardless of size. Learn from a panel of mission leaders on how to reach your communities, and the world, with the love of Christ.

Sustaining the Mission Through Transition

Presented by Aaron Summers, Director, Pastorless Churches, Texas Baptists

Helping churches navigate interim seasons, succession, revitalization and rapid change while remaining focused on mission, disciple-making and congregational health.

Forging Powerful Partnerships: Engaging Texas Baptists Intercultural Churches for Global Impact

Presented by Linda Howell, Intercultural Specialist, Texas Baptists

Meet visionary Texas Baptists Intercultural pastors leading amazing work—both locally and internationally—and discover how partnering with them can amplify your church's role in spreading the GC2 Initiative across the globe. Discover tangible ways your congregation can offer a welcoming, transformative presence to neighbors from every nation while supporting critical mission work in challenging global settings.

Loving God With Your Mind: Christian Discernment in the Age of AI

Presented by Katie Fruge, Director, Christian Life Commission, Texas Baptists

A consideration of how Christians should approach the topic of artificial intelligence from an ethical and theological perspective.

Understanding & Engaging My Roman Catholic Neighbors with the Gospel

Presented by Gary Stidham, BSM Director of Training; Vidal Muniz, Specialist En Español, Church Health & Growth; Texas Baptists

Does Catholicism feel confusing and mysterious? Learn an overview of Catholicism and how to engage our neighbors in positive, productive spiritual conversations.

KingsCover.com: Your TBIP Insurance Solutions

Presented by John Murphy, Senior Vice President, KingsCover Insurance; Craig Christina, Associate Executive Director, Texas Baptists; Ward Hayes, Treasurer/CFO, Texas Baptists

Join us for an exciting update from the BGCT property/liability insurance partner KingsCover to learn how your churches can start saving today!