AMARILLO, Texas (ABP) — Messengers will gather Oct. 24-26 for the Baptist General Convention of Texas annual meeting to conduct business related to kingdom work, they will be carrying out a tradition of making decisions to advance God's kingdom just as their predecessors have done for 125 years.
Texas Baptists will celebrate 125 years of the convention sharing the gospel across Texas and around the globe.
Born in 1886 when five state conventions united, the BGCT's ability to minister in large ways has always relied on the willingness of affiliated churches to partner for the sake of God's kingdom, said Alan Lefever, director of the Texas Baptist Historical Collection.
Lefever, who noted that even the name "Baptist General Convention of Texas" brings together the names of the two largest pre-existing Texas Baptist conventions, said God has brought Texas Baptists together in a spirit of cooperation. As a result, they have started hospitals, colleges and children's homes, he noted. Churches have reached out to people in need, providing food, clothes and encouragement.
"I think the biggest thing we should be celebrating is what we have accomplished by cooperating," Lefever said, noting that Baptists throughout the state have had a significant impact in Texas and beyond.
George W. Truett, former pastor of First Baptist Church in Dallas, emphasized the importance of religious liberty and separation of church and state. William and Anne Bagby of Waco founded the first Baptist church in Brazil. Countless people have been influenced through Texas Baptist schools and human-care institutions. The convention launched the Youth Evangelism Conference, Super Summer and See You at the Pole.
"When you talk about the BGCT, the people within the convention have reached out to touch the world," Lefever said.
The calling of the convention doesn't end at 125 years, Lefever is quick to point out. God continues calling Texas Baptists to serve. Looking backward should be done only for the benefit of learning as the convention moves forward in ministry.
"Celebrating an anniversary is a great opportunity to look at the accomplishments of the past," he said. "At the same time, if we miss the opportunity to reflect on current challenges, we make past accomplishments irrelevant."
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John Halll writes for Texas Baptist communications.