SAN ANTONIO, Texas (ABP) — Standing at the start of its second century, the Hispanic Baptist Convention of Texas voted to incorporate the body into a nonprofit organization with its own executive board.
Convention president Jesse Rincones said the decision by messengers to the annual statewide gathering at Trinity Baptist Church in San Antonio allows the Hispanic convention to govern and receive funding for its own ministries designed to make an impact on communities while remaining in cooperation with the Baptist General Convention of Texas.
Currently, the Hispanic Baptist Convention receives most of its financial support from the BGCT, which provides the funds for the Hispanic convention through the Texas Baptist Cooperative Program, the primary giving channel of Texas Baptists.
Rincones encouraged continued cooperation with the BGCT, including asking messengers and congregations to increase their gifts to missions through the Cooperative Program during the next three years.
“The question has been asked, ‘Are you separating from the BGCT?’” said, Rincones pastor of Alliance Church in Lubbock, Texas. “The answer is no.”
The two conventions will continue to partner and work together on designated ministries, but each body will have its own ministries facilitated by each convention, Rincones said. Growth of the Texas Hispanic population requires increased ministry.
“This is an opportunity for Hispanic churches to administrate ministry that will impact churches,” Rincones said.
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John Hall writes for Texas Baptist communications.