NOV. 14, 2022
Monday Morning Worship Session 1
1. Pre-session music provided by First Woodway Baptist Church worship team.
2. David Hardage, executive director, Texas Baptists welcomed attendees and introduced Eric Bruntmeyer, president, Hardin-Simmons University.
3. A video on Hardin-Simmons University was shown.
4. Bruntmeyer brought a word on behalf of Hardin-Simmons and led in prayer.
5. Worship music provided by Art Wellborn and the worship team, First Woodway Baptist Church, Waco.
6. Tony Canady, pastor, Triumphal Christian Fellowship, Waxahachie, brought a message on How to Remain Unwavering from Number 14:20-24.
7. Tom Howe, associate director, Missional Engagement, Texas Baptists introduced church planters from Texas, New York, Washington, Oregon and Wisconsin.
8. Benediction led by Joseph Adams, pastor, First Baptist Church, Hughes Springs.
Monday Morning Business Session 1
9. President Jason Burden declared the 137th Annual Meeting of the Baptist General Convention of Texas come to order.
10. Dr. Edward Wagner, president of the African American Fellowship and pastor, Cornerstone Baptist Church, Killeen, read from Ephesians 4:14-17 and led in prayer.
11. Burden reminder messengers the taking of votes during Business Meetings will be conducted by the chair by asking the messengers to raise and lower ballots or by standing unless a ballot vote is necessary.
12. Burden recognized Garet Robinson, chair, Committee on Credentials, for a report.
13. Robinson announced as of 10 a.m., November 14, there were 1,101 messengers enrolled and 467 visitors duly registered. He moved that the messengers who have been enrolled as of this time be seated. Motion was approved.
14. Burden stated if anyone wishes to challenge the seating of messengers from churches they would need to do so in writing to the Committee on Credentials. It would be referred to the Executive Board and reported back next year at the Annual Meeting.
15. Burden recognized Adam Pardue, chair, Committee on Annual Meeting (COAM). Pardue moved the Standing Rules of the Convention as printed on page 35 of the Bulletin be approved for the Annual Meeting. Motion was approved.
16. Pardue referred messengers to page 34 on the Bulletin for instructions to propose a resolution. The committee
17. Pardue then moved that the Order of Business as printed on pages 8-12 of the Bulletin be adopted for the Convention. Burden mentioned the times stated were general orders and were intended for guidance only. The order of business was adopted.
18. Burden asked anyone planning to make a nomination for president, first vice president or second vice president to come to the stage
19. Burden stated anyone desiring to make a motion should refer to page 36 in the Bulletin, calling attention to the note on page 37. He noted that a motion will not be considered by the convention until a messenger has submitted it to the delegates during the Annual Meeting
20. Burden recognized students from San Marcos Academy for serving as pages at the microphones.
21. Burden reminded messengers that anyone who desired to offer a resolution should remember that a resolution is defined as an expression of opinion as opposed to a motion calling for action. Additional information can be found in the Bulletin on page 34. Any resolution must be received by the close of the Monday morning Business Session. The Resolutions Committee will be available in the Waco Room until the close of this business session.
22. Burden announced the time for the election of the BGCT President for the year 2022 – 2023. Burden recognized Gary Cook, messenger, Park Cities Baptist Church, Dallas.
23. Cook nominated Julio Guarneri, pastor, Calvary Baptist Church, McAllen.
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There were no other nominations for President. Guarneri was elected by acclamation for the 2022 – 2023 term.
24. Burden called for nominations for candidates for First Vice President.
25. Burden recognized David Foster, Jr, messenger, Shiloh Terrace Baptist Church, Dallas.
26. Foster nominated Nebiye Kelile for First Vice President for the 2022 –2023 term. There were no other nominations for First Vice President. Kelile was elected by acclamation.
27. Burden called for nominations for candidates for Second Vice President.
28. Cory Hines, messenger, Coggin Avenue Baptist Church, Brownwood, nominated Rony Marriott for Second Vice President for the 2022-2023 term. There were no other nominations for Second Vice President. Marriott was nominated by acclamation.
29. President Burden recognized Clint Davis, BGCT Executive Board chair, for a report from the Executive Board. Clint highlighted business from the 2022 executive board, including one Baptist Student Ministry (BSM) property exchange and one property acquisition; a new special relation with Denison Ministries.
30. Davis recognized David Mahfouz, pastor, First Baptist Church, Warren, who gave a report for the Executive Director Search Committee. Mahfouz shared that the committee is conducting listening sessions and will post a job profile in January.
31. Burden introduced the Gen Z/ Millenial Task Force.
32. Chris McLain, pastor, First Baptist Church, Bandera, brought a report on behalf of the task force. He shared four main themes: invite emerging adults to the table, share the story, organizational innovation and spiritual
growth.
33. Davis introduced Ward Hayes, CFO/ Treasurer, Texas Baptists, to present the Treasurer’s report for 2021. Hayes presented the Treasurer’s Report for 2021. Hayes highlighted the Pastor Sabbatical Grant and the Inflation Relief Grant. He shared that total giving was at $37,700,000. Cooperative Program giving was at 99% of prior year. Mary Hill Davis Offering and Texas Baptist Hunger Offering saw giving increases compared to the prior year.
34. Hayes brought a report on the proposed 2023 Budget.
35. Davis moved on behalf of the Executive Board the adoption of the proposed budget for 2023 of $35,459,500.
36. Burden asked for any discussion. Motion passed.
37. Davis recommended the continuation of 79% BGCT and 21% Worldwide with each church selecting the recipients. The recommendation appears on page 53 of the Bulletin.
38. Burden asked for any discussion. Motion passed.
39. Davis moved on behalf of the Executive Board to adopt the 2023 Texas World Missions Initiative and Partnerships Allocation in the amount of $1,000,000 as detailed on page 54 of the Bulletin.
40. Burden asked for any discussion. Motion passed.
41. Davis moved on behalf of the Executive Board the adoption of the Recommendation of the proposed Relationship Agreement between the Baptist General Convention of Texas and Denison Ministries as found on pages 55-58 of the Bulletin.
42. Burden asked for any discussion. Motion passed.
43. President Burden introduced the time for Miscellaneous Business and opened the floor for messengers to make motions that were germane to the Convention. Motions could be made at this time on any topic except those issues that were otherwise delegated by the Constitution and Bylaws. Further information can be found on page 36 of the Bulletin. Motions to amend the Constitution and Bylaws could also be made at this time. Motions made on Monday would not be acted upon until the business meeting on Tuesday. They would be discussed in the order in which they were made.
44. Scotty Swingler, student pastor, Sugar Land Baptist Church, made a motion for consideration. “The Gen Z/Millennial Task Force moves that the Chair of the Baptist General Convention of Texas Executive Board appoint a task force to explore the creation of a residency program whereby young ministers are mentored and trained by established ministers. The task force will have a budget of $10,000 to cover its expenses. The task force will present their recommendations in a timely manner to the new executive director, executive board and the messengers of the convention no later than the 2024 Annual Meeting in Waco.”
45. Burden recognized Richard Laverty, chair, Committee on Committees, who moved for the election of the persons nominated by this Committee found on page 42 of the Bulletin. The persons nominated were elected.
46. Burden recognized Tim Fogarty, chair, Committee to Nominate Executive Board Directors, who moved for the election of the persons nominated by the CNEBD found on page 42 of the Bulletin. The persons nominated were elected.
47. Burden recognized Eric House, chair,
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Committee on Nominations for Boards of Affiliated Ministries, who moved for the election of the persons nominated by the committee found on pages 43-46 of the Bulletin. The persons nominated were elected.
48. Burden recognized David Adams, director, Discipleship, Texas Baptists to introduce the Leadership Texas Baptists Cohort 7. Members of the cohort are: Cintia Aguilar, Allen Bramlett, Rachel Carrell, Casey Cockrell, Albert Curley, Troy Dicks, Mark Fitz, Meghan Hendrickson and Heather Penna.
49. Todd Still, Delancey Dean and Hinson professor, Baylor University, Truett Seminary, led the benediction.
Monday Afternoon Worship Session 2
50. Pre-session music provided by Biblical Community Church, Richardson.
51. Hardage introduced the focus of this session as church health. He introduced Phil Miller, Director, Church Health, Texas Baptists.
52. Miller read Isaiah 43:16-19 and led in prayer.
53. Worship led by David Talaguit and worship team, Biblical Community Church, Richardson.
54. Hardage introduced Ariel Martinez, pastor, Del Sol Church, El Paso.
55. Martinez gave a message based on Psalm 137:1-4, Ezra 6:14, Nehemiah 1:4, 3:1 and John 10:7. He spoke on how to be unwavering through the troubles of life.
56. Transition video for the Center for Church Health.
57. Pastor Panel discussion led by Jonathan Smith, Director, Church Health. Participants included Tim Williams, Senior Pastor, Gladewater Baptist Church, Mt. Pleasant, Josh
Murray, Senior Pastor, Canyon Creek Baptist Church, Temple, Carlos Gardino, Associate Pastor, First Baptist Church, Devine, Robert White, Pastor, Freedom Church, Bedford and Dustin Slaton, Pastor, First Baptist Church, Round Rock.
58. Tim Williams led the benediction.
Monday Evening Worship Session 3
59. Pre-session music by First Baptist Church, Waco, worship ministry led by Andy Muskrat.
60. Transition video by HighGround Advisors.
61. Opening prayer led by Kathleen Hardage, retired school teacher and wife of Executive Director David Hardage.
62. Hardage brought the Executive Director’s report. In the report, Hardage recognized Abe Jaquez, president, Baptist University of the Americas, for the 75th anniversary of the university. He presented a $7,500 scholarship named in honor of Jaquez. He recognized Oza Jones, director, African American Ministries, for the 40th anniversary of African American Ministries.
63. Hardage celebrated the 20th anniversary of Chaplaincy Relations. He shared that over 1,100 chaplains have been endorsed since its inception. He honored Bobby Smith, former director, Chaplaincy Relations, Texas Baptists, who passed away in 2022.
64. Hardage spoke on new partnerships, including the International Mission Board in South Asia and Send Relief in Laredo.
65. Hardage shared from Psalm 106. He shared his personal thoughts and hopes for the future of the convention.
66. Hardage invited Texas Baptists to attend the 2023 Statewide Evangelism Conference in January in San Antonio.
67. Statewide Evangelism Conference video shown.
68. Estenban Jaquez, chairman, Memorial Committee, introduced members of the Memorial Committee.
69. Vincent Gonzalez, North Dallas Family Church, Dallas, read Acts 13:36.
70. Sherry Meador, First Baptist Church, Nederland, led in prayer.
71. Memorial video shown of Texas Baptists who have passed away since the 2021 Annual Meeting.
72. Susan Sosebee, Calvary Baptist Church, McAllen, read Romans 8:38-39.
73. A memorial prayer was offered by Ermmias Teclemariam, Pathway Baptist Church, Garland.
74. Congregational worship led by worship team, First Baptist Church, Waco.
75. Hardage introduced Irene Gallegos, Director, Hunger and Care Ministries, Texas Baptists.
76. Gallegos introduced the Texas Baptist Hunger Offering and led in prayer for the offering.
77. Texas Baptist Hunger Offering video shown.
78. An offering was taken.
79. Congregational worship led by worship team, First Baptist Church, Waco.
80. Video featuring Beach Reach was shown.
81. Hardage led in a time of Lord’s Supper.
82. Hardage introduced Michael Gossett, pastor, Green Acres Baptist Church, Tyler, to bring the Annual Meeting sermon.
83. Gossett spoke from Philippians 4:11-12, Psalm 85:1-13 and Psalm 78:41-42 about longing for more and the hope believers have in the Lord.
84. Retirement recognition for David Hardage by Craig Christina, Associate Executive Director, Texas Baptists; Ward Hayes, CFO/Treasurer, Texas Baptist;
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Jason Burden, President, Baptist General Convention of Texas; Clint Davis, Chair, Executive Board, Baptist General Convention of Texas; and the Texas Baptists leadership team.
85. A video honoring Hardage was shown.
86. Jeff Smith, president and CEO, HighGround Advisors, led in closing prayer
The Texas Baptists Bulletin is published on the second day of the Annual Meeting by the Communications Department of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. The Bulletin includes announcements, committee reports and proceedings.
David Hardage Executive Director
Craig Christina Associate Executive Director
Ward Hayes Treasurer / CFO / Recording Secretary
Joshua Seth Minatrea Director of Communications
Aimee Freston Associate. Director of Communications
Coleen Wall Director of Conference & Event Planning
Caleb Arndt Design Manager
Bonnie Siess News Manager
Lauren Kendall Graphic Designer
Neil Williams Multimedia Specialist
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RESOLUTIONS
2022 RESOLUTION I
Gratitude for Retiring Executive Director Dr. David Hardage
WHEREAS Dr. David Hardage effectively served Baptists for over four decades as an executive leader, pastor, and interim pastor; and
WHEREAS Dr. Hardage has served Texas Baptists as Executive Director since January 2012 and will retire December 2022; and
WHEREAS he previously served as Director of Development for Baylor University’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary; and
WHEREAS he served as Director of the Waco Baptist Association; and
WHEREAS he previously served as pastor of First Baptist Church Sulphur Springs, Texas; First Baptist Church Weatherford, Oklahoma; First Baptist Church Holliday, Texas; First Baptist Church Blum, Texas; and as interim pastor at multiple churches; and
WHEREAS Kathleen Hardage has served alongside David prayerfully and faithfully through all these endeavors;
BE IT RESOLVED that the messengers to the 2022 Annual Meeting of the Baptist General Convention of Texas in Waco express overwhelming gratitude to Dr. and Mrs. Hardage for their service to Christ through his work, leading and guiding Texas Baptists for more than a decade; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we affirm Dr. Hardage’s vision for a GC2 movement emphasizing the Great Commission and the Great Commandment in Texas Baptists churches as an expression of faith, love, and commitment to God; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Texas Baptists are exceedingly appreciative for Dr. and Mrs. Hardage’s commitment to the work of God in and through the local church.
2022 RESOLUTION II
Cultural Engagement
WHEREAS we recognize the tendency of contemporary cultural engagements to focus more on divisive, condemning rhetoric at the expense of the grace, truth, and love that characterize the gospel;
BE IT RESOLVED that Texas Baptists, standing on God’s Word, will seek to follow the way of Jesus in how we engage our culture with God’s grace, truth, and love.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Texas Baptists will strive to avoid cruel jokes, mockery, and belittling language as we articulate our biblical convictions.
2022 RESOLUTION III
Religious Liberty
WHEREAS government has a God-ordained purpose; and
WHEREAS God has not authorized government to coerce the worship of Christ; and
WHEREAS there is state-sanctioned persecution of Christians and other religious groups across the world; and
WHEREAS Baptists historically have been committed to religious liberty and the separation of church and state;
BE IT RESOLVED, Texas Baptists affirm the historic tenets of religious liberty and will
not seek to use government to coerce the worship of Christ; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, Texas Baptists will not support any attempt by government to commandeer the church for political ends or any attempt by government to favor one religion over another.
2022 RESOLUTION IV
Appreciation of Hosts
WHEREAS, churches and members of Waco Regional Baptist Association have been gracious hosts for the 2022 Annual Meeting of the Baptist General Convention of Texas in Waco; and
WHEREAS, Texas Baptists as a whole desire to affirm the work of Baptists in the Waco area; and
WHEREAS, The City of Waco, the Waco Chamber of Commerce, Heart of TexasWaco Convention Center, and Visitors Bureau have provided hospitality, assistance, and a friendly welcome;
BE IT RESOLVED that the messengers to the 2022 Annual Meeting of the Baptist General Convention of Texas in Waco express their appreciation to the churches and members of Waco Regional Baptist Association; and
BE IT RESOLVED that the messengers express special thanks to the city of Waco, the Waco Chamber of Commerce, Heart of Texas-Waco Convention Center, and Visitors Bureau; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that we express our gratitude to the members of the Committee on Annual Meeting and their important contributions.
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“You want to remain unwavering; focus on what God says and not what your eyes may see.”
— Tony Canady, church planter, Triumphal Christian Fellowship of Waxahachie
TEXAS BAPTISTS MESSENGERS ELECT NEW OFFICERS, RAISE BUDGET FOR SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR
By Bonnie Siess, News Manager
WACO–During the first business session of the 137th Baptist General Convention of Texas (BGCT) Annual Meeting, messengers elected new officers, approved the 2023 budget and heard reports from the Executive Director Search Committee and Gen Z/Millennial Task Force.
NEW OFFICERS ELECTED
Julio Guarneri, pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in McAllen, was elected president of the Convention. Guarneri has served as first vice president for two years and as a chair at Buckner International, chairman of Stark College and Seminary and on the BGCT Executive Board. Gary Cook, chancellor of Dallas Baptist University, nominated Guarneri. He highlighted Guarneri’s passion for discipleship and prayer and his dedication to Texas Baptists.
“He’s of the highest character and integrity, and he loves his family … We need a praying president, and I believe we have one with Dr. Julio Guarneri,” Cook said. “It is my privilege to nominate him as president of our Convention.”
Nebiye Kelile, pastor of Pathway Church in Dallas, was elected first vice president and was nominated by David Foster, Jr., groups and connections pastor of Shiloh Terrace Baptist Church in Dallas.
“He is a strong biblical preacher, has a passion for the lost and has a desire to make disciples,” Foster said.
Finally, Ronny Marriott, pastor of First Baptist Church of Burleson, was elected second vice president. He was nominated by Cory Hines, president of Howard Payne University. Hines said of Marriott, “He is a true leader, the model pastor and someone who can cultivate strong relationships.”
All officers ran unopposed and were elected following a vote by the 1,101 messengers in attendance.
BUSINESS REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Clint Davis, chair of the Executive Board, gave an update on business conducted by the Executive Board during 2022. He shared that the board elected Bobby Contreras, current Executive Board vice chair and pastor of Alamo Heights Baptist Church in San Antonio, to serve as chair in 2023. Janice Bloom, current board representative of Sectors 9-11 and member of First Baptist Church of Garland, was elected to serve as the vice chair. He also introduced David Mahfouz, who serves as the chair of the Executive Director Search Committee.
Mahfouz shared the committee’s progress, explaining they are hosting listening sessions to best understand the needs, expectations and desires of churches for the new executive director. Following the listening sessions, a job profile will be written and released in January 2023, when the committee will begin to receive nominations.
He called for prayer during this time.
“Join us in praying that God will call out that individual and that God will guide this committee in the coming days,” he said.
Messengers heard an update from the Gen Z/Millennial Task Force, which outlined five recommendations based on their research. The task force was assembled following a motion at the 2021 Annual Meeting in Galveston to study and recommend ways to increase millennial and Generation Z involvement in Texas Baptists life and churches.
Chris McLain, pastor from First Baptist Church in Bandera, presented the task force’s recommendations, which included hosting listening sessions, supplementing Texas Baptists’ communications, setting an attendance goal at Annual Meeting, launching a statewide initiative to encourage and equip churches to reach emerging adults and creating a residency
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task force. A full report can be found at txb.org/am under “Business.”.
“As our state grows and changes, engaging with and resourcing emerging adults to follow their unique callings will both revive churches and help establish new churches,” McLain said.
Later in the business session, in conjunction with these recommendations, Scotty Swingler, associate pastor of students at Sugar Land Baptist Church, submitted a motion on behalf of the task force. The motion was to create a task force to study the possibility of an emerging adults pastoral residency program. The task force will present its findings no
later than the 2024 Annual Meeting.
The 2023 budget was introduced by Ward Hayes, treasurer and CFO for Texas Baptists. He explained how the money given to the Cooperative Program was being used to help the pastors and churches of the Convention. Hayes highlighted the Inflation Relief Grants and Pastor Sabbatical Grants, which helped a combined total of 272 pastors. He also highlighted the Hispanic Education Initiative, which has provided over $700,000 in scholarships since its inception 20 years ago.
“God has been good to us. He remains faithful, our churches have remained faithful and I want to make sure the glory goes to him during this report,” Hayes said.
Messengers approved the proposed 2023 Texas Baptists missions and ministry $35.46 million budget. This is the second consecutive year the budget has increased. The percentage allotment of the adopted budget was approved to continue at 79% BGCT and 21% Worldwide, with each church selecting the recipient(s) of the Worldwide portion. The recommendation for the 2022 Texas World Missions Initiatives and Partnership Allocation was $1 million.
Other business included the approval of nominations from the Committee on Committees, the Committee on Nominations for Boards of Affiliated Ministries and the Committee to Nominate Executive Board Directors.
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