texas baptists
July 16-18, 2023 McA
1
en, TX
What is the
DBU DIFFERENCE?
DBU students not only learn from Christian professors who integrate faith into everything they teach, they become servant leaders ready to impact the world for Christ all within a supportive community in the heart of Dallas.
Learn more about the DBU Difference by visiting discover.dbu.edu.
Dear Texas Baptists family,
How exciting to be together as the household of God! We are blessed to be the most diverse convention among Baptists in North America. When we come together for worship, celebration, inspiration and preparation for building the Lord’s Kingdom, God is honored and heaven rejoices. Thank you for investing this time in His Family Gathering.
You will see the diversity of GC2/Texas Baptists on full display as each ethnic ministry in our office has representation on the platform. Each fellowship president has worked with our BGCT President, Julio Guarneri, to plan the worship sessions: Hispanic Baptist Convention on Sunday night; Intercultural Fellowships on Monday morning; and the African American Fellowship on Monday night. We also planned workshops that are representative of our diverse Texas Baptists family.
Finally, our schedule is focused more on worship than business at Family Gathering, which occurs every five years in the summer. While the BGCT Constitution does require two business sessions, the Committee on Annual Meeting removes the
consideration of resolutions at Family Gathering so we may emphasize our unity in Christ.
Celebrating ethnic diversity at our annual meetings is nothing new for Texas Baptists. We strive for this goal every year. Because “in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ
Jesus” (Galatians 3:26-28). We are the household of God. You have a seat at the table. Together, we will share Christ and show love until Texas and the world has the opportunity to know Him.
Your servant in Christ,
Craig Christina, Ph.D. Associate Executive Director, Texas Baptists
Dear Texas Baptists,
What a privilege it is for me to welcome you to McAllen. This is my first year serving as BGCT president, and it is an exceptional honor to welcome you to our annual meeting, which happens to be the Family Gathering this year and takes place in the city where I have the privilege of serving as pastor. That is a triple blessing!
Our theme this year highlights the beauty of God’s design for us. The household of God reminds us what God has done for us in Christ. He has taken us from different tribes, ethnicities and language groups and has made us one family. “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of His household” (Ephesians 2:19).
Every five years our annual meeting moves from November to the summer and gathers our various fellowships and Hispanic Convention. As we celebrate
the diversity of Texas Baptists, we remember we are God’s household – one family. As we bring our spouses and children, we enjoy a special time of worship, teaching and fellowship. We are a large family made up of many families.
May our Family Gathering remind us of Pentecost and may it inspire us to go back to our homes and be on mission with God. Meanwhile, enjoy the worship, the fellowship, the workshops, the excellent Rio Grande Valley food and God’s presence in our midst.
Julio S. Guarneri, Ph. D. President of the BGCT
2
Welcome
¡Bienvenidos hermanos!
City of McAllen Office of
the Mayor
JAVIER VILLALOBOS MAYOR
April 14, 2023
On behalf of the City of McAllen, I am delighted to welcome you to our beautiful and sunny city. We are so excited you traveled to McAllen for the Texas Baptists Annual Meeting, taking place July 16-18, 2023.
It is my hope that each of you will be inspired and encouraged by the information you will receive at the conference. As you interact with one another, may you be energized and lifted by each other's creativity and ideas.
While in McAllen, I hope you have some time to enjoy our amenities. McAllen offers many options for entertainment and fun. While you're here, be sure to check out some of McAllen's most interesting attractions: Quinta Mazatlan World Birding Center, International Museum of Arts & Science, as well as all our other great attractions. Our Performing Arts Center is one of the most beautiful venues, with shopping, restaurants and entertainment all within walking distance of our Convention Center.
Again, we are pleased to have you as our guests and wish you and your group a wonderful time in McAllen!
P.O. Box 220 • McALLEN, TEXAS 78505-0220 • (956) 681-1006 • FAX (956) 681-1010 • www.mcallen.net
4 TABLE OF CONTENTS Welcome ................................................................. 2-3 McAllen Convention Center Map .......................... 5 Basic Schedule .......................................................... 8 Schedule ................................................................ 9-16 Sunday 9 Monday...................................................................... 9-11 Tuesday 11-12 Special Meals/Receptions ................................ 13-14 Meeting Presenters 15-16 Speakers................................................................ 17-18 Worship ......................................................................19 Workshops.......................................................... 22-26 Convención Workshops ........................................ 25 Exhibits................................................................ 27-28 Exhibitor Listing 27 Exhibit Map ................................................................ 28 Bulletin 32 Registration Information ...................................... 33 Standing Rules 34 To Make a Motion .................................................... 35 Notice 36 Committee on Credentials 36 Help for Messengers 37 Security Precautions 37 First Aid 37 Local Information .................................................... 38 Lost & Found 38 Phone Charging Stations ..................................... 38 Food Services Offered 38 Traducción Español/Spanish Translation ....... 38 Officers of the Convention 40 2022-2023 Executive Board Officers .............. 40 2023 Committees 40-41 Presidents of the Auxiliary Groups.................... 41 Nominations for Committees, Directors and Boards 42-46 Recommendations 48-49 Acknowledgments 50 Oficiales De Convención 51 Camara Ejecutiva De Convención 51 Iglesias Con Contribuciones Mayores 51 Primera Sesión Plenaria 52 Segunda Sesión Plenaria 52-53 Bylaws of the Convención Bautista Hispana de Texas ................................................ 55-61 Convención Bautista Hispana de Texas 62-66 Desarrollando Madurez Espiritual en Nuestra Amada Convención 67-68
McALLEN CONVENTION CENTER
5
BALLROOM PALM LOBBY LOADING DOCK 101 102 103 2 1 A A A A B C D B B C C B C D PALM COURT TICKET OFFICE MAIN ENTRANCE SOUTHWEST ENTRANCE BALLROOM WEST ENTRANCE MAIN ENTRANCE EAST EXHIBIT HALL A EXHIBIT HALL B VENDOR ENTRANCE ADMINISTRATION ATM RESTROOM CONCESSIONS FIRST AID R O O M C A P A C I T I E S & M E A S U R E M E N T S FACILITY MAP Meals Green Room Newsroom Workshops Registration Exhibit Hall Main Sessions
6 NMLS #686734 BUILDING A MINISTRY comprar casa o nanciar un auto the easy way!
We are grateful for the partnership of these 2023 Family Gathering sponsors
7
BASIC SCHEDULE
8
SUNDAY – JULY 16 3:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Registration Open 4:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. ....... Exhibits Open 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. ........ Dinners 6:30 p.m. .............................. Worship Celebration 1
– JULY 17 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Exhibits Open 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. ..... Registration Open 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. ....... Workshops - Session 1 (See Workshops, pg. 22) 9:45 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. BGCT Business Session 1 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Worship Celebration 2 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. ...... Lunch Break/Special Meals (See Special Meals & Receptions, pg. 13) 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. ....... Convención Business/Worship Session 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Workshops – Session 2 (See Workshops, pg. 23) 2:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. Workshops – Session 3 (See Workshops, pg. 24) Free Time for Families 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Convención Workshops (See Workshops, pg. 25) 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. ...... Dinner Break/Special Meals (See Special Meals & Receptions, pgs. 13-14) 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. ...... Worship Celebration 3 9:00 p.m. ............................. Receptions (See Special Meals & Receptions, pgs. 13-14) TUESDAY – JULY 18 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Exhibits Open 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Registration Open 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. ....... Workshops - Session 4 (See Workshops, pg. 26) 9:45 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. BGCT Business Session 2 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Worship Celebration 4 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. ....... Convención Business/Worship Sessions 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. ...... Convención Fellowship Meetings
MONDAY
SCHEDULE
SUNDAY, JULY 16
3:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Registration Open
4:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Exhibits Open
4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Dinners
6:15 p.m. Pre-Service Music El Trio de Hoy
6:30 p.m. Worship Celebration 1
Call to Worship Craig Christina
Scripture and Prayer Scott Collins
Greetings Elijah Brown and Javier Villalobos
Congregational Worship El Trio de Hoy
Sermon Ellis Orozco
Texas Baptists Español Promotion Rolando Rodriguez Benedication Jesse Rincones
MONDAY, JULY 17
8:00 a.m. Exhibits Open
8:30 a.m. Registration Open
8:30 a.m. Workshops - Session 1 (See Workshops, pg. 22)
• Missions and Ministry Opportunities (Panel Discussion)
• Ministering to Those in Our Pews who Struggle with LGBTQ+ Issues
• Becoming a Trauma Informed Ministry
• Fight the Fear: Learning to Love Our Muslim Neighbors
• Celebrating Oneness
• Celebrando La Unidad
9:45 a.m. ......................................... BGCT Business Session 1
Call to Order Julio Guarneri
Scripture and Prayer Olber Roblero
Organization and Seating of Messengers Frank San Martin
Adoption of Standing Rules
Matthew Richard
Adoption of Order of Business Matthew Richard
Election of Officers Nebiye Kelile
Executive Board Report Bobby Contreras
Financial Report Ward Hayes
Introduction of Miscellaneous Business Julio Guarneri
Committee on Committees Report Jason Atchley
Committee to Nominate Executive Board Directors Report Ernie Boyd
9
Committee on Nominations for Boards of Affiliated Ministries Report David Russell
Election of Officers Julio Guarneri
Benediction Brian Hill
Adjourn Julio Guarneri
10:45 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
Pre-Service Music Singing Men of South Texas
Worship Celebration 2
Call to Worship Craig Christina
Scripture and Prayer David Slover
Cooperative Program Promotion Bruce McCoy
Congregational Worship Ray Sanchez, FBC Weslaco and Singing Men of South Texas
Sermon Thong Lun
Benedication Nora Kwok
1:30 p.m.
1:30 p.m.
Business/Worship Session for Convención
Workshops - Session 2
(See Workshops, pg. 23)
• Genuine Cross-Cultural Conversations (Panel Discussion)
• Apologetics in Evangelism: Reaching the Millennial Skeptic
• Texas 2030
• Teaching Biblical Sexuality in the Local Church
• Let’s Be the Church at Pentecost
• Seamos la iglesia del Pentecostés
2:45 p.m. ......................................... Workshops - Session 3
• PAVE Preview
(See Workshops, pg. 24)
• The Church at Antioch: A Model for the 21st Century Church
• Partnering with Valley Baptist Mission Education Center
• Welcoming the Stranger
• Texas Baptists Church Planting
• Community Outreach
Free Time for Families
3:30 p m
Registration (only if needed)
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. .............. Convención Workshops
(See Workshops, pg. 25)
• Alcanzando a las familias afectadas por el encarcelamiento en su comunidad
• Building Cross-Cultural Relationships Without Losing Your Own
• Guiando a mi familia con los Ojos puestos en Cristo
• Herramientas Para Revitalizar la Iglesia
• Creando sistemas de equipos para una Iglesia Saludable
• Ser parte de una familia solidaria
10
Noon - 1:30 p.m. ........................... Lunch Break (See Special Meals & Receptions, pg. 13)
Call to Worship Craig Christina
Scripture and Prayer Robert Rodriguez
Introduction of Fellowship Presidents Craig Christina
Sergio Ramos – Hispanic Baptist Convention
Henry Batson – African American Fellowship
Joseph Huang – Chinese Fellowship
John Nguyen – Vietnamese Fellowship of Texas
Congregational Worship Niya & Roy Cotton
Hunger Offering Video and Prayer Katie Frugé
Worship Music Niya & Roy Cotton
Sermon Wm. Dwight McKissic, Sr.
Lord’s Supper
Associate Executive Director’s Report Craig Christina
Update from Executive Director Search Committee Committee Members
Texas Baptist Missions Foundation Jerry Carlisle
Benediction Henry Batson III
• We Owe You an Apology
• The Opening Steps of Church Revitalization
• Household Tools: Discovering Resources for Evangelism and Discipleship in Your Church
• Building Missional Leaders Through Mission Trips
• Maximizing Compensation Dollars (Panel Discussion)
• Misiones, Hacen Crecer tu Iglesia
11 5:00 p m. - 6:30 p.m. Dinners 6:45 p.m. Pre-Service Music Niya & Roy Cotton
p.m. .......................................... Worship
7:00
Celebration 3
9:00 p.m. .......................................... Receptions (See Special Meals & Receptions,
JULY 18 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ................. Exhibits Open 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. ................. Registration Open 8:30 a.m. ......................................... Workshops -
(See Workshops, pg. 26)
pg. 14) TUESDAY,
Session 4
Recognition
12 9:45 a.m. BGCT Business Session 2
to Order Julio Guarneri
on Memorials Report Tim Lancaster
of Officers Julio Guarneri
on Annual Meeting Report Matthew Richard
of Miscellaneous Business Julio Guarneri
on Credentials Report Frank San Martin
Call
Committee
Election
Committee
Consideration
Committee
of Incoming and Outgoing Officers Craig Christina
Address Julio Guarneri
Wade Hood
Julio Guarneri 10:45 a.m. ......................................... Pre-Service Worship Calvary Baptist Church, McAllen Praise Band 11:00 a.m. Worship Celebration 4
to Worship Craig Christina
and Prayer Jason Glenn
of Texas Report Tamiko Jones
Baptist Men Report Rand Jenkins
Worship Calvary Baptist Church, McAllen Praise Band
Greg Ammons
Annual Meeting Craig Christina
Craig Christina
President’s
Benediction
Adjourn
Call
Scripture
WMU
Texas
Congregational
Sermon
2024
Benediction
SPECIAL MEALS & RECEPTIONS
SUNDAY, JULY 16
Dinner: 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Bivocational Ministries Dinner
By invitation only
Directors of Missions Dinner
By invitation only, RSVP required, limited seating
MCC – Ballroom CD
MCC – 103 C
Contact: Anna Crittendon at anna.crittendon@txb.org or 214-828-5254
MONDAY, JULY 17
Lunch: 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Ambassador Luncheon MCC – Ballroom CD
By invitation only
Convencion Pastor/Pastor Wives Banquet
Cost: Free
Ticket: RSVP, ticket required
MCC – Ballroom B
Contact: Jesse Rincones at jesse@convencionbautista.org or 214-799-1638
Institutional Presidents Luncheon
By invitation only
Southwestern Seminary Alumni & Friends Luncheon
Cost: $10 per person
Check for availability at SWBTS exhibit booth
Dinner: 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Center for Cultural Engagement Ministries Banquet
Cost: $20 per person
Pre-reserved only; tickets required
MCC – 103 C
MCC – 103 D
MCC – Ballroom BCD
Contact: Rebecca Trevino at rebecca.trevino@txb.org or 214-828-5292
Discipleship Leaders Fellowship Dinner
Check at Center for Church Heath booth for location
Cost: Self pay
Contact: David Adams at david.adams@txb.org or 214-828-5253
Missions Banquet
Cost: Free
Open to public, ticket required, first come, first serve basis
Pick up tickets at Center for Missional Engagement Booth
Contact: Stacey Rice at stacey.rice@txb.org or 972-835-3375
Off-site
MCC- 103 ABCD
13
MCC – McAllen Convention Center
WMU of Texas Missions Celebration
Cost: Free
Ticket: RSVP; ticket required
MCC – Ballroom A
Contact: Beth Campbell at beth.WMUTX@texasbaptists.org or 214-828-2648
Reception: 9:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Family Gathering Reception Palm Lobby
Open to the public
Friends of Truett
Pre-reserved only
Howard Payne University Alumni & Friends Gathering
Open to the public
Leadership Texas Baptists Reunion Fellowship
By invitation only
MCC -103 C
MCC – Ballroom CD
MCC – 103 D
14
MEETING PRESENTERS
Ammons, Greg - Senior Pastor; FBC, Garland
Atchley, Jason - Chair, Committee on Committees; Pastor, Hunter’s Glen BC, Plano
Batson, Henry III - President, African American Fellowship; Pastor, Red Oak Faith Fellowship, Red Oak
Boyd, Ernie - Member, Committee to Nominate Executive Board Directors; FBC, Amarillo
Brown, Elijah - General Secretary/CEO, Baptist World Alliance
Carlisle, Jerry - President, Texas Baptist Missions Foundation
Cherry, Martin - Director, Singing Men of South Texas
Collins, Scott - Senior Vice President of Communications, Buckner International
Contreras, Bobby - Chair, Executive Board; Pastor, Alamo Heights BC, San Antonio
Cotton, Niya - Worship Leader, Creative Director, Trinity Church, Cedar Hill
Cotton, Roy - Consultant, Record Producer and Orchestral Arranger, Dallas
Christina, Craig - Associate Executive Director, Texas Baptists
El Trio De Hoy - Latin Gospel Band
Frugé, Katie - Director, Center for Cultural Engagement, Texas Baptists
Glenn, Jason - Director of Member Development, Samaritan Ministries International
Guarneri, Julio - President, Texas Baptists; Pastor of Calvary BC, McAllen
Hayes, Ward - Treasurer/CFO, Texas Baptists
Hill, Brian - Senior Pastor, FBC, Corpus Christi
Hood, Wade - Pastor, FBC, Harlingen
Jenkins, Rand - Director of Ministry Advancement, Texas Baptist Men
Jones, Tamiko - Executive Director-Treasurer, WMU of Texas
Kelile, Nebiye - First Vice President, Texas Baptists; Pastor, Pathway Church, Garland
Kwok, Nora - Pastor, Grace Chinese Baptist Church, Houston
Lancaster, Tim - Chair, Memorials Committee; Member, FBC, Lubbock
Lun, Thong - Senior Pastor, Greater Houston Burmese Christian Fellowship
McKissic, Wm. Dwight, Sr. - Senior Pastor, Cornerstone BC, Arlington
McCoy, Bruce - Director, Cooperative Program, Texas Baptists
15
Orozco, Ellis - Teacher, Coach and Writer, Retired Pastor; FBC, Richardson
Richard, Matthew - Chair, Committee on Annual Meeting; Pastor, FBC, Llano
Rincones, Jesse - Executive Director, Convención Bautista Hispana De Texas
Roblero, Olber - Pastor, Iglesia Bautista Horeb, Brownsville
Rodriguez, Robert - Director of Education, Valley Baptist Mission Education Center
Rodriguez, Rolando - Director, Texas Baptist Español
Russell, David - Chair, Committee on Nominations for Boards of Affiliated Ministries; FBC, Amarillo
Sanchez, Ray- Pastor of Worship and Administration; FBC, Weslaco
San Martin, Frank - Chair, Committee on Credentials; Wellness Center Pastor, Highland BC, Waco
Slover, David - Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, Highground Advisors
Villalobos, Javier - Mayor, City of McAllen
16
SPEAKERS
Greg Ammons
Greg Ammons is senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Garland, Texas. Previously, he was senior pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Iowa Park, Texas. He received his Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He received an honorary Doctor of Divinity from Dallas Baptist University.
Ammons writes articles for a preaching resources blog for Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is the author of the book, Now My Eye Sees You: What a Doctorate in Theology Did Not Teach Me About God, My Son Did. He has taught courses including Early Life and Letters of Paul (undergraduate), New Testament Survey (undergraduate), The Gospel of Mark (undergraduate), Christian Doctrine (undergraduate), Systematic Theology (Masters level), Transformational Worship (Masters level), Proclamation (Masters level), and Servant Leadership (Doctorate level).
He was chair of the Board of Trustees and is currently serving as a trustee and adjunct instructor at Dallas Baptist University.
He is married to Lisa Ammons, and they have one son, Camden. He enjoys running and has completed several half-marathon events.
Wm. Dwight McKissic, Sr.
Rev. William Dwight McKissic, Sr. is founder and senior pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Arlington, Texas. McKissic began the church in 1983 in a small garage with 15 in attendance, a vision and God’s divine favor. The church is blessed now with a weekly attendance averaging over 500 each Sunday.
McKissic was recently appointed as a National Baptist Convention, USA, board member. He served as the 11th Moderator of the Galilee Griggs Memorial District Association located in the Dallas-Fort Worth area from 2015-2019.
McKissic was born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, in 1956. He is a 1978 graduate of Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. He has recently completed a Master of Theological Studies degree at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. In May 2010, he was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Arkansas Baptist College in Little Rock, Arkansas.
He is the author of four books: Controversial Conversations: Kingdom Reflections on Biblical & Contemporary Issues; Beyond Roots: In Search of Blacks in the Bible; Beyond Roots II: If Anybody Asks You Who I Am; and Moving From Fear to Faith. He has been cited in numerous publications and articles.
He and his wife, Vera, have four children and 13 grandchildren and reside in Arlington, Texas.
17
Thong Lun
Dr. Thong Kho Lun was born and raised in Myanmar (formerly known as Burma). He graduated from Serampore College in India with a Bachelor of Theology. He also earned his Master of Divinity and Master of Theology in the Philippines. He later earned his Doctor of Ministry in San Antonio, Texas. He studied Clinical Pastoral Education (C.P.E.) at Baptist Health System in San Antonio, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, New Jersey and Methodist Health System in Houston, Texas.
Lun is married to Rev. Dr. Mang Tiak, who serves as a senior staff chaplain at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center in Houston. He and his wife started a Burmese church called Greater Houston Burmese Christian Fellowship in 2005 with a dozen believers as a mission of the Tallowood Baptist Church. His church is blessed and today has a membership of 400. Currently, six other Burmese ethnic churches are being planted from his church in Houston.
Lun is a bivocational minister. He is currently serving as the senior pastor of Greater Houston Burmese Christian Fellowship and a part-time health care chaplain at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center in Houston. He is also a member of the Intercultural Ministries Advisory Council of the BGCT.
Ellis Orozco
Dr. Ellis Orozco was born and raised in Houston, Texas. He graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering before going on to earn a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, and a Doctor of Ministry from Truett Seminary of Baylor University in Waco, Texas.
Orozco has served as senior pastor at three Texas Baptists churches over the last 30 years – Corpus Christi Baptist in Corpus Christi, Calvary Baptist in McAllen and First Baptist in Richardson.
He recently retired from his work as a senior pastor and is pursuing a teaching, coaching and writing ministry.
Orozco is married to Priscilla, and they have three children and three grandchildren.
18
WORSHIP
Calvary, McAllen
Calvary exists to make disciple-makers for the glory of God among the nations. Their worship through music is about connecting with God and people. They have six services weekly in English and Spanish that serve children, students, young adults and adults where everyone is welcome. They love their international students from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Calvary worship services are about celebrating what God has done throughout the week and preparing for what God is going to do the next week. Their purpose is to share the gospel with the people around them. They believe corporate worship through music is a vital part of the Christian walk.
El Trio De Hoy
El Trio De Hoy is a dynamic Latin Gospel band that for more than 25 years has been sharing the gospel through music around the world. The five members of El Trio De Hoy passionately pursue lifting up the name of Jesus wherever they go and bring a message of hope to the world that with Jesus all things are possible! ¡Sí Se Puede!
Singing Men of South Texas
The Singing Men of South Texas was organized in 1975 by the Church Music Department of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. Today, there are six chapters of the Singing Men that serve different regions of the state.
The South Texas chapter is made up of full-time, part-time and retired ministers of music as well as other church staff members and laypeople who are dedicated to sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ through music in local churches, in the nation and abroad. They meet once each month to rehearse, have fellowship together and present a worship concert in one of the South Texas churches.
Together, the six chapters of the Singing Men of Texas have been blessed to have a presence around the world, having traveled to Australia, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, Eastern and Western Europe and throughout the United States.
Ray Sanchez
Raymond Sanchez currently serves as the pastor of worship and administration at First Baptist Church, Weslaco. He most enjoys “Doing God’s Story” in worship with the bilingual and multigenerational worship team at FBCW that regularly includes his children playing in the orchestra. Ray is also an adjunct professor at Stark College and Seminary and serves as a clinician for local bands, where he is affectionately called “Pastor Ray” by the students and staff. Ray recently wrote and produced a children’s musical and continues to write worship music for FBCW. Ray and his wife, Ana, have four children: Antonio, Sophia, Anabella and Alaina.
Roy & Niya Cotton
Roy J. Cotton, II is a sought-after consultant, record producer and orchestral arranger with a proven track record for making social impact. He acquired a bachelor’s degree from Hampton University in music engineering, with a focus in piano. As a musician, arranger and orchestrator, Roy has recorded for Usher, John Legend, Mariah Carey and many others.
Niya Cotton has been singing since she was 2 years old in her church youth choir and acquired a bachelor’s degree from Hampton University in vocal performance. She has lent background vocals to Michael Bublé, Kirk Franklin, Chance the Rapper and many others. She led worship at St. John Church in Southlake, Texas, for five years and is currently the worship leader and creative director at Trinity Church in Cedar Hill, Texas.
Niya and Roy married in 2008 and are the proud parents of Roy “Rocco” Cotton, III, Eric Stone Cotton and Nyla Jade Cotton. They reside in Dallas, Texas.
19
214.978.3300 | 800.747.5564 | www. highgroundadvisors. org
the individuals
can
unique mission in mind.
- hearted investment management
& long-term investment solutions to advance your mission.
Your mission is unique. That’s why HighGround customizes our investment solutions to fit each client’s goals, needs and resources. We learn what is critical to your success because our mission is to faithfully steward the assets that strengthen your mission. For nearly a century, HighGround Advisors has protected and grown the assets of nonprofits and
who support them. Call us today to learn how we
best serve you with your
GROWING YOUR ASSETS FOR GOOD. servant
Short
21 LIVE on PURPOSE umhb.edu | 254 .295 .4520 UNIVERSITY OF MARY HARDIN-BAYLOR | 900 COLLEGE STREET | BELTON, TEXAS @umhb OVER 90% of UMHB students receive some form of FINANCIAL AID GROW YOUR FAITH in a Christ-centered learning community 60+ undergrad programs and 12+ graduate programs Nearly 3,600 STUDENTS from 38 states and 35 countries
WORKSHOPS
Session 1 - Monday, July 17 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
PRESENTER WORKSHOP TITLE WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION
Scott Collins, Senior Vice President of Communications, Buckner International; Kyle Luke, Vice President of Development and Communications, STCH Ministries; Deanna Pratt, Development
David Sanchez, Director, Ethics and Justice, Christian Life Commission, Texas Baptists
Will provide key Scriptures, advice and resources to care for those who experience same-sex attraction and/or gender identity struggles and their families.
B Ernest Izard, Founder, HeartMend; Katie Swafford, Director, Counseling Services, Texas Baptists
Trauma experiences are becoming more common in the human experience (abuse, natural disasters, violence, etc), and there are ways churches/ministries can minister to and become a safe space for those struggling with trauma.
Fight the Fear: Learning to Love Our Muslim Neighbors
Radical Islam dominates our national news. Are we willing to love all Muslims as Jesus does? How do we fight the fear? 102 A
101 C RE, Crosscultural mobilizer, Intercultural Ministries, Texas Baptists
22
Heart Ministries;
Valerio
Engagement,
Baptists
101
ROOM #
Officer, Texas Baptist Children’s Home (TBCH), Children at
Moderator, Josue
, Director, Center for Missional
Texas
Missions and Ministry Opportunities (Panel Discussion) Discover how churches can be involved with some Texas Baptists institutions.
A
Ministering
to Those in Our Pews Who Struggle with LGBTQ+ Issues
101
Becoming a Trauma Informed Ministry
Espanol,
Celebrating Oneness
Celebrando
Unidad Reintroduciendo
unidad de
iglesia
medio de la redentora palabra de Dios. 102
Vidal Muniz, Strategist, Texas Baptist en
Texas Baptists
Reintroducing the unity of the church through the redemptive word of Christ. 102 B Rolando Rodriguez, Director, Texas Baptists en Espanol, Texas Baptists
La
la
la
por
C
Grace
Session 2 - Monday, July 17 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
WORKSHOP TITLE
You will get hands-on training by experiencing firsthand what it is like to evangelize in a secular culture that rejects the gospel. This will be challenging, convicting and, most importantly, will equip you with the necessary tools for reaching the
23
Omoni
Church;
Heavener
Intercultural Ministries,
Baptists Genuine Cross-Cultural Conversations (Panel Discussion) Do you find cross-cultural conversations difficult. Join our panelists of Texas Baptists intercultural pastors to fill your toolbox with tips for having genuine conversations. 101 A Eric Hernandez
Apologetics
and Millennial Specialist, Texas Baptists Apologetics in Evangelism: Reaching
Millennial Skeptic
PRESENTER
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION ROOM # Thong Lun, Pastor, Greater Houston Burmese Christian Fellowship; Nora Kwok, Pastor,
Chinese Baptist Church; Johnson
, Pastor, African Evangelical Baptist
Moderator, Mark
, Director,
Texas
,
Lead
the
101 B Tom Howe, Director, Church Starting/ Associate Director, Center for Missional Engagement, Texas Baptists Texas 2030 Texas is changing. What can we expect, and how can churches be ready? 101 C Mark Turman, Executive Director, Denison Forum Teaching Biblical Sexuality in the Local Church We will give them an answer for where to start on teaching biblical sexuality. 102 A Vidal Muniz, Strategist, Texas Baptist en Espanol, Texas Baptists Let’s Be the Church at Pentecost Relying on the faithfulness of the Holy Spirit through obedience and perserverence. 102 B Rolando Rodriguez, Director, Texas Baptists en Espanol, Texas Baptists Seamos la Iglesia del Pentecostés Dependiendo de la confiabilidad del Espíritu Santo a través de la obediencia y la perseverancia. 102 C
millennial skeptic.
Session 3 - Monday, July 17 2:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
24
WORKSHOP
Baptists PAVE Preview An overview of PAVE, the Texas Baptists church health, growth and revitalization strategy, intended for pastors interested in participating in the full PAVE process. 101 A
PRESENTER WORKSHOP TITLE
DESCRIPTION ROOM # Jonathan L. Smith, Director, Church Health Strategy, Center for Church Health, Texas
The Church
Antioch:
the 21st Century Church
Testament Church. 101 B
Wm. Dwight McKissic, Sr., Senior Pastor, Cornerstone Baptist Church, Arlington
at
A Model for
Let’s discover and examine the influence of African, Asian and European presence in the Gospels and Acts and their influence on the New
Rodriguez
Mission Education Center Partnering with Valley Baptist Mission Education Center Learn about
Baptist
Center and the different
your church can partner with VBMEC to do missions and ministries. 101 C Julio Guarneri
President, Texas Baptists, Lead Pastor, Calvary Baptist Church,
Welcoming the Stranger Hebrews 13:2 initiative and the church’s ministry to migrants. 102 A Tom Howe,
Church Starting/
Center for Missional Engagement, Texas Baptists Texas Baptists Church Planting Texas needs more churches, more church planters and more church planting sponsors. 102 B Cesar Zamora, Missions Specialist, Texas Baptists Community Outreach Learn how to continue making an impact or begin making an impact in your community. Hear from other churches on what they have done to make a difference in their community. 102 C
Robert
, Director of Education; Othal Brand Jr., Board Chair; Valley Baptist
Valley
Mission Education
ways
,
McAllen
Director,
Associate Director,
Convención Workshops - Monday, July 17 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
25
PRESENTER WORKSHOP TITLE ROOM # Michael Salinas, Prison Fellowship Alcanzando a las familias afectadas por el encarcelamiento en su comunidad 101 A Miryam Chairez, Presidenta, UFM de Texas Guiando a mi familia con los Ojos puestos en Cristo 101 B Foster Care Team, Buckner Foster Care and Adoption Ser parte de una familia solidaria 101 C Luis Juarez, Criswell College Building Cross-Cultural Relationships Without Losing Your Own 102 A Dr. Tony Miranda, Iglesias Abundantes Herramientas Para Revitalizar la Iglesia 102 B Dr. Pablo Juarez, LiderPlus.net Creando sistemas de equipos para una Iglesia Saludable 102 C
Session 4 - Tuesday, July 18 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
PRESENTER WORKSHOP TITLE
Tim Fuller, Specialist, African American Ministries, Texas Baptists
Jonathan L. Smith, Director, Church Health Strategy, Center for Church Health, Texas Baptists
David Adams, Director, Discipleship; Leighton Flowers, Director, Evangelism; Center for Church Health; Eric Hernandez, Apologetics Lead and Millennial Specialist; Center for Church Health, Texas Baptists
Noe Trevino, Director of MAP, Minister of Missions, Texas Baptist Missionaries; Cesar Zamora, Missional Specialist; Texas Baptists
Jan Cason, Retired, Truett Seminary; Gerald Caldwell, MBA, Banking Regulator; Tammy Tervooren, Grant Administrator, Center for Financial Health, Texas Baptists
Mario Alberto Gonzalez, Director, River Ministry, Texas Baptists
We Owe You an Apology
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION ROOM #
We will address the rise in cults that directly impact people of color. We will offer a defense and give a response to their claims.
101 A
The Opening Steps of Church Revitalization
Learn the basics of new paths for church growth.
101 B
Household Tools: Discovering Resources for Evangelism and Discipleship in Your Church
Effective evangelism and discipleship resources don’t have to bust your budget. Join us to discover a range of resources available to churches.
101 C
Building Missional Leaders Through Mission Trips
Let’s learn how to form/build missional leaders while planning a mission trip.
102 A
Maximizing Compensation Dollars (Panel Discussion)
Leaders will learn how to leverage their compensation dollars to provide adequate and generous compensation for their pastors and ministers.
102 B
Misiones, Hacen Crecer tu Iglesia
Hay una ley espiritual. Cuando invertimos en misiones Dios hace prosperar su iglesia. Descubra que es lo que Dios espera que su iglesia haga.
102 C
26
2023 EXHIBITORS FOR ANNUAL MEETING
27 13 Alpha6 522 Baptist Credit Union 9 Baptist Standard 206 Baptist University of the Américas 509 Baptist World Alliance 1 Baylor Scott & White Office of Mission and Ministry 303 Baylor University/Truett Seminary 101 Buckner International 216 Center for Church Health 113 Center for Collegiate Ministry 222 Center for Cultural Engagement 117 Center for Ministerial Health 123 Center for Missional Engagement 11 Chemistry Staffing 207 Children at Heart Ministries 417 Convención 12 Creation Ministries International 401 Criswell College 501 CV Biblical Counseling 5 Dallas Baptist University 102 Denison Forum 403 East Texas Baptist University 416 Editorial Mundo Hispano 2 ENA Chapter 438/Rio Grande Regional Hospital 511 Faith Bible Institute 404 Fuller Seminary 309 GC2 Press 408 Grand Canyon University 3 Guardian Financial Group 15 GuideStone 203 Hardin-Simmons University 406 Hawaii Baptist Academy 503 Hearts4Kids 413 HighGround Advisors 510 Highland Lakes Camp & Conference Center 202 Howard Payne University 526 International Mission Board 426 Joint Ethic African Baptist Convention of Texas 507 Kids Outdoor Zone 424 Life Recovered 4 Lifetime Commercial Roofing, LLC 505 North American Mission Board 425 Northwest Church Planting 508 Pastors Hope Network 506 Reach Out Youth Solutions 504 Restore Hope 418 Samaritan Ministries International 204 San Marcos Baptist Academy 14 Send Relief 513 South Texas Children’s Home Ministries 104 Stark College and Seminary 502 StoreHouse 301 SWBTS 7 Texas Baptist Historical Museum 516 Texas Baptist Men 409 Texas Baptist Missions Foundation 524 Texas Baptist Women in Ministry 521 Texas Baptists Cooperative Program 8 Texas Baptists Historical Collection 16 The Hiding Place Ministries 299 University of Mary Hardin-Baylor 421 Valley Baptist Missions and Education Center 423 Vision Bridge Consulting, LLC 106 Wayland Baptist University 107 WMU of Texas
28 EXHIBITS Restrooms 204 404 406 408 501 503 505 507 509 502 504 506 508 510 7 8 11 12 13 14 15 16 206 511 416 423 425 424 426 522 524 526 30' 20' CONCESSIONS Entrance 102 104 106 1 2 3 4 8' 10' 10' 10' 521 30' 516 30' 513 30' 9 20' 5 20' 101 30' 107 20' 207 20' 203 20' 201 20' 301 20' 299 30' 303 30' 309 20' 216 20' 30' 222 20' 30' 113 20' 30' 0" 117 20' 30' 123 20' 30' 401 20' 403 30' 409 20' 413 20' 421 20' 417 418 BGCT 2023 McAllen Convention Center 2023 Revision Date: Drawn By: Acct Exec: Job #: Date Drawn: 5.31.2023 12/5/2022 KathrynHeatherly Kasha O'Neill BGCT 2023 All information on this document is subject to Fire Marshal approval and is based on the best knowledge of the building sizes per architectural plans provided by building. S.E.S. Exposition Services 2019 is not responsible for any discrepancies in this floor plan. "This floor plan is subject to change." c:\users\kathrynheatherly\superior expo services\ses - ses files\_ses show files\baptist general convention of texas\2023\bgct 07.16.23 family gathering\floor plan
29
30 Connect to opportunitiesministry Buckner.org/BGCT
Foundation
more than 130 years,
discovered a Howard Payne University education to be solid ground upon which to build lives of service to God and others in a variety of career fields.
to Christian principles. For more information about our devotion to God and our commitment to our students, please visit www.hputx.edu. 1000 Fisk Street, Brownwood, Texas 76801 325-649-8020 • 800-880-4HPU www.hputx.edu • enroll@hputx.edu
A Solid
For
students have
This is because HPU was founded on and remains true
TEXAS BAPTISTS CELEBRATES UNITY AND DIVERSITY AT UPCOMING FAMILY GATHERING
By Texas Baptists Communications
McALLEN – The Baptist General Convention of Texas will gather for the 138th Annual Meeting on July 1618 at the McAllen Convention Center.
Every five years, the Annual Meeting is a Family Gathering, held in conjunction with the Hispanic Baptist Convention, the African American Fellowship and ethnic and cultural partners. The theme, from Ephesians 2:19, is coming together as the “Household of God” (or in español, “La Familia de Dios”) and was chosen to reflect that unity.
“At the Family Gathering, we will join our hearts together to celebrate our unity and diversity by sharing Christ (the good news of salvation available to all people) and showing love (to God and others),” said Craig Christina, associate and acting executive director of Texas Baptists. “Though there are many Christian denominations and nondenominational groups, there is no one exactly like Texas Baptists. Why not come to McAllen and help us celebrate and protect our cherished faith and unity that makes us one in Him? We’re saving you a seat!”
Featured speakers will include Greg Ammons, senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Garland; William Dwight McKissic, Sr., senior pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Arlington; Ellis Orozco, coach to pastors for Kārooso Ministries and retired pastor of First Baptist Church of Richardson; and Thong Lun, senior pastor of Greater Houston Burmese Christian Fellowship.
Worship will be led by Ray Sanchez, pastor of worship and administration at First Baptist Church of Weslaco; the worship team from Calvary McAllen; the Singing Men of Texas; Roy and Niya Cotton; and El Trio de Hoy.
During the business sessions, messengers will elect officers and vote on the 2024 proposed budget, nominations for affiliated boards and ministries and more.
The Committee on Annual Meeting has chosen not to include resolutions in the convention’s business at the 2023 Family Gathering. Julio Guarneri, president of Texas Baptists and lead pastor of Calvary McAllen said the decision was made in order to prioritize a focus on unity and worship among Texas Baptists.
“Because of the nature of the Family Gathering, this year our Committee on the Annual Meeting has decided not to include resolutions in our business sessions,” Guarneri said. “Our focus will be on what unifies us both spiritually and missionally.”
Although no rallies will be held this year, several workshops and mission opportunities will be available. Attendees are encouraged to visit exhibit halls throughout the Family Gathering to learn more about Texas Baptists resources and partnering ministries and institutions. Several meals and receptions will be hosted by Texas Baptists ministries and partners.
“The Texas Baptist Family Gathering this July will be an exciting time of celebration,” Guarneri said. “As we rally around the theme ‘Household of God’ based on Ephesians 2:19, we will rejoice in our unity in diversity. As our at-large family joins with the Hispanic Convention, the African American Fellowship, the Chinese Fellowship, the Vietnamese Fellowship and others, we will enjoy a rich time of worship, fellowship, inspiration and necessary business.”
BULLETIN 32
BULLETIN TEXAS BAPTISTS VOLUME 34. NO 1 | McALLEN | JULY 16, 2023
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Registration for this annual meeting is being held in the Palm Lobby of the McAllen Convention Center beginning Sunday, July 16 at 3:00 p.m. Visitors are required to register at the registration desk.
Online Registration: Pre-registered messengers who have the QR code and ID, proceed to the “Fast” Pre-Registration line
Standard Registration: Bring your messenger card (required) and ID to register, proceed to the Registration line
Guest/Visitors are required to register. Proceed to the Guest Registration line to self-register and receive your name badge. Attendants will be there to assist.
CONSTITUTION OF THE BAPTIST GENERAL CONVENTION OF TEXAS (excerpt)
Article III – Membership
Section 1. This Convention in session in all its meetings shall be composed of messengers elected by Baptist churches that shall voluntarily cooperate with the Convention. All messengers must be members of the church by which they are elected. A messenger must be enrolled at the Convention in session to be qualified to vote. The messengers have no right to act except for annual or special meetings constituting the Convention in session for which they have been elected by their cooperating churches.
Section 2. Each church cooperating with this Convention shall be entitled to:
A. Two messengers for the first one hundred (100) members or fractional part thereof. Two additional messengers for the first two hundred fifty dollars ($250) given during the previous fiscal year to the Texas budget as adopted by The Baptist General Convention of Texas in annual session, and
B. One additional messenger for each additional hundred members and each additional one thousand dollars ($1,000) given during the previous fiscal year to the Texas budget as adopted by The Baptist General Convention of Texas in annual session, and
C. If, as calculated under B above, a church’s giving surpasses its membership, then one additional messenger for each two thousand dollars ($2,000) given during the previous fiscal year to the Texas budget as adopted by The Baptist General Convention of Texas in annual session, not to exceed six additional messengers, provided, however, that
D. No church shall be entitled to more than twenty-five messengers.
E. A mission church shall be considered a church under the Constitution solely for the limited purpose of electing messengers to the Annual Meeting if it is identified as a body of believers separate from its sponsoring church; it contributes to the BGCT in an identifiable way either directly or through the sponsoring church from its own resources; it exists to address some specific mission need, such as language, culture or location, it regularly practices baptism and the Lord’s Supper separate from its sponsoring church; and it identifies itself with, aligns itself with, and endorses, generally, the purposes and work of the Convention. The total number of messengers a mission may qualify for is four (4).
33
STANDING RULES
The Convention today will be asked to act on the following recommended “Standing Rules” for this annual meeting:
1. All reports, motions, or amendments to the constitution, bylaws or articles of incorporation shall be submitted by a registered messenger to the body, then sent to the recording secretary in writing, legibly signed by the maker and shall include their name, address, church membership and phone number where they can be reached during the convention.
2. All motions requiring a vote not scheduled on the agenda must be introduced by the close of the Monday business meeting. Amendments to the Constitution and/or Bylaws must also be introduced by the close of the Monday business meeting.
3. In celebrating unity at the 2023 Family Gathering, there will be no process for the submission of resolutions.
4. To obtain the floor, a messenger shall approach the microphone, address the chair, give his or her name and church and wait to be recognized.
5. Discussion or debate and nomination speeches shall be limited to two minutes for each speaker. There may be no more than one nomination speech per candidate.
6. No messenger shall speak more than once on the same question or topic until all have spoken who wish to do so.
7. The chair shall recognize messengers wishing to speak to each side of the question alternately.
8. All messengers who attend and participate in the business meetings of the convention shall conduct themselves in keeping with the stated objectives of the Constitution of Texas Baptists.
9. Voting shall be conducted by voice or by the raising of ballots by messengers. Division of the assembly shall be conducted by messengers standing and raising ballots. The president, by his/ her own decision, may order a vote by ballot.
10. In the election of officers, if no nominee receives a majority vote of the messengers, there shall be a runoff election between the two nominees who received the greatest number of votes on the first ballot.
BULLETIN 34
TO MAKE A MOTION
A motion calls for specific action by Texas Baptists or some entity of Texas Baptists. Only registered messengers may make a motion. A motion normally begins with “I move to ...” or “I move that …”
1. Write the motion legibly. (If the motion is spontaneous and you don’t have time to write it before presenting it to the convention, write the motion before leaving the microphone area.)
2. Go to a microphone at a time when business is being considered.
3. When recognized by the presiding officer, state your name, that you are a messenger, the name of your church, and read your motion, which must be presented to the convention during a business meeting to become an official motion.
4. Before leaving the microphone, give the written copy of your motion to the page at the microphone. A page will take the copy of your motion to the platform so the motion can be entered into the record by the recording secretary.
5. The Committee on Annual Meeting will announce a time for the convention to consider the motion or recommend its referral to some convention entity.
35
NOTICE
Texas Baptists’ Bylaws call for the meeting of the convention to be conducted according to the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised. The officers abide by the manual on parliamentary procedure. In the past, a messenger’s motion has been ruled out of order because it did not comply with Robert’s Rules of Order when a change in wording was all that was necessary for the motion to have been appropriate and in order.
Every effort is being made for the business of our convention to be conducted in the smoothest and best way possible for the advancement of our Lord’s Kingdom. If a messenger has a motion to make, the parliamentarian will be available to assist with the wording so the motion will be in proper format.
Note: A motion will not be considered by the convention until a messenger has personally made it at the appropriate time and place while the convention is in session. A motion cannot be submitted to the delegates except during the Annual Meeting.
COMMITTEE ON CREDENTIALS
The Committee on Credentials has been assigned an area near Registration, located in the Palm Lobby of the McAllen Convention Center. Messengers must have a messenger card properly endorsed by the church clerk or moderator. Messengers who do not have such a card will need to be approved by the Credentials Committee.
The Bulletin includes announcements, committee reports and proceedings.
Craig Christina Associate Executive Director
Ward Hayes Treasurer/CFO/Recording Secretary
Joshua Minatrea Director of Communications
Aimee Freston Associate Director of Communications
Coleen Wall Director of Conferences & Event Planning
Caleb Arndt Design Manager
BULLETIN 36
The Texas Baptists Bulletin is published daily during the Annual Meeting by the Baptist General Convention of Texas.
HELP FOR MESSENGERS
Materials are prepared each year to help messengers during business sessions of the Texas Baptists Annual Meeting. Among those materials is the Book of Reports, which contains the annual reports of Texas Baptists institutions and agencies, the Texas Baptists Executive Board and a copy of the Texas Baptists Constitution and Bylaws. Additionally, the Texas Baptists Bulletin contains information about business matters to be voted on and proceedings.
SECURITY PRECAUTIONS
In cooperation with the McAllen Convention Center and McAllen Police department, please wear your Texas Baptists Family Gathering Annual Meeting name badge at all times. Texas Baptists has taken every precaution to ensure the safety and security of all messengers and visitors.
FIRST AID
First aid room is located in the Palm Lobby of the McAllen Convention Center. First aid will be available Sunday, July 16 from 3:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. and Monday, July 17 from 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. and Tuesday, July 18 from 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
A special thank you and note of appreciation to the volunteer ENA Chapter 438-Rio Bravo Chachalacas and the Rio Grande Regional Hospital of McAllen coordinated by Chris Chizek, who has graciously donated their time to assist us in the first aid area.
37
LOCAL INFORMATION
Maps, restaurant guides and other local information can be found at the kiosk’s information board located by the Texas Baptists Information Desk located in the Palm Lobby of the McAllen Convention Center.
LOST AND FOUND
To find a “lost” item or to turn in a “found” item, please go to the Texas Baptists Information Desk located in the Palm Lobby of the McAllen Convention Center.
PHONE CHARGING STATIONS
As an added convenience for Family Gathering attendees, phone charging stations (that accommodates most phone and tablet connections) are provided in Exhibit Hall A.
FOOD SERVICE OFFERED
Coffee and limited refreshments will be provided during exhibit hall hours on Sunday from 4:00 p.m.6:00 p.m., Monday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., and Tuesday from 8:00 a.m. – Noon. Additional food items can be purchased at the concession stand, located in the exhibit hall during exhibit hall hours.
Local restaurant information is available at the kiosk’s board located at the Texas Baptists Information Desk.
TRADUCCIÓN ESPAÑOL/SPANISH TRANSLATION
Todas las Sesiones Generales y Sesiones de Negocios de la Reunión Anual de 2023 se traducirán al Español. La traducción será proporcionada por subtítulos.
All General Sessions and Business Meeting Sessions of the 2023 Family Gathering will be translated into Spanish. Spanish translation will be provided by closed captioning.
BUCKNER BUILD
Texas Baptists is happy to offer a missions experience opportunity at this year's Family Gathering provided by Buckner International with special assistance from Texas Baptist Men, Woman's Missionary Union and West Oak Woods Baptist Church in Austin, Texas. Visit the east parking lot during Exhibit Hall hours Sunday through Tuesday to pray, write an encouraging note or drive some framing screws into the home.
SPECIAL SEATING
Special seating will be made available in the front far-right section of Exhibit Hall B during the Lord’s Supper (Worship Session 3) for individuals with mobility issues.
CHINESE BAPTIST FELLOWSHIP OF TEXAS MEETING
The Chinese Baptist Fellowship of Texas will be meeting offsite of the McAllen Convention Center on Tuesday, July 18th from 9-noon. Please contact Pastor Joseph Huang at (817) 247-0929 for further information
BULLETIN 38
39 Homes for Children Homes for Families Family Counseling International Faith & Work Faith & Finances Pastor Care Family Support Ministry Consulting Healing hearts and sharing hope www.STCHM.org
OFFICERS OF THE CONVENTION
Julio Guarneri, President Calvary BC, McAllen
Nebiye Kelile, First Vice President Pathway Church, Garland
Ronny Marriott, Second Vice President FBC, Burleson
Ward Hayes, Recording Secretary FBC, Plano
David Cozart, Registration Secretary Meadowbrook BC, Waco
Bernie Spooner, Secretary of the Corporation Plymouth Park BC, Irving
Isaac Thompson, Parliamentarian Hillcrest BC, Cedar Hill
2022–2023 EXECUTIVE BOARD OFFICERS
Bobby Contreras, Chair, Alamo Heights BC, San Antonio
Janice Bloom, Vice Chair, FBC, Garland
2023 COMMITTEES
Committee on Annual Meeting
Mathew Richard, Chair, FBC, Llano
Marty Akins, FBC, Ballinger
Danilo Antunes, Truth Community Church Of Kingsville, Kingsville
Deanne Celelli, Second BC, Corpus Christi
Julie Covington, FBC, Waco
Sammy Elliot, Bacon Heights BC, Lubbock
Janet Galarza, Second BC, Corpus Christi
John Gillespie, FBC, Tulia
David Goddard, FBC, Temple
Olga Harris, FBC, Pharr
David Lorenz, FBC, Friendswood
Maurice McMillion, Faith BC, Tyler
Darrin Moore, TrueVine Missionary BC, Spring
Diego Mota, Duncanville FBC, Duncanville
Dale Prudhome, FBC, Nederland
Josue Rodriguez, Life Church of San Antonio, San Antonio
Joshua Sharp, Trinity BC, Orange
Michael Smith, Mount Bethel BC, Big Spring
Committee on Committees
Jason Atchley, Chair, Hunter’s Glen BC, Plano
Rolando Aguirre, Park Cities BC, Dallas
Delvin Atchison, Westside BC, Lewisville
Chad Bertrand, South Park Baptist, Alvin
Stacy Conner, FBC, Muleshoe
Craig Curry, FBC, Plano
Leonardo Diaz, Primera Iglesia Bautista, Hitchcock
Rhoda Gonzalez, North Dallas Family Church, Dallas
Chris Johnson, FBC, San Antonio
Elmo Johnson, Rose of Sharon BC, Houston
Cheryl Jones, FBC, Temple
Chris Liebrum, FBC, Garland
Peter McCann, Orchard Hills BC, Garland
Sergio Ramos, The Promise Church, Dallas
Danny Reeves, FBC, Corsicana
Committee on Credentials
Frank San Martin, Chair, Highland BC, Waco
Blake Alling, Calvary BC, Port Arthur
Marco Barron, New Life at the Cross, Robstown
Nathan Escamilla, El Buen Pastor, Fort Worth
Chris Hughes, City on a Hill Int., Garland
Denisse Ibarra, Calvary BC, McAllen
Andy Muskrat, FBC, Waco
Daniel Perez, FBC, Los Fresnos
Clint Reiff, Rice Temple BC, Houston
Marcus Rodriguez, Houston’s FBC, Houston
Committee on Memorials
Tim Lancaster, Chair, FBC, Lubbock
John Glover, FBC, Burleson
Domingo Quintanilla, Iglesia Bautista Monte Horeb, McAllen
Grace Rodriguez, Primera Iglesia Bautista, San Antonio
Mike Tello, Fielder Church, Arlington
BULLETIN 40
Committee on Resolutions
Becky Biser, University BC, Fort Worth
David Chan, Calvary BC, McAllen
Stephen Dollar, Pine Forest BC, Vidor
Jack Newton, Calvary BC, Nederland
Marion Rios, Park Cities BC, Dallas
Emmanuel Roldan, Primera Iglesia Bautista, Waco
Chris Stapper, Yorktown BC, Corpus Christi
Danny Quintanilla, Bear Creek BC, Katy
Wesley Shotwell, Ash Creek BC, Azle
Jordan Villanueva, FBC, Brownwood
Committee on Nominations for Boards of Affiliated Ministries
David Russell, Chair, FBC, Amarillo
Ryan Buck, Immanuel BC, San Angelo
Kevin Burrow, FBC, Eastland
Ryan Chandler, FBC, Richmond
Kimberly Cook, FBC, El Paso
Steve Faulkner, Shiner BC, Shiner
David Foster, Shiloh Terrace BC, Dallas
Sherry Green, South Main BC, Pasadena
David Harp, FBC, Stanton
Pamla Joseph, Marvelous Light Church, Houston
Kirk Lewis, South Main BC, Pasadena
Steven Parker, FBC, Weslaco
Rony Robison, Park Cities BC, Dallas
Jean Ann Underwood, FBC, Waxahachie
Jorge Vazquez, Alliance Church, Lubbock
Committee to Nominate Executive Board Directors
Joshua Hays, Chair, FBC, Waco
Heather Bell, Tallowood BC, Houston
Clay Bowers, Northside BC, Texas City
Ernie Boyd, FBC, Amarillo
John Carl, Northlake BC, Garland
Jane Crain, FBC, Nederland
Charles Jones, New Hope Missionary BC, Clute
Greg Kitts, Dorcas Wills Memorial BC, Trinity
Edgar Leon, FBC, San Antonio
Robyn Lowrie, FBC, Decatur
Brad Miles, FBC, Shallowater
Seth Pitman, FBC, Seagraves
Karen Roberts, Rose of Sharon BC, Houston
Jase Waller, Telephone BC, Telephone
Dan Young, Park Cities BC, Dallas
Tellers Committee
Ronny Hargrave, Holly Brook BC, Hawkins
Randy Miller, FBC, Garland
Larry Post, FBC, Sugar Land
John Spencer, FBC, Garland
Dan Whitehouse, FBC, Longview
PRESIDENTS OF THE AUXILIARY GROUPS
Jackie Faughn, Woman’s Missionary Union of Texas, First McKinney BC, McKinney
Henry Batson III, African American Fellowship, Faith Fellowship, Red Oak
Joseph Huang, Chinese Fellowship, Chinese Baptist Fellowship, Belton
Sergio Ramos, Hispanic Baptist Convention, The Promise Church, Dallas
John Nguyen, Vietnamese Fellowship of Texas, Vietnamese Redeemer BC, Plano
Chris Ortego, Bivocational Small Church Membership, Fairy BC, Fairy
Grace Kiker, BSM Co-President, Plainview
Anthony Rodriguez, BSM Co-President, The Colony
Lee Bevly, Texas Baptist Men, Samnorwood BC, Samnorwood
41
NOMINATIONS FROM COMMITTEE ON COMMITTEES
Nominations to Committee on Nominations for Boards of Affiliated Ministries
2026 Term
Henry Batson III, Faith Fellowship, Red Oak
Mike Bryant, FBC, Dalhart
Gina Coulter, FBC, Jayton
Ruth Franco, Primera Iglesia Bautista, Texarkana
Meghan Hendrickson, Park Cities BC, Dallas
Nominations to Committee to Nominate Executive Board Directors
2026 Term
Larry Dooley, FBC, Bryan
Teresa Herrera, FBC, Athens
Walid Saade, Arabic Christian Fellowship, Fort Worth
2024 Term
G.J. Walton, FBC, Silverton
NOMINATIONS FROM COMMITTEE TO NOMINATE EXECUTIVE BOARD DIRECTORS
Nominations for New Executive Board Directors
2026 Term
Cameron Bandy, FBC, Amarillo
Carol Boren, FBC, Brownwood
Craig Carlton, 121 Community Church, Grapevine
Noel Dear, FBC, Nacogdoches
Vickie Dennis, Bethlehem BC, Mansfield
Sylvia Flores, Grace Temple BC, Dallas
David Foster, Shiloh Terrace BC, Dallas
Larry Isham, FBC, College Station
Elmo Johnson, Rose of Sharon BC, Houston
Jo Beth McTavish, Kenefick Southern BC, Dayton
Dodie Morris, FBC, Waco
Maddie Rarick, Meadow Oaks BC, Temple
Amy Sims, Sugar Land BC, Sugar Land
Jean Slaven, Holly Brook BC, Hawkins
Kinley Sorrells, Eastside BC, Comanche
Meredith Summers, Pioneer Drive BC, Abilene
Israel Villalobos, Plymouth Park BC, Irving
Sherry Vinson, FBC, New Boston
Nominations for Second Term Executive Board Directors
2026 Term
Tim Eng, Chinese BC, Houston
Mark Lindsey, FBC, Big Spring
Rick Mackey, Immanuel BC, Paris
Kenneth Martin, FBC, Balmorhea
Kevin Nelson, Calvary BC, San Antonio
Pete Pawelek, Cowboy Fellowship of Atascosa County, Jourdanton
John Roach, Green Acres BC, Tyler
Nominations to Fill Executive Board Director Vacancies
2025 Term
Fred Hobbs, Mt. Nebo Missionary BC, Victoria
Tammy Hutchings, Telephone BC, Telephone
Jassmine Posada, Southwayside BC, Fort Worth
Robert Templeton, Mt. Olive BC, Odessa
2024 Term
Eric House, North End BC, Beaumont
Alison Howell, FBC, Nederland
BULLETIN 42
NOMINATIONS FROM COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS FOR BOARDS OF AFFILIATED MINISTRIES
Nominations to Board of Baptist University of the Américas
2026 Term
James Murray, FBC, San Antonio
Lee Ellen Speckman, FBC, San Antonio
Karen Tinsley, Park Cities BC, Dallas
Nominations to Board of Baylor University
2027 Term
Tyler Cooper, Park Cities BC, Dallas
Diane Dillard, South Main BC, Houston
Rene Maciel, First Woodway BC, Woodway
Nominations to Board of Dallas Baptist University
2026 Term
Joyce Andres, FBC, Dallas
Bob Dean, The Heights BC, Richardson
Pete Delkus, Parkway Hills BC, Plano
John Durham, Highland BC, Waco
Oscar Epps, Community Missionary BC, Desoto
Miguel Lopez, Duncanville FBC, Duncanville
Ronald Skaggs, Prairie Creek BC, Plano
Brent Taylor, FBC at the Fields, Carrollton
Nominations to Board of East Texas Baptist University
2026 Term
Jason Bell, FBC, Mt. Pleasant
Elizabeth Boone, Green Acres BC, Tyler
Roy Cotton, Singing Hills BC, Dallas
Belinda Dennis, Junius Heights BC, Dallas
Leon Leach, FBC, Tyler
Mary Peeler, Mulberry Springs BC, Hallsville
Nominations to Board of Hardin-Simmons University
2026 Term
Craig Curry, FBC, Plano
Mark Graham, Pioneer Drive BC, Abilene
Julie Hammer, FBC, Lewisville
Jerry Phillips, FBC, Lubbock
Drue Pounds, FBC, Grapevine
Jon Wheeler, FBC, Midland
Angie Wiley, Pioneer Drive BC, Abilene
Darin Wood, FBC, Midland
43
Nominations to Board of Houston Christian University
2026 Term
Garry Blackmon, Crossway Christian Fellowship, Houston
Omar Garcia, Kingsland BC, Katy
Ramiro Pena, Christ the King BC, Waco
Nominations to Board of Howard Payne University
2025 Term
Mickey Eddins, FBC, Sulphur Springs
2026 Term
Jane Collette, Southern Oaks BC, Kerrville
Sharon Guthrie, FBC, Stephenville
Jacob Montoya, FBC, Lubbock
Daniel Sanchez, Travis Avenue BC, Fort Worth
Nominations to Board of San Marcos Baptist Academy
2026 Term
Carol Garrison, FBC, San Marcos
David Vanderhider, Shearer Hills BC, San Antonio
Nomination to Board of Stark College and Seminary
2026 Term
Daniel Zamora, New Life at the Cross, Robstown
Nominations to Board of University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
2026 Term
Ted Bartley, Valley Ranch BC, Coppell
Andy Davis, FBC, Belton
Mike Harkrider, Wylie BC, Abilene
Ryan Lindsey, Highland BC, Waco
Jane Potter, FBC, Belton
Janna Slechta, Highland BC, Waco
Daniel Tostrud, Valley Ranch BC, Coppell
Nominations to Board of Valley Baptist Missions-Education Center
2026 Term
Josue Arrambide, FBC, Midland
Bryan Hall, Woodlawn BC, Austin
Randy Johnson, FBC, Richardson
Truett King, FBC, Lewisville
Scott Lane, FBC, San Antonio
BULLETIN 44
Nominations to Board of Wayland Baptist University
2026 Term
Anthony Ricketts, FBC, Floydada
Keith Skaar, FBC, Midland
Nominations to Board of Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio
2026 Term
Connie Jones, Shearer Hills BC, San Antonio
Bill McCandless, Shearer Hills BC, San Antonio
Dawn Stockton, Crossroads BC, San Antonio
Jorge Zayasbazan, Baptist Temple, San Antonio
Nominations to Board of Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas
2026 Term
Dave Carpenter, Westgate Memorial BC, Beaumont
Winston Coates, FBC of Bevil Oaks, Beaumont
Walter Snider, Calder BC, Beaumont
Nominations to Board of Buckner International
2025 Term
Lisa Eady, Southland BC, San Angelo
Riefford Gail Flood, Southland BC, San Angelo
Nominations to Board of Children at Heart Ministries
2026 Term
Alan Neidig, FBC, Round Rock
Brad Norris, South Crest BC, Lubbock
Ross Pendergast, Second BC, Pearland
Holly Sheppard, FBC, Temple
Kathy Spencer, FBC, Marble Falls
Nominations to Board of Hendrick Health System
2026 Term
Leigh Black, Southwest Park BC, Abilene
Scott Hibbs, Pioneer Drive BC, Abilene
Randy Lloyd, FBC, Abilene
Shannon Nix, Southwest Park BC, Abilene
Lanny Vinson, Pioneer Drive BC, Abilene
Mike Woodard, Southwest Park BC, Abilene
Nominations to Board of Hillcrest Health System
2026 Term
Jacqueline Taylor, Pleasant Hill BC, McGregor
45
Nominations to Board of South Texas Children’s Home Ministries
2026 Term
Lil Abshier, FBC, Goliad
Jim Candler, FBC, Bryan
Tony Gray, West University BC, Houston
Ronald Ray Hyde, FBC, Kenedy
Sandy Melton, FBC, Rockport
Page Streiff, Northside BC, Victoria
Nominations to Board of Baptist Church Loan Corporation
2026 Term
Barbara Jane Kaplan, FBC, Garland
Nominations to Board of HighGround Advisors
2026 Term
Marianne Piepenburg, Park Cities BC, Dallas
John Thompson, Jr., Park Cities BC, Dallas
Phil David Wedemeyer, South Main BC, Houston
Nominations to Board of The Baptist Standard
2026 Term
Linda Brian, FBC, Amarillo
Tiffany Echols, Cornerstone BC, Killeen
Colin Witt, Highland BC, Waco
BULLETIN 46
HOW TO ORDER
MARY HILL DAVIS OFFERING ® FOR TEXAS MISSIONS MATERIALS
Thank you for promoting the Mary Hill Davis Offering for Texas Missions in your church.
PRINTED MATERIALS 1 2 3
Place your order for the Mary Hill Davis Offering Week of Prayer resources (posters, prayer guides, and envelopes) online at iamtexasmissions.org/order. You may also call the office at (214) 828-5150 to request these resources. Please allow 2-3 week for delivery. We are unable to ship overnight orders.
DOWNLOAD MATERIALS
You may also download Mary Hill Davis Offering Week of Prayer resources for the current and previous years at iamtexasmissions.org/order.
MHDO VIDEO STORIES
Share a Mary Hill Davis Offering video during your next WMU meeting or church service. To view or download over 35 Mary Hill Davis Offering video stories, visit iamtexasmissions.org/stories.
47
Annual Meeting
07/17/2023
Executive Board
05/23/2023
Institutional Relations Committee
05/22/2022
Item of Consideration: Recommendation for Baptist General Convention of Texas to Relate to Hendrick Medical Center by Special Agreement
Highest Authority for this item: The messengers meeting at the 2023 Family Gathering of the Baptist General Convention of Texas
Originating Source: Brad Holland, President and Chief Executive Officer Hendrick Medical Center and Dr. Craig Christina, Acting Executive Director, BGCT
Background:
In September 2022, Hendrick Medical Center contacted the BGCT to “discuss Hendrick Medical Center’s ongoing relationship with the BGCT ” Hendrick has been a BGCT affiliated institution for many years. Currently, the BGCT elects 75% of Hendrick’s board of directors. Hendrick seeks to reduce the number of BGCT-elected members of its board to less than 50%. Hendrick has requested a change in the relationship between itself and the BGCT. Rather than remain an affiliated institution of the BGCT, Hendrick wants to relate to the BGCT by special agreement. After initial discussions between leaders with the two organizations, Hendrick has drafted a proposed 10 year special relationship agreement for this committee’s review and comment.
Recommendation:
The Institutional Relations Committee recommends the proposed Special Relationship Agreement between the Baptist General Convention of Texas and Hendrick Medical Center be approved by the Executive Board and recommended for adoption by the messengers at 2023 Family Gathering.
BULLETIN 48
Annual Meeting
7/17/2023
Executive Board
5/23/2023
Institutional Relations Committee
5/22/2023
Item of Consideration: Recommendation for Baptist General Convention of Texas to relate to Baptist Standard Publishing by Special Agreement
Highest Authority for this item: The messengers meeting at the 2023 Family Gathering of the Baptist General Convention of Texas
Originating Source: The board of trustees of the Baptist Standard Publishing Co.
Background:
On March 5, 2020, Eric Black, Editor of the Baptist Standard, and leaders from their board of trustees met with BGCT executive leadership and informed them that the Baptist Standard Publishing Co. (BSP) board of trustees voted in December 2019 to amend their Articles of Incorporation. The Baptist Standard then refiled their amended articles with the State of Texas on December 23, 2019, without the knowledge or consent of the BGCT leadership or Executive Board.
According to Article VIII, Section 2, Paragraph B of the BGCT Constitution: “The board of each institution affiliated with this Convention shall submit any and all changes or amendments to the institution’s charter to the Executive Board for approval. Any changes that significantly alter the mission of the institution or the institution’s relationship to The Baptist General Convention of Texas shall be referred to the Convention for approval ”
When an affiliated institution wants to amend its articles of incorporation (or certificate of formation), the proper procedure is to present proposed amendments to the Institutional Relations Committee (IRC). Once amendments are approved by the IRC, the IRC will recommend the amended articles to the Executive Board for approval. If the amended articles do not change the relationship with the institution and the BGCT, the articles are considered amended once approved by the Executive Board. However, if the amended articles significantly alter the relationship between the institution and the BGC T, the Executive Board must recommend the adoption of the amended articles at the next annual meeting of BGCT messengers.
Legal counsel for the BGCT believed the changes to the BSP ’s articles of incorporation to significantly alter the relationship with the BGCT. Therefore, leaders from the BSP and the BGCT (including the IRC) have met for the past three years to discuss the relationship. The IRC voted at the September 2022 Executive Board meeting to pursue a Special Relationship Agreement.
49
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Special thanks are extended to numerous persons, institutions and organizations that have helped to make this Annual Meeting possible:
• Churches and members of Rio Grande Valley Baptist Association for providing leadership and volunteers for various opportunities of service at the annual meeting.
• The City of McAllen and the McAllen Chamber of Commerce for their hospitality and friendly welcome. McAllen Convention & Visitor’s Bureau for their assistance in planning and providing the convention center facilities, maps and local restaurant guides.
• The McAllen Convention Center staff for their kind direction and assistance with the planning details over this past year.
• Jason Wilson and Scott Smith of B & L Sound Services for their technical planning and coordination of lighting, sound and image projection support and providing streaming services of main sessions.
• Joe and Debby Luscombe of NewDay Productions for video and audio support throughout the workshops and varied meals and receptions.
• Vanessa Thornton of Superior Expo Services for event decorations, staging and exhibit support.
• David Cozart, Texas Baptists Registration Secretary, for coordinating volunteers to assist in the registration process and distributing materials, bags and name tags for messengers and visitors.
• Volunteer staff of ENA Chapter and the Rio Grande Regional Hospital of McAllen, coordinated by Chris Chizek, who has graciously donated their time to assist us in the first aid area.
• San Marcos Baptist Academy, under the direction of Eric Casillias, for providing select senior students to serve as pages to assist the officers and messengers in the Business Sessions.
• Local Arrangements Team, led by Eder Ibarra, who have assisted and given direction with the countless number of local volunteers who have served as ushers, greeters and registration workers.
• Susan Sosebee and Miriam Gamboa who have graciously donated their time by preparing and coordinated numerous volunteers to provide Day Camp for our children and students.
• Baptist institutions and churches who provide technical and news staff support.
• A host of others who helped in countless ways.
• Thousands of Texas Baptists, who have prayed for this 138th Annual Meeting and worked diligently to make a huge success for the Kingdom of our Lord.
BULLETIN 50
OFICIALES DE CONVENCIÓN
Sergio A. Ramos – Presidente, The Promise Church, Dallas
Silvia Ake – Primer Vicepresidente, Primera Iglesia Bautista, Edinburg
Lydia “Lilli” Ana Martínez – Segundo Vicepresidente, Iglesia Bautista Emanuel, McAllen
Claudia Treviño – Secretaria, Iglesia Bautista El Calvario, San Antonio
CAMARA EJECUTIVA DE CONVENCIÓN
Patty Villarreal – Chairperson, Woodland Baptist Church, San Antonio
Dr. Rolando Aguirre – Vice Chair, Park Cities Español, Dallas
Lidia Salazar – Secretary, Primera Iglesia Bautista Belton
Dr. Gary Cook – Park Cities Baptist Church, Dallas
Nick Holguin – Oak Ridge Baptist Church Español, San Antonio
Eder Ibarra – Calvary Mcallen
Darlene Musquiz – Primera Iglesia Bautista Maranatha, Houston
Bea Mesquias – Agape Baptist Church, San Antonio
Eladio Puente – Primera Iglesia Bautista Hispana, Texarkana
Abigail Rojas – Iglesia Bautsita Azle Avenue, Fort Worth
Sylvia Villareal – Cliff Temple Baptist Church, Dallas
IGLESIAS CON CONTRIBUCIONES MAYORES
Cliff Temple Baptist Church, Dallas
Woodland Baptist Church, San Antonio
Calvary Baptist Church, McAllen
Alliance Church, Lubbock
Park Cities Baptist Church en Español, Dallas
Segunda Iglesia Bautista, San Angelo
Iglesia Bautista Genesis, Fort Worth
Iglesia Bautista Redención, Houston
Primera Iglesia Bautista Mexicana, El Paso
Iglesia Nueva Vida, Brownwood
51
Primera Sesión Plenaria
Lunes - 17 de julio
1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Dirige: Sergio A. Ramos, Presidente
Preludio
Apertura, Instalación y Oración
Moción de Adopción del Programa Impreso
Sergio A. Ramos, Presidente y Claudia Treviño, Secretaria
Silvia Ake, Primer Vicepresidente
Bienvenida Lydia Ana Martinez, Segundo Vicepresidente
Tiempo de Alabanza Trio de Hoy
Ofrenda y Alabanza Trio de Hoy
Presentación de Lema “Familia de Dios”
“El Pastor y la Familia de Dios”
“La Mujer y la Familia de Dios”
“La Pareja y la Familia de Dios”
“El Joven Adulto y la Familia de Dios”
Becas Universitarias: DBU, Wayland, Criswell
Reconocimiento de Criswell College
Anuncios y Despedida
Segunda Sesión Plenaria
Martes - 18 de Julio
1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Dirige: Sergio A. Ramos, Presidente
Preludio
Bienvenida y Oración
Tiempo de Alabanza y Adoración
Olber Roblero, Iglesia Bautista Horeb, Brownsville
Miryam Chairez, Calvary Baptist Church, Presidenta de UFM de Texas
Eder & Denise Ibarra, Director, Rio Grande Valley Baptist Association
Joel Vargas, Pastor Asociado, Iglesia Cristiana Triunfante, San Antonio
Silvia Villareal, Camara Ejectuvia de Convención
Luis Juarez, Vicepresidente, Criswell College
Nick Holguin, Presidente, Baptist Credit Union
Rolando y Angie Rodriguez, Texas Baptists en Español
Grupo de Alabanza
Presentación de Parlamentario y Comision de Escrutinio Sergio A. Ramos
Elección del Primer Vicepresidente Sergio A. Ramos
BULLETIN 52
Elección del Segundo Vicepresidente Sergio A. Ramos
Elección del Secretario Sergio A. Ramos
Reporte Financiero y Presupuesto Jesse Rincones
Eleccion de Directores Jesse Rincones
Alabanza Grupo de Alabanza
Predicación Dr. Gabriel Cortes, Universidad Bautsita de las Américas
Presidente Honoriifico Dr. Alcides Guajardo
Oración Final y Clausura Rolando y Angie Rodriguez, Texas Baptists en Español
53
BULLETIN 54 Connect to opportunitiesministry Buckner.org/BGCT
BYLAWS OF THE CONVENCIÓN BAUTISTA HISPANA DE TEXAS
Article I – General Provisions
Section 1. For purposes of usage in the Constitution and these Bylaws, a church is deemed to be affiliated with the Convention if such church (1) identifies itself with, aligns itself with, and endorses, generally, the purposes and work of the Convention, and (2) is otherwise eligible to send messengers to the annual meeting of the Convention. A church is deemed to be cooperating with the Convention (“Cooperating Church”) if such church: (1) participates in the various activities of the Convention and (2) provides regular and systematic financial support to the Convention.
Section 2. All Convention officers, members of Convention committees, all Executive Board directors, and all nondirector members of any special committee, subcommittee, group, team, council or other entity created under or permitted to be created under these Bylaws shall be members of Cooperating Churches.
Section 3. If a person named in Section 2 is no longer a member of a church Cooperating with the Convention, or otherwise vacates the position, the position will be deemed vacant and the vacancy will be filled according to the provisions of these Bylaws. Determination of vacancies and the date of such vacancy will be made by the Executive Board or a committee of the Board so authorized by the Executive Board.
Article II – Messengers
Section 1. Each messenger shall register with the Registration Secretary by presentation of proper credentials prior to being seated as a messenger to the Convention.
Section 2. The credentials of a registered messenger may be reviewed by the Credentials Committee as deemed necessary.
Article III – Meetings
Section 1. The regular meeting of the Convention shall be known as the annual meeting and shall be for the purpose of electing officers; receiving reports of officers, committees, and boards; and for any other business that may arise or be scheduled.
Section 2. The Convention shall determine its order of business at the first session of the annual meeting.
Section 3. Special meetings may be called according to the provisions of the Constitution.
Section 4. In all questions covering the proceedings of the Convention in both annual and special meetings, Robert’s Rules of Order (latest revised edition) shall be the authority used by the presiding officers and by the Convention, unless the Constitution or the Bylaws have special rules of order that apply.
Article IV – Duties of Convention Officers
Section 1. It shall be the duty of the president to preside over the deliberations of the Convention and to discharge such other duties as are usually incumbent on the presiding officer of a deliberative body. If the president is no longer a member of a church affiliated with the Convention, a vice president shall succeed to the office according to provisions of the Constitution, and this fact shall be so recognized by a resolution of the Executive Board.
Section 2. The vice presidents shall discharge such duties as requested by the president. In the absence of the president from a Convention session, a vice president in the order in which he or she was elected shall preside.
Section 3. It shall be the duty of the recording secretary to keep an accurate record of the proceedings of the Convention, and to file and keep all papers in order deemed important to be preserved.
Section 4. The registration secretary shall be responsible for registration of all messengers of the Convention. The registration secretary shall report to the chairperson of the Committee on Credentials the number of messengers
55
registered as of the hour the Convention convenes and periodically thereafter as prescribed by the chairperson of the Committee on Credentials. Following the Convention, the registration secretary shall provide the recording secretary the number of messengers registered.
Article V – Convention Committees
Section 1. Annual Meeting Planning Committee (“Comite de Orden y Programa”)
An Annual Meeting Planning Committee (“AMP Committee”) shall be appointed for each annual meeting of the Convention. An AMP Committee shall be appointed and active for the next annual meeting (Year 1) and for the two subsequent year’s annual meetings (Years 2 and 3), for a total of three (3) AMP Committees that should be active and filled at all times.
The AMP Committee shall be responsible for:
1. Recommending the time and place of its assigned annual meetings of the Convention,
2. Selecting the speakers, worship leaders and other participants for that year ’s meeting, and
3. Formulating the agenda for the annual meeting and submitting the agenda to the Convention for approval at the opening session.
Each AMP Committee shall have six (6) members appointed for one year terms. The newly elected president and officers acting jointly shall appoint the members of the third year’s AMP Committee. The current president and officers may appoint replacements to fill vacancies.
A. This committee shall provide periods of time during the early sessions of the Convention annual meeting for the introduction of all matters requiring a vote not scheduled on the agenda and when introduced shall fix times for consideration for the same, unless the Convention gives its unanimous consent for its immediate consideration.
B. This committee shall be responsible for formulating and recommending the Standing Rules of the Convention to the Convention for adoption. The Standing Rules of the Convention may be amended without notice by majority vote. It also shall be responsible for recommending the disposition of motions made during consideration of miscellaneous business but not finally disposed.
C. While the AMP Committees will recommend the time and place for the Annual Meeting designated to them, the final decision will be made by jointly by the Office of Hispanic Work and the Executive Board of the Convention based on the cost of the host location, availability and any other relevant factors.
Section 2. Committee on Credentials
The Committee on Credentials shall be responsible for verifying credentials of prospective messengers, enrolling messengers, for investigating any contention arising out of the enrollment of messengers, and for reporting its findings to the Convention. At the time scheduled by the Committee of Orden y Programa, the chairperson of the Committee on Credentials shall report the number of messengers registered as of the opening of the annual meeting or special meeting and periodically thereafter. The committee when established shall have six (6) members appointed for two years with three (3) appointed each year by the president and the vice presidents acting jointly. The president and vice presidents may appoint replacements to fill vacancies.
BULLETIN 56
Article VI – Executive Board
Section 1. Membership
A. Directors
The elected membership of the Executive Board shall be eleven (11) directors. The Executive Board shall have an ex-officio director in addition to the elected directors. The ex-officio director shall be the president of the Convention who shall by virtue of office serve with all rights, privileges, and duties of, and shall in all matters be treated as an elected director
B. Term of Directors
Directors shall serve terms of three (3) years. A Director may succeed himself for only one consecutive term. After serving two consecutive terms, a Director must vacate his position
There shall be staggered terms of office for Directors so that one-third of the directorships shall be up for election each year (or if the number does not evenly divide by thirds, the board shall be divided as close to thirds as possible).
Initial directors serving less than a full three-year term as their initial term, shall be considered to have served a full three-year term for purposes of the limits on more than two successive terms.
C. Resignation
Any Director may resign at any time by delivering written notice to the Secretary or President of the Board of Directors. Such resignation shall take effect upon receipt or, if later, at the time specified in the notice.
D. Vacancies
Vacancies shall be filled by majority vote of the remaining members of the Board of Directors, though less than a quorum, and the Director filling the vacancy shall serve for the remainder of the term of the directorship that was vacated. Vacancies shall be filled as soon as practical. Any Director may make nominations to fill vacant directorships.
Section 2. Elected Officers
The Board shall elect a chairperson and a vice chairperson annually. The treasurer/chief financial officer of the Convention shall serve as recording secretary. The officers shall have the following duties:
A. Chairperson
1. Presides at all meetings of the Board.
2. Chairs the Executive Committee.
3. Assists the executive director as the director provides leadership in the planning and implementation of Convention operations and ministries.
4. Consults with the executive director and secretary prior to each meeting to set the agenda.
5. Appoints special committees as authorized by the Board.
6. Represents the Board in meetings of Convention agencies as invited to do so.
7. Serves the Board by carrying out responsibilities assigned to the chair.
B. Vice Chairperson
1. Assists the chairperson throughout the term as may be requested.
2. Presides at meetings of the Board and Executive Committee in the absence of the chairperson or at the request of the chairperson
57
C. Recording Secretary
The recording secretary is to keep an accurate record of the proceedings of the Executive Board and to file and keep in order all papers deemed important to be preserved.
Section 3. Election of Officers
A. Nominations
Nominations shall be made from the floor at the last regular meeting of the year. Nominations shall be made in this order: chairperson and vice chairperson.
B. Voting
The election of officers shall be the first order of business on the agenda at the last regular meeting of the year. Election shall be by show of hands unless the chairperson with the appointed parliamentarian shall agree that the vote be by ballot. A majority of votes cast shals determine the person chosen.
C. Terms
Officers of the Board shall serve one-year terms and be eligible for one additional term. Terms begin immediately following the close of the last session of the annual meeting of the Convention. Should for any reason the office of chairperson be vacated prior to completion of the term, the vice chairperson shall become chairperson for the remainder of the term. In such case, the vacancy of the vice chairperson would be filled at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board.
Section 4. Meetings
A.
Authority
The Board shall meet at times and on a schedule that it adopts. The meeting date of the Convention should be a strongly influencing factor in the determination of when the Board meets. The meetings should be calendared so as to supplement and facilitate the total work of the Convention in support of all Conventionadopted programs. The meeting schedule of the Board shall be recommended to the Board by the Executive Director.
B. Meeting Times
The Board shall determine three-to-five years in advance the three times during each calendar year it meets.
C. Annual Meeting
The annual meeting of the Board shall be the one conducted prior to but not necessarily in conjunction with the annual Convention meeting. At this meeting, the Board will elect officers, may appoint committees, and consider other business as may come before the meeting.
D. Place of Meeting
The Board may designate any place within the State of Texas as the place of meeting.
E.
Notice of Meetings
Written notice stating the place, day, and hour of any meeting of directors shall be delivered either personally, by mail, or by electronic means to each director, not less than 10 days or more than 60 days before the date of such meeting by or at the direction of the chairperson.
F.
Special Meetings
Special meetings may be called by the executive director and/or the chairperson with the consent of two of the following: the vice chairperson of the Board and the president and vice presidents of the Convention; or may be called by not less than twenty percent (20%) of the directors. The call for a special meeting shall state the purpose of the meeting, and the time, date, and place for the meeting. The special meeting shall be limited to the purpose stated.
G. There will be no proxy voting.
BULLETIN 58
Section 5. Committees
A. The Executive Committee
1. The Executive Committee is responsible for the administration of the Executive Board. The Executive Committee shall also review the proposed budget; shall evaluate performance and recommend compensation for the executive director; and shall plan, coordinate and monitor the general progress of the work of the Executive Board.
2. After the annual meeting of the Convention, the chairperson and vice chairperson of the Executive Board, with the assistance of the executive director and recording secretary, shall appoint the chairpersons of Board committees. The Executive Committee shall assign other Executive Board directors to serve on various committees of the Executive Board. Except for members of the Executive Committee, no Executive Board director may serve on more than one regular committee. The chairperson and vice chairperson of the Executive Board are non-voting ex-officio members of each committee and subcommittee; however, they shall have the right to vote in the Executive Committee of the Board.
3. The Executive Director of the Convention shall serve as a non-voting ex-officio member of he Executive Committee of the Executive Board.
4. The Executive Committee shall act for the Executive Board ad interim, but may not act contrary to or reverse any action of the Executive Board.
B. Groups, teams, and councils
1. Other groups, teams, or councils, may be established as advisory groups to assist Executive Board committees, Convention ministries, and Convention staff leaders.
2. Such groups may serve as a resource, assist in strategy planning and implementation, provide information, and assist in activities. They may make recommendations through staff leaders to appropriate committees and the Executive Board.
3. Recommendations for such groups may be initiated through a committee of the Board or the Executive Committee and recommended for policy approval to the Executive Board. The recommendation should include the number of group members and terms of service.
4. Persons serving will be nominated by the initiating committee and approved by the Executive Board. Such persons nominated shall be members of churches affiliated with the Convention.
Section 6. Voting by Mail or Electronic Means
Any action required by law to be taken at a meeting of directors or any action which may be taken at a meeting of directors may be taken without a meeting if consented to and signed by a requisite number of directors of the Executive Board who are entitled to vote, either in writing, by mail ballot, by electronic means, or by some combination of both, with respect to the subject matter thereof. The requisite number is the number that would be necessary to take that action at a meeting at which the directors were present and voted. Where a specific business item may need action prior to a regular meeting, the chairperson, or the vice chairperson in his absence, may conduct the voting by mail or by electronic means, or by some combination of both. No vote shall be taken by electronic means or by telephone unless notice of such proposed vote to be taken has been communicated by electronic means, in person, by mail, by telephone, or by any of these means, to all members of the Executive Board or to the committee or subcommittee proposing to take a vote at least three (3) business days prior to the first day on which votes will be accepted. Notice by mail shall be deemed properly given if deposited in the U.S. Mail at least five (5) business days prior to such first day. Voting by fax, email, dedicated website, any similar technology, or any combination of such means shall constitute “electronic means” for purposes of this and the following section. “Signing” of a ballot or other confirmation of a vote by way of electronic means shall be broadly construed to permit effective utilization of such means. In addition, committees and subcommittees of the Executive Board, together with any group authorized under
59
Section F. of this article, but not the Executive Board as a whole, may take votes telephonically as a part of a committee or subcommittee meeting via conference telephone call or any other electronic conferencing media (and without necessity of a signed ballot). Written memoranda or minutes shall be made of all meetings and votes undertaken by electronic means or telephonically or by mail, and shall be entered into the records of the Executive Board or the appropriate committee or subcommittee as of the next meeting in which the members assemble in person. There will be no proxy voting and therefore voting by mail or by electronic means shall not be considered to be voting by proxy.
Section 7. Quorum
The directors holding one-half (50%) of the total votes which may be cast at any meeting shall constitute a quorum.
Section 8. Compensation
Directors shall not receive any salaries for their services but may receive reimbursement for appropriate travel expenses.
Section 9. Duties
A. The Executive Board shall be the fiduciary, fiscal and executive agency of the Convention.
B. The Executive Board is empowered to act for the Convention in all areas of the Convention’s work between sessions of the Convention, but may not act contrary to or reverse any action of the Convention, except as otherwise provided in these Bylaws.
C. The Executive Board shall make a full report of the work of the Convention at its annual session.
D. The Executive Board shall have the authority to enter into, modify, and terminate affiliation agreements with third parties which advance the purposes of the Convention, not inconsistent with the directions of the messengers.
E. The Executive Board shall recommend the annual budget to the annual session of the Convention. The Executive Board shall have the authority to reduce or eliminate allocations to third parties contained in the annual budget approved by the messengers when, in the Executive Board's judgment, circumstances arising after the messengers have approved the annual budget warrant that action. In such situations, the Executive Board shall have the authority to re-allocate the budgeted funds which were reduced or eliminated. Any exercise by the Executive Board of this authority shall be reported to the next annual session of the Convention.
Article VII – Convention Employees
Section 1. Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer
A. The chief executive officer of the Convention shall be the Executive Director.
B. The Executive Director shall be employed upon the recommendation of the Executive Board and receive remuneration as recommended by the Executive Board.
C. The Executive Director shall supervise and administer all of the affairs of the Convention and all of its activities and shall represent and carry out the policies of the Convention and its Executive Board.
Section 2. Other Employees of the Convention
The Executive Board shall have the authority to elect or employ other personnel as deemed necessary by the body.
BULLETIN 60
Article VIII – Amendments
These Bylaws may be changed or amended at any regular session of the Convention’s annual meeting, except the last session of the meeting, provided said change or amendment is offered at the first session of the annual meeting, and carries over to some subsequent session during the same meeting, and then receives a two-third’s majority of messengers present and voting in the session.
ADOPTED: JUNE 28, 2011
Amended, June 28, 2016 – Rev., Article V, Sec. 1
Amended, June 28, 2017 – Rev., Article I, Sec. 1-3
61
Cláusula 1 - Nombre
CONVENCIÓN BAUTISTA HISPANA DE TEXAS
Constitución y Reglamento
28 de Junio, 2011
Artículo I - Nombre y Función
El nombre de este organismo será: Convención Bautista Hispana de Texas.
Cláusula 2 – Función
Esta Convención es el medio por el cual las congregaciones bautistas trabajan armoniosamente en mutua cooperación, con el fin de promover el trabajo y objetivos asentados en esta Constitución. La Convención no tendrá autoridad eclesiástica sobre las congregaciones o mensajeros, pues el único Soberano que reconocemos es nuestro Señor Jesucristo.
Cláusula 3 – Relación
Conforme al Acuerdo de Unificación, la Convención Bautista Hispana de Texas es un socio oficial de la Convención General Bautista de Texas (Baptist General Convention of Texas, “BGCT”), tambien conocida como “Texas Baptists.”
Articulo II - Misión
La Convención Bautista Hispana de Texas existe para servir a sus congregaciones y miembros a fin de que cumplan su misión y visión particular inspirada por Dios.
Articulo
III - Visión
La visión de la Convención Bautista Hispana de Texas es llegar a ser una familia de iglesias diversas y espiritualmente saludables, conectando y desarrollando recursos para hacer impacto en Texas y el mundo con la presencia de Cristo en el cumplimiento de la Gran Comisión ordenada por nuestro Salvador y Señor Jesucristo.
Artículo
IV - Membresía
Cláusula
1 – Membresía
Esta Convención en sus sesiones estará formada por los mensajeros debidamente acreditados por las congregaciones Bautistas que cooperan con la Convención Bautista Hispana de Texas dentro de la misión y visión de esta Constitución. Una iglesia se define como “cooperadora” conforme al Artículo 1 de las “Bylaws” de esta Convención.
Cláusula 2 - Mensajeros
Cada congregación que coopera con este organismo tendrá derecho a enviar ocho (8) mensajeros por los primeros cien (100) miembros activos o fracción de ellos, y un mensajero más por cada cincuenta (50) miembros activos adicionales; ninguna congregación tendrá más de veinticinco (25) mensajeros.
Artículo V - Finanzas
Cláusula 1 – Ofrendas
Las congregaciones afiliadas a este organismo deben enviar sus ofrendas misioneras, tanto designadas como las que envíen mediante el Programa Cooperativo, al departamento de finanzas de la BGCT. También deben enviar a dicho departamento las ofrendas o donativos especiales, los cuales serán usados de acuerdo el deseo de la congregación o de la persona que los envió.
Cláusula 2 – Gastos
Todo gasto necesario para el desarrollo de la obra descrita en esta Constitución será provisto dentro del presupuesto de esta Convención.
BULLETIN 62
Cláusula 3
Las congregaciones afiliadas pueden enviar ofrendas directamente a la Convención Bautista Hispana de Texas para las iniciativas de tal Convención.
Artículo VI - Oficiales
Cláusula 1 - Oficiales
Los siguientes oficiales serán elegidos por la asamblea: el Presidente de la Convención, el Primer Vicepresidente de la Convención, el Segundo Vicepresidente de la Convención, y el Secretario de Actas. Estos oficiales serán elegidos anualmente durante cualquiera de las sesiones plenarias. El término de servicio del presidente electo será de dos años consecutivos, con la opción de ser elegido para un tercer año. Ninguno de estos oficiales podrá ser elegido por más de dos años consecutivos con excepción del Presidente que podrá servir por tres años consecutivos.
Cláusula 2 - Otros Oficiales
Los otros oficiales elegidos por sus respectivas conferencias y organizaciones serán: la Presidenta de la Unión Femenil Misionera, el Presidente de los Varones Bautistas, el Presidente de la Conferencia de Ministros, la Presidenta de la Conferencia de Esposas de Ministros, y el (la) Presidente (a) de la Juventud..
Cláusula 3 - Residencia y Membresía de Oficiales y Miembros de Comisiones
Para fungir como oficial de la Convención, o como miembro de una Comisión, se requiere que la persona sea residente de Texas. También debe ser miembro activo y elegido como mensajero por una congregación cooperadora. El cambio de residencia fuera del estado de Texas, resultará en la renuncia automática a los nombramientos como oficial o como miembro de una Comisión o de ambos según el caso.
Cláusula 4 - Informes de la Mesa Directiva y Comisiones
Todos los oficiales y los presidentes de Comisiones rendirán un informe anual a la Convención en el Libro de Programa e Informes de esta Convención o durante las sesiones plenarias de la misma. Además, se sugiere que el Presidente de la Convención escriba un artículo o informe en la publicación editada por el Director de la Obra Hispana. Los demás oficiales podrán publicar artículos o informes periódicamente en coordinación con el editor de dicha publicación.
Articulo VII - Elección de Oficiales
Cláusula 1 – Nombramientos
Las elecciones de los oficiales de la Mesa Directiva se llevarán a cabo anualmente durante cualquiera de las sesiones plenarias de la Convención. La asamblea nombrará los candidatos para cada puesto. Estos deben ser miembros activos de distintas congregaciones en el momento de su nombramiento. No habrá límite al número de candidatos para cada puesto. Sin embargo, se podrán cerrar los nombramientos con la proposición “que cesen los nombramientos.” Se concederá un máximo de dos minutos para cada nombramiento. Los candidatos deberán estar presentes en el momento de la nominación y elección.
Cláusula 2 – Orden de Elección
El orden de la elección será: Presidente, Primer Vicepresidente, Segundo Vicepresidente y Secretario de Actas. La votación para la elección de cada oficial se llevará a cabo mediante papeletas secretas, sistema computarizado, o muestra de papeletas como votación. Dichas papeletas serán distribuidas solamente a los mensajeros debidamente identificados como tales. El Parlamentario y la Comisión de Escrutinio contarán los votos. El Parlamentario anunciará el resultado oportunamente. Si no hay mayoría de votos para algún candidato, los dos candidatos con mayor número de votos serán presentados para una segunda votación.
Cláusula 3 – Mayoría
Se considerará mayoría de votos el cincuenta (50%) por ciento más uno de los mensajeros votantes.
Cláusula 4 – Reemplazo de Oficiales
Reemplazo de oficiales en caso de muerte, renuncia, deshabilitación o cambio de residencia fuera del estado del Presidente de la Convención, los Vicepresidentes asumirán el puesto en el orden en que fueron elegidos. En caso de que alguno de los otros oficiales no pueda cumplir con sus responsabilidades, por los motivos citados o por ascender a la presidencia, en su reemplazo servirá el candidato que obtuvo segundo lugar en la votación para el
63
puesto respectivo. Si no hubiera otro candidato la Mesa Directiva nombrará a la persona que llenará el puesto que quedo vacante. Cuando un oficial, elegido o nombrado, haya servido seis (6) meses o más en el puesto, tal término de servicio contará igual a un año.
Cláusula
5 – Conflicto de Interés
En el caso de que cualquier oficial de la Convención sea empleado por la Junta Ejecutiva de la Baptist General Convention of Texas, su renuncia a la Mesa Directiva de la Convención será automática e inmediata.
Articulo VIII - Comisiones
Sección A - Comisiones Transitorias
Las siguientes comisiones transitorias nombradas anualmente serán formadas por nueve (9) personas nombradas por el Presidente de la Convención, en consulta con la opinión de la Mesa Directiva. Su trabajo terminará al concluir la reunión anual correspondiente.
Cláusula
1 - Comisión de Arreglos Locales
Esta Comisión trabajará con las congregaciones o asociación local donde se celebrarán las reuniones de la Convención correspondiente, con el fin de hacer los preparativos relacionados con dichas reuniones. Estará compuesta por las siguientes subcomisiones: Arreglos de las Sesiones Plenarias, Arreglos de las Conferencias, Inscripción y Credenciales, Hospitalidad, Ujieres y Relaciones Públicas. Dichas subcomisiones se guiarán por un reglamento interno conocido como “Deberes y Responsabilidades de la Comisión de Arreglos Locales.’ Esta Comisión será presidida por un coordinador de Arreglos Locales, quien periódicamente informará a la Mesa Directiva. El Director de la Obra Hispana se encargará de entrenar a esta Comisión.
Sección B - Comisiones Permanentes
Las siguientes comisiones serán de tipo permanente y compuestas por nueve (9) miembros, los cuales servirán por el plazo de tres (3) años en forma rotativa (3, 2 y 1 años). De los nueve miembros un mínimo de dos (2) serán damas o varones laicos. Cada Comisión será integrada por miembros activos de distintas congregaciones, quienes podrán servir no más de seis (6) años consecutivos.
Cláusula 1 - Comisión de Constitución y
Reglamento
Esta Comisión revisará anualmente la Constitución y Reglamento para mantenerlo al día. Presentará por escrito cualquier cambio o enmienda para ser considerada por la Asamblea de la Convención. Se reunirá antes o durante las reuniones anuales para efectuar su tarea. Además, tendrá la función de dar la interpretación oficial de dicha Constitución y Reglamento.
Cláusula 2 - Comisión de Bienestar Pastoral
Esta Comisión promoverá todo lo relacionado a los beneficios pastorales, tales como suplementos, seguros y otros beneficios. También procurarán el bienestar de los obreros jubilados y viudas de los pastores de las iglesias hispanas.
Cláusula 3 - Comisión de Educación Cristiana
Esta Comisión trabajará para promover la educación, becas, fondos y otros recursos entre hispanos bautistas. La Comisión colaborara con BGCT y otras instituciones educativas para ese fin.
Sección C - Procedimiento de Comisiones
Cláusula 1 - Reuniones
Las comisiones tendrán su reunión por diferentes medios de comunicación electrónica antes del fin del mes de septiembre.
Cláusula 3 - Término
Después de un servicio de seis años consecutivos en comisiones, el miembro no podrá ser reelegido sino después de un año.
Cláusula 4 - Asistencia
Se mantendrá un archivo permanente de la lista de asistencia. Si un miembro no asiste a las reuniones sin dar causa
BULLETIN 64
justificada durante un año se le enviará una carta notificándole que ha cesado en su puesto. En tal caso, la Comisión de Nombramiento de Comisiones procederá a elegir su reemplazo.
Cláusula 5 - Informes
Todas las comisiones rendirán un informe escrito a la Convención incluido en el libro de Programa e Informes de la Convención, o durante las sesiones plenarias de la reunión anual.
Cláusula 6 - Recomendaciones
Se presentarán las recomendaciones a la Asamblea de la Convención en el tiempo señalado en el programa de la Convención.
Articulo IX - Conferencias y Organizaciones Auxiliares
Cláusula 1 – Organizaciones
Las reuniones anuales de esta Convención incluirán conferencias preparadas y dirigidas por las siguientes organizaciones: la Unión Femenil Misionera, los Varones Bautistas, la Conferencia de Ministros, la Conferencia de Esposas de Ministros y la Conferencia de Jóvenes.
Cláusula 2 – Presidentes de Compañerismos
Habrá otra organización auxiliar de compañerismo compuesta por los Presidentes de Compañerismos o Asociaciones respectivamente, con el propósito de promover y coordinar la misión y visión de la Convención Bautista Hispana de Texas dentro del espíritu de Unificación. Las reuniones de esta organización auxiliar se llevarán a cabo según lo determine el Presidente de la Convención en consulta con el Director de la Obra Hispana.
Articulo X - Reuniones
Cláusula 1 – Reunión Anual
Las reuniones de esta Convención se celebrarán durante el mes de junio, con la excepción de que la Cámara Ejecutiva puede cambiar la fecha de la junta para coordinar las juntas especiales en colaboración con Texas Baptists (BGCT). El número de las sesiones plenarias, con un máximo de cuatro, se dejará a criterio de la Comisión de Orden y Programa en consulta con la Mesa Directiva.
Cláusula 2 – Coordinación de Programa
La Mesa Directiva juntamente con la Comisión de Orden y Programa coordinaran el programa de las conferencias, organizaciones auxiliares, y de las sesiones plenarias. El Presidente de la Convención presidirá en estas reuniones.
Cláusula 3 – Reuniones Administrativas
El Presidente de la Convención, por acuerdo de la Mesa Directiva y en consulta con el Director de la Obra Hispana, convocará a los oficiales de la Convención a reuniones administrativas para tratar asuntos relacionados con la obra hispana.
Cláusula 4 – Cuota de Inscripción
Empezando en con la Reunión Anual de 2019, la Mesa Directiva puede establecer una cuota de inscripción para ayudar a cubrir los costos de la Reunión Anual.
Articulo XI - Enmiendas
Esta Constitución podrá ser enmendada mediante el voto de dos terceras partes de los mensajeros votantes, de acuerdo con el siguiente procedimiento: (1) La enmienda será sometida por escrito a la Comisión de Constitución y Reglamentos a mas tardar durante el mes de enero antes de su primera reunión. (2) La enmienda será propuesta y secundada durante la Primera Sesión Plenaria. (3) Se publicará en el Boletín de la Convención antes de cualquiera de las sesiones plenarias. (4) Se votará sobre ella durante cualquiera de las sesiones plenarias. La enmienda entrará en vigor un día después de las reuniones anuales de la Convención. La enmienda aprobaba pasará a la Comisión de Reglamentos para que se le incorpore en esta Constitución.
65
Articulo XII - Reglamento
Los mensajeros debidamente inscritos por la Comisión de Arreglos Locales (Subcomisión de Inscripción y Credenciales) durante las reuniones anuales, constituirán la Asamblea de la Convención. Si surge alguna disputa sobre la validez de las credenciales de algún mensajero, la Subcomisión de Inscripción y Credenciales investigará el asunto y presentará un informe a la asamblea en sesión regular de negocios. La asamblea de la Convención, por el voto de la mayoría de los mensajeros votantes, decidirá tal disputa.
Articulo XIII - Procedimiento Parlamentario
Cláusula 1 – Procedimiento
Este organismo basará su procedimiento parlamentario en los estatutos asentados en su Constitución y Reglamento. Además usará como guía en sus plenarias de negocios como referencia complementaria Robert’s Rules of Order, en su última edición.
Cláusula 2 – Suspensión de Reglas
La suspensión temporal de las reglas parlamentarias o de alguna cláusula del reglamento podrá llevarse a cabo mediante un voto de dos terceras (2/3) partes de los mensajeros votantes en sesión de negocios.
Cláusula 3 – Asuntos Misceláneos
Todo asunto que no sea del conocimiento de la Mesa Directiva y que se requiera que se considere como asunto misceláneo, deberá ser sometido por escrito lo más pronto posible y antes de la Primera Sesión Plenaria a la Mesa Directiva para su consideración, para que pueda llevarse a la deliberación de la asamblea en su sesión de negocios.
Cláusula 4 – Extensión de Tiempo
No se extenderá más de quince (15) minutos la deliberación de un asunto nuevo, a menos que se apruebe una extensión de cinco (5) minutos más por las dos terceras (2/3) partes de la asamblea votante.
Artículo XIV - Enmiendas
Este Reglamento podrá ser enmendado en la misma forma y bajo el mismo procedimiento tal como lo estipula el Artículo XI de la Constitución.
ADOPTED: June 28, 2011
Amended: June 27, 2017
BULLETIN 66
Del Escritorio Presidencial: Desarrollando Madurez Espiritual en Nuestra Amada Convención.
El sendero que existe entre el lugar en el que estamos y el sitio donde Dios quiere que estemos requiere una posición de absoluta entrega a Él y de una vida completamente rendida a su servicio. A esta jornada de la vida cristiana le llamamos crecimiento espiritual y su resultado o meta es avanzar hacia la madurez espiritual.
El crecimiento espiritual tiene tres aspectos: el cambio, el crecimiento y el quebrantamiento.
I. Cambio
El primer lugar, el cambio es parte del proceso de madurez. Si no estamos dispuestos a cambiar y avanzar en nuestra comunión con Dios, entonces no creceremos espiritualmente. No podemos aferrarnos a los viejos caminos, a las viejas ideas, a los viejos sentimientos o a los antiguos conceptos erróneos acerca de Dios, del Espíritu Santo, o de la vida cristiana y a la vez crecer hasta llegar a ser la clase de personas que Dios desea que seamos. La madurez requiere un cambio y una disposición de adoptar los ajustes necesarios que sean positivos y beneficiosos, tal y cual lo declara el apóstol Pablo, “examínalo todo, y retén lo bueno” (1 Tesalonicenses 5:21-22).
Nuestra Convención Bautista Hispana de Texas, tomó una decisión de fe hace algunos años para oficial y legalmente convertirnos en una entidad sin fines de lucro con el motivo y propósito de servir mejor a nuestras iglesias. Durante este proceso, y con la guía de Dios, hemos podido enfocarnos en varias iniciativas para el beneficio de los pastores y sus congregaciones.
Una de nuestras iniciativas es Iglesias Abundantes dirigida por el Dr. Tony Miranda, con el propósito de ayudar a las congregaciones bautistas hispanas a navegar el conjunto único de desafíos que enfrentan en el ministerio como los son ministrar a las diferentes generaciones de inmigrantes, uso diverso del idioma y atender a las necesidades culturales que cambian rápidamente en este país.
Por otro lado, tenemos a la iniciativa Conexión dirigida por el Pastor Jorge Vázquez cuyo objetivo es el de fortalecer y apoyar a los pastores bautistas hispanos en Texas para crecer en su ministerio pastoral formando grupos de apoyo y crecimiento espiritual entre ministros. Este es un esfuerzo contextualizado para cada red de compañerismo local y su propósito es fomentar relaciones continuas que conduzcan hacia un desarrollo saludable a nivel personal y ministerial. Esta iniciativa también se enfoca en conectar a las esposas de pastores con el mismo objetivo.
II. Crecimiento
Un segundo aspecto del proceso de madurez, que está estrechamente relacionado con el cambio, es el crecimiento. No todos los cambios tienen como resultado crecimiento, pero si todo crecimiento está marcado por un cambio. La madurez espiritual significa crecer hasta que seamos plenamente parecidos a Cristo en nuestro carácter y forma de pensar, esto incluye nuestras decisiones, pensamientos, sentimientos y acciones, tal como leemos en 2 Pedro 3:18, “Creced en la gracia y el conocimiento de Nuestro Señor y Salvador Jesucristo.”
67
Todo lo que crece en el mundo natural, crece en lo que los científicos llaman un “medio de crecimiento”. En los laboratorios científicos, este medio de crecimiento algunas veces es la tierra, otras veces es el agua, y algunas veces son incluso ciertos productos químicos. Así, en el plano espiritual, el medio de crecimiento para la madurez espiritual es el amor. Crecemos espiritualmente cuando nos amamos los unos a los otros. El apóstol Pablo declara, “Sino que, siguiendo la verdad en amor, crezcamos en todo en aquel que es la cabeza, esto es, Cristo, de quien todo el cuerpo, bien concertado y unido entre sí por todas las coyunturas que se ayudan mutuamente, según la actividad propia de cada miembro, recibe su crecimiento para ir edificándose en amor” (Ef. 4:15,16).
En este proceso debemos tomar en cuenta que nuestro crecimiento no es algo que nos lleva hacia la independencia. Este modelo se observa en el mundo físico. Por ejemplo, los niños crecen en una total dependencia de sus padres. El crecimiento espiritual está marcado por una consciente dependencia del Señor Jesucristo. La madurez espiritual suprema es un estado de total dependencia del Espíritu Santo para que Él gobierne, guie y guarde nuestra vida.
Una manera que la Mesa Directiva de nuestra convención ha demostrado una dependencia total en nuestro Señor Jesucristo, es establecer un fondo de dotación para su autosuficiencia. Este paso requiere de fe, buena mayordomía y total dependencia de Dios acompañada de continuas donaciones financieras por parte de todos los que aman la obra que Dios hace a través de la Convención.
III. Quebrantamiento
Finalmente, un tercer aspecto del crecimiento espiritual es el quebrantamiento. Si vamos a cambiar y a crecer, debemos estar dispuestos a alejarnos de todo lo que nos haya estado reteniendo o empujándonos hacia abajo, o impidiéndonos estar en una posición en la cual recibamos lo mejor de Dios. Debemos estar dispuestos a renunciar a aquellas cosas que hemos estado reteniendo y a las cuáles nos hemos aferrado con toda nuestra fuerza.
Alguien dijo una vez: “Un alma se convierte de un momento a otro, pero para llegar a ser un cristiano maduro se requiere toda una vida”. Recordemos que la conversión tiene lugar instantáneamente; sin embargo, la madurez requiere muchos años, o incluso, de toda una vida.
La obra de Dios a través del quebrantamiento nos llama a no acumular sino a desechar. Él nos llama a deshacernos de todo lo que nos estorba en este proceso de formar nuestro carácter para quebrantarnos y hacernos conforme a su plan y voluntad para nosotros, tal como lo dice el apóstol Pablo, “despojarnos de todo egoísmo hasta que podamos decir: Todo lo que soy y todo lo que tengo es de Dios. Él está en mí y yo estoy en El y eso es lo único que importa” (cita abreviada).
¡Convención Bautista Hispana de Texas, sigamos cumpliendo fielmente nuestro llamado!
Sergio A. Ramos, Presidente de la Convención Bautista de Texas
BULLETIN 68
69
TEXAS BAPTISTS Annual Meeting NOVEMBER 10-12, 2024 WACO, TX WACO, TX WACO, TX WACO, TX WACO, TX Join us in Waco, Texas, for the 2024 Annual Meeting, and let's celebrate together all the ways God is working through Texas Baptists to advance His Kingdom.
STATEWIDE EVANGELISM
SHARE CHRIS T SHOW LOVE
JANUARY 21-22
TRINITY BAPTIST CHURCH
SAN ANTONIO, TX TXB.ORG/EC
72
At Baylor University’s Truett Seminary, students are equipped for ministry in a caring community. Truett offers deeply relational learning experiences with faculty who are experts in their disciplines and pastoral in their approach. Students are encouraged and challenged to grow academically and spiritually. We value you and your unique calling and will prepare you for gospel work and witness in a broken world.
do not have to be alone in your calling. Are you sensing a call to ministry?
You
Train together at Truett Seminary. Learn more at baylor.edu/truett. Waco | Houston | San Antonio Master of Divinity ∙ Master of Arts in Christian Ministry ∙ Master of Theological Studies ∙ Master of Arts in Theology, Ecology, and Food Justice ∙ Master of Arts in Theology and Sports Studies ∙ Master of Arts in Contextual Witness and Innovation Doctor of Ministry ∙ PhD in Preaching ∙ MDiv/Juris Doctor MDiv/Master of Business Administration MDiv/Master of Education ∙ MDiv/Master of Music ∙ MDiv(MTS)/Master of Social Work Baylor University admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin, sex, age, disability, or veteran status.