2022 Texas Baptists Book of Reports

Executive Board

Cooperative Program/Associational

Communications

Human Resources

Texas Baptist Heritage Center/Baptist

Texas Baptist Historical

Texas Baptist Missions

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Center for Church

Church Architecture

Church Health

Discipleship

Evangelism 19 GC2® Press 20 Music and Worship 21 Women’s Ministry 22 Center for Ministerial

23 Area Representatives

Bi-vocational Pastors Ministry

Counseling Services

Financial Health

Interim Church

Pastor Strong

Western Heritage Ministries

Center for Missional Engagement

BOUNCE Student Disaster

Church Starting

House/Philippi Church

Ministers Development and Missional Networks

Missionary Adoption Program

River Ministry/Mexico

Center for Cultural Engagement

Christian Life Commission

African American Ministries

Texas Baptists

Intercultural

Chaplaincy

Center for Collegiate

Baptist University of the Américas

Baylor University........................................................................................................................

Dallas Baptist University

East Texas Baptist University

Hardin-Simmons University

Houston Baptist University

Howard Payne University

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

Wayland Baptist University 70 San Marcos Baptist Academy

Stark College & Seminary

Valley Baptist Missions Education Center

Child Care/Aging/Retirement Baptist Community Services 78 Buckner International 80 Children at Heart Ministries

South Texas Children’s Home Ministries 84 Medical Centers Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio

Baptist Health System

Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas

Baylor Scott & White Health

Hendrick Health System

Denison Ministries

Guidestone

HighGround Advisors

Texas Baptist

Woman’s Missionary

of

of the

Hello, Texas Baptists!  It is good to be a part of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. We are not perfect, and there are always challenges. However, the Convention today is stable, healthy and forward thinking. I honestly believe our best days are yet to come. Certainly, that is my hope and prayer.

This year’s annual gathering focuses on the need for our pastors, church leaders and congregations to “stay the course!” The theme “Unwavering” issues that word of encouragement and challenge. The desire of those planning this time together is to see our Convention refreshed, renewed and sent home with a sense of determination, all fueled by the Holy Spirit.

Our Convention continues to increase in diversity, and we are diverse in a variety of ways. We are culturally and ethnically diverse.  Our churches, institutions, camps, missions and ministries are led by very capable women and men. We are very multi-generational and are seeking to give special attention to including the coming generations in leadership and service while, at the same time, counting on the experienced leaders of the past to help us transition well over these next years.

Additionally, we are expanding our borders to other states and countries. A variety of churches, conventions and Baptist entities have reached out to us to partner in missions. As you would expect, when God opens a door, the BGCT seeks to be obedient and diligent in stepping through that door. Please join me in praying for discernment and direction as these expanding opportunities continue to come our way. GC2, the Great Commandment and the Great Commission, continue to guide us and to attract others to us. Please help BGCT keep the focus on the right, good, Godly and Biblical directives of our Lord Jesus Christ.

It has been a true honor and joy of mine to serve as your Executive Director for these past 11 years. As I like to say, “most days have been good!” Thank you for the privilege of serving you. As I complete my time at the end of this year, I am so excited about what is next for Texas Baptists. This Convention is a true blessing, and the best is yet to come. God bless you all and “Thanks again!”

Sincerely,  David W. Hardage

DAVID HARDAGE Executive Director BECKY BROWN Executive Assistant

MAJOR ACTIONS OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD

SINCE THE LAST SESSION OF THE ANNUAL MEETING INCLUDED:

Approved the 2021 proceedings of the 136th Annual Session of the Baptist General Convention of Texas that met Nov. 13-15 in Galveston.

APPROVED THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS FROM THE COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS FOR BOARDS OF AFFILIATED MINISTRIES

Recommendation for nomination to the Baptist Community Services Board of Trustees

Approved the following nomination: Lori Boykin

First Baptist Church, Amarillo, TX

Recommendation for nomination to the Baptist Healthcare Board of Trustees

Approved the following nomination: Lisa Hultz

First Baptist Church, Dallas, TX

Recommendation for nomination to the Hardin-Simmons University Board of Trustees

Approved the following nomination: Daniel Stahl

Vista Community Church of Bell County, Temple, TX

APPROVED THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS FROM THE COMMITTEE TO NOMINATE EXECUTIVE BOARD DIRECTORS

Approved the following nomination: Term 2023

Suzette Mitchell, Sector 9-11 United Missionary BC, Dallas

Term 2023 John Roach, Sector 15 Green Acres BC, Tyler Term 2024 Aaron Pardue, Sector 19-22 Northway BC, Angleton

APPROVED THE FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATION FROM THE COMMITTEE ON COMMITTEES

Recommendation nomination to the Committee to Nominate Executive Board Directors and to the Committee on Nominations for Boards of Affiliated Ministries

Approved the following to fill a vacancy on the Committee to Nominate Executive Board Directors:

CNEBD – 2024 Term Seth Pittman FBC, Throckmorton, TX

Approved the following to fill a vacancy on the Committee to Nominate Boards of Affiliated Ministries:

CNBAM – 2024 Term Susan Rogers FBC, Garland, TX

APPROVED THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS FROM THE ADMINISTRATION SUPPORT COMMITTEE

Recommendation to adopt policy 525.1 Sexual Abuse and/or Exploitation by Church

The Executive Board of the BGCT maintains that any registered sex offender, having sexually abused and/or

permanently disqualified from serving in leadership positions in the church. Churches which violate this standard may be considered out of harmonious cooperation with the churches of the BGCT.

Recommendation for new ministry to single adults

Approved the establishment of a new Texas Baptists ministry to single adults.

APPROVED THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS FROM THE FINANCE COMMITTEE

Recommendation to apply for Employee Retention Credit

Approved engaging ERC specialists

assist BGCT in applying for the Employee Retention Credit.

Recommendation to pay off loan from Christ is Our Salvation (CIOS), A Consideration: Charitable Trust established by the Piper Family

Approved closing CIOS Fund #61087. We also recommend paying off the CIOS loan utilizing the proceeds from the CIOS Fund and our general operating account.

Recommendation to allocate 2022 JK Wadley Endowment Fund Earnings

Approved $375,000 of available

Fund earnings be allocated to 2022 needs

BSM – Campus Missionary

150,000

150,000 Western Heritage 50,000 Ministry Safe 25,000

- building

375,000

EXECUTIVE

2. We recommend that the percentage allotment of the adopted budget continue at 79% BGCT – 21% Worldwide, with each church selecting the recipient(s) of the Worldwide portion.

Recommendation for 2022 Texas World Missions Initiatives and partnerships allocation

Approved a 2022 proposed allocation of $1,000,000 of Cooperative Program, Texas Worldwide Missions Initiatives and Partnerships as follows: 2022 Proposed

Missions and Partnerships Missions Mobilization $ 340,000 River Ministry & Mexico Endeavors

200,000

Texas Partnerships 100,000 Baptist World Alliance 55,000 North American Baptist Fellowship 5,000 Intercultural International Initiatives 50,000 Go Now Missions 200,000

Texas Baptist Initiatives Hispanic Education Task Force 20,000 Chaplaincy 30,000

Total $ 1,000,000

Recommendation for 2021 church start funding

Approved recommendation that $200,000 of the investment income from the J.K. Wadley Mission Fund be allocated as needed to fund church starts.

Recommendation to allocate 2021 JK Wadley Endowment Fund earnings

Approved $500,000 of available JK Wadley Endowment Fund earnings be allocated to 2022 needs as follows:

Church starting $ 320,000 Collegiate Ministries for building maintenance 150,000 Campus Missionary Interns 30,000

Total $ 500,000

APPROVED RECOMMENDATION FROM THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Recommendation to adopt the GC2 Statement of Faith

The BGCT Executive Board affirms the GC2 Statement of Faith as a reasonable summary of our core, theological truths.

APPROVED RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE INSTITUTIONAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE

Recommendation to approve the autonomy of STARRY from CAHM

Approved the autonomy of STARRY from Children at Heart Ministries.

Recommendation to approve the Restate Certificate of Formation for Children At Heart Ministries

Approved adopting the (modified) Restated Certificate of Formation for the Children at Heart Ministries.

APPROVED RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE CENTER FOR COLLEGIATE MINISTRY COMMITTEE

Recommendation to approve Galveston BSM Building Exchange

Recommendation to approve Texas State BSM Building Exchange

Recommendation to approve West Texas A&M BSM Additions

Recommendation to purchase and renovate property for Texas Southern University BSM

APPROVED THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS FROM THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

Recommendation to secure 2021 independent auditor

Approved the firm Weaver to conduct the financial audit for the year 2020. Such audit is estimated to cost $50,500 based on a one-year contract.

Recommendation to approve the Restate Certificate of Formation for Children At Heart Ministries

Approved adopting the (modified) Restated Certificate of Formation for the Children at Heart Ministries.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

PROGRAM/ASSOCIATIONAL RELATIONS

BRUCE MCCOY Director RALPH EMERSON Associate Director ANNA CRITTENDON Cooperative Program Specialist SKYLER JAMES Ministry Assistant for Associational Relations

Share Christ: Show Love remains the message of Texas Baptists. The purpose of the Office of the Cooperative Program (CP) is to help churches discover how far we can reach with the love of Christ by cooperating in missions giving.

For your edification, we provide you with the 2021 CP Annual Report. It is a concise yet comprehensive report on how Texas Baptists mobilized their funds to effectuate the gospel. The CP Report is available online in English and Spanish at txb.org/ cpannualreport.

We have been blessed to make some adjustments in our staff. Anna Crittendon now serves as our Cooperative Program Specialist and Skyler James has recently begun as our ministry assistant for Associational Relations. Anna earned her bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University and her M.Div. from Truett Seminary; Skyler earned her bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University-Commerce. These ladies serve Texas Baptists with skill and integrity.

Bruce McCoy and Ralph Emerson have been ministering to our churches as guest speakers and clinicians across Texas and into some other states for Texas Baptists. Further, we created easy access to short videos on our website to provide your church families with informative and encouraging information about what your CP funds support. Each of these videos is excellent and info-packed into two or three minutes of information and inspiration. Many of our churches feature these videos as part of their Sunday morning worship experience. They highlight ministries such as our hospital chaplains, BSM leaders, local churches and much more who continue to impact the world for Christ. You can download and make use of them at www.txb.org/cp. The expanse of the gospel we share together is remarkable.

Whether you need something as simple as a card or a few CP fast facts, or our 2021 CP Annual Report or the 2022 Budget Summary, you can find them at txb.org/cp.

Associational Relations

One of my joys is working with over 80 associations across our diverse state. At the helm of each association is a gifted servant-leader on the cutting edge of church planting, ministry trends, troubleshooting and long-range planning. For years, they have been called a director of missions, though more and more are known as an associational missions strategist, or executive director. No matter what’s on their business card, they each are to be commended for their wisdom and skill in caring for our pastors within their association. These associations continue to partner with their local churches with projects such as food pantries, community gatherings, rodeos and prison ministries, through which the associations are able to minister to thousands across the state each year. If you would like to know more about their expansive ministry, please order “The Baptist Association” at rainerpublishing.com.

Camping Ministry

So many students come to Christ or answer the call to vocational ministry because of the spiritual impact they experience at camp. Please continue to pray for your regional camp, their director and their financial needs. In spite of the enormous challenges and the growing darkness of our culture, we praise the Lord students are still coming to faith in Jesus Christ through the camping ministry.

Have you ever wondered how many lives are touched through the collaborative missions efforts of Texas Baptists churches, ministry partners and ministry staff?

That’s exactly what we aimed to discover and share last fall when we created our inaugural Impact Report: A Celebration of GC2 Missions. The full-color report featured an overview of Texas Baptists missions and ministries, as well as the mission work of association, education, health and human care ministry partners. It was distributed to messengers to the 2021 Texas Baptists Annual Meeting and delivered via mail to all affiliated churches and ministry partners. Thanks to your Cooperative Program investment of $26 million, and your steadfast commitment to sharing Christ and showing love, more than 9 million lives were impacted in-person and online - praise God! (You can check out the digital version for yourself at txb.org/impactreport.)

This is precisely what the Communications Department is blessed with the opportunity to do each day: Share the story of what God is doing through the churches, partners and staff of Texas Baptists. We coordinate internal and external communications, promote the Convention and its ministries, and strive to manage the historically rich and ever-evolving Texas Baptists brand. Every hour through social media posts, every day through our txb. org website updates, every week and month through regular email newsletters sent, each quarter through our award-winning Texas Baptists Life magazine mailing, and annually through the Cooperative Program Annual Report, Impact Report, and other publications (just like this one), we are sharing the good news of what God is doing as we voluntarily cooperate to push back the lostness in Texas and around the world. (Visit txb.org/news and txb.org/subscribe to receive these and other messages.)

If you haven’t already, you may soon receive a text message from us. To promote our Future Church Conference that took place in April 2022 and to spread the word about our Texas Baptist Hunger Offering throughout the year, we have begun designing mobile messaging campaigns to which you may opt-in to receive important information, learn about Texas Baptists missions and initiatives, and give to support these ministries.

Finally, your Communications Department received 10 Divisional Awards and one Grand Prize award at the Baptist Communicators Association (BCA) annual workshop and awards competition this past April in New Orleans. Further, I was pleased to be named President of BCA, a tremendous honor and opportunity I share with my team members and the ministries of this Convention. Texas Baptists communicators are leading the way in sharing the story, and we are so grateful to you for your generous support.

JOSHUA MINATREA Director

AIMEE FRESTON Associate Director

SPENCER

WOLVERTON Communications Assistant

BONNIE SIESS News Manager

NEIL WILLIAMS Multimedia Specialist

VACANT Social Media Specialist

CALEB ARNDT Design Manager

LAUREN KENDALL Graphic Designer

MARITZA SOLANO Production Designer

JOHANN DYCK Senior Web Manager

JILLIAN SANDERS Web Specialist

HEATHER PENNA Senior Marketing Consultant

VACANT Marketing Consultant

RAY MALONE Director PEGGY MOULDEN HR Benefits Coordinator LATAMRA SELLS HR Generalist

In the midst of a very challenging year, the Human Resources Department experienced a remarkable year of work and ministry. With our stated purpose as our guide, “To support the mission and ministries of the BGCT by helping leaders attract, train, and retain quality staff members,” we have exceeded our expectations and goals.

In the midst of COVID-19, we faced two immediate challenges that tested the focus and metal of our HR Department: Having to replace our benefits administrator in August and installing our new Human Resource Information System,UKG (United Kronos Group), in October right before open enrollment.

Anytime you lose a key member of your staff, you are presented with challenges. On the plus side, you are also presented with opportunities. We conducted an internal review of our HR processes and procedures. We evaluated the critical things we do to look for opportunities to improve our performance, and thus, our ability to serve our ministries. To say we were stretched was putting things mildly. However, God allowed Peggy Moulden, our former BSM administrative assistant, to become our new benefits administrator in early September.

Aligning our staff with our mission.

There is a saying that says, “If you don’t know where you are going — any road will get you there.” But it’s easy to see that this approach can lead to being very busy but not necessarily accomplishing what needs to be done. It’s important everyone be on the same page and know what they are doing contributes to the overall mission and ministry. We set out to see how we could help support this type of organizational alignment. With this in mind, we created a new employee orientation process that helps our staff know our history, where we are today and where we are going. The process also gives our staff the opportunity to meet with our leadership and get answers to questions that are important to them and their families. We made the decision to have all employees go through the process so we are all working from a consistent foundation of knowledge and direction. HR also continues to refine our performance appraisal process. Here, we give our employees a formal way to ensure they know what is expected of them as they perform their ministry and how well they are doing against those expectations. Both processes help us, as an organization, ensure all our efforts are aligned with our mission and ministries.

The move to a new HRIS

The move to our Human Resource Information System was stressful for our staff. Everyone was affected by the move, and we were there to help. We employed our expertise in change management and employee relations to advise on ways to honor our past relationship with Paycom as well as embrace our new relationship with UKG that began in early October.

A resource to churches

We receive inquiries from churches about Human Resources related issues. While we always counsel our churches to seek professional legal and financial advice, this year we were able to offer suggestions relating to hiring, employee relations issues and various church/pastor issues.

These are but a few examples of the ways we have worked every day this year in service to our BGCT staff, churches and ministries. We in HR are blessed and we thank you for the opportunity you give us to serve in His name. We look forward to hopefully being able to help you in some way this coming year.

“It is hard for me to explain the importance of this work! Not only do our people need this material but to print and place it in the hands of our pastors is life changing. Our convention will be forever grateful for this gift.”

Akos Budovsky—Hungarian Baptist leader

“…this book will help our pastors to know the history of Baptists and what we believe!” Lupe Mwaipalo—secretary of southern region of the Tanzania Baptist Convention and director of the Arusha Baptist Seminary Branch in Tukyl

“I’d like to thank God for giving me this great privilege to translate Baptist Distinctives from English to Hindi.”

Emily Grace—Baptist leader in India

“I cannot tell you how important this book is to our churches and pastors. It is coming at the right time with the message we need.”

Joao Boechat, Brazil—director of academics at South Brazil Seminary

Responses like these continue to be received about the ongoing Baptist Identity translation project — a major focus of the Baptist History & Distinctives Council/Texas Baptist Heritage Center.

In a way, this worldwide translation project began in 2005 with the 27 illustrated Baptist distinctives articles prepared by the Heritage Center staff. They appeared in each issue of the Baptist Standard that year and were posted on the newly-created website www.baptistdistinctives.org, and they were published in book and leaflet form.

Thanks to the internet, the Baptist distinctives articles reached people around the world. In response to requests that the material be translated into other languages, the translation of the articles began. They were first translated into Spanish, posted on the website, and later published as a book Los Bautistas. The Portuguese translation was next. We are grateful for the chair of the council, Dr. David Mahfouz, who began his involvement at that point with the project. His relationship with the World Mission Center at Southwestern Seminary equipped him with a knowledge of Baptist leaders worldwide. Working closely with the center’s staff, he is enlisting translators, collaborating with the project’s webmaster, Brad Hepp, and exploring ways the material could be widely used.

When the pandemic hit, the translation project continued without a pause. At the time of last year’s report, the material had been translated into Spanish, Portuguese, Swahili, Chinese, Arabic and Hindi. French, Japanese, Korean and Russian have now been added with Vietnamese, Polish, Hungarian and Urdu in process. Each language is posted on www.baptistdistinctives.org, as well as on its own website.

Thus, the Baptist Identity materials will be available throughout the world in the languages of over five billion persons.

Baptists in some places indicated a desire for the material in book form. Books have been published in Spanish, Swahili and Arabic (electronic), with Portuguese and Hungarian in process.

Baptist organizations and educational entities in various countries are being enlisted to use and promote the materials. Chairman Mahfouz, utilizing his many worldwide contacts, has done the enlisting. He journeyed to Budapest, Hungary, this year to formalize a relationship with the Baptist academy and Hungarian Union. He also has taught and promoted the use of the materials in Cuba, Brazil and Argentina and plans to be in Peru, Guatemala and Columbia next year.

The Baptist Identity materials present the good news of Jesus Christ.

Thus, this translation project of the Baptist History & Distinctives Council/Texas Baptist Heritage Center helps Texas Baptists carry out the words of Jesus, “…Go and make disciples of all nations…” Matthew 28:19 NIV

We are thankful for this ministry opportunity and for Texas Baptists.

WILLIAM M. PINSON, JR Executive Director Emeritus/ Director TX Baptist Heritage Center (Volunteer)

DORIS A. TINKER Director Communications/ Organization (Volunteer)

ALAN J. LEFEVER Director

2021 marked the 88th year of operation for the Texas Baptist Historical Collection (TBHC). This past year the Collection began to navigate in the “new normal” of the pandemic. The TBHC had a handful of researchers visit the Collection after it opened to in-person research in the Fall of 2021. However, the Collection continued to help researchers virtually and via email throughout the year, answering over 500 requests from individuals, churches and institutions.

The acquisitions of new material are critical to the growth and future of any historical collection. In 2021, 102 linear feet were added to the TBHC, including additions to the Bill Tillman and TB Maston collections. The Maston addition included his writing desk and PHD regalia. The TBHC also added personal papers and artifacts from Paul Stevens, former head of the Radio TV Commission of the SBC. These items included a travel communion set that Stevens used as a chaplain during World War II.

The outreach programs led by the Collection staff included numerous virtual workshops and consultations during the first part of the year. In-person meetings began in the Fall. These workshops and consultations were led by Associate Director Naomi Taplin, and included instruction on how to start a church archive and sustain and reenergize church libraries. We hope to restart the Church Library Conference, suspended during the pandemic, in 2022.

BRITTANY

The TBHC is pleased to announce that, in coordination with Convencion Bautista Hispana de Texas, it is inventorying and cataloguing Hispanic materials held within the Collection. Bobby Martinez, a PHD student at Baylor University, is leading this effort. It is hoped that by the end of this project, the TBHC will have an extensive and detailed Finding Guide to all Hispanic materials in the Collection.

The Associational Minutes that have been digitized by the Collection from 1840-1996 are now available to outside researchers, thanks to an upgrade in our software system. To access these minutes, researchers will need a temporary password from the Collection. If you are interested in accessing the minutes, please contact Brittany Crumpton at brittany. crumpton@txb.org.

Texas Baptists Annuals are now available through Baylor University’s digital library as a result of our ongoing collaboration with the university. It is hoped the Baptist Standard will be available by year’s end.

The TBHC closed out 2021 with numerous staff changes. Brittany Crumpton, who had worked with the Collection previously, has returned as administrative assistant, and Dylan Price was hired as manager of the Texas Baptist Historical Museum at Independence and also serves as pastor of the Independence Baptist Church.

The Texas Baptist Historical Museum, a branch of the TBHC, located in the historic Old Independence Baptist Church in Independence, Texas, continues to tell the story of Baptists both globally and locally. Independence is also the birthplace of Baylor University. In June and July the TBHM hosted 2,500 Baylor freshmen as they learned why Texas Baptists founded Baylor as well as the early history of the school. If you or your church would be interested in touring the museum, contact Dylan Price at dylan.price@txb.org for more details.

Finally, the TBHC staff actively reached out to associations across the state to identify recently disbanded or disbanding churches to preserve these churches records before they are lost

TAPLIN

DYLAN PRICE

BUTLER

God’s mission. Your legacy. How can we help you make that connection?

The Texas Baptist Missions Foundation (TBMF) assists individuals and churches to connect God’s mission with their legacy through sharing their financial resources to create ministry impact. By engaging donors and potential donors with the mission and ministry of Texas Baptists, the Missions Foundation works to generate revenue over and above the Cooperative Program dollars received from churches.

From June 2021 through May 2022, the Missions Foundation assisted 5,043 donors in making 27,493 gifts, totaling more than $7.3 million to benefit the work of Texas Baptists. Donations designated for specific areas of ministry are distributed immediately. Some donors make gifts to the Missions Foundation, which are not specifically designated. Those undesignated gifts are distributed through Annual Grants made available to the staff of Texas Baptists and awarded by action of the TBMF Council, a group of 24 Texas Baptists donors elected to serve by the Executive Board. In September 2021, the Council awarded 36 grants totaling $575,600 for use by Texas Baptists ministries and missions in 2022.

Are you interested in return on investment? Currently, each dollar generated by TBMF costs a mere six cents of Cooperative Program support. Investing in Kingdom work through the Missions Foundation is not only spiritually fulfilling; it is financially responsible.

Generosity in the post-COVID-19 period

As travel and face-to-face meetings began to resume, many Texas Baptists were ready to take purposeful action related to giving. Several Missions Foundation milestones have been met despite expectations that giving would decrease.

In August 2021, TBMF secured the largest single non-bequest gift in the Missions Foundation’s 40-year history. The $1.6 million gift created an endowment to provide scholarships for students attending Baptist University of the Américas.

In September 2021, TBMF began offering an opportunity for every Texas Baptist to create their own legally valid will online for free. This effort allows Texas Baptists to provide for their families, preserve and pass on the resources God has entrusted to them and perpetuate God’s work in future generations. Through FreeWill.com/missionsfoundation, more than 115 wills have been completed, creating bequests totaling $7,488,400 as of June 2022. The bequests benefit Texas Baptists churches, Texas Baptists and associated ministries.

In November 2021, the TBMF Legacy Society was introduced to bring together those who have specifically benefited Texas Baptists ministries and missions through their estate planning. Expressing gratitude for their generosity, we seek to create opportunities for them to learn more about God’s work through Texas Baptists. If you have included Texas Baptists in your estate plan, please let us know. If you’d like to learn more, we stand ready to help.

Early in 2022, TBMF worked with a disbanding church to transfer ownership of their buildings and land to Texas Baptists. Through collaboration with the Center for Missional Engagement, a new Texas Baptists church began meeting on the site within a matter of months and is already reaching its community.

The ongoing Next Century Campaign, which supports Baptist Student Ministry (BSM) at Texas A&M by increasing its endowments by $2 million in order to expand BSM to additional Aggie campuses, continues to progress. More than $1.3 million has already been received.

Efforts are currently underway to raise support for BSM work at UTMB in Galveston, as well as campus ministries in Fort Worth and San Antonio.

Will God’s Mission be your legacy? The future of Texas Baptists ministry and mission support depends on your answer. Reach out to the Missions Foundation if we can be helpful to you or your church.

JERRY CARLISLE President

STEVE MASSEY Vice President

ERIC WYATT

Vice President

JULIE GALINDO Donor Relations Specialist

BARBARA FORBIS Administrative Assistant

BRUCE MCGOWAN Senior Consultant for BSM

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

CRAIG CHRISTINA Associate Executive Director

STEVE MULLEN Director Theological Education

ANNA ROSALES Executive Assistant to the AED/Exec. Brd. Coordinator

MARIBEL PAZ Committee Specialist

Texas Baptists are entering a period of transition. We are transitioning from the excellent leadership of David Hardage to a new executive director. As such, life is bittersweet. It is bitter because we are sad at Dr. Hardage’s retirement. It is sweet because Texas Baptists are in the healthiest position we have experienced in years.

We have the best church-planting model in the nation. Our overall receipts have been increasing. The Lord has enlarged our ministry beyond the borders of Texas as dozens of churches around the USA have joined the GC2 Movement. Together, we are supporting 138 MAP (Missionary Adoption Program) missionaries in 15 countries. We have endorsed over a thousand chaplains and have become the fourth largest endorser of military chaplains in the U.S. Armed Forces. We are on 130 college campuses through Baptist Student Ministry (BSM), with many salvations every month. In the past year, we gave hundreds of thousands of dollars in financial, sabbatical and inflation relief grants to our ministers. We have the best Church Health team in the world. And the phone never stops ringing with requests for Texas Baptists to respond to disasters, tragedies and crises around the world, from Uvalde to Ukraine. For these reasons and many more, I am proud to be a Texas Baptist and grateful for the good and faithful servant leadership of David Hardage.

So now, God is giving us a moment of transition. What will we do with this moment? In John 12:1-11, Lazarus, Martha and Mary had a final moment with Jesus on earth. They had a celebration dinner to honor Jesus six days before Passover and the cross. Lazarus was witnessing as people from around Israel came to see Jesus and Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the dead. Martha was working by serving the meal. May the Lord give us more Marthas/workers in the church. Mary was worshiping by pouring out a pint of pure nard on the feet of Jesus and drying his feet with her hair; “and the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume” (John 12:3). Oh, that God’s houses would be filled with the sweet fragrance of sacrificial praise!

Lazarus, Martha and Mary seized the moment, while Judas missed it. If Lazarus was witnessing, Martha was working and Mary was worshiping, then Judas was whining about how the perfume was wasted on Jesus. Critics rise up every time we stand up for Jesus. Even so, we must lean into the opportunities the Lord is presenting Texas Baptists while we pray for the search committee and our next leader.

So how can we seize the moment during this period of transition? Come to the party for Jesus! Lead your church growth by taking our church health assessment and learning strategies for improvement. Encourage your ministers to be healthy and strong by connecting with our spiritual, physical, financial and psychological resources. Go on a mission trip with Texas Baptists to the Valley, on the border, into Mexico, into the inner city, to help a pregnant mother, to minister to LGBTQ people, to reach college students through BSM or to plant a church. The opportunities are endless.

Lazarus, Martha and Mary had a party for Jesus that was bittersweet. Each one participated by using their gifts to serve Him. There are so many ways you and your church can engage with the work of Texas Baptists beyond giving your best gifts to the Cooperative Program. Lazarus, Martha and Mary seized their moment. Will we?

The Center for Church Health was created to strengthen the local church, providing resources in the areas of church health strategies, evangelism, apologetics, discipleship, worship, children’s ministry, student and family ministry, single & young adult ministry, women’s ministry, Boomer ministry, church architecture and GC2 Press publishing. When churches need assistance with any local church ministry area, they know to call the Center for Church Health.

The present grouping for the Center for Church Health includes the following teams: Discipleship, Evangelism, Music & Worship, Church Architecture, GC2 Press, Church Health Strategy, Women’s Ministry and Single & Young Adult Ministry. Every team listed went through some degree of change in assignment or personnel during this reporting period.

The new mission statement for our convention proclaims that “Texas Baptists is a movement of God’s people to share Christ and show love by strengthening churches and ministers, transforming culture and connecting the nations to Jesus.” We believe the Center for Church Health is uniquely positioned to effectively speak to this mission statement.

Discipleship added Nicole Gaviria as Discipleship ministry assistant this year. David Adams leads a staff of gifted discipleship leaders who are always seeking to respond to the needs of Texas Baptists.

Evangelism – Leighton Flowers guides a wonderful team of evangelism leaders who are making a significant impact on the Kingdom through resourcing our Texas Baptists churches.

Music & Worship – Under Tom Tillman’s leadership this ministry continues to meet needs in such a wide variety of churches each year. Vicki Schmidt joined our staff this year as our new Music & Worship Ministry coordinator. We welcome her commitment to all aspects of music ministry.

Church Architecture – With the retirement of our previous Church Architecture staff, we spent considerable time revisioning what the future of the ministry would look like. As you’ll see in their report that follows, VisionBridge Consulting, along with the capable leadership of Ken Hunnicutt, has built on the heritage of that ministry and taken it to new levels of response to our churches. We have exciting days ahead in Church Architecture.

GC2 Press publishing continues to see great response from our churches to the resources consistently being produced. In addition to the adult Bible study materials, Connect 360, which is the hallmark of GC2 Press, we have seen the inclusion of several books authored by some of our Texas Baptists staff and other writers.

Women’s Ministry, led by Katie McCoy, has inaugurated an effective means of hearing from, and uniquely responding to, the needs of our churches. We welcomed a new ministry assistant, Payton Abernathy, to aid in this important work. We continue to receive positive feedback from church leadership who are hungry for the resources being curated for this ministry.

Church Health Strategy, under the capable leadership of Jonathan Smith, has developed a church health strategy for our Texas Baptists churches, entitled PAVE. Libby Shorman has joined the team as the ministry assistant and brings many skills to assist Jonathan in this exciting work. Watch for information and announcements about future training events and resources tailor made for every aspect of church life represented across our state. This is a major accomplishment that addresses the many requests consistently coming from our churches.

I encourage you to read the reports on every one of these teams in the pages that follow. We are excited to announce we are adding the Single & Young Adult Ministry to our center. I encourage you to look for that report in next year’s Book of Reports.

DEBY MILLER Administrative Assistant

CENTER FOR CHURCH HEALTH

PHIL MILLER Director

CENTER

CHURCH HEALTH CHURCH

MARK TODD President (VisionBridge Consulting)

CAL TODD Project Manager (VisionBridge Consulting)

We were pleased to announce a new Church Architecture strategy designed to respond to requests made by our Texas Baptists churches, associations and institutions.

This new Church Architecture staffing began with the Texas Baptists staff reorganization during the summer of 2020.

With their acceptance of the Voluntary Retirement Offer (VRO) that was extended to over 30 BGCT staff members, our Texas Baptists Church Architecture staff, consisting of Keith Crouch, Pat Ekern and Ken Hunnicutt, were given the added benefit of a church architecture consultant contract that began at that time and planned to conclude, December 31, 2021.

At that time, we developed plans going forward to contract with VisionBridge Consulting using their staff to respond to the church architecture needs of our Texas Baptist churches, associations and institutions. We were excited to retain the leadership of Ken Hunnicutt to serve as Church Architecture coordinator. His administrative expertise and knowledge of all aspects of Texas Baptists Church Architecture has provided a smooth transition to introducing VisionBridge Consulting staff to our Texas Baptist family.

VisionBridge Consulting is led capably by their President, Mark Todd, and Project Manager, Cal Todd, and a staff of a dozen qualified architecture specialists. Their office is located in The Woodlands, just north of Houston, but their years of church architecture experience has taken them to numerous locations across Texas.

To date, VisionBridge Consulting and Ken Hunnicutt have combined to provide over 50 on-site consultations to Texas Baptist churches, associations and institutions.

We look forward to the continued ministry relationships the Church Architecture team has built around the state by connecting future responses to VisionBridge Consulting and their team of church architecture professionals.

KEN HUNNICUTT

Texas Baptist Church Architecture Coordinator (Liaison with VisionBridge Consulting)

The size of a church does not dictate the ministry impact of a church. Pastor Tim Williams of Gladewater Baptist Church has an average attendance of 25 people. Wanting to see his church grow, Tim asked me some “best tips” to stimulate growth. My well worn-out phrase is: “Nothing stirs the heart of a church like baptism.” I taught Tim a three-week baptism plan, which includes shooting a video testimony of the person being baptized and showing the video on baptism day. Shortly thereafter, a man named Gary was baptized at Gladewater Baptist Church. Tragically, twenty-three days later, Gary died unexpectedly. But, at Gary’s funeral, Tim showed Gary’s baptism testimony video. Many people in Gary’s family were amazed at Gary’s testimony and a standing ovation broke out after the viewing of the baptism video. Have you ever heard of a standing ovation at a funeral? I didn’t think so! Those present praised God that, though they did not have the chance to see Gary’s changed life, they heard about Gary’s changed life.

So goes the ministry of a church health strategist. It is an honor to connect with pastors from around our great state and help them discover their next step in church and community ministry. You have likely heard the term church revitalization lately. Some churches need a complete overhaul to grow again. But most churches simply need a next step, a new strategy. As just one member of the Center for Church Health team, our team can help your church build the following strategies, and many more:

• Evangelism

• Discipleship

• Family ministry

• Women’s ministry

• Church growth and revitalization

• Single adult

• Worship

• Vision and implementation

PAVE

PAVE is the name of the new Church Revitalization Strategy for Texas Baptists. Texas Baptists staff members Tom Howe, Clay Jacobson, and I developed PAVE over 15 months. Pastors and Texas Baptists leaders from around the state helped refine the process. In May 2022, 30 pastors launched the first PAVE cohort with a two-day training at the Texas Baptists offices. Those 30 pastors are now in cohorts of learning and encouragement. Dr. Steve Quinn, Dr. Tim Rowell, Pastor Ryan Buck and I, all experts in church revitalization, are now coaching the first PAVE cohorts through the revitalization process. My goal is to see 250 pastors equipped in the PAVE strategy by the end of 2025. Look for PAVE opportunities in 2023 for your region, your association or your church.

Partnering

In 2021, Texas Baptists created a strategic partnership with Dr. Thom Rainer of Church Answers. We have several church health products that are cobranded with Texas Baptists and Church Answers, providing Texas Baptist churches with revolutionary tools to further the kingdom of God.

Preparing

It has been an honor to prepare and equip over 80 pastors via onsite consultations or via Zoom the last year. Each church has a history, story and gospel to be proclaimed. Every church has her own unique context and requires prayerful and careful analysis as she prepares her next steps of ministry. Consulting with pastors is my lifeblood. Nothing is more thrilling than guiding and coaching pastors in biblical principles that advance the Kingdom of God.

For more information about Church Health Strategy, including resources, articles and podcasts, visit www.txb.org/healthychurch

JONATHAN SMITH Director

LIBBY SHORMAN Ministry Assistant

CENTER FOR CHURCH HEALTH DISCIPLESHIP

DAVID ADAMS Director

JENNIFER HOWINGTON Childhood Ministry Specialist CORY LEIBRUM Youth & Family Ministry Assistant SARAH JOHNSON Childhood Program Coordinator

NICOLE GAVIRIA Discipleship Ministry Assistant

The Texas Baptists Discipleship Team exists to provide consultations, training, special events, tools and resources to help congregations develop healthy strategies of disciplemaking. Learn more at txb.org/discipleship.

Our childhood ministry area continued to thrive in 2021-22, despite challenges presented by the pandemic. The Childhood & Family Ministry Summit offered a digital pass option with over 40 video sessions for ministry leaders and lay leadership. Our Preschool & Children’s Ministers’ Retreat met in January with 25% new participants, including six students from Howard Payne University.

The Special Friends Retreat was a virtual event in 2021 with 322 participants representing 16 churches. Texas Baptists provided resources, enabling our churches to conduct miniretreats within their communities. Churches sent video recordings for the talent show enabling our friends to connect and participate virtually.  Scott Schulik, minister to maturing adults at Mobberly Baptist expressed his appreciation for our support and added that “the filmed videos were an integral part of this event.”

We were excited to host Conclave NextGen in person at FBC Richardson in October 2021. This conference now has something for everyone who leads NextGen/Family ministries— childhood, youth, college and parent ministries. One attendee said it was “a blessing to be poured into so we can then go pour into the families in our church.”

2022 signaled new opportunities for the youth and family ministry area. Cory shared with parents from Sugar Land Baptist Church at their annual Family Retreat about lasting parental influence. This was the first time Sugar Land was able to hold this event since 2019, as they, like many other churches, returned to more in-person events.

We also hosted “Pass it On” in May. This trainer of trainer events, led by Dr. Jim Burns of Homeword, trained church leaders to lead family ministry conferences for the families in their churches. Topics included “Understanding Your Teenager,” “Generation to Generation (Energizing Your Family’s Spiritual Life)” and “Creating an Intimate Marriage.”

It was encouraging to be a part of numerous training events for youth ministries who were experiencing numerical and spiritual growth across our state.

The annual Discipleship Leaders Retreat in April 2021 featured topics like “Why Groups Are Foundational to Church Revitalization” and “Leading Change When Nobody Wants It.” One attendee stated, “I come for the networking, and you always provide exceptional opportunity for that. The equipping and encouragement were well done, also. Thank you for providing this. We need it.” Another said, “Excellent content. Taking home practical information that can be implemented.”

The Discipleship Collective is a new series of annual training events across Texas for teachers and leaders in Sunday school and small groups ministry. In March 2022, our discipleship team brought together some of the best church staff leaders around the state in adult, youth and childhood ministry to train and prepare to launch the Discipleship Collective in Fall 2022. By the time you read this at Annual Meeting, at least a dozen Discipleship Collective events will have equipped leaders to be more effective disciple makers. Be on the lookout for 2023 events at txb.org/dc.

Your Discipleship Team is honored to serve you, and we are thankful for the opportunity of seeing God at work in churches all across Texas. Email or call if we can be a sounding board for your ideas, a trainer for your leaders or a connection to resources to help you develop healthy followers of Jesus.

Evangelism

A healthy church is an evangelistic church. Therefore, the Evangelism team exists to challenge, equip and train Texas Baptists, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to passionately fulfill God’s call to reach all people with the gospel of Jesus Christ. On our team we have specialists to lead out in reaching those from different generations and those from different cultural and racial backgrounds. Please take some time to be encouraged by these brief overviews of the work by your Evangelism team.

Super Summer

Almost 50 summers and over 150,000 people taught to know and share the gospel. This summer we continued that legacy as we examined the life of Jesus and His desire to have a relationship with each of us. We learned how we can adopt His interest and join Him in his work of reconciling the whole world back to the Father. Yet there is more for Super Summer. New ministry is on the horizon as Super Summer expands with Greenhouse, a groundbreaking new way to teach families and encourage whole households to share their faith.

African American evangelism

The Recharge Conference focused on dealing with the current challenges and dangers hurting the African American church. Some of these challenges are Black Identity cults like the Hebrew Israelites. The Hebrew Israelites are the fastest growing religion in the African American communities. The goal for Recharge is to educate and equip African American churches to speak against these new heresies and give new tools and techniques to evangelize to all people including Black Identity cults.

Hispanic evangelism 2022

“How can our church reach our changing community?” This is a question often heard from our churches in the state of Texas. With the projection of 11.4 million Hispanics in Texas per the 2020 census, Texas now ranks #2 in total Hispanic population among states in the U.S. Texas Baptists Hispanic Evangelism is committed to the training of our churches in reaching their community through evangelism and discipleship.

Jesus said, “I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields. They are ripe for harvest.” We believe that evangelism and discipleship provide the answers to this challenge.

Congreso

Congreso is designed to reach Hispanic students with the gospel, invest in their lives and equip them for impactful living as disciples of Jesus. This year was our first inperson Congreso post-COVID-19. It took place at Southwestern Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. We had about 1500 students attend and engage in biblical teaching and worship and there were 124 decisions made for Christ. We look forward to hosting Congreso Experiences in the Fall, leading up to the main event next spring.

Apologetics

Our [un]Apologetic Evangelism Conferences continue to reach new heights as we engage the minds and hearts of new churches, associations and college campuses across the state. One conference alone saw participation from over 50 churches, from 25 cities, with representation from five different states. In addition, students across 15 college campuses have been equipped with training for apologetics in evangelism. In a culture filled with doubts and questions, we teach others how to provide biblically based answers in truth and love.

txb.org/evangelism

LEIGHTON FLOWERS Director

JASON RICHARDS Youth Events / Super Summer Specialist

HANNAH WILLIAMSON Youth Evangelism Ministry Program Coordinator

CARLOS FRANCIS African American Specialist

VICTOR RODRIGUEZ Hispanic Evangelism Specialist

DAVID GONZALEZ Congreso Coordinator

ERIC HERNANDEZ Apologetics Lead & Millennial Specialist

EMILY HAMBY Lead Ministry Assistant

CENTER FOR CHURCH HEALTH

GC2

BOB BILLUPS Publisher

STAN GRANBERRY Markting Coordinator

Welcome to GC2® Press Bible Studies and Resources (formerly BaptistWay Press®).

We have changed our name. Our new name reflects the alignment with Texas Baptists’ recently updated mission statement: GC2 is a movement of God’s people to share Christ and show love. Our driving passion is to follow the Lord’s call to fulfill the Great Commission “to share Christ” and the Great Commandment “to show love.” The Great Commission and the Great Commandment form the two “GC’s,” or GC2.

GC2 Press will continue to publish the Connect 360 undated adult quarterly Bible study curriculum. Connect 360 has gained a reputation for solid biblical teaching and will continue to be in book form and digital downloads. Connect 360 is currently being distributed to over 1600 customers in 38 states and 16 countries and has been translated into eight different languages.

Note: Thanks to the ongoing generosity of Texas Baptists through their gifts to the Mary Hill Davis Mission Offering, we are able to add new, free, downloadable Bible studies to our website in several different languages each year.

Here are some highlights from June 2020 through May 2021:

Published in-depth quarterly adult Bible studies

• Living in the Spirit: Righteousness, Peace & Joy (Summer 2020)

• Pure Joy: A Choice to Rejoice (Philippians) (Fall 2020)

• The reMARKable Journey Begins: Faith & Hope (The Gospel of Mark) (Winter 2020-21)

• Solomon: No Ordinary Kind of Wisdom (1 & 2 Chronicles) (Spring 2021)

Each study in English includes a study guide, a large print study guide, and a teaching guide. Premium commentaries, premium teaching plans and teaching resource items are available at gc2press.org. Kindle editions of the study guides are also available on Amazon. You can find these by searching on Amazon/Kindle for “GC2 Press” or “BaptistWay Press.”

New book available

• Speak Freedom: Developing Emergent Leaders in the Struggle for Justice (March 2021) Written by Randel Everett, founder and president of 21Wilberforce and former executive director of Texas Baptists.

Upcoming in-depth quarterly adult Bible studies

• The Conquerors: Heroes of the Faith (Judges 1-8) (Summer 2021)

• The Making of Authentic Faith: Wisdom That Works (James) (Fall 2021)

• Jesus Storyteller: Timeless Truths from His Parables (Luke) (Winter 2021-22)

• Praise Him in the Storm: When Life Falls Apart (Job) (Spring 2022)

Upcoming new books

• The Joshua Dilemma: Mentoring Servant Leaders to Transition Through Ministry Succession (June 2021) Written by Rayford E. Malone, Director of Human Resources, Texas Baptists

• The Reluctant Peacemaker (August 2021) Written by Bruce McCoy, director of Cooperative Program, Texas Baptists

Moving toward the future GC2® Press will continue to seek to expand its reach in serving churches by

God through His Word. We will support the ministry teams of the BGCT as their publisher and leverage our website to serve more churches. Please check out our complete library of both printed and digital resources at gc2press.org. These resources include adult, college, youth, children, and preschool materials.

MINISTRY STATISTICS

people

It is an

May God continue to

BAPTISTWAY

(June 2020 - May 2021)

GC2® Press.

214-828-5263.

bob.

The Music & Worship team is here to help and encourage Texas Baptists churches by offering consulting to the worship pastor, senior pastor and music search committees.

Our prayer and desire is to be an encouragement to the church and worship leadership. In addition to consultations, we offer several training events for the church music and worship leadership throughout the year. Some of these are:

Children’s Worship University (CWU)

Our premier children’s choir/children’s worship/children’s weekday preschool music

January training event this year was back in person. After offering a virtual event in 2021, everyone was thrilled to be back in person in 2022. Our registration even increased from January 2020, so we were encouraged.

Worship Summits

Worship Summits resumed meeting in person after a year of going virtual. Summits offer a day of inspiration, fellowship and networking primarily for the worship pastor, senior pastor and worship leadership. These are smaller gatherings usually less than 20 people that allow for a great synergy of getting to know one another and being encouraged.

Instrumental Convergence

We were able to resume meeting in person for Instrumental Convergence in Tyler at Green Acres Baptist Church. We had over 75 participants and a guest clinician, Steve Dunn, from the University of Mobile.

Everlasting Choir Celebration

Everlasting resumed meeting in person this year. We had over 600 participants at the three locations — Amarillo, The Woodlands and Grand Prairie with guest clinician, Dr. Benjie Harlan. It was so good to be back together and we are looking forward to a great gathering in three locations next Spring.

Handbell Festival

Handbell Festival resumed meeting in person at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.

Over 75 people attended with guest clinician Dave Harris. We are looking forward to this Fall in San Antonio.

Singing Men of Texas

Six chapters and over 600 men comprise the Singing Men of Texas. All groups returned this last year to a normal concert schedule after the pandemic altered most group’s concert season in 2020.

Singing Women of Texas

Eight chapters and over 350 women were excited to slowly return to normal this past season.  2022-2023 promises to be a great season as we start planning for a 2024 summer tour.

Texas Baptists Children’s Chorus (TXBCC)

As this report period ends, we have launched our advertising and plan to begin our first chapter of the TXBCC (DFW) in Fall 2022. We look forward to reporting next year about the launch of this exciting new ministry.

Social media presence

The social

presence of

Music & Worship continues to grow. The

page has grown from 64 followers to over 1,672.

TOM TILLMAN Director

VICKI SCHMIDT Ministry Program Coordinator

CENTER FOR CHURCH HEALTH WOMEN’S MINISTRY

KATIE MCCOY Director PAYTON ABERNATHY Ministry Assistant VACANT Associate Hispanic Women’s Ministry BENNYE BRYANT Associate African American Women’s Ministry

Equipping Texas Baptists churches to become self-sustaining sources of women’s discipleship.

The phrase “women’s ministry” often comes with some baggage. Just ask people to describe what comes to mind when they hear the phrase, and you’ll get everything from “Bible studies and spiritual growth” to “casseroles and strong perfume.” Whatever your background, “women’s ministry” often has an emotionally fraught history.

Post-COVID-19, ministry to women is facing an urgent adaptive moment. Nearly every women’s ministry I speak to conveys that they want to do and be more than they were before the pandemic, but they don’t know what that is or how to create it.

More ministries to women are moving away from a “come and consume” model and toward a “connect and contribute” approach. Women have long been discontented with the “typical” women’s ministry, and — particularly among millennials and Gen Z — are hungry for an intellectually stirring and fully integrated faith.

Since joining Texas Baptists’ Center for Church Health in August 2021, I have had the privilege of speaking at 10 events, either to ministries to women or about the future of women’s ministry in the church. I’ve also conducted five consultations with women’s ministers and their teams to help leverage the creativity and opportunity that already exists in their communities. It was a special joy to speak to the college students at two of our Texas Baptists university chapel services.

These, along with countless conversations with Texas Baptist women, have helped the future of women’s ministry take shape: We want to equip churches to become selfsustaining sources of women’s discipleship.

To that end, we are launching the WELL (Women Equipping to Learn and Lead), a training program in which women’s ministry leaders across the state can engage in meaningful discussion, theological and exegetical study, worldview and leadership development, and teaching, speaking and ministry proficiency. Through focused discussions and preparatory practicums, women’s ministry leaders will sharpen their skills and cultivate connection with other women in ministry. The first cohort of WELL participants will begin January 2023.

We are also delighted to share our upcoming conference, Formed: Developing an Empowered Witness Through Personal Renewal. The Formed Conference will focus on cultivating deeply ingrained, counter-cultural habits of the soul that will empower women to remain faithful in an increasingly post-Christian world. The event will take place at Houston Northwest Church from March 24-25, 2023.

The phrase, “women’s ministry,” may have a history. But “ministry to, for, and by women” is the future. And at Texas Baptists, we are equipping the future of women leaders in the church.

Visit txb.org/womensministry to join these and other opportunities.

Working as a minister in a Baptist church has always been challenging, but some argue that ministry is more difficult today than ever before. The Texas Baptists Center for Ministerial Health exists to strengthen and encourage pastors as they strive to fulfill God’s call on their lives. The Center for Ministerial Health has eight different areas that work to accomplish this task.

Area representatives - Texas is divided into 9 Regions (Service Areas) and there is a Texas Baptists area representative who lives in each region and ministers in that region of the state. Area Representatives average more than 25 years of pastoral experience in the local church and are uniquely qualified to minister to pastors and connect them with the vast array of resources available through Texas Baptists. Texas Baptists area representatives made 13,497 contacts with pastors, churches and associations this past year.

Bi-vocational Pastors Ministry - Over 60% of Texas Baptist pastors are bi-vocational. The Texas Baptists Bi-vocational Ministry understands the unique challenges faced by bi-vocational pastors and provides resources and retreats specifically designed for the bivocational pastor.

Counseling services - Where can a minister or his family turn for confidential professional counseling services? Texas Baptists Counseling Services is a safe place for ministers and their families to go for help. This ministry also provides resources in the areas of mental health and sexual abuse prevention and sponsors webinars that touch on various mental health issues.

Financial Health team - A recent study has shown that 90% of pastors feel some sort of financial stress and 76% of pastors who have recently left the ministry left due to financial pressures. The Texas Baptists Financial Health Team is there to help when a minister experiences financial difficulties. Grants, low interest loans, personal financial counseling, financial education for churches, financial retreats and online financial resources are all available through the Financial Health team.

Interim church services - Where does a church turn when they have just lost their pastor? Texas Baptists Interim Church Services can help a search committee get started and understand a healthy process of finding their next pastor. It can also provide help in finding supply preachers, interim pastors and certified intentional interim pastors. Interim Church Services had contact with over 900 Texas Baptists churches in 2022.

Minister Connection - Minister Connection is a great tool for ministers and churches alike. Churches can submit their open ministry positions and view potential ministry candidates, while ministers can submit their resumes and view ministry openings. Both are free to contact the other as they feel led to do so.

Pastor Strong Initiative - The Pastor Strong Initiative is a ministry funded by a generous gift from the Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio. It takes a holistic approach to the health of the minister and is concerned with the physical, emotional, financial and spiritual health of Texas Baptist pastors. The initiative supports Barnabas and Lydia groups along with a monthly luncheon. The Pastor Strong Initiative also held two retreats in 2022. The Family Strong Retreat was for pastors and their families, and the Pastor Strong Retreat focused on pastors and their spouses.

Western Heritage Ministry - Texas Baptists have around 200 Western Heritage churches or “Cowboy Churches.” Texas Baptists Western Heritage Ministry understands the cowboy culture and encourages its pastors through retreats, training events and working with Cowboy Church associations.

The Texas Baptists Center for Ministerial Health is here to serve you. If you have any questions about what we can do for you, please don’t hesitate to call us at (214) 828-5111.

ASHLYNN BROWN Lead Ministry Assistant

CENTER FOR MINISTERIAL HEALTH

DOWELL LOFTIS Director

FOR MINISTERIAL

TIM WATSON Director Area 7 (903) 261-1929

KRIS KNIPPA

Area 1 (806) 292-6334

DAVID VELA

Area 2 (915) 309-3674

JOE AGUILAR

Area 3 (956) 534-2043

FRED ATER

Area 4 (210) 913-1891

ERNEST DAGOHOY Area 5 (832) 646-4965

TIM MARROW

Area 6 (254) 315-2667

STEVE DOMINY Area 8 (405) 765-7880

DAN CURRY

Area 9 (817) 781-2440

The Area Representatives team is strategically located in several regions throughout the Lone Star state. This team is continually aiding Texas Baptists pastors and congregations in fulfilling the Great Commission and the Great Commandment.

Area Representative Joe Aguilar is known throughout his native Rio Grande Valley. Texas Baptists leadership was contacted by Rev. Craig Blakeslee, pastor of Emmanuel Baptist in Alice. Pastor Blakeslee and his family returned to the United States in recent years after serving as oversees missionaries. Pastor Blakeslee was grateful to Joe Aguilar for the personal encouragement, prayers and resources he has provided to him and Emmanuel, Alice.

Steve Dominy serves as the area representative for the greater Dallas area. He is continually building relationships and connecting churches to Texas Baptists institutions and partners. Steve has engaged the staff at The Avenue Church, Waxahachie, concerning an internship with ministry students at George W. Truett Theological Seminary in Waco. Steve and the ministry staff at The Avenue Church believe theological education and practical learning in the local church is essential for effective ministry.

Tim Marrow authored a book titled, Before Abraham…I AM-The Claims of Christ from the Gospel of John. As the Central Texas area representative, Tim uses his book as a tool and a relationship builder to pastors and churches. His book was given to men incarcerated in Clifton by Pastor Coleman Reidling of Spring Creek Baptist Church of Bosque County. One of the men remarked after reading Tim’s book, “All other religions are men seeking God… Christianity is God seeking men!” Pastor Reidling said, “Tim Marrow’s book is like a cool drink of water in the wilderness.”

David Vela serves in far West Texas and lives in Odessa. David adds value to churches who do not have pastors and may be struggling to find one. He and his wife Lucy minister to these pastorless churches as if he were their own shepherd. He has filled a great need in recent days by regularly preaching at Champion Baptist, Roscoe.

Area Representative Kris Knippa covers a huge portion of West Texas, primarily the Texas Panhandle. In addition to the hundreds of churches to which he relates, he has also served as interim pastor of First Baptist, Crosbyton. This congregation underwent significant damage to their fellowship hall due to a horrendous storm. Kris has been instrumental in not only providing steady leadership during this pastoral transition, he has also helped in the rebuilding of the fellowship hall at Crosbyton.

Houston Area Representative Ernest Dagohoy is not afraid to “roll up his sleeves” and work. When First Baptist Church of South Houston needed significant repairs to its aging facility, Ernest not only offered encouragement but he provided a helping hand as well. Ernest was a part of a team from First Baptist Church, South Houston, that worked hard to update their facilities. Providing an updated church facility positions the congregation to reach the community around it.

Dan Curry, area representative for the greater Fort Worth area was able to be a listening ear and an encourager to the people of Second Baptist, Ranger. In March of this year, their longtime church facility was damaged by fire due to arson. Pastor Wade Berry and his congregation are thankful to Dan Curry and Texas Baptists for being the presence of Christ in a terrible situation.

Our purpose is to encourage, equip and engage those who serve in a bi-vocational capacity or in small membership churches. We are walking alongside these hardworking servants and their churches to awaken them to fulfill their God-given vision. This past year we had the opportunity to coordinate pastor and spouse retreats, assist small membership churches impact their communities for Christ, facilitate training opportunities and work with bi-vocational pastors in Texas. Thank you, Texas Baptists, for your support in helping us help others. Because of this, three awesome things occurred.

Oh the freedom to mingle again. The pandemic caused most people to limit their contact with others, especially those outside of their immediate family. For pastoral families, this was an extra burden because they were not able to visit church members as accustomed. Even more, they were not able to mingle with fellow pastoral couples for a time of fellowship and encouragement. As gathering restrictions loosened, we partnered with four local fellowships and associations and held four Mark 6 Retreats. These Mark 6 Retreats are designed to allow bi-vocational ministry couples to come away from their ministry context and rest. Over 80 couples participated in these retreats. Many of the ministry couples stated how a simple weekend getaway helped them recharge and mingle with other ministry couples.

Bringing the mountain to them. In-person training events were limited, even non-existent, for the past two years. Yet, pastors and church leaders longed for training to assist them in these challenging times. So, we brought the training to them. We conducted a virtual training, allowing pastors and church leaders to be equipped without leaving their ministry context. The Big Ministry in Small Town Virtual Summit was held over a threeweek period. The beauty of the virtual summit was that church leaders could view the sessions later on demand.

Reaching the next generation of leaders. Many youth and young adults are unaware of what Texas Baptists is all about and how it makes a difference in Texas and beyond. To bridge that knowledge gap, we worked with a group of students attending one of our Texas Baptists universities. Through partnership with the university, we invited 15 students to attend the Annual Meeting, where they were introduced to Convention leaders, allowed to interact with messengers and heard about the interworking of the Convention. This three-day meeting impacted a small segment of the next generation of leaders. One student said, “I am a graduating senior, and this week has given me more insight and appreciation for the Baptist General Convention of Texas than I had during my four years of school.”

The Bi-vocational Pastors Ministry serves Texas Baptists churches to awaken them to the God-given vision to fulfill God’s mission. Thanks again, Texas Baptists, for your support that helps us help others.

IRA ANTOINE Director

CENTER FOR MINISTERIAL HEALTH

KATIE SWAFFORD Director of Counseling Services M.A., L.P.C.-S., Ph.D. in Leadership

RACHEL CARRELL Ministry Assistant

Counseling Services receives a variety of contacts related to mental health issues, and we are honored to assist ministers and their families with counseling resources. Over the past year, we assisted 100 ministers/families with financial help toward counseling, made over 1,200 contacts regarding counseling resources and added 27 Christian counselors to our network of nearly 275 approved counselors across the state. Counseling Services is grateful for the support of Texas Baptists through the Cooperative Program which helps to provide the hope and healing we strive to extend.

Here are a few examples of the calls we received and situations we can assist ministry families with:

A minister and spouse contacted our offices to request marriage counseling. After several years in ministry, the couple felt a need to reconnect as the stress of ministry had taken a toll on their relationship. Counseling Services was able to connect this couple with a marriage counselor to assist them in strengthening their marriage and identifying strategies for continued growth and protection of their relationship.

A children’s minister contacted Counseling Services for a counselor referral to address depression and anxiety that became overwhelming during the pandemic. The minister was connected with a counselor via telehealth due to the pandemic and social distancing restrictions.

A worship minister contacted our offices seeking counseling for his adopted teenage son who was experiencing a great deal of anxiety and struggling in school because of the pandemic. The minister and family received a referral for a counselor from our network along with financial assistance toward the counseling.

SERVICES

A ministry couple identified they were burned out from the additional ministry stress endured during the pandemic and having served in ministry for more than 20 years. Counseling Services worked with the couple to identify a retreat for rest, spiritual renewal and growth individually and within the marriage relationship.

The pandemic has continued to impact our ministry leaders and their families in numerous ways. Experts predict a tsunami of mental health issues over the next few years in the aftermath of the pandemic. Ministry leaders are not immune to these struggles.

Regardless of the difficulties Texas Baptists find themselves walking through, we are here as a resource to help connect you to the mental health assistance you may need.

Our prayer in Counseling Services is that you do not encounter circumstances in your life that prompt you to need our assistance.  However, should you find yourself facing one of life’s storms head on, know we are glad to help you connect to the mental health resources you need and count it a privilege to come alongside you in a difficult time.

The Pastor Sabbatical Grant was widely successful and provided much-needed respite and renewal for Texas Baptists pastors. Texas Baptists offered $1,000 for a two-week sabbatical or $2,000 for a one-month sabbatical to eligible churches to help make a sabbatical possible for more pastors.

• Over 100 churches partnered with Texas Baptists to provide their pastor a sabbatical.

• Over $100,000 has been distributed to churches to help with the costs for pulpit supply and for the pastor’s sabbatical expenses.

• After their sabbatical, one pastor reported, “Most importantly, I discovered that my relationship with Jesus is sweeter when I start with seeking Him relationally, instead of vocationally. Not having to preach or teach for four weeks provided more margin to seek God for the sole purpose of my own spiritual edification. Sundays are always coming in the life of a pastor. Therefore, it is easy to fall into the temptation to treat prayer and Scripture as panning for ideas to preach and teach on for the edification and equipping of others. The sabbatical provided a way and insight into how to enjoy communicating with Jesus before fretting over how to communicate about Jesus to others. Rediscovering this over four weeks brought a much needed, inward revival.”

Because ministers dedicate their lives to the church, ensuring they can support their families financially is crucial to having a healthy pastorate and healthy churches. The Financial Health Team equips pastors and ministers for financially healthy vocations in ministry by providing free personal financial counseling for pastors, educational seminars, matching grants, financial education curriculum and online resources.

Key lay leaders of the church can also partner with the Financial Health team through the Ministers Financial Health Grant in which they view an online seminar along with the pastor and help raise $2,500, which is then matched dollar-for-dollar by Texas Baptists to help the minister pay down debts, build up retirement savings or utilize for emergency savings.

The Financial Health team has developed a network of over 80 financial counselors across the state who can assist pastors and their spouses in developing a financial plan and working through financial challenges they may be experiencing.

Texas Baptists have also published a free e-book available on the GC2 Press site called Financial Truth: Guiding Principles from God’s Word by Terry Austin that also includes a leader guide for churches to use for small group study. In addition, Texas Baptists partnered with STCH Ministries to offer Faith and Finances, a financial literacy curriculum for low-income adults, facilitator training for only $10 (the cost of the training guide). These resources can be found at txb.org/mfh.

• For this reporting period, Texas Baptists awarded over $114,000 in Ministers Financial Health Grants to Texas Baptists pastors and ministers. Those funds went directly to the pastor.

• 80 personal financial counseling sessions were held to provide financial guidance to the pastor and spouse. Below is one account from a pastor who received financial counseling:

The financial counselor helped the Sigala family review their assets and provided encouragement. Sigala recalled the counselor reading Scripture as they made decisions and praying often. He explained the importance of pastoral financial stability with a parable found in Luke 14, which speaks to the importance of having your resources in order as a disciple. The counselor helped Sigala understand that being in control of his finances served not only him, but his congregation, as he was able to then focus more on ministry and less on stress.

We thank Texas Baptists for partnering with us in promoting ministerial health.

TAMMY TERVOOREN Director

FOR MINISTERIAL HEALTH

CHURCH

KARL FICKLING Director

When asked to train a search committee this year, for some reason I thought of a contemporary chorus. Well, it was contemporary when I learned it in the 1960s. From the last verses of Isaiah 40, the song said:

Those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.

The interim time is a time of waiting. For years we have tracked the time to find a pastor as taking a year. That’s quite a wait. But these days are not normal. The pandemic slowed down the search process, as many pastors held back from “putting their resumes out there.” It’s not unusual to see “normal” interim periods last two years. As I write this report, it appears pastoral openings are beginning to normalize, but it’s still a time of great waiting.

Waiting occurs for another reason, too. For the last several decades there has been a growing trend — the pool of available pastors keeps shrinking. It is currently very thin. Seminary enrollment has declined. The number of seminarians seeking a church position is less than half. And the number of students preparing to be a pastor stands below 10%.

So, I’m not surprised pastorless churches are reporting the number of resumes they’ve received is small, indeed. Sometimes they’ll say, “We only received 20 resumes, and we don’t like any of them, but I guess we have to pick one!”

But they don’t. Instead, they should hang on to their interim pastor and wait. Wait until the search team is passionate they have discovered God’s will for calling the next pastor.

We have about 100 called-and-equipped interim pastors who are ready to help your church. They are serving from the top of Texas, to Big Bend, to the Gulf Coast, to the Piney Woods, and in-between.

But while you wait, your church needn’t just twiddle their thumbs. Isaiah continues: They shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

Your pastor search team needs training. Your members need information on what to do during the interim. They need to know when to run and when to walk — while they wait. Together, your church can keep moving forward during the interim time. With a calledand-equipped interim pastor — a “pastor during the interim” — it’s a lot easier to do.

If you are a pastor approaching retirement, or in another position that would allow you to serve as an interim pastor, why not contact the office for Interim Church Services to see how you could help churches in the challenging times described above? We made over 900 contacts, supporting our interim pastors, search committees and pastorless churches. There’s plenty of need if the Lord is calling.

The Pastor Strong Initiative was created to minister to pastors and their spouses who feel isolated and ill-equipped to meet the demands of life and ministry. The initiative hosts separate gathering for pastors and their spouses so they can develop meaningful relationships by addressing the spiritual, mental, physical, emotional and financial concerns that affect the health of a pastors and their families. There are currently over 40 pastors and about 30 pastor’s spouses who participate in the Pastor Strong Initiative.

During the monthly gatherings, pastors and their spouses enjoy a time of fellowship, a small group discussion over one of the health concerns and share a celebration and challenge so they can be in prayer for one another. These gatherings provide a safe environment for pastors and their spouses to have a moment of tearful transparency they are rarely given due to their positions. Pastors and their spouses who regularly participate in the monthly gatherings have developed lifelong friendships that have been a source of encouragement, especially in a pastor’s darkest ministry hour.

In 2022, the Pastor Strong Initiative launched its first Family Strong Retreat so pastors and their families can have an opportunity to spend time together outside of church ministry activities, and at the same time, a chance for their children to connect with each other. Pastor’s kids, regardless of age, experience the same pressures of ministry, and when they know there are other kids just like them, the burden of ministry becomes easier to bear.

The initiative also hosted multiple couple’s nights, a family cookout and pool fellowship, separate fellowships for Pastors and their spouses, and the third annual Pastor Strong Retreat for pastors and their spouses only. This year, the focus for the Pastor Strong Retreat was on marriage, and couples who participated were equipped with meaningful skills so their marriage can thrive under the pressures of church ministry.

CHAD SHAPIRO Director

VACANT Consultant/ Starter RACHEL CARRELL Ministry Assistant,

Texas Baptists Western Heritage Ministry completed a Central Texas Cowboy Church Pastoral Center (CCPC) in November 2021. The focus of the CCPC is to provide training for those who feel called to start or pastor cowboy churches. Each month an established cowboy church planter/pastor leads training to help potential pastors be exposed to practical pastoral leadership training. Some of the monthly topics include: how to prepare and deliver sermons, how to promote healthy church disciple making, how to be a pastoral leader, how to cast a missional vision and how to handle church administration. The 2021 CCPC was hosted by Pastor Bryan Miller and 3C Cowboy Fellowship of Salado, Texas. The training was attended by 39 participants representing 19 cowboy churches, with an average monthly attendance of 13 people.

In February 2022 Texas Baptists Western Heritage Ministry partnered with Pastor Corey Smith and Salt Branch Cowboy Church in Merkel, Texas to host a West Texas Cowboy Church Pastoral Center. So far in 2022, there have been 54 participants from 13 different cowboy churches attend the trainings, with a monthly average of 27 people.

In February 2022 Texas Baptists Western Heritage Ministry partnered with Cross Brand Cowboy Church of Tyler, Texas, to help put on a cowboy church leadership event. Horse Gate 2022 was attended by over 750 church leaders and this year one of the speakers was Dr. Tony Evans. It was a day of encouragement for all those who attended.

It has been a privilege to serve Texas Baptists in this capacity the past six years. — Jason Bryant

The Center for Missional Engagement’s purpose is to connect, strategically train and mobilize Texas Baptists in the fulfillment of the Great Commission and the Great Commandment (GC2). We are enthusiastic about loving God and sharing the good news in collaboration with Baptist churches and like-minded organizations with those who are not yet God’s people.

Some of our programs include Church Starting, River Ministry & Mexico Missions, Missionary Adoption Program (MAP), Texas Baptists Missionaries, Minister of Missions, BOUNCE, House Churches, Philippi Churches, Multi-Housing, Pastors Commons, Embrace, Devoted, Church Planting Centers (CPCs), Community Missions and Urban Missions. In this annual report you will read about what the Lord is doing through our churches, church groups and mission partners.

Some key statistics in our center are: Professions of Faith—17,335, Baptisms—1,424, New Churches—647 (Church Starting, House Churches, Philippi Churches, River Ministry/ Mexico Missions, and MAP), New Ministries—999, People Served—721,108, Spiritual Conversations—4,597 and Discipleship—2,563. We praise the Lord and thank our churches and mission partners for this.

Our prayer is that everyone living in our great state will hear the good news and experience the love and power of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is our desire to help pastors, church staff and church leaders by providing strategic missional training. This type of training is lifelong and is based on God’s Word, including spiritual and missional practices, reflection and missional experiences (action-oriented learning). Examples of strategic missional training are church starting assessments, vision and mission trips, church planting training centers, strategies for urban missions, missional mentoring and coaching, ministry opportunities to immigrants, and customized training for community missions.

The future of missions is exciting and unpredictable. We, as Texas Baptists, are called to be the light of the world and the salt of the earth in a lost and divided world. The population of the state of Texas has been bilingual and bicultural along the Texas-Mexico border and multicultural and multilingual in the urban centers of our state. The face of Texas will continue to change and grow. People are moving to Texas in search of better opportunities and a better future. Factors to consider about the future of missions in Texas are the rapid population growth, the variety or diversity of the population and the shifting demographics of the workforce. All these variables represent a great opportunity and challenge for Texas Baptists churches as they seek to love their neighbors and share the gospel with everyone. The Lord has a purpose for us in our generation. Are you ready for this?

The Center for Missional Engagement would like to partner with you in the Great Commission and the Great Commandment.

R. JOSUE VALERIO Director

STACEY RICE Lead Ministry Assistant

CENTER FOR MISSIONAL ENGAGEMENT

MISSIONAL ENGAGEMENT

DAVID SCOTT Director LEAH MCMULLEN Ministry Assistant

Through BOUNCE, student ministry leaders can mobilize their middle school, high school and college students for challenging mission service. BOUNCE provides two mission options: hands-on construction missions through long-term disaster recovery and community rehabilitation or church planting missions.

In the past ministry year, BOUNCE participants continued to assist victims of Hurricane Harvey in recovery efforts. Although it’s been five years since Harvey devastated the Gulf Coast, people are still living in Harvey affected homes. During Summer 2021 and Spring Break 2022, hundreds of BOUNCERS from 28 Texas Baptist churches stepped up to help by replacing roofs, drywall, floors and more. In addition to work on the Texas Gulf Coast, 42 BOUNCERS journeyed to Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico, to assist with recovery efforts from Hurricane Maria.

Church Planting BOUNCERS served eight Texas Baptists church plants in Dallas and Houston in 2021. Student groups from seven Texas Baptists churches help church plants BOUNCE forward in ministry momentum by conducting Bible clubs, block parties, survey work and more. Participants also experienced training led by Texas Baptists Church Starters to gain a greater understanding of the necessity of planting more churches in Texas.

The value of BOUNCE is obvious when communities are helped to “BOUNCE back” from the devastation of disasters and church plants and planters are assisted in “BOUNCING forward” in ministry momentum. However, there is also an impact on those who serve. BJ Foster, student pastor at First Baptist Church Lewisville, shared about his students Spring Break experience in Jefferson County serving Hurricane Harvey victims.

Foster says, “Missions help my students to understand the importance of loving others through service and both verbally and nonverbally sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. It never ceases to amaze me what students can accomplish when challenged to overcome … BOUNCE placed my students in situations where they could show Christ’s love to others in a multitude of ways.”

BOUNCE participants also assembled over 1,000 hygiene kits for River Ministry in 2021, and, during the Spring Break 2022 Mission, began collecting an offering to support a Missionary Adoption Program missionary in Uganda.

For more information on mobilizing students through BOUNCE, visit txb.org/bounce.

Between April 1, 2021 and July 31, 2022 during a worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, Texas Baptists Church Starting paused, reset and quickly pivoted to start 43 churches and replant three. At the same time, we poured extra energy, care and strategy into all 218 of the churches within our five year process. With the help of Texas Baptists leadership partners, and sponsors we were able to give additional funds, training, encouragement, counseling and equipment to assist with media needs.

In this time period, we saw 2,023 professions of faith in Texas Baptists church plants and 557 baptisms. We celebrate this considering that very few of the church plants had inperson meetings during this time, which is a testament to the creativity and hard work of the church planters and their support team. We also celebrate the diversity of Texas Baptists church planting. In the 37 church starts/replants the following ethnic groups were represented: African American, Arabic, Congolese, Hispanic, Korean, multi-cultural, Nigerian and Anglo.

Texas Baptists Church Starting fully embraces the GC2 movement which led to help start churches in Washington, Oregon, California, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Hawaii, New York, Louisiana and Indiana, as well as Texas.

Texas Baptists Church Starting has continued to refine its process to provide more resources and structure for planters to provide the strongest starts possible: A robust assessment, strategy and planning, counseling, administrative assistance, media and worship training, demographic studies and online and in-person training. Assessments were held at First Baptist Church, Bryan; First Baptist Church, San Antonio; Shady Oaks Baptist Church, Hurst; and First Baptist Church, Marble Falls. There were also two Hispanic assessments at Union Baptist Association, Houston.

This past year has provided the platform for future planning. Texas is experiencing unprecedented growth, with the expectations of millions more Texans in the years to come. Now is the time to plan for how we will reach those new Texans, and part of the process will be Church Starting. We are identifying locations of explosive growth in all of the large metropolitan areas as well as the small to medium size cities. We need more sponsor churches and partners as we look to strategically plan for these new churches. To assist in this process, we are developing Church Planting Banquets in 2022.

Considering the growth in Texas and beyond, we will utilize Vision Tours. In the last year, we were able to cast vision for Church Starting virtually in Texas, Washington, Oregon and Hawaii while setting up Vision Tours for California and New York. We are already planning Vision Tours in 2023 for Washington, Oregon, Idaho, California and New York. These vision trips allow us to be a part of church planting in these areas as well as collaborate and improve our Church Starting in Texas.

The future for Texas Baptists Church Starting is exciting because of the great opportunities that lay ahead. Come join us by contacting Tom Howe at 817-201-2653, tom.howe@txb.org.

TOM HOWE Associate Director

JOHN SILVA West Texas

DANIEL DELEON South Texas

D. EARL LEWIS

Southeast Texas

LONNIE TUCKER

Northeast Texas

CLAY

JACOBSON North Central Texas

JASON BRYANT Central Texas

TERRY LYNCH Ministry Assistant

CENTER FOR MISSIONAL ENGAGEMENT

HOUSE CHURCHAPARTMENT

CHURCHPHILIPPI CHURCH

PAUL ATKINSON Director

House, apartment and micro churches are full partner churches with Texas Baptists. These churches have these 10 functions designed within their strategic plans: baptizing, praying, disciple making, evangelism, loving, worshiping, giving, Bible study, new leaders and mission engagement.

Three years of organic church starting in Texas

Professions of faith 2020 – 1,650 Baptisms 2020 – 256

Number of organic churches 2020 – 552

Professions of faith 2021 – 2,810 Baptisms 2021 – 660

Number of organic churches 2021 - 624

Professions of faith 2022 – 3,820 Baptisms 2022 – 401

Number of organic churches 2022 - 626

Number of Philippi churches 2020 – 94

Number of Philippi churches 2021 - 140

Number of Philippi churches 2022 - 144

Apartment church

Report from Catalyst Debbie Burgin

A family with three young daughters began to come to one of our mission churches several years ago. All of them are quiet, but the father began to grow in his faith and to feel a part of the church. He and his wife often work late on Saturday night, and they moved farther away from the church, but they have stayed in touch. A sister of the father was recently diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and was hospitalized. He asked for prayer for her, and he stayed close to her as much as possible, encouraging her to trust in Jesus. She passed away yesterday, but not before her brother could lead her to the Lord. We praise God for this man who cared about his sister’s salvation enough to make one more effort to share with her before she passed away. Praise God for His faithfulness and for a brother’s love for his sister to be with her for all eternity.

Prayer request

We need more volunteers to help us follow up and disciple the children, teenagers and adults who are trusting Jesus for salvation.

Philippi church

We are now in 70 prisons across the state of Texas. We have 144 active prison churches meeting daily with 702 inmates attending.

Thank you for your support of the Cooperative Program and the Mary Hill Davis Offering, which allows us to do house church, apartment church, micro churches and Philippi churches.

Church Planting Centers

A Church Planting Center is a residency of current and potential church planters with the purpose of assessing, equipping, coaching, mentoring and resourcing them to start new Texas Baptists Churches and ministries.

Church Planting Centers 2021-2022: (completed and ongoing)

Church Planting Center Coordinator

• Park Cities Baptist Church Kelly Hamilton

• Tarrant Baptist Association Eric Darjean

• Bell Baptist Association Carl Love

• Western Heritage Temple Jason Bryant

• Dallas Baptist Association Marlow McGuire

• Union Baptist Association Bryant Lee

• Lubbock Baptist Association Ed Sena

• El Buen Pastor English-Español Fernando Rojas

• Tyler, Texas Francisco Rodriguez

• Rio Grande Valley Baptist Association Eder Ibarra

• Fort Worth Robert Arrubla

• East Texas Amadeo Miranda

• Midland Martin Ortega

• Union Baptist Español Victor Marte

• Creath Brazos Baptist Association Steve Doyle

The Pastor’s Common

The Pastor’s Common exists to strengthen Texas Baptists churches by creating a space for millennial and Gen Z pastors to build community, grow intellectually and be resourced.

Number of ministers connected to The Pastor’s Common (2022): 305 Number of practical ministry conversations filmed: 70 Pastoral cohorts completed: 12

Devoted

Devoted is a program for Texas Baptists young adults based on Acts 2:42. The early church was devoted to one another in prayer, fellowship, breaking of bread and the teaching of the apostles. Devoted seeks to gather young adults from across the state as a means to identify potential leaders and connect them to Texas Baptists life and ministries.

Devoted gatherings: 2021-2022

1. “Devoted at the Pier”: Galveston Annual Meeting: Nov. 14, 2021 – 200 in attendance

2.“Loved First”: Criswell College – February 2021 – 96 in attendance

3.“Leadership Development: Writing Your Life Mission” Getsemani Baptist Church — 45 in attendance

Upcoming gathering:

1. “Midsummer Social”

Embrace

Embrace is a mentorship program in partnership with the WMU of Texas. The objective of the program is to identify young women leaders with a passion for work in ministry. Embrace will connect them to mentors and ministries of the BGCT.

This year we partnered with 15 women cohorts to promote missions. We were able to fund 15 community outreach projects for women, led by women. Collectively they were able to serve 480 people.

Missional engagement

Our goal for 2021-2022 was to mobilize 40 different churches to outreach projects in their communities. So far, we have surpassed that goal, and in the process, our Texas Baptists churches have served 5,184 people.

DAVID MIRANDA Director

CENTER FOR MISSIONAL ENGAGEMENT MISSIONARY

NOE TREVIÑO Director

The Missionary Adoption Program (MAP) exists to connect Texas Baptist Churches with churches, associations and conventions in countries all over the world to jointly adopt local missionaries, native to those countries. These missionaries intentionally focus on evangelism, discipleship and church planting in their own context.

The following testimony was sent to us by one of our MAP missionaries in South Asia: “This month, Anugrah and another brother visited Mohammed, a 95-year-old man. Mohammed has lived his entire life as a nomadic shepherd in the hills of South Asia. Mohammed listened closely to the message of the gospel. After hearing about the prophets telling of a coming Messiah, he interrupted and mentioned Jesus’ name. He had already heard of The Messiah, but not the gospel. After hearing the good news, Mohammed was immediately ready to believe. He prayed to receive forgiveness of sins in the name of Jesus.

After 95 years of waiting to hear the message of salvation, Mohammed was ready to believe as soon as he heard the truth. Later, a Scripture audio recording brought him to tears. He was so happy to hear the Word of God in his mother tongue.

More visits are being made to visit Mohammed, his family and many others in his people group for evangelism and follow-up. God is reaching far into the remote places of the world to save people like Mohammed. Please continue to pray for people like him, who are ready to believe, but have no one to tell them the way of salvation.”

MAP serves missionaries worldwide. We currently have partnerships in: South Asia (Nepal, Bangladesh, India), Africa (Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda), Brazil, Myanmar (Burma), Spain, Portugal, Mexico, Peru, Argentina, Canada and the United States. The partnerships we are working on for next year are El Salvador, Cuba and Guatemala. Even with all the challenges we faced this past year, MAP missionaries reported the following:

Professions of faith: 1,481 Baptisms: 306 Gospel conversations: 68,440

New church starts: 43 Discipled: 23,009 People served: 189,370

Testimony: This testimony was sent to us by Pastor Foday, MAP missionary in West Africa: “Two thousand people attended our Jesus film campaign over a three-month period in Muslim dominated communities. Among these, 200 people gave their lives to the Lord Jesus as their personal savior.”

Texas Baptists believe that through collaboration, we can take the Gospel of Jesus Christ to areas we would not be able to alone. By joining MAP, you, and your church are assigned to a specific missionary, whom you can pray for, financially contribute to, and visit on the field to serve alongside. 100% of all the offerings you give to MAP go directly to support your missionary partner.

To find out how your church can be a MAP partner visit txb.org/map or contact Noe Treviño at noe.trevino@txb.org or by phone at 361-920-2481.

This ministry creates mission opportunities for Baptists, churches and institutions wanting to take part in the Mexico/Texas border by having various outreach events for the communities. We have River Ministry missionaries in both sides of the border to engage local churches and Texas Baptists churches in missions. The River Ministry missionaries coordinate missions trips along with these churches or institutions to come to these areas to evangelize, have VBS, medical and dental clinics, assist immigrants, develop sport clinics, present trainings for pastors and leaders in the area and many other ministries.

We also work through River Ministry missionaries who are starting new churches or new ministries on the border and inside Mexico. This year, we had 43 River Ministry missionaries. Some are coordinating missional trips, others are coordinating medical clinics, while others are doing training for pastors/leaders or providing help for them.

This year the Lord blessed us with these results:

• 8,479 professions of faith

• 42,924 people engaged

• 46 new churches

• 140 new ministries (some were temporary while others lasted for the whole year)

• 5,658 patients attended

Thanks to the Texas Baptists’ contributions, we provided hygiene kits for immigrants, provided resources for over 30 feeding centers for children in the Mexico border area, and paid a stipend for most of the river ministry missionaries. We also sent financial help to pastors who faced a health crisis or an emergency and paid for prescriptions for medical clinics.

We partnered with Baylor Scott & White Health to have virtual consultations, and we thank them for providing medicines for these clinics. BGCT donated computers for these virtual consultations.

Many Baptist churches came to the border on a short, missional trips, so we are thankful to them for their participation and donations. If your church would like to participate, contact Mario Gonzalez at marioalberto.gonzalez@txb.org or 214-828-5389.

We started three new ministries this year to assist immigrants: One in Nuevo Laredo, where at least five churches committed to this ministry; one in Ciudad Juarez, where the Baptist Regional Convention stepped in to help us provide shelter and support to the immigrants arriving in the city; and we partnered with West Brownsville Baptist Church where members share the gospel with an average of 2,000 immigrants each month.

Another blessing this year was the opportunity to have peer groups for pastors in Mexico and the River Ministry working in the border cities. Abraham Cervantes is working in Monterrey, and he shared this story:

“The work with the pastoral support groups has borne fruit in different ways. During a challenging test that one of the pastoral families of Monterrey went through in our support group. I could see the response of the rest of the group, sheltering this family with love and interest. When the pastor called me to share the crisis they were experiencing, I was traveling in Monclova. I looked for the group of pastor friends and asked them to be close to this family. The response was extraordinary by both the pastors and the wives, and each one ministered to them in a very tender way. I feel blessed and encouraged by this group of pastoral families committed to one another.”

MARIO GONZALEZ Director LEAH MCMULLEN Ministry Assistant

FOR CULTURAL ENGAGEMENT

KATIE FRUGÉ Director REBECCA TREVIÑO Center Specialist

2022 has been a landmark year for the Center for Cultural Engagement.

In January 2022, we celebrated the retirement of Dr. Gus Reyes as he transitioned into a new season of ministry. I am humbled and honored to serve as the first female center director for Texas Baptists and could not ask for a more supportive team.

The Center for Cultural Engagement helps equip Texas Baptists to engage in our respective communities. God calls us to be salt and light. We help bring others into community with God’s people through building bridges between groups, seeking justice, healing brokenness, confronting systemic evils and speaking truth to power. We do this to bring the secular toward the sacred.

The Christian Life Commission welcomed Dr. Irene Gallegos as our new director of Hunger & Care. The Texas Baptist Hunger Offering continues to grow and heal from the pandemic losses. In 2022, Texas Baptist churches sent over $100,000 directly to support Baptist-led efforts to support Ukrainian relief work. Michael Evans Jr., director of Public Policy, accepted a new role within the BGCT and has transitioned to a new ministry as director of Special Projects.

African American Ministries celebrated 40 years of impact in June 2022. Hundreds of Texas Baptist pastors and leaders gathered together in San Antonio for the annual African American Fellowship Conference to celebrate this milestone. The Culp Banquet underwent a fun update turning into a “sneaker ball,” with guests wearing their best outfits matched to sneakers. In addition, guests brought shoes for Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls, and hundreds of pairs were donated.

Texas Baptists en Español hit the ground running hard as the pandemic began to lessen. From training to camps, to conferences, to webinars, TXB en Español has reached thousands of Texas Baptists and has helped connect by encouraging, informing, and collaborating with the Hispanic Baptist Churches.

Intercultural Ministries welcomed Linda Howell to the team as the new Intercultural Ministries specialist. Camp Fusion returned in 2021 for its 18th year of providing culturally relevant youth camp for our intercultural churches.

Baptist Chaplaincy Relations (BCR) continues to grow and empower others all around the world. This year marks the 20th anniversary of BCR and the 25th year of dedicated convention service of our director of Chaplaincy, Dr. Bobby Smith. Under Dr. Smith’s leadership, BCR has grown to a top-tier nationally recognized organization and a top endorsing organization in the U.S.

I am thankful to serve as the center director for this team. Rebecca Treviño was promoted to center specialist, and together, we serve each of these departments as they serve Texas Baptists in unique and Kingdom-building ways.

We at the Christian Life Commision (CLC) are agents of transformation, speaking to Texas Baptists rather than for them, equipping them to apply their faith to life in Ethical Conduct, Public Policy, and Community Ministry from a biblical perspective.

Dr. Gus Reyes retired in January 2022. Dr. Reyes served Texas Baptists in various capacities for 21 years and the CLC is forever grateful for his legacy of faithful service. Dr. Katie Frugé was appointed CLC director following Dr. Reyes’ retirement.

Dr. Irene Gallegos joined the CLC staff as the new director of Hunger & Care, previously held by Dr. Katie Frugé. Dr. Gallegos holds a Ph.D. in Health Studies from Texas Woman’s University. She comes to her new role with a strong background in finance, public health and ministry. She most recently served as the Hispanic Women’s Ministry specialist for Texas Baptists, where she cultivated and supported networks of local women’s ministry leaders and consulted with church leaders to improve church health in the area of Hispanic Women’s Ministry.

Shantell Welch joined the CLC team as the new ministry assistant following Rebecca Treviño’s promotion to center specialist for the Center for Cultural Engagement.

CHRISTIAN LIFE COMMISSION MEMBERS FOR 2021-2022

Randy Anderson*

D.J. Bakshodeh* Emmanuel Roldan Ryan Buck Danny Cancino Erica Currie Ray Sanchez Brandon Skaggs Kalie Lowrie Kevin VanHook*

*Representatives from Executive Board

Jim Edwards* Alice Ward Bryant Lee Craig Lile* Laura Rodriguez Tedrick Woods, Vice Chair Abigail Rojas Glenn Young*

KATIE FRUGÉ Director

REBECCA TREVIÑO Center Specialist SHANTELL WELCH Ministry Assistant

DAVID SANCHEZ Director

The Ethics & Justice branch of the Christian Life Commission (CLC) strives to equip believers so they might walk worthy of the gospel, having an impact in the world without being worldly, learning how to navigate today’s challenging issues and embracing the responsibility to care and advocate for the poor, the oppressed and the outcasts among us.

On Aug. 5-6, 2021, David Sanchez raised over $2,700 for the Texas Baptist Hunger Offering by doing a marathon stream on his non-work related twitch channel. He played video games for eight hours each of those days and asked people to donate to the Hunger Offering through a GivingFuel page. This was a way to show the younger generation we can use many different hobbies and passions for God’s Kingdom.

On Jan. 9, 2022, the CLC held a Sanctity of Live Celebration at Meadowridge Community Baptist Church. It was also streamed online from their media outlets, and recordings of the videos of the event were uploaded to this website:

txb.org/events/sanctity-of-life-celebration

These videos contained testimonies from people involved in pro-life ministries, a discussion of the pro-life rulings at the time and how churches can support pregnancy centers. The videos were made available online for download so Texas Baptists pastors could select what they wanted to use for Sanctity of Life Sunday on January 23.

This year, Dr. Sanchez has been speaking at various Texas Baptists churches and events on how to minister to people in our congregations who struggle with LGBT-related issues. The focus is on being biblically centered and compassionate in our approach, while still holding to the truths of Scripture firmly in the midst of a world that has abandoned God’s design for humanity in multiple ways. Among other places, he has spoken at Go Now Missions sending weekend and the African American Fellowship conference. He has shared his materials with youth, senior adults and people from different cultural backgrounds and is happy to report that thus far, the information shared has been well received.

In order to encourage Texas Baptists to participate in the democratic process, the Christian Life Commission (CLC) works at the Capitol to bring a biblical perspective to public policy, provides resources and encourages Texas Baptists to engage in informed advocacy on public policy issues affecting their churches and communities.

The CLC was prepared and ready when the overruling of Roe vs. Wade was first leaked in early 2022. Our team began meeting with legislators in Spring 2022 to discuss the 88th legislative session and possible pro-life legislation to support and bring forward. We have also connected with Life Collective, a national gathering of pro-life organizations committed to continuing the pro-life movement into the next chapter.

We are thankful for Texas Baptists’ support and prayers as we continue our work in Austin and prepare for the upcoming legislative session.

KATIE FRUGÉ Director

CENTER

-

CULTURAL ENGAGEMENT

TEAM CHRISTIAN LIFE COMMISSIONHUNGER & CARE

IRENE GALLEGOS Director, Hunger & Care Ministries

Community ministries help facilitate partnerships with churches and faith-based nonprofits across Texas and the world. We not only work to end hunger but to end the cycle of poverty. This is why we support specific ministries in Texas and around the world that provide food and meal distribution, agriculture and livestock initiatives, clean water and sanitation and support micro-enterprise development and job training.

Texas Baptist Hunger Offering

Texas Baptists gave $482,000 through the Texas Baptist Hunger Offering in 2021. The Hunger Offering supported 131 ministries in 2021 and 138 in 2022.

Texas Baptist Hunger Offering approved $405,018 in hunger grants in 2021.

• 1,399,572 individuals served

• 374,572 children served

• 29,276,100 meals served

Additional funds were generously given to support emergency Ukraine relief efforts and secondary refugee and rebuilding strategies, totaling the Ukraine relief support to just over $96,000.

Community Care

The Christian Life Commission awarded $132,250 in 2021 Community Care funds to support ministries engaged in restorative justice, community development, community health and hunger ministry across the state.

• 1,139 professions of faith and 66 baptisms through community outreach programs.

• Served 286,366 individuals, including 71,247 children through community outreach programs.

• Handed out 21,338 Bibles and tracks through community outreach programs.

• 19,375 volunteers helped serve with community ministries in 2021.

The Hunger & Care team is deeply thankful to Texas Baptists for your faithful support and generosity. Because of your support, millions around the world are hearing the gospel and being ministered to by the body of Christ.

The vision of African American Ministries is to enlist, equip, and engage African American churches to reach their Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and uttermost parts of the world. We strive to accomplish this by training churches in the areas of discipleship, relationship, scholarship, worship, partnership and leadership, to name a few.

Black History Art Exhibit

During the month of February African American Ministries put a spotlight on HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) along with bringing in the first Black History Art Exhibit to the Texas Baptists office. Jas Mardis, a fabric/quilter, leather portrait artist, illustrator, and writer brought 19 pieces of art to display at the Texas Baptists building, including award winning pieces “Let the Tablecloth Speak” and “Response to Gees Bend.

African American Leadership Conference

Our theme of the year for African American Ministries was “Impact.” Our emphasis for the conference was to challenge leaders to ensure they are making impact in both the church and the community. We had dynamic keynote speakers such as Dr. Joel Gregory, Dr. Michael Evans Sr. and Dr. Delvin Atchison. There were over 200 attendees and workshop topics included mental illness, social media and effective student ministries.

African American Fellowship Conference

This year has been an amazing year of celebration as we reflected on 40 years of ministry and impact through African American Ministries. Dr. James Culp served as our first African American Ministries director in 1982. We have had five directors at Texas Baptists, three ministry assistants and 15 presidents of the African American Fellowship of Texas. We celebrated our past directors, assistants and fellowship presidents at our Fellowship Conference Banquet this year in San Antonio, TX. We had over 300 in attendance as we called each of the directors, assistants, and presidents by name, giving them plaques as we appreciated them for their service and sacrifice. We encouraged our banquet guests to bring new shoes for vulnerable children in partnership with Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls. We were able to collect over 300 pairs of shoes that will bless children all over the world.

Camp Exalted

As we continue to deal with the results and residue of COVID-19, we decided it would be good for us to partner with David Scott and BOUNCE for Camp Exalted this year. BOUNCE offers student ministry leaders the opportunity to mobilize their middle school, high school and college students to be engaged in challenging mission service and inspiring times of worship. Camp Exalted was able to take over 100 students from our African American churches to Waco, Texas, to restore houses, build relationships and strengthen their spiritual walk with Christ. Pastor Robert White, lead pastor at Freedom Church in Bedford, Texas, was the keynote speaker for BOUNCE this year. We heard testimonies from students who had never done missions. Students shared how their eyes have been opened to what both ministry and missions really look like.

AAM Gospel Mission Trip

We partnered with our own Texas Baptists Center for Missional Engagement to take a Gospel ensemble and band to Madrid, Spain. This gave us an amazing opportunity to share the gospel of Jesus Christ through music and build relationships with pastors and churches abroad. Pastor Andre Byrd, senior pastor of New Covenant Christian Fellowship Church in Dallas, Texas rallied close to 40 singers and musicians from his church to minister in Spain. The executive director of the Spanish Baptist Union, Daniel Banyuls is so excited he has requested us to bring a Gospel choir to Spain in 2023.

OZA JONES, JR. Director

CULTURAL ENGAGEMENT TEAM

TEXAS BAPTISTS EN ESPA

Ñ OL

ROLANDO RODRIGUEZ Director VIDAL MUÑIZ Strategist

Texas Baptists en Español exists to connect by encouraging, informing and collaborating with the Hispanic Baptist Churches aligned with Texas Baptists to reach the goals the Lord has given them. Our goal is to assist the congregation in their ministries by contextualizing the wide variety of services and ministries available through Texas Baptists. Together we can celebrate the advancement of the Kingdom through the local church.

These are exciting times for Texas Baptists. For more than a year we’ve been doing all our events virtually. God opened doors in many ways. This year we are back, doing in-person events, but continued in the virtual world. Here are some highlights of Texas Baptists en Español 2021

Hispanic Education Initiative (HEI)

HEI in partnership with Winshape College trained

• 21 Hispanic students from all over the state of Texas

• The 21 students represented 16 Texas Baptists churches and 17 universities

• These students were trained and equipped to go and make disciples on their campuses and churches

Hispanic Youth Camp

• Hosted by Dallas Baptists University

• We had 321 students in attendance

• We celebrated our first Campamento baptism

Scholarship

• 23 new students received the Mary Hill Davis Ethnic Scholarship

• Two new students received the Hispanic Young Adult Scholarship ($50,000 plus room and board) in partnership with Dallas Baptist University and Hispanic Baptists Convention

Compañerismos

• Partnered with 22 Compañerismo

• 21 regional training events

• 50 church consultations

• Four regional Sunday School training events

• Three statewide leadership training events (Dallas, Midland, El Paso)

• 421 Churches represented

• 325 pastors participated

• Fort Worth Men’s Retreat, 230 men from the DFW area

• Kaufman Texas Men’s Retreat, 100 men from East Texas

• Marriage Retreat in partnership with pastors from Compañerismo Tarrant, 400 in attendance

•Marriage Retreat in partnership with Iglesia Emanuel Midland, 200 in attendance

Virtual Training

Texas Baptists en Español trained 1,500 pastors and church leaders from 25 countries through 55 webinars.

As last summer began, we all cautiously emerged from the pandemic. The office of Intercultural Ministries first big event was Camp Fusion 2021. It was our 18th year of providing a culturally relevant youth camp for our intercultural churches. In 2020, we did not cancel it but moved online. In 2021 we still were not able to have an in-person camp. Our team of Intercultural young adults developed a hybrid with two site camps, one in DFW and the other in Houston, running simultaneously, with the same worship band and same speaker. The speaker was in Houston, the worship band was in Dallas and all the activities were done simultaneously at each site.

With all this, the fusion of cultures came together. It was beautiful. As one adult observed, “It was like watching ice melt and seeing beautiful smiles emerge,” as these relationally deprived youth began to interact with each other, experience relationships together and God’s Word began to change them.

Crossing cultures is a beautiful thing because you catch a glimpse of God’s heart. As we moved through the summer and into the fall, preparations began for a celebration of the diversity of our Convention at the Intercultural Ministries yearly banquet. Our intercultural church pastors and leaders were eager to meet and celebrate. Approximately, 185 pastors representing 46 congregations and 25 cultures gathered for a time of multicultural worship and fellowship — a time experiencing a slice of heaven.

After a year of seeking God’s face, we are excited to have found a new Intercultural Ministries specialist to assist our churches in North Texas. Her name is Linda Howell. I am grateful for her and how quickly she adapted to this ministry position and call.

Moving into the spring, Intercultural Ministries and the Intercultural Advisor Council began their long-awaited preparations for two statewide Intercultural Celebrations for the founding director of the Office of Intercultural Ministries, Patty Lane. These two events were planned for Houston and another for Dallas. It was not possible to count the number of churches and people present at both events, but again, we caught a glimpse of heaven.

Everyone had a moment to express their appreciation for Patty’s 38 years of selfless devotion, love and care for each culture in Texas. Intercultural Ministries and the family of Texas Baptists Intercultural Churches are eternally grateful for Patty and her ministry. We have seen through this ministry the power of God’s mercy, love and grace. The office of Intercultural Ministries will continue to strive to partner with each intercultural church at their point of need and through our relationship seek out God’s call in a contextually relevant way, and always with an eye to see a slice of heaven.

Through a variety of initiatives, we seek to strengthen intercultural churches, by serving as an advocate and partner. We inform those working with these language groups and are a valuable tool in ministering to cultures from across the globe.

MARK HEAVENER Director

LINDA HOWELL Intercultural Ministries Specialist

SHARRON BRADLEY Ministry Assistant

CULTURAL ENGAGEMENT TEAM BAPTIST CHAPLAINCY RELATIONS

BOBBY

Baptist Chaplaincy Relations endorses, supports and trains chaplains. These ministers provide pastoral care in a variety of specialized ministry settings.

The office provides ecclesiastical endorsement through a process that affirms to an employer that a chaplain or pastoral counselor has met all the basic requirements of the denomination to practice ministry in a specialized setting. Basic requirements include personal, spiritual and professional accountability; educational, moral and ethical standards; ability to work in a pluralistic environment; doctrinal stability; and active membership in a local Baptist congregation.

Associate Endorser for

TODD COMBEE Associate Endorser for

DONALD

Associate Endorser for Pastoral

ORAN

Associate Endorser for Pastoral

The Chaplaincy Relations Endorsement Council is elected by the BGCT Executive Board and serves as the endorsement agency on behalf of the BGCT and the Baptist General Association of Virginia (BGAV). It reports its work to the Institutional Relations Committee of the Executive Board. The council establishes guidelines for endorsement requirements. State and federal institutions require chaplains to be endorsed by an officially recognized faith group. The U.S. Armed Forces Chaplains Board on July 24, 2002, approved the BGCT as a recognized endorsement agency. Every major federal, state and civilian institution recognizes Texas Baptists chaplaincy endorsement.

The Office of Chaplaincy Relations continues to grow. Under the director/endorser are four associate endorsers directing three separate functions. The associate for calling and endorsement coordinates communication with individuals interested in chaplaincy as they pursue their chaplaincy calling, manages the endorsement process and provides administrative support in Dallas.

Two associate endorsers for pastoral care and support maintain relationships with endorsed chaplains and provide timely and quality support to meet their needs. The associates’ primary responsibility is pastoral visitation and counseling support.

The associate endorser for chaplain training and education coordinates training to maintain chaplain certification and professional qualification to serve in various institutions. The office also manages local church volunteer chaplain training.

In early 2017, the BGAV voted to ask the BGCT Office of Chaplaincy Relations to serve as the chaplain endorser for the association. The BGAV consists of 1,400 churches in the Commonwealth and many affiliated churches throughout the world.

The Office of Chaplaincy Relations is committed to training Texas Baptists congregations to become authentic Christian caregivers through pastoral ministry skill training by offering courses such as Hands on Ministry and Disaster Spiritual Care Training.

Texas Baptist Student Ministry (BSM) exists to engage the 1.6 million college students in Texas to follow Christ and transform the world. BSM missionaries are on approximately 135 campuses, incarnationally engaging the collegiate culture by making and multiplying disciples of Jesus. It is both exciting and challenging at Texas universities where over 300 exist statewide. Junior College attendance is a large part of the student population. Major universities are also establishing new campus sites to meet the needs of students in different areas.

the Campus

the World

Texas BSM prayed and developed strategy with the intention of sending collegiate workers to multiple targeted areas. In July 2021, Texas BSM introduced Reach the Campus Reach the World (RCRW). RCRW is a five-year strategy of sending 100 workers to nine different locations. The strategy employs a threefold challenge to every BSM ministry. The strategy invites groups to “Pray, See and Send.” Through dedicated prayer in each ministry the call is to adopt one or more priority sending locations. The “See” stage involves vision trips for staff and selected student leaders, Spring Break; May or December mission trips; and assistance with events on the target campus. Since last July, campuses have adopted locations and developed relationships with workers on the field. Multiple vision and mission trips have been taken to the target areas. Thirteen gospel workers have been sent from Texas BSM to the priority sending places in our first year of emphasis.

Campus evangelism

The culture of BSM prioritizes training students to share the gospel as a key component in discipleship. Ministries at UT Arlington, UT Tyler, Tyler Junior College, Sam Houston State and Midwestern State have at least one day a week where students gather to pray, train and then go out in pairs to start spiritual conversations and share the gospel.

Many campuses saw the COVID-19 season as an opportunity to try new methods with the same goal of engaging students and sharing the gospel. Leaders in Fort Worth area BSM’s developed a coffee shop strategy to build reach students. They knew many students were gathering at five different coffee shops. Leaders divided up and built relationships with coffee shop staff and students. A barista at one coffee shop overheard a BSM staff member share the gospel with a student. He later followed up with the BSM staffer, asked a lot of questions and eventually came to faith in Christ.

Support raising for Gospel Expansion

Texas BSM is fortunate to have great support from churches that give to the overall work of Texas Baptists. Over 4 million dollars of Cooperative Program support strengthens collegiate ministry on 135 campuses. In order to meet the call to have more gospel workers on campuses in Texas and beyond (RCRW), Texas BSM leadership is steadily building the individual support raising (SR) part of the culture. There are currently 72 BSM staff who raise a portion of their salary and 55 of those raise the majority of their salary. Over 2 million dollars is raised annually through SR. This commitment has allowed us to involve more individuals and place many more workers on campuses.

“The Harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few, beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” — Luke 10:2

MARK JONES State Director

BILL NOE Associate State Director

BETH SMITH Campus Consultant

GINGER BOWMAN Campus Consultant/ Program Specialist

BRENDA SANDERS Missions Consultant

CLAYTON BULLION Evangelism Discipleship Mobilization Catalyst

RYAN HODGES Ministry Partner Development Director

BECKY BARNES Administrative Assistant

KATIE COLEMAN Ministry AssistantCommunications/ Data Management

CINDY ZOLLER Ministry Assistant - Receptionist/ Finances

169 BSM STAFF MEMBERS (employed and volunteer)

CENTER FOR COLLEGIATE MINISTRY

OFFICE OF TREASURER/CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

WARD HAYES Treasurer/Chief Financial Officer KIM PATTON Executive Assistant

The work of the Treasurer’s Office includes overseeing endowments and investments, legal coordination, financial matters, information technology, conference and events, church administration and process improvement. This vast variety of responsibilities is met with great creativity and productivity by our incredible staff, as you will easily see in the reports that follow. In it all, we remain committed to respond to the needs of the BGCT staff and to the needs of our churches.

The Treasurer’s Office and related areas view our work as a ministry by helping the BGCT ministry teams accomplish their work. We remain committed to finding new ways of productivity that will assist us in completing our tasks and serving our ministries. Over the past year, this has involved new technology and systems that have allowed us to streamline our processes and benefit the Convention as a whole, both in efficiency and increased access to information.

Our use of technology and the continual upgrading of our automated processing has also helped us better manage our costs and increase our investment earnings. These improvements, while always important, are of increased value in these times of inflation and rising costs.

For our office and all departments under our umbrella, we remain committed to the purpose that “every dollar earned and every dollar saved are more dollars we have to do ministry.” Through and in it all, we continue to work diligently to improve to do this in support of Kingdom work through Texas Baptists.

Thank you for allowing us to serve the churches and ministries of the BGCT.

Years

REVENUES

Gifts

2021 2020

Cooperative Program $28,025,020 $28,459,701

Mary Hill Davis Offering for State Missions 1,574,200 2,033,195

Other gifts and contributions 12,092,048 17,599,695

Total gifts 41,691,268 48,092,591

Other ministry income 1,999,462 1,187,483

Investment interest and other income 19,776,587 7,538,543

Realized and unrealized losses on investments, net 11,509,117 10,307,568

Change in value of beneficial interests in trusts held by third parties 9,047,175 (749,991)

Loan forgiveness income 4,800,940

Total revenues before release 88,824,549 66,376,194

Net assets released from restrictions

Total revenues 88,824,549 66,376,194

EXPENSES

Ministry Expenses:

Cooperative Program 26,564,526 26,476,754

Mary Hill Davis Offering for State Missions 1,646,088 1,836,786

Other ministries 15,379,973 12,749,921

Total ministry expenses 43,590,587 41,063,461

Supporting activities: General and administration 6,828,500 7,571,655

Fundraising 688,779 971,738

Total

activities 7,517,279 8,543,393

Total expenses 51,107,866 49,606,854

CHANGE

NET

OFFICE OF TREASURER/CFO

37,716,683 16,769,340

195,034,032 178,264,692

TREASURER/CFO

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

THE

GENERAL CONVENTION OF TEXAS STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

Years ended Dec. 31, 2021 and 2020

Assets

2021 2020

Cash and cash equivalents $ 5,986,459 $ 9,728,955

Investments 199,733,144 170,633,373

Prepaid expenses and other assets 2,115,158 1,246,672

Loans receivable, net 359,375 524,992

Notes receivables, net 1,904,142 2,463,303

Other receivables, net 1,822,173 1,854,990

Beneficial interest trusts 29,620,000 20,112,783

Property and equipment, net 14,986,359 15,542,487

Total assets $ 256,526,810 $ 222,107,555

Liabilities and net assets

Liabilities

Accounts payable $ 3,057,270 $ 2,887,606

Accrued liabilities 6,120,542 9,409,767

Other liabilities 2,431,977 2,018,968

Notes payable 1,022,157 1,185,870

Due to WMU 3,997,713 3,556,312

Postretirement benefit 7,146,436 8,015,000

Total liabilities 23,776,095 27,073,523

Net assets

Without donor restrictions $ 47,302,564 $ 41,442,048

With donor restrictions 185,448,151 153,591,984

Total net assets 232,750,715 195,034,032

Total liabilities & net assets $ 256,526,810 $ 222,107,555

Serving in the background to the many events of the BGCT, we support our ministry office staff as they share God’s Word by creating an environment that is creative and effective. Meeting planning is not a linear process—there is no Step 1, Step 2, Step 3. Planning involves the coordination of many elements much like piecing together a jig-saw puzzle. With the right team of people working on the puzzle, events will culminate into one cohesive picture that achieves desired goals and outcomes. The ministry of the Conference & Event Planning team is to serve the ministries of the Convention to provide the most effective events that deliver synergy with maximum value for minimum costs. The Conference & Event Planning team uses “lessons learned” and meeting industry knowledge in developing and implementing meeting design strategies as well as assisting to align our resources and expertise to provide the convenience of full-service planning capabilities.

• We served many of the various languages and culture groups of the Convention — African American, children, Hispanic, bi-vocational smaller church, chaplains, youth and on and on.

• We supported over 70 events of the Convention in various ways that include large scale conferences like Annual Meeting, all the way to a 10-member committee meeting and everything in between — workshop and training events, summer camps, retreats, conventions, executive board and meetings.

• We continue to deliver fully produced events and trainings and on-site management of volunteers, committees and staff.

• We researched all aspects of meeting/event planning and negotiated contracts to assist in securing over 100 locations and over 100,000 sleeping room nights, as well as future and multi-year events with convention centers, churches, hotels, production, transportation, catering creative productions and exhibit companies that allow for additional long-term cost savings.

• Negotiations, management and liaison for speakers, special talent and bands/ musicians.

• Creative production, stage design, event production, sound and lights, audio visual, stage management, live streaming, archival recording and basic editing.

• Assist with planning, program, work timelines and budget planning.

• Created a staff training for organizational compliance for contracting, risk management and organizational purchase power.

• Staff training to streamline process for event calendaring.

• Consultations and project management, organizational compliance, risk management, crisis management, labor and liabilities best practices.

We support those events in various ways, from consulting at the beginning planning stages of a meeting, all the way through to when the lights are turned out at the end. We might create, set up and manage an exhibit hall, schedule meals and work with caterers, be the liaison with bands and keynote speakers, assist in script writing, be a stage manager for worship sessions, organize and manage workshops, develop timelines and worship schedules, serve as executive producer or design a stage set.

To reduce overall convention cost related to events, we work with various ministry offices to develop requests for proposals to obtain competitive services related to production, decorators (pipe/drape), catering, transportation, transient hotel rates and event equipment.

With the ever-changing landscape in the meeting industry, the conference and event staff has continued to seek out training and learning about advances in technology and industry standards to better support and impact the ministry offices of the Convention.

OFFICE

COLEEN WALL Director

SANDRA RUIZ Conference & Event Planning Coordinator

TREASURER/CFO

TREASURER/CFO

FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING

KRISTEN RAY Controller/ Assistant Treasurer JEANNIE MILLER Administrative Assistant

The Office of Finance and Accounting provides accurate and timely processing of receipts from voluntary contributions, mission gifts, event registration fees and GC2 product sales. The office also provides assistance with budgeting and accounting information on the corporate and individual level.

The primary ministry emphases are cash receipts, accounts payable, general ledger and financial reporting. During the past year our ministry team:

• Received and recorded more than 63,000 contributions and product sales transactions and event registration payments.

• Processed over 10,000 cash disbursement checks and electronic payments.

• Recorded information into and prepared reports from more than 60,000 accounts in the general ledger subsidiary ledgers.

• Provided church tax information upon request.

• Continued to provide accurate financial reporting for the yearly audit.

• Coordinated the preparation of the 2023 budget.

The financial statements of Texas Baptists are audited annually by an independent certified public accounting firm. Also, the controller insures proper internal controls are in place to avoid financial improprieties.

This office is also responsible for risk management. Responsibilities include determining levels of insurance coverage, negotiating rates and coordinating claims.

Upon request we assist churches affiliated with Texas Baptists by providing evidence of their exemption from federal income tax.

All members of the Finance and Accounting staff consider our work a ministry to Texas Baptists churches. Thank you for allowing us to serve you.

Information Technology (IT) and Support Services is privileged to serve the many ministries of Texas Baptists and WMU of Texas through technology and logistics solutions. Our called ministry is enabling, equipping and supporting those ministries.

Significant achievements

• Developed a contract management system in Salesforce with electronic signature

• Developed three scholarship applications in Salesforce.

• Identified and started migrating to a Salesforce reporting data warehouse tool to replace the original one that is more secure, more current and easier to use.

• Successfully managed three golf tournaments, blessing pastors and others in different parts of the state and raised funds for Collegiate Ministries.

• Continued good stewardship by reducing costs, such as finding new vendors for services.

• Conducted smooth office and workspace moves.

• Added multifactor authentication to improve security for Google Workspace, VPN usage and system administration, significantly improving data security.

• Added third party secure backups of Google Workspace and Microsoft Office Teams Drives.

• Upgraded all wireless access points and switches.

• Moved PaperVision from an on-premises version to the cloud version.

• Moved organization and ministry/department disk storage to Microsoft Teams Drives.

• Evaluated Macs as staff computers and started deploying them for many users.

• Worked to remove hosted scanning and imaging servers from on-premises version to outsource that function to a new provider, saving money by reducing labor costs.

• Implemented a new Human Resources Information System including Payroll with integrated performance management, recruiting and onboarding functions.

IT user support

Our support team continues to provide and support technology solutions to accomplish the ministry goals of Texas Baptists by keeping our systems usable, current and protected. This includes:

• Google G Suite and Microsoft Office 365

• Zoom meetings, webinars and phones

• Wireless networking, managed printing

• Helpdesk support, IT training for staff

• Laptops, tablets and desktops

• Windows and Mac deploying and support

• Supporting four remote locations and dozens of mobile workers

Information Management Team

Information Management Team (IMT) continues to serve Texas Baptists ministries to provide the most current and up-to-date information of churches and their respective staff and leaders. IMT administers the Salesforce system, develops additional functionality and trains staff on its use. In the latest reporting period, IMT:

• Managed hundreds of thousands of account and contact records and updated tens of thousands of them.

• Answered and routed thousands of incoming phone calls

• Processed:

o 4,854 Baptist Way Press/GC2 and other orders

o 33,091 online donations

o 1,435 ACPs

o 86 demographic studies, producing 602 reports

• Created 636 new reports and 192 lists

IMT is committed to partnering with Texas Baptists ministries to support what they do in the local church by expanding use of Salesforce, performing ministry processes support data entry, evaluation reports and other custom data collection and reporting tools.

Support Services

Our Support Services team provides important services to our staff:

• Events support

• Facility safety

• Warehousing

• Shipping and receiving

• Meeting management, including kitchen and meeting refreshments

• Repairs, maintenance and adjustments at our Rambler office and warehouse; oversight of the Waco office also

• Materials transportation, including bank deposits

• Office moves

• Implementing, directing and managing three high quality, impactful golf tournaments

This group serves with a laser-like focus on customer service and doing whatever it can to best serve the varied needs of our Texas Baptists ministry teams.

Information Technology and Support Services exists to serve the ministries of Texas Baptists and WMU of Texas and thus a play a role in their Kingdom impact.

DAVE LYONS Director

INSTITUTIONSUNIVERSITIES/ACADEMICS

BAPTIST UNIVERISTY OF THE

Baptist University of the Américas (BUA) is an affordable, biblically based, cross-cultural university that seeks to educate and equip students for the church and the marketplace. Since its inception in 1947, BUA has been at the center of developing pastors and church leaders throughout Texas, U.S. and internationally. BUA also provides a high-quality education with a Christian worldview as its foundation. With a student to faculty ratio of 10:1, BUA continues to provide an excellent and personal education throughout the four Bachelors of Arts degrees, an Associate of Arts degree, ESL program as well as the Baptist Bible Institute certificate program.

Most recently, BUA has added a Masters of Arts in Practical Theology and Ministry degree that will be launched in August 2022. We are confident this new postgraduate degree will provide additional opportunities for our graduates as well as others who are seeking to find an affordable and significant graduate degree.

In 2022, BUA had a historical beginning. The university retired 4.9 million dollars of debt following the sale of our Barlite Building in December 2021. In addition, in Spring 2022, BUA began offering classes on our new 68-acre campus, which was envisioned almost 15 years ago, as well as centralizing university operations by relocating offices and classrooms to our new location at 2418 W. Ansley Blvd. The future seems bright as we seek the guidance of the Lord and consider His plans for the next 75 years of Baptist University of the Américas.

As we celebrated our 75th anniversary throughout 2022, we had three exceptional events.

• March 26, we celebrated the transition to the new campus and the debt retirement through a moving Note Burning Ceremony.

• May 15, we held a historical Commencement Ceremony with alumni and graduates to celebrate our school’s magnificent history by hearing impactful stories and testimonies of the impact of the school in their lives and ministry.

• June 27, as a part of the Hispanic Baptist Convention of Texas’ annual meeting, we hosted a marvelous alumni banquet, in which we celebrated with more than 350 attendees.

We have a tremendous opportunity ahead of us as we focus on several key initiatives.

• We are in the process of completing the masterplan for the 60 acres to provide direction on how we will develop the campus over the next 75 years.

• We have commenced the process of developing the university’s next strategic plan for 2023-2028, which we will chart the school’s course over the next five years.

There is no doubt that growth and expansion are coming to Baptist University of the Américas.

As numerous alumni have shared stories of how BUA made a difference in their lives and how much this university means to them and their families, this has been a year of reflection and wonder of all that our Lord has done through BUA. We continue to proclaim and seek ways of integrating faith into our classrooms in order to glorify the Lord in all that we do here at BUA. The apostle Paul reminds us in Thessalonians 5:16-18 to: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

In the new landscape of higher education, the challenges continue; however, we remain steadfast in aiding men and women in achieving their God-driven passion and calling to serve Him. We have so much to be thankful for, including Texas Baptists all around the state that encourage, pray and give to BUA.

ABRAHAM JAQUEZ

Ansley Blvd.

Antonio,

BAPTIST UNIVERSITY OF THE AMÉRICAS STATISTICAL INFORMATION

2021 - 2022

Enrollment, Fall 156 Enrollment, Spring 152

Number of students on full or partial scholarships funded by institution* 96

Number of students receiving BGCT Ministerial Tuition Grants* 39

Estimated total number of students preparing for ministry* 135

Approximate percentage of Baptist students 54% *“Non duplicating” totals for the 2021-22 school year. 140

SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENT

Operating revenue

Tuition and fees $ 949,645

BGCT appropriations 489,215

Auxiliary enterprises 183,805

All other sources 3,319,247

Total operational revenue $ 4,941,912

Operating expenses

Educational and general, not including scholarships $ 1,890,355 Institution funded scholarships & financial aid 179,133 Auxiliary enterprises 428,604 All other expenses _

Total operational expenses

Excess

Endowment and net assets

BAPTIST

OF THE

2,498,092

$2,443,820

Total endowment (market value) $ 4,824,480

Net assets

Unrestricted $ 10,294,728

Temporarily restricted 858,807

Permanently restricted 4,824,480

Total net assets

15,978,015

LIVINGSTONE

Baylor University is a private Christian university and a nationally ranked Research 1 institution. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas and affiliated with the BGCT, Baylor is the oldest continually operating university in Texas. Baylor’s mission is to educate men and women for worldwide leadership and service by integrating academic excellence and Christian commitment within a caring community.

Under the leadership of President Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D. — a distinguished scholar, national academic leader and strong voice for the role of faith-based institutions in American higher education — Baylor achieved designation as a Research 1 university in 2021 by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, elevating Baylor as the preeminent Christian research university among the nation’s top-tier research institutions. Undergirding the University’s Illuminate strategic plan is the Give Light Campaign, which surpassed its initial $1.1 billion fundraising goal in February 2022 in support of strategic initiatives across Baylor.

In Fall 2021, Baylor’s enrollment topped 20,000 for the first time amid rising diversity and graduation rates. Baylor enrolled 20,626 students, including 4,271 incoming freshmen and 367 Truett Seminary students. More than 20% of Baylor students are Baptist, and 1,152 undergraduates indicated an interest in vocational Christian ministry.

In 2021-2022, Baylor’s Department of Religion enrolled 7,982 students in religion courses, with 291 undergraduate students majoring/minoring in religion and 56 students in the graduate program. Ten students earned the Ph.D. in religion. Baylor had 202 undergraduates receive the BGCT Ministry Scholarship.

Baylor contributes to the vitality of Waco through strong community partnerships and programs, from a transformational philanthropy course through which students presented $79,500 in grants to Waco-area nonprofit organizations and thousands of Baylor students serving in the community each semester through a day of service called Steppin’ Out, to the Baylor Collaborative on Hunger and Poverty, which continued its “Meals-to-You” summer project to ship nutritious, shelf-stable food directly to the homes of rural families with children in Texas, New Mexico, Alaska and Utah, through nearly $5 million USDA grant.

Baylor continues its Faith and Character Study to track the long-term impact of a Baylor education on a person’s faith and character development. New findings measure vertical faith maturity (centered on engagement with God) and horizontal faith maturity (applying faith in service to others), providing pathways for Christian colleges to promote faith maturity through peer relationships — the most significant predictor of both forms of faith maturity — and intentional programs, such as classes, workshops or retreats on religious/ spiritual matters, participating in food/clothing drives and performing volunteer work.

Other highlights from the study:

• Faculty serve as facilitators and role models for students’ faith maturity, but peer influence on faith maturity is stronger.

• Attending a local place of worship is a powerful predictor of both vertical and horizontal faith maturity.

• For non-religious universities, the study highlights the formative role that parachurch organizations can play, putting students into conversation with peers about faith and purpose and engaging students in charitable work guided by faith.

Students were back on summer Baylor Missions, using their academic disciplines and skills to show the love of Christ through service at home and abroad. On each trip, Baylor connects leaders and students with Baylor partner organizations, ensuring the work students do will make a lasting difference in the communities they serve and in the lives of the students themselves. In addition, hundreds of Baylor students were commissioned to serve as summer camp counselors where they encourage and support children and youth in their faith.

2021-2022

Enrollment, Fall 20,626

Enrollment, Spring 20,025

Number of students on full or partial scholarships funded by institution* 19,453

Number of students receiving BGCT Ministerial Tuition Grants* 185

Estimated total number of students preparing for ministry* 1,528

Approximate percentage of Baptist students 20%

*“Non duplicating” totals for the 2021-22 school year.

SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENT(1)

Operating revenue

Tuition and fees $ 968,259,000

BGCT appropriations 1,297,000

Auxiliary enterprises 58,522,000

All other sources 293,605,000

Total operational revenue $ 1,321,683,000

Operating expenses

Educational and general, not including scholarships $ 790,651,000

Institution funded scholarships & financial aid 396,552,000

Auxiliary enterprises 45,856,000

All other expenses -

Total operational expenses $ 1,233,059,000

Excess revenue over expenses after transfers $ 88,624,000

Endowment and net assets

Total endowment (market value) $ 1,993,617,000

Net assets

Unrestricted $ 1,086,474,000

Temporarily restricted 877,226,000

Permanently restricted 951,960,000

Total net assets $ 2,915,660,000

BAPTIST UNIVERSITY

Dallas Baptist University (DBU) is a nationally ranked, comprehensive, liberal arts institution that remains the college of choice among students seeking an excellent Christcentered education with a mission to produce servant leaders and transform lives. The Lord continues to bless DBU as academic programs are expanded, new campus facilities are being added and its global reach inspires lives around the world.

With more than 40,000 graduates serving around the world and enrolling more than 4,300 students, DBU welcomed its largest class of incoming first-year students and traditional-age undergraduate students in school history. In addition, DBU ended the fiscal year in the black for the 34th consecutive year and added four new academic programs and several accelerated programs to expand the curriculum and meet marketplace and ministry demands.

During the 2021-2022 academic year, DBU established the new Dean Institute for Criminal Justice Leadership, which aims to foster collaboration with special law enforcement leaders, offer intellectual engagement through conferences, symposiums, workshops and certificate program opportunities and seek out ways to financially invest in law enforcement officials pursuing certificate and degree programs in Criminal Justice at DBU. Other firsts include publishing the inaugural Cook School of Leadership Academic Journal, launching the Center for Innovation, launching the Life-Long Learning Institute, and launching the Ministry Fellowship Program — a church residency partnership program.

Partnerships are invaluable to DBU, and we are pleased to have increased our International Global Partner Articulation Agreements to 61 total school entities representing 286 campuses and established nine new partnerships through the Honor Scholars Academy.

Construction on a new housing project for upperclassmen, and Phase IV of Ford Village, DBU’s residential college initiative, is well underway. The completed residential project expands DBU’s campus housing to accommodate more than 2,200 on-campus residents.

In 2022, construction was completed on the Lunsford Trail at DBU. The Lunsford Trail was given by faithful friends of DBU, Holt and Kaye Dawn Lunsford, and dedicated to the DBU family and community to encourage health and development of the spirit, mind and body.

Several programs in DBU Athletics achieved top 10 national rankings with two additional programs receiving top 15 national rankings. The women’s golf and women’s soccer programs achieved number one rankings in the nation at the NCAA Division II level, with women’s golf winning the NCAA Division II National Championship — the first NCAA Championship in DBU history. The DBU cheer and patriettes teams won back-to-back championships in 2021 and 2022 in Daytona, Florida.

Coach Dan Heefner and Patriot baseball produced yet another noteworthy season announcing their invitation to join Conference USA as an affiliate member and advancing to the NCAA Division I Regional tournament for the eighth consecutive year. Under Dan Heefner’s leadership as head coach since 2008, DBU has produced over 60 MLB draft picks, 11 of which have made their major league debut.

Many challenges remain in the days ahead for DBU and for all institutions of Christian higher education. However, these challenges pale in comparison to the great calling to produce men and women whose hearts are focused on the Lord and whose lives are on mission to serve others. To this end, DBU continues to push toward its mission and vision to be a great Christian university that is pleasing to God.

We are grateful to Texas Baptists for their generous support of Dallas Baptist University.

ADAM WRIGHT President

3000 Mountain Creek Parkway Dallas, Texas 75211-9299

2021 - 2022

Enrollment, Fall 4,366

Enrollment, Spring 3,968

Number of students on full or partial scholarships funded by institution* 3,891

Number of students receiving BGCT Ministerial Tuition Grants* 273

Estimated total number of students preparing for ministry* 433

Approximate percentage of Baptist students 36% *“Non duplicating” totals for the 2021-22 school year.

SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENT

Operating revenue

Tuition and fees $ 101,445,411

BGCT appropriations 1,202,908

Auxiliary enterprises 14,003,384

All other sources 6,363,455

Total operational revenue $ 123,015,158

Operating expenses

Educational and general, not including scholarships $ 75,760,345

Institution funded scholarships & financial aid 33,383,201

Auxiliary enterprises 9,196,607 All other expenses 4,670,168

Total operational expenses

Excess

Endowment and

assets

Total endowment (market

Net Assets

UNIVERSITY

123,010,321

$ 4,837

66,791,482

Unrestricted 153,577,599

Temporarily restricted 24,239,484

Permanently restricted 46,787,185

Total

224,604,268

BAPTIST UNIVERSITY

J. BLAIR BLACKBURN President

One Tiger Drive Marshall, Texas 75670 etbu.edu

East Texas Baptist University celebrated its second-highest recorded fall enrollment in 109 years with 1,688 total students, and an 84% undergraduate retention rate (2% higher than the five-year average). In addition, the total graduate enrollment exhibits the highest master’s degree program enrollment in University history, up by 13% from last year. The spring 2022 enrollment also reflected a record-breaking number of new and returning ETBU Tigers.

“The enrollment is a result of our devoted, servant-hearted faculty and staff and most certainly God’s faithfulness to our prayers,” ETBU President J. Blair Blackburn said. “When I reflect on our university’s Christ-centered foundation, mission and core commitments, I am deeply appreciative to serve alongside a university family who is committed to the fulfillment of God’s vision for our students: Both those who are here now and those who will one day call our Hill their college home.”

East Texas Baptist’s academic accolades for 2021-2022 include the awarding of 373 degrees, representing a 68% increase over the last decade in the total number of degrees awarded annually by the institution. Additionally, the School of Education successfully completed the Texas Education Agency’s accreditation audit as a part of the continuous improvement process required for all Educator Preparation Agencies in the State of Texas. Over the summer, students embarked on immersive travel learning experiences such as the Civil Rights Tour through Alabama and the Global Study and Serve trip to Israel.

“ETBU seeks to inspire and impact students through a transformative educational experience,” ETBU Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Thomas Sanders said.

“I am thrilled to see our student population continue to grow as we work to strengthen the resources and opportunities available for our growing student body.”

The year brought several additions and changes around the ETBU campus. Harvey Daniel Bruce Hall was renovated into a modern learning facility for the School of Education. The university expanded outdoor learning spaces, seating and gathering area for studying and social activities including The Grove Terrace and Tiger Square. The university has made significant progress on the construction of the Great Commission Center, as well as the acquisition, renovation and repurposing of a corporate office building in downtown Marshall. Synergy Park extends ETBU’s downtown academic learning and vocational training footprint in connection with the Marshall Grand, the downtown campus and home of the Teague School of Nursing.

Tiger Athletics finished out an exciting year with several notable achievements. ETBU bass fishing won the 2022 Major League Fishing College National Championship. ETBU women’s basketball advanced to the NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball National Tournament. Tiger softball hosted its third-straight NCAA Regional Tournament. The ETBU men’s and women’s track and field program made history, competing in six events at the NCAA Division III National Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

Through ETBU Tiger Athletics, student athletes are shining the light of Christ on and off the field, participating in competition and serving in communities across the nation and around the world. The Tiger golf team traveled to St. Andrews, Scotland, this summer, marking the first Tiger Athletic Mission Experience (TAME) trip since the COVID-19 pandemic and the 13th global TAME trip overall. Additionally, ETBU junior Tiger softball player Leah Akridge was voted the American Southwest Conference’s Female Community Service Athlete of the Year.

ETBU values the faithful partnership of Texas Baptists as we strive to develop Christian servant leaders in fulfillment of the Great Commission.

2021 - 2022

Enrollment, Fall 1,688

Enrollment, Spring 1,495

Number of students on full or partial scholarships funded by institution* 1,382

Number of students receiving BGCT Ministerial Tuition Grants* 38

Estimated total number of students preparing for ministry* 94

Approximate percentage of Baptist students 47 *“Non duplicating” totals for the 2020-21 school year.

SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENT

Operating revenue

Tuition and fees $ 34,232,813

BGCT appropriations 512,962

Auxiliary enterprises 9,056,528

All other sources 12,659,616

Total operational revenue $ 56,461,919

Operating expenses

Educational and general, not including scholarships $ 28,226,460

Institution funded scholarships & financial aid 18,841,752

Auxiliary enterprises 9,310,602 All other expenses

Total operational expenses

Excess

Endowment

assets

Total endowment (market

Net assets

56,378,814

83,105

85,220,881

Unrestricted 57,930,797

Temporarily restricted 36,824,309

Permanently restricted 36,928,068

Total

BAPTIST UNIVERSITY

131,683,174

UNIVERSITY

ERIC BRUNTMYER

President

2200 Hickory Street

Abilene, Texas 79601

hsutx.edu

One word that many of our students use to describe Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) is “family.” From the moment you walk on campus, you will be greeted by your orientation leader and your year-round mentor. At HSU, you aren’t just a number; you are a valuable member of our community.

Our mission and vision — The mission of Hardin-Simmons University is to be a community dedicated to providing excellence in education enlightened by Christian faith and values. Hardin-Simmons University will be an innovative community of servant scholars engaging the minds and nurturing the spirits of future Christian leaders.

Spiritual life — Our mission is to ensure we walk alongside our students as they do life at HSU. We offer a plentiful campus ministry so that each student has the opportunity for spiritual formation while they are at HSU. We desire to engage students spiritually and emotionally.

Affordable — U.S. News & World Report lists HSU on its 2021 Best Value schools among regional universities in the west. This is due to generous alumni and friends who have given back to HSU so that 98% of HSU students can receive more than $24,000,000 in scholarships awarded annually.

Below are the possible scholarships that HSU students may be eligible to receive:

Award Annual HSU GPA for renewal

Trustees $18,000 3.75

Presidents $16,000 3.25

Deans $14,000 2.75

University $12,000 2.25 Opportunity $10,000 2.00

Awards are based upon high school GPA and ACT, SAT or CLT test scores. Students must be enrolled full-time in consecutive Fall/Spring semesters and maintain the minimum GPA for renewal.

HSU Heritage Scholarship — For dependents of full-time Christian pastors or missionaries, dependents of HSU alumni or families with multiple siblings attending HSU concurrently. Not available to recipients of Honors or Leland scholarships.

Simmons Exchange Grant — For students with financial need. The Simmons Exchange Grant is funded by various sources. The Lord has blessed HSU with donations from alumni, parents, friends and foundations who generously give to HSU each year. These gifts plus other federal and state grant programs make up the Simmons Exchange Grant, which lowers the tuition cost of an HSU education.

Honors scholarships — Students chosen for admission to the Julius Olsen Honors Program will be awarded $21,000 annually for up to four years. Top honors candidates may qualify to receive the Leland Scholarship for full tuition for four years.

Leland Scholarship — Top candidates chosen for the Julius Olsen Honors Program may qualify for this prestigious award of full tuition for four years, Leland. is awarded in lieu of academic or honors scholarships.

Church Match Scholarship — Up to $1,000 match per semester. Church Match Scholarship Application required.

Departmental scholarships — Departmental scholarships are available to majors studying in one of our five colleges or schools.

Ministerial Grant — For students planning to enter the ministry. An application must be submitted to the Logsdon School of Theology.

Academics at HSU — Your degree from HSU will represent to the world a rigorous, useful and modern academic education, as well as the personal and spiritual development we provide our students.

HSU offers more than 50 bachelor degrees and minors throughout five different colleges, and we’re always evaluating programs and offering new undergraduate degrees.

APPROXIMATE PERCENTAGE OF STUDENTS BY RACE/ETHNICITY

Anglo 57% Hispanic 21% African American 11% Asian 2% American Indian 1% Other 7%

HARDIN-SIMMONS UNIVERSITY STATISTICAL INFORMATION

2021 - 2022

Enrollment, Fall 1,443

Enrollment, Spring 1,253

Number of students on full or partial scholarships funded by institution* 1,586

Number of students receiving BGCT Ministerial Tuition Grants* 22

Estimated total number of students preparing for ministry* 53

Approximate percentage of Baptist students 36%

*“Non duplicating” totals for the 2021-22 school year.

SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENT

Operating revenue

Tuition and fees $ 51,806,169

BGCT appropriations 547,376

Auxiliary enterprises 7,717,278

All other sources 26,061,291

Total operational revenue $ 86,132,114

Operating expenses

Educational and general, not including scholarships $ 30,918,967

Institution funded scholarships & financial aid 26,893,609

Auxiliary enterprises 5,753,895

All other expenses 19,305,675

Total operational expenses $ 82,872,146

Excess revenue over expenses after transfers $ 3,259,968

Endowment and net assets

Total endowment (market value) $ 239,464,460

Net assets

Unrestricted 184,430,644

Temporarily restricted 45,737,690

Permanently restricted 135,351,265

Total net assets $ 365,519,599

HOUSTON

BAPTIST UNIVERSITY

ROBERT B. SLOAN President

7502 Fondren Houston, Texas 77074-3298 hbu.edu

hbuonline.com

As Houston Baptist University (HBU) moves forward with faith and vision, it reflects back with gratitude for the Lord’s blessings. In the fall, the university reached its highest total enrollment in HBU history for the ninth consecutive year with more than 4,100 students enrolled in 110 degree programs. HBU had the highest residential undergraduate enrollment for the third year in a row and HBU’s Pampell Online division celebrated its largest enrollment ever for the fifth consecutive year.

HBU’s new vision document, The Ten Pillars 2030, was publicly introduced in Fall 2021. The vision document begins with a description of the biblical, Christian worldview that HBU espouses, with the Ten Core Convictions following. The metaphor of the “Ten Pillars” now refers to “Ten Core Convictions” that express the university’s essential beliefs and give shape to our strategic plans and the transformative projects we hope to undertake during the next 10 years.

The May 2022 Commencement Ceremony celebrated the university’s third largest graduating class with alumni now totaling more than 24,570. Degrees of the first graduating class of the Engineering program, the Doctor of Education in Executive Leadership in Mental Health and Human Services, and the first graduate to complete the Bachelor of Arts to Master of Divinity program were also conferred.

Construction of The Morris Family Center for Law & Liberty draws to a close with an anticipated completion of the main building modeled after Independence Hall in Philadelphia and the first of two academic buildings this fall and a ribbon cutting ceremony to follow. The Morris Family Center is made possible through a generous lead gift by Dr. Stewart Morris and The Joella and Stewart Morris Foundation, along with additional gifts from alumni and other university donors including The Robert and Janice McNair Foundation. The center will house classes related to its mission of promoting an appreciation of American history and an understanding of our nation’s founding principles among students, fellow Texans and beyond.

On Nov. 11, 2021, the university hosted more than 700 guests at the Spirit of Excellence Gala on HBU’s beautiful campus. This long-awaited event featured Tim Tebow as the keynote speaker and question-and-answer with Lance Berkman, HBU head baseball coach and former Astro. The Gala was also the occasion to celebrate 60 plus one years since the university’s founding and the announcement that the university had completed the $136.5 million “Seize the Moment” capital campaign.

The Board of Trustees of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), approved the 10-year reaffirmation of HBU at the Dec. 2 Annual Meeting. HBU was found to be in full compliance with no follow-up reports required. This affirms the university’s accreditation status for another 10 years.

A part of HBU’s vision for the next decade will encompass the nursing and allied health disciplines, as well as those in the sciences, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). A key resource for achieving this vision is the construction of the Sherry and Jim Smith STEM and Nursing Building, named for Sherry and Jim Smith who made a lead gift of $20 million. This innovative complex of buildings, new and renovated, includes laboratories, classrooms and other learning spaces for our nursing, science and engineering programs.

HBU is grateful for the many students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends who have invested time, talent and financial support to progress the university’s vital and life-changing mission. We look back at the many accomplishments of the university and look forward to more milestones to come of our efforts to improve lives through the power of Christian education.

2021 - 2022

Enrollment, Fall 4317

Enrollment, Spring 3964

Number of students on full or partial scholarships funded by institution* 2581

Number of students receiving BGCT Ministerial Tuition Grants* 9

Estimated total number of students preparing for ministry* 341

Approximate percentage of Baptist students 18% *“Non duplicating” totals for the 2021-22 school year.

SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENT

As of the end of the 4th quarter of the fiscal year, May 31, 2022 (unaudited)

Operating revenue

Tuition and fees $ 106,551,219

BGCT appropriations 315,467

Auxiliary enterprises 10,388,649

All other sources 16,474,295

Total operational revenue $ 133,729,630

Operating expenses

Educational and general, not including scholarships $ 60,906,596 Institution funded scholarships & financial aid 58,397,778

Auxiliary enterprises 14,754,557 All other expenses 14,307

Total operational expenses $ 134,073,238

Excess revenue over expenses

Endowment and net assets

transfers $ (343,608)

UNIVERSITY

Total endowment (market value) $ 130,704,140

Net assets

Unrestricted 90,141,170

Temporarily restricted 136,836,957

Permanently restricted

Total net assets

226,978,127

HOWARD PAYNE UNIVERSITY

Since 1889, Howard Payne University (HPU) has been a Christ-centered, close-knit academic community located in the heart of Texas. Students choose from more than 100 majors, minors and pre-professional programs in seven schools and may also apply for admission into the Guy D. Newman Honors Academy, the university’s nationally recognized multidisciplinary honors program. HPU’s student athletes compete in six men’s and six women’s sports through the American Southwest Conference. The university also serves students in El Paso and New Braunfels through extension centers in those cities.

Institutional advancement and fiscal highlights

HPU celebrated the highest year of giving in the history of the institution, with a 59% increase in gifts and pledges over the previous year. The $4 million Newbury Family Welcome Center opened fully funded and debt-free in May 2022. Funding for the Douglas MacArthur Academy of Freedom renovation is 90% raised and construction has begun. Additionally, HPU received a $1 million gift toward scholarships for students majoring in Christian Studies, Education, Business and the Guy D. Newman Honors Academy. Ten alumni and friends notified HPU of their intent to leave a combined planned gift totaling over $3 million. The Office of Alumni Relations hosted 2,660 alumni and friends during 26 events during the year. Engagement with alumni and friends through social media continues to increase.

Academic highlights

HPU continued to receive acknowledgment for achievement in educational opportunities. For example, in recognition of HPU’s commitment to educating Hispanic students, the university was named a Hispanic Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education. The undergraduate program in nursing was granted accreditation by the national Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, allowing nursing graduates to enter the military and have enhanced access to nursing opportunities across the nation. HPU’s Student Speaker Bureau speech and debate team won its third consecutive debate sweepstakes at the Texas Intercollegiate Forensics Association statewide competition.

Student experience highlights

HPU is committed to the holistic development of students though an array of cocurricular opportunities. Weekly chapel provides time for spiritual renewal. In residence halls, resident directors disciple resident assistants to help foster a community of spiritual development. Campus activities help connect students to HPU and each other. These include traditions such as Daze of Payne, Christmas on the Plaza, HPUFest, Pancake Supper and Spring Sing, as well as weekly opportunities like Chick-Fil-A on the Lawn, Elimination Game, Fall Festival and a Super Bowl watch party. The Jacket Food and Essentials provided food and goods to over 400 students. Twenty-four student organizations provided leadership opportunities, service experiences, and campus-wide events. In January, 11 students attended the annual Christian Association of Student Leaders (CASL) conference. In March, more than 400 HPU students and personnel participated in 16 service projects benefiting nonprofit organizations across Brown County during the inaugural William B. Dean, M.D. Lecture Series and Community Impact Day. All campus offices were closed and classes were cancelled to allow HPU students and personnel to volunteer.

Campus ministry highlights

HPU’s Baptist Student Ministry was led by a team of 13 students who facilitated five ongoing ministries along with several others that took place throughout the year. More than 30 students participated in discipleship through these ministries. The weekly free lunch event, through which local churches fed students, averaged 100-150 students per week and provided opportunities for connection. More than 15 local churches and ministries participated in feeding students. The BSM raised over $3,500 for Go Now Missions and sent three students who chose to serve both domestically and internationally.

CORY HINES

1000 Fisk Street Brownwood, Texas 76801

2021 - 2022

Enrollment, Fall 912

Enrollment, Spring 765

Number of students on full or partial scholarships funded by institution* 775

Number of students receiving BGCT Ministerial Tuition Grants* 32

Estimated total number of students preparing for ministry* 78

Approximate percentage of Baptist students 28% *“Non duplicating” totals for the 2021-22 school year.

SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENTUNAUDITED

Operating revenue

Tuition and fees $ 20,686,321

BGCT appropriations 619,728

Auxiliary enterprises 3,002,270

All other sources 7,193,699

Total operational

Operating expenses

$ 31,502,018

Educational and general, not including scholarships $ 19,875,689

Institution funded scholarships & financial aid 10,294,375

Auxiliary enterprises 1,304,726

All other expenses

Total

$ 31,474,790

27,228

Total

HOWARD PAYNE UNIVERSITY

64,574,047

Unrestricted 28,831,423

Temporarily restricted 32,291,735

Permanently restricted 45,856,092

Total

106,979,250

UNIVERSITY OF MARY HARDIN-BAYLOR

RANDY O’REAR

900 College Street

Belton, Texas 76513

umhb.edu

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB) prepares students for lives of leadership, service and faith-informed discernment in a global society. Academic excellence, personal attention, broad-based scholarship and a Baptist vision for education distinguish our Christ-centered learning community. This year the university celebrates its 177th anniversary, having been founded in 1845 by the Republic of Texas.

Academics

This fall, the university offers bachelor’s degrees in more than 60 undergraduate majors, 11 master’s degree programs, and two doctoral degrees (Doctor of Education and Doctor of Physical Therapy).

UMHB will offer several new degrees and concentrations this fall. The online Masters of Public Health with a Health Promotion concentration includes an internship at an extramural agency and organization. Additional offerings include a Bachelor in Social Data Analytics and two new Bachelor of Christian Ministry concentrations: Community Care and Sports and Recreation Ministry.

The university will launch a fully online, affordable, self-paced Bachelor of Applied Studies in Worship Leadership this spring. Featuring courses in Church Music and Worship, Christian Ministry and Business Leadership, this program offers practical skills for those serving in ministry.

Campus improvements

Dedicated in October 2021, the McClinton Family Intramural Fields were converted from natural grass to artificial turf. Improvements included new field lighting, a pavilion, a concourse and permanent striping for the recreational sports.

The design has begun for the Marek-Smith Center for Teacher Preparation, a groundbreaking training facility to prepare general and special education majors for various academic environments. Innovative spaces will incorporate immersive, multisensory and interactive equipment to enhance the overall learning experience. The building is expected to open in Fall 2023.

The School of Exercise and Sport Science office is being expanded to accommodate the new Public Health Program, offering three degree options: the Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH), the Master of Public Health (MPH), and a five-year, fast-track BSPHMPH combined degree.

Student life

On April 13, UMHB hosted its 83rd annual Easter pageant on campus. The three pageant performances attracted a combined live audience of roughly 6,000 people in person and more than 18,000 people through live streams. While most online viewers were from the United States, there were viewers from as far away as the United Kingdom and Spain. More than 350 UMHB students and children and grandchildren of faculty and staff participated in the planning and production of the pageant, which chronicles moments from the gospel story, including Christ’s triumphal entrance into Jerusalem; the Last Supper; and Christ’s trial by Pontius Pilate, crucifixion, death and resurrection. The tradition of the annual Easter pageant at UMHB began in 1940 when it was held during the afternoon on Easter Day.

Athletics

The 2021-2022 school year was one of the greatest in the history of UMHB athletics. For the second time in its 24-year history, the Crusader football program won the NCAA Division III National Championship. The team closed the season with a perfect 15-0 record to tie school and American Southwest Conference (ASC) records for single-season victories. Additionally, the university’s men’s basketball, men’s golf and women’s golf teams also won ASC championships. The men’s basketball team competed in the NCAA quarterfinals, while the women’s basketball team made it to the third round. The men’s and women’s golf teams both competed at the NCAA Championships. Thirteen of the Cru athletic programs competed in postseason play during the year.

Many thanks

UMHB continues to move toward its vision of being the university of choice for Christian higher education in the Southwest. Many thanks to Texas Baptists and others who support the university’s efforts to prepare students for lives of Christian service and leadership.

President

UNIVERSITY OF MARY HARDIN

2021 - 2022

Enrollment, Fall 3,732

Enrollment, Spring 3,253

Number of students on full or partial scholarships funded by institution* 3,411

Number of students receiving BGCT Ministerial Tuition Grants* 20

Estimated total number of students preparing for ministry* 99

Approximate percentage of Baptist students 33% *“Non duplicating” totals for the 2021-22 school year.

SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENT

Operating revenue

Tuition and fees $ 100,662,081

BGCT appropriations 571,313

Auxiliary enterprises 16,052,278

All other sources 7,311,835

Total operational revenue $ 124,597,507

Operating expenses

Educational and general, not including scholarships $ 70,249,658

Institution funded scholarships & financial aid 25,766,285

Auxiliary enterprises 4,681,483

All other expenses 23,820,080

Total operational expenses $ 124,517,506

Excess

Endowment and net assets

Total endowment (market value)

Net assets

$ 80,000

115,770,202

Unrestricted 216,353,215

Temporarily restricted 53,385,423

Permanently restricted 64,287,296

Total

334,025,934

WAYLAND BAPTIST UNIVERSITY

BOBBY L. HALL President

1900 West Seventh Street Plainview, Texas 79072 wbu.edu

Improvement and growth characterize the past year at Wayland Baptist University (WBU). Reminding students Wayland is distinctively Christian, every light pole banner was decorated with Scriptures, emphasizing the importance of students keeping their spiritual flame alive.

Super Summer returned to Wayland. This training opportunity for young people who want to know more about how to share Christ began in 1974 and is affiliated with Texas Baptists. Open to students in the seventh through 12th grades, the session was held July 11-15.

In September 2021, Wayland hosted the inaugural Jimmy Dean Music and Arts Festival. Showcasing the Jimmy Dean Museum, the outdoor event drew hundreds of guests with vendors, entertainers and food trucks. Campus event promoters were thrilled to host the late entrepreneur’s wife, Donna Dean, who spoke about his legacy and sang some of his songs.

Renovations to the exterior of iconic Gates Hall were completed, creating a striking, visual difference to the look of the 113-year-old campus’s flagship building. Harral Memorial Auditorium received new seating thanks to donations from past and present members of the Wayland Board of Trustees. Sound equipment, retractable video screens and digital projectors were also installed.

The Kenneth L. Mattox School of Mathematics and Sciences, named after the renowned heart surgeon and WBU alumnus, was officially opened in February. Dr. Mattox and his wife, June, Wayland’s first school nurse, presented the lead gift and were influential in the university raising $7.5 million needed for the facility.

Wayland and the Hutcherson Flying Queens Foundation broke ground on the Flying Queens basketball museum inside Mabee Regional Heritage Center. The foundation, comprised of former players, coaches and fans, completed $750,000 in initial fundraising for the state-of-the-art facility that will tell the remarkable story of the Wayland Flying Queens women’s basketball program. The museum is scheduled to open in early 2023.

In the spring, Wayland was recognized with both a silver-level Military Friendly school badge, and a Military Spouse Friendly school badge. The U.S. Department of Education classifies Wayland as a Hispanic Serving Institution.

National Science Foundation awarded WBU a $1.36 million grant to develop more scientist-educators. This STEM-inspired grant provides up to $16,000 for each highly qualified student at the Plainview campus who wants to become a high school math or science teacher. Prospective teachers receive scholarship support during their final two years of college. The project will develop a professional-learning community to support STEM. The first cohort of students enroll this fall. Early application is recommended to optimize scholarship opportunities.

Wayland welcomed a new vice president of Institutional Advancement. Mike Hammack, who previously worked with Texas Baptist Children’s Home, Houston’s Gracewood Center, and Hardin-Simmons University, engages donors through various giving avenues and will initiate Wayland’s next comprehensive fundraising campaign in 2023.

Enrollment in cybersecurity certification courses increased as Wayland students tested with an incredible 96% success rate — almost double the national average. WBU continues to lead the way as emphasis on cybersecurity increases.

Wayland’s School of Christian Studies continues to work diligently on mission outreach with faculty, students and alumni sharing testimonies at conventions, workshops and with regional congregations. Attendance at Congreso, Convencíon and the Baptist General Convention of Texas proved to be rewarding, and a mission trip to Kenya, Africa, featured students and alumni.

Finally, Wayland is adding softball, becoming the 10th Sooner Athletic Conference school to do so. The 2022-2023 year will not feature SAC competition but serve as a leadership class bringing Wayland softball into existence. A full schedule of SAC conference games begins with the 2023-2024 season.

2021 - 2022

Enrollment, Fall 3,508

Enrollment, Spring 3,073

Number of students on full or partial scholarships funded by institution* 1,010

Number of students receiving BGCT Ministerial Tuition Grants* 17

Estimated total number of students preparing for ministry* 151

Approximate percentage of Baptist students 18% *“Non duplicating” totals for the 2021-22 school year.

SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENT

Operating revenue

Tuition and fees $ 35,693,676

BGCT appropriations 558,413

Auxiliary enterprises 5,677,761

All other sources 17,318,605

Total operational revenue $ 59,248,455

Operating expenses

Educational and general, not including scholarships $ 48,517,226

Institution funded scholarships & financial aid 5,716,937

Auxiliary enterprises 3,200,375 All other expenses 1,785,091

Total operational expenses $ 59,219,629

Excess revenue

Endowment and

transfers $ 28,826

assets

Total endowment (market value) $ 95,689,934

Net assets

Unrestricted 61,601,235

Temporarily restricted 33,061,892

Permanently restricted 37,574,926

Total

BAPTIST UNIVERSITY

132,238,053

ACADEMY

BRIAN N. GUENTHER President

2801 Ranch Road 12 San Marcos, Texas 78666

On Aug. 16, the school year began much like any other. Lower School parents dropped their children off at Davidson Hall with smiles, tears and a lot of photos. Pre-K parents walked their children to Derrick-Wolfe Hall, marking a historic first for the academy, which opened the Pre-K option as a pilot program—one that would turn out to be highly successful. Older students were dropped off or drove their own cars to school and headed to the RCC for the opening chapel service, as dictated by tradition. Yet, something felt different. What had changed? What was going on? It was all just so … normal.

For students and staff weary after the stress of learning during a pandemic for the past two years, normal was good. In fact, it was amazing. Sitting next to one another again in chapel? Check. No masks unless we choose to wear them? Check. Parents can join us for lunch? Check. The list went on as school opened at Stage 0 of the Communicable Disease Action Plan, meaning no specific protocols were in place.

Normal took a little getting used to, but everyone gradually fell back into their old habits, picking up steam as the days went on. There were a few setbacks. We worried about the new variants, for example, and we took proper precautions whenever a COVID-19 case was (rarely) reported. Mostly, though, we celebrated the return to what school is supposed to be: A place to collaborate rather than separate; a place to actually rub shoulders with classmates and teammates; a place to high five or shake a friend’s hand. Normalcy was back, and we welcomed it enthusiastically.

Some highlights from the year include the following:

• The Pre-K program started and welcomed 16 new students ages 3-4.

• In October 2021, the Student Life Department hosted the 2nd annual, OctoBEARFest in which $15,000 was raised in sponsorships from local businesses and the Lower School parent group “Cub Network” facilitated a silent auction that raised $15,000 to install a swing set at the playground.

• After several months of construction delays related to the pandemic, renovation of the academy’s Lower School facility, Davidson Hall, was completed in December 2020. K-5 students began the spring semester in this beautiful building, and a ribbon cutting was held March 9, 2021.

• The Development team participated in the Giving Tuesday movement on Nov. 30 and raised over $28,000 for student financial assistance to attend SMA.

• On Dec. 2, almost the entire San Marcos Academy community traveled to Waco, Texas, to support our varsity football team at the TAPPS 6-man State Championship, the team fell short, but had a fantastic season.

• Students participated in a community volunteer opportunity called “Serve Day.” They helped with house cleanup, front porch construction and wheelchair ramp painting at several different locations throughout San Marcos.

• Lower School students enjoyed activities such as Mother and Son Dinner, Daddy and Daughter Dance, 100th Day of School, Invention Convention, Texas Day and Field Day.

• At the 114th Annual Commencement, the academy presented diplomas to 28 graduates, who were offered merit scholarships totaling more than $2,800,000. Two graduates will serve our nation through the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy.

2021 - 2022

Enrollment, Fall 307

Enrollment, Spring 320

Number of students on full or partial scholarships funded by institution* 70

Number of students receiving BGCT Ministerial Tuition Grants*

Estimated total number of students preparing for ministry*

Approximate percentage of Baptist students 15% *“Non duplicating” totals for the 2021-22 school year.

SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENT

Operating revenue

Tuition and fees

4,200,392

BGCT appropriations 159,444

Auxiliary enterprises 258,083

All other sources 1,610,917

Total operational revenue

Operating expenses

Educational and general, not including scholarships

6,228,836

2,170,036

Institution funded scholarships & financial aid 499,133

Auxiliary enterprises 1,043,493 All other expenses 2,516,174

Total

6,228,836

—

Total

8,928,650

Unrestricted 7,442,191

Temporarily restricted 2,583,663

Permanently

7,656,371

17,682,225

STARK

& SEMINARY

Stark College & Seminary (SCS) exists to equip educationally under-served followers of Christ for service in the church and community. With a laser focus on non-traditional students, the college serves over 130 churches who desperately need leaders who can strive in ministry and education simultaneously. From the mission to the model, Stark College & Seminary fills the need to educate church leaders in the fields of ministry.

Established in 1947, SCS students receive affordable, accessible, and applicable educational programs designed from the ground up with the working minister in mind.

Affordable

At a time when information is abundant, but moral integration and wisdom are scarce, Stark is committed to making theological education a reality for all people of color, especially for older, non-traditional students. The average student at SCS is over 40 years old. Stark specializes in equipping those whom God calls but have limited options due to family, ministry, financial resources and work obligations.

Thanks to the generosity of donors, students enjoy a discounted tuition rate where every student who applies for financial aid receives it! As a result of generous donors, a diverse student population is attracted to Stark. For example, last year, the typical student was 47% Hispanic, 29.3% Caucasian, 20.51% African-American and 3% Asian (Pacific Islander)/ Other. Typical classes have 56.5% males and 43.5% females with over 70% as Baptists.

Accessible

In addition to providing an affordable education, Stark values an accessible education as well. In addition to the Corpus Christi and McAllen campuses, teaching churches in Victoria and San Antonio further enable students of South Texas to find a community of scholars. Through national accreditation, Stark also offers online classes across the country (except in California). Thus, students no longer need to relocate their lives or families to answer their call and receive the training they need. Through multiple locations and educational modalities, students can strive in ministry and education without having to pick one over the other.

Applicable

A hallmark of a Stark education is the practitioner-scholar faculty member who pastors a church or actively ministers in his/her community. Thus, the faculty must make what they teach on Thursday work on Sunday. Their personal experience adds a layer of depth to the curriculum in the classroom.

Stark College & Seminary is accredited with the Association of Biblical Higher Education (ABHE) for all programs, including the Certificate in Ministry (19 hrs), Diploma in Ministry (60 hrs), BA in Ministry (120 hrs), and MA in Ministry (44 hrs). SCS has several articulation agreements with other educational institutions across the state of Texas, creating a pathway for students to further their education. For more information please visit stark.edu.

TONY CELELI

President

7000 Ocean Drive Corpus Christi, TX 78501 stark.edu

2021-22

Enrollment, Fall 203

Enrollment, Spring 172

Number of students on full or partial scholarships funded by institution* 266

Number of students receiving BGCT Ministerial Tuition Grants* 142

Estimated total number of students preparing for ministry* 273

Approximate percentage of Baptist students 71% *“Non duplicating” totals for the 2021-22 school year.

SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENT

Operating revenue

Tuition and fees $ 448,561

BGCT appropriations — Auxiliary enterprises 35,303

All other sources 1,425,303

Total operational revenue

Operating expenses

1,909,167

Educational and general, not including scholarships $ 1,260,987

Institution funded scholarships & financial aid 85,997 Auxiliary enterprises

All other expenses 342,334

Total operational expenses

Excess

1,689,318

219,849

Total

7,852,921

Unrestricted 2,096,326

Temporarily

Permanently

Total

603,146

7,443,691

10,143,164

VALLEY BAPTIST MISSIONS EDUCATION CENTER

OTHAL E. BRAND JR.

3700 E. Harrison Harlingen, Texas 78550 vbmec.org

Missions

Valley Baptist Mission Education Center’s (VBMEC) two youth campuses housed over 2,700 campers. Guests represented 92 churches and other Christian organizations came from five different states to work on church construction and Vacation Bible School day camps. They also witnessed to poor residents of colonias throughout the Rio Grande Valley.

Distribution Program

After working last year’s farmer to family food box program. VBMEC continued to work with five national and international distribution organizations. This year VBMEC distributed over $2,500,000 in food, clothing, appliances and household supplies to more than 120 churches and their members.

Christmas Programs

VBMEC has winter Texans and retirees who sewed and filled over 3,000 Christmas stockings for this year. The children from more than 15 churches were blessed.

Theological Training

In cooperation with Wayland University, VBMEC offered 22 different theological courses. Online teaching and learning with students numbering 85 to 125 per semester. More than 480 have already completed their courses.

Youth Programs

Weekly programs for youth continue. More than 400 youth attend weekly worship services and Bible study classes, and over 3,800 professions of faith take place among the youth we serve.

Help for Homes

Twenty-two churches and three homes had repairs done. Work was accomplished for older members belonging to Baptist churches throughout the Rio Grande Valley.

Pastor’s Monthly Luncheons

At each gathering throughout the year, both food and fellowship were enjoyed by pastor groups numbering 65 to 130. Different speakers presented at each luncheon, featuring one topic delivered by an English speaker and another topic by a Spanish speaker. The Convention provided informative, inspirational and encouraging topics to help pastors function better as church leaders.

Calling Out the Call

This is the name of the youth rally implemented to help young people discern whether they are being called into the Christian mission field or into lifetime service in today’s churches. Calling Out the Call is a one-to-two-day event, coordinated with multiple churches across the Valley. These events are held five or six times annually with 40 or more youth participating.

Being part of the Baptist life of God’s Kingdom is always rewarding to those who serve and seek opportunities to spread His Word.

STEVE DALRYMPLE President/CEO & Chief Legal Officer

baptist

Baptist Community Services (BCS) is a multi-organizational system that operates and provides a variety of facilities and services to the Panhandle region of Texas. BCS’ primary focus is on the provision of quality, spiritual-based services to senior adults.

Park Central community

The Park Central campus near Downtown Amarillo is comprised currently of eight facilities which provide independent living services, assisted living services, memory care services and long term care nursing services to senior adults. Apartment facilities and services are provided at Park Place Towers, The Continental, The Harrington, The Talmage Apartments and the Plemons Court Apartments. Park Place Towers, The Continental and The Harrington facilities provide a wide array of services to their respective residents, including a Nurse Navigator program (health care access services), a chaplaincy program, dining services, housekeeping, and transportation services. The Talmage Apartments and the Plemons Court Apartments provide affordable housing facilities for lower-income senior adults, with access to the services of the Park Central campus. A complete range of assisted living services are provided at the Winfred and Elizabeth Moore Assisted Living Center. The Sycamore is another assisted living facility operated by BCS which provides specialized memory care/dementia services. BCS also provides a complete range of longterm care nursing services at its nursing home facility, The Ware.

Roving chaplaincy program

This chaplaincy ministry consists of 11 chaplains provided by BCS, who provide spiritual care for residents and families, as well as the staff/employees of 20 senior living facilities (i.e. nursing homes, assisted living centers, etc.), a senior adult low-income housing complex, a free health care clinic and a senior community center in the Amarillo area (each or which are not affiliated facilities of BCS).

The Arbors

The Arbors is a 60-unit skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility located near the Harrington Regional Medical Center in Amarillo, Texas. This facility is Medicare certified for 60 beds and provides a comprehensive level of skilled nursing/rehabilitation services in coordination with local acute health care facilities at the adjacent medical center.

Snack Pak 4 Kids

This feeding ministry feeds more than 10,000 children and teenagers in the Texas Panhandle, who are experiencing food insecurity on weekends (not only during the school year, but also when school is out). Nutritious food packs are delivered each week for weekend use for these children and their families.

2021 - 2022

Provided on-campus or residential care

Served in own homes and off-campus care

Provided financial aid only

Provided college education or special training

Served through other ministries

Total number of served through ministries (non duplicate) 4,200

Professions of faith 25

Number of employees: 12 Full-time 11 Part-time 1

SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENT

BGCT appropriations $ 23,427

Contributions from churches

Residential support 28,021,026

Other income 58,819,935

Total income $ 86,864,388

Total expenses 54,691,469

Funds available for continuing ministry 32,172,919

Total net assets $ 630,852,706

ALBERT L. REYES President/CEO

700 N. Pearl Street, Suite 1200

Texas

From our beginning, Buckner International has always been a movement, responding to the needs of vulnerable children, families and seniors. But you can’t spell movement without the word “move,” and you can’t have a true movement without moving. Let me offer a few reasons why “movement” was and is a default setting for Buckner:

Moving is a matter of organizational health. Have you ever heard a fitness expert say, “A body in motion stays in motion?” It’s true about personal health and it’s also true for organizations. To stay viable in our ministry, we have always continued to provide ministry.

Moving is a matter of resiliency. Each of our 143 years of service has provided challenges to Buckner and our response to each of those challenges makes us more agile, more resilient. We must remain resilient to meet the next challenges.

Moving is a matter of support. We can’t move unless you move with us, supporting what we do with your faith, your feet or your finances. And we’re proud that Texas Baptists have moved alongside us as we have shined hope into our world. Thank you for keeping us on the move. Your engagement meant we served 100,000 lives in 2021.

And we believe there’s no reason to move unless we move effectively, offering ministries that provide impact on a statewide and international scale, but with the goal of impacting the individual. Our work moves on four pillars. Here’s how and why:

We protect children. Children need safety and encouragement to thrive. Often, children are the most underserved and unheard population. They can be subject to abuse, neglect or even being orphaned. That’s why we are called to protect children and provide loving families for a moment or a lifetime.

We strengthen families. The number one reason children are exposed to harm or fail to thrive? Families that can’t support them. The results are poverty, lack of education, poor parenting skills and poor decisions. When we strengthen families, we support parents in developing skills to successfully nurture their children.

We transform generations. We break negative cycles of family issues through ministries that solve problems at the root cause, so families are empowered to be strong, successful and sustainable. Families are transformed when they dive into learning together, breaking habits and creating success from generation to generation.

We serve seniors. Senior adulthood should be the culmination of a life well-lived and a time of happiness. That’s why we’re Inspiring happiness® for senior adults by serving their needs in Buckner senior living communities, enriching their lives with the dignity, energy and attention they deserve.

Thanks, again for your support and thank you for your prayers.

BUCKNER CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES, INC.

Protected children through Texas foster care and adoption, transitional case management, Buckner Family PathwaysTM and through international foster and kinship care.

Strengthened families through the Buckner Family Hope CenterTM model, family initiatives, Universal Child Abuse Prevention programs, client assistance and early childhood support programs

Transformed generations by supporting single mothers and fathers through the Buckner Family PathwaysTM model and families through Camp Buckner

2,137

87,238

8,121

Total number of served through ministries (non duplicate) 97,496

Professions of faith 132

of employees: 278 Full-time 257 Part-time 21

of 12/31/2021

231,000

761,000

12,835,000

35,020,000

48,847,000

4,952,000

CHILDREN AT HEART MINISTRIES

TODD ROBERSON President & CEO

1301 N. Mays Round Rock, Texas 78664- 2945 cahm.org

2021 was filled with transitions and unexpected events that required resilience and unwavering faith. With God’s guidance, Children At Heart Ministries continued to serve children, families and young adults while adjusting to the continuing pandemic and while repairing the damage left behind by Winter Storm Uri. We also navigated significant shifts within our ministries, including welcoming new leadership in two of our direct care ministries and launching one of our affiliated ministries into self-sufficiency.

We remained steadfast with the help of a loving heavenly Father whose strength is sufficient to supply all our needs no matter what we may face. We were also blessed by our Texas Baptists family, whose prayers and support have made it possible for us to carry out our mission to serve children and strengthen families.

“And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” Philippians 4:19-20

In 2021, Gracewood celebrated 20 years of offering home, hope and healing to singlemother families. Last year, our Houston campus served 39 children and 20 single mothers who needed a soft place to land and the chance to recover, gain new strength and build toward a brighter future. The ministry also helped 47 families in Aftercare, providing food, clothing, counseling and a steadying hand as these families transitioned into independence. Our Gracewood counselors delivered 1,497 hours of individual and family counseling. The ministry welcomed a new president, Vinicia “Vi” White, who had worked with Gracewood families for several years as the program director before stepping into her new role.

Miracle Farm also welcomed a new president, Brent Thackerson, who took the reins after leading a similar boys ranch ministry in Oklahoma for 25 years. The Brenham ranch campus offered a fresh start last year to 21 teenage residents, providing academic recovery, vocational training, the horse program and spiritual development to help them overcome challenges and face the future with confidence. We helped the boys and their families learn better ways to navigate life together through daily mentoring and through family training weekends. We celebrated with five young men as they successfully graduated high school at the ministry’s on-site public charter school. Our staff and leadership also began taking steps to strengthen the vocational training offered by Miracle Farm to help residents gain employable skills.

Last year, Texas Baptist Children’s Home in Round Rock served 116 children and 68 single mothers in residence with its Family Care program and 16 young adults in residence with its Home Base program for emerging adults. The ministry also offered Aftercare to 138 children and 88 single mothers who needed additional guidance and provision while getting established in their own homes after leaving residential care. TBCH HOPE Program counselors nearly doubled its previous service level, delivering more than 5,000 hours of free professional counseling. The ministry continued to explore new avenues to expand both residential and community counseling services.

The past year was not easy at times. It took months to unravel the damage left by Winter Storm Uri, but we were blessed with good insurance that made repairs possible. Our staff and clients continued to pivot in the face of new pandemic-related challenges, including the loss of a long-time Miracle Farm house father to COVID-19. God remained faithful in not only providing the strength we needed in each moment, but in bringing deep joy in seeing lives transformed through His provision. We are deeply grateful for our Texas Baptists family who walk alongside Children At Heart Ministries as we work together to honor God and build a better world by serving children and strengthening families.

CHILDREN AT HEART MINISTRIESSTATISTICS ALL MINISTRIES 2021 - 2022

Children served through foster care 78 Adoptions 6

Counseling and other ministries 11,684

Provided on-campus or residential care 280

Served through community ministry and off-campus care 1,619 Assisted with college education or special training 22

Total number of individuals served through ministries(non-duplicative) 14,689

Total known spiritual decisions 12

Number of employees: Full-time 132 Part-time 16

GRACEWOOD

BGCT appropriations $ 145,727

Contributions from churches 102,787 Residential support 15,049

Other Income 1,343,275

Total income $ 1,606,838

Total expenses 1,522,960 Funds available for continuing ministry 83,878

Total net assets $ 2,175,700

MIRACLE FARM

BGCT appropriations $ 145,727

Contributions from churches 46,173 Residential supportOther income 2,116,316

Total income $ 2,308,216

Total expenses 3,059,279 Funds available for continuing ministry (751,063)

Total net assets $ 1,095,413

TEXAS BAPTIST CHILDREN’S HOME

BGCT appropriations $ 145,727

Contributions from churches 148,339 Residential support 24,410 Other income 4,773,813

Total income $ 5,092,289

Total expenses 4,352,674 Funds available for continuing ministry 739,615

Total net assets $ 4,516,480

*Note: BGCT appropriations of $82,183 were received in 2021 by STARRY. As of 9/1/2021, STARRY became its own independent ministry, no longer affiliated with the Children At Heart Ministries family.

SOUTH TEXAS CHILDREN’S HOME MINISTRIES

ERON GREEN President

PO Box 1210

Beeville, Texas 78104-1210

stchm.org

On May 1, 2022, STCH Ministries celebrated 70 years of ministry, impacting the lives of children and families. In 1952, with help from area churches, individuals and organizations, land and a dream provided by Laura Boothe Overby, Rev. Jess Lunsford opened South Texas Children’s Home on the Boothe Campus just outside Mineral, Texas. In the years that followed, the campus would grow with the building of new cottages and with it, the ability to care for more children. Little did Rev. Lunsford know how STCH Ministries would continue to grow.

In May 1970, STCH Ministries opened another campus in Goliad, which today is known as Marshall Campus. Originally used as an extension of the children’s home, Marshall Campus now serves as a Homes for Families campus, impacting the lives of single mothers and their children. In 1973, Dr. Jack Green replaced Rev. Lunsford as the executive director, going on to serve in the role for 25 years. Under Dr. Green’s leadership, STCH Ministries would expand by opening new ministries, including Family Counseling. All of the ministries continued to flourish and countless lives were impacted by the work of STCH Ministries.

Fast forward to 2012, STCH Ministries continued to serve children and families through five ministries, including International and Homes for Families. By 2016, four more ministries, Faith & Finances, Pastor Care, Family Support and Ministry Consulting, were added bringing the total number of ministries to nine across four major cities and two campuses with close to 100 staff members. Getting out into the community and reaching people where they are at, led to the Faith & Work and Faith & Finances ministries opening up more classes and recruiting volunteer facilitators. Today, virtual classes take place throughout Texas and internationally.

Since 2020, with many organizations having to downsize due to the COVID-19 pandemic, by the grace of God, STCH Ministries has continued to grow. In 2021 alone, STCH Ministries added Homes for Families on the Bluebonnet Campus in Yoakum, counseling expanded into the Rio Grande Valley and we broke ground for a new counseling center in Victoria and a children’s center on the Marshall Campus in Goliad. Staff members have grown to approximately 115 and the International ministry has expanded and now includes the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Peru, El Salvador and Monterrey, Mexico. This growth will allow for STCH Ministries to reach more children and families with God’s love and truth.

From the beginning, STCH Ministries adopted three founding principles that remain true today: 1. STCH Ministries will never incur any debt; 2. STCH Ministries is 100% privately funded and does not take any state or federal funding; 3. STCH Ministries provides their services regardless of an individual’s ability to pay. With no signs of slowing down, STCH Ministries continues to pray for God’s guidance as we look to the future and find new and innovative ways to impact more lives.

Our ministries

Homes for Children – A campus that provides a loving, family environment for children in need.

Homes for Families – A safe haven for mothers and their children whose families are in crisis.

Family Counseling – Professional counseling that is both clinically excellent and distinctively Christian.

International Ministry – Family-friendly mission trips where Americans can work side-by-side with local believers in churches, orphanages and Christian schools to meet needs and advance the gospel.

Faith & Work – Guiding people to discover God’s purpose for their lives and how to fulfill that purpose through their work.

Faith & Finances – A 12-week class that teaches biblical principles of money management.

Pastor Care – Ministering to ministers through confidential counseling and pulpit supply.

Family Support – Connecting people in need with resources and guidance.

Ministry Consulting – Sharing expertise and resources with other like-minded ministries.

STCH MINISTRIES STATISTICAL INFORMATION: June 1, 2021 - May 31, 2022

Directly served in ministries

Homes for Children 156

Children served in residential care, college, transitional and after care Homes for Families 110

Mothers and children served in residential care

Family Counseling 2,871

Counseling clients served and workshop participants

International Ministry 8,387

Individuals served in churches, children’s homes, schools and medical clinics

Faith & Work 132

Participants in classes for job training

Faith & Finances 681

Participants in classes for biblical money management

Family Support 48

Individuals who received assistance or referrals

Pastor Care 104

Ministers served through counseling or other assistance

TOTAL DIRECTLY SERVED IN MINISTRIES 12,489

TOTAL PROFESSIONS OF FAITH 116

Other individuals impacted (volunteers, referrals, etc.) 1,189 Community outreach (events, presentations, etc.) 13,657

Number of employees

Full-time 95 Part-time 13 Dominican contract individuals 7

FINANCIAL STATEMENT: June 1, 2021 - May 30, 2022

Texas Baptists appropriations through the BGCT $ 531,325

Appropriations supporting corporations (South Texas Children’s Home and STCH Land Management) 9,370,459

Other income 9,370,459

Total income $ 10,856,164

Total expenses 10,574,407

Funds available for continuing ministry 281,757

Total net assets $ 1,973,531

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” — Hebrews 10:23

God’s mercy continued to uplift and preserve his people in 2021. Despite continued confusion, conflict and loss, Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio (BHFSA) felt the goodness of God in the every day. We are grateful to God that we were able to proceed with our grantmaking—and even more grateful that through the process of our grantmaking, we were able to share the love and hope of Jesus Christ.

In addition to continued pandemic recovery, our region experienced a winter storm in February 2021 that resulted in property damage, trauma and tragically, loss of life. BHFSA was encouraged to see nonprofits rising to new challenges and continue serving their communities. We praise God for the sustaining strength that continues to shine in our community, and we look forward with hope to brighter days.

In 2021, BHFSA awarded $8,539,800 in grants. These grants were given with prayerful consideration to nonprofit organizations in Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Guadalupe, Kendall, Medina and Wilson counties, to improve the health and lives of our neighbors.

Disaster Relief Grants ($100,500) were given to organizations working to relieve disasterrelated suffering, including grants made to assist recovery from Winter Storm Uri.

Scholarship Grants ($1,703,300) were given to local higher education institutions. These grants fund scholarships for students in health-related fields. The past two years have demonstrated how greatly society relies on health care workers, and BHFSA is honored to assist in the education of the next generation.

Responsive Grants ($4,320,000) were awarded to 60 area nonprofits. These are large organizations, many of which have been working in San Antonio or the surrounding areas for decades. BHFSA is honored to support such vital fixtures in our community.

Community Impact Grants ($225,000) were given to 28 smaller organizations in our service area. These organizations often work with a specific sub-community, brought together either by region, demographic or medical concern, and bring a localized expertise to their work.

Strategic to Mission Grants ($2,191,000) were specifically targeted in 2021 to address children’s health in our eight-county area. Two research projects being conducted at UT Health regarding obesity and trauma were funded.

Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio celebrated all of these grants in December at an awards ceremony at First Baptist Church of San Antonio. After not hosting an awards ceremony in 2020, it was a joy to gather again with the nonprofit representatives who have served our community so faithfully during the COVID-19 pandemic.

2021 brought yet another round of unexpected challenges, but as Paul the Apostle states in Hebrews, our God is faithful, and we place our faith in His promise to bring the restoration and hope we need.

East

Avenue, Suite

Antonio, Texas 782123107

BAPTIST HEALTH SYSTEM

We help people achieve health for life through compassionate service inspired by faith.

Baptist Health System has begun construction on a new medical campus in Westover Hills on 72 acres of land located at Wiseman and Highway 1604. The multi-phased project includes medical office buildings, an ambulatory surgical center and an acute care hospital, with the potential for additional medical and retail entities in future development phases. This campus represents our ongoing commitment to expanding high-quality health care access to greater San Antonio. This new location will provide critical services for the fast-growing community including cardiovascular, maternity and surgical care among others. The first phase of development will be a medical office building, which will include ambulatory facilities for elective care, physician offices and other ancillary medical service providers. The acute-care hospital is expected to follow with a projected opening date in early 2024.

Baptist Health System has purchased land in Boerne, Texas, with plans to build a hospital campus that will include an acute-care hospital with outpatient services, imaging and other diagnostic services and a medical office building for physician practices and other ancillary health care services. The property consists of 23 acres located at the Northwest corner of Interstate 10 and State Highway 46. The timeline for development is underway.

Baptist Health System is investing in the enhancement of Women’s Services at several of our campuses, as well as the expansion of Women’s Services in south and west San Antonio. In the past year, labor and delivery services have been added at Mission Trail, and facility renovations have been completed at North Central Baptist and St. Luke’s Baptist hospitals. A Women’s and Children’s Center is slated to open soon in Westover Hills.

Baptist Medical Center in downtown San Antonio launched a new stroke treatment unit in February 2022, featuring specialized neuro-interventionalists and the latest bi-plane three-dimensional brain imaging technology. The program provides care that meet the complex neurosurgical and stroke needs of the downtown and southeast communities. Baptist Health System is well-positioned to care for patients across the city with our stroke care programs at Baptist Medical Center, St. Luke’s Baptist Hospital, serving the Medical Center and west side of town, and our program at Northeast Baptist, serving the north and east sides of town.

North Central Baptist Hospital and Resolute Health Hospital have been named “Best Hospitals in America” as ranked by Money (formerly Money Magazine) and the Leapfrog Group. North Central and Resolute are two of only four hospitals in Texas to be listed as Best Hospitals. Money and Leapfrog collaborated on the “Best Hospitals in America” list with the aim of helping consumers make decisions about which health care institutions are best for their money. The consistent track record for safety and patient experience at North Central and Resolute is a testament to employees and physicians at the hospitals for their continuous commitment to placing these things at the forefront of the care they provide. Hospitals named as a “Best Hospital in America” are selected for their record on delivering high quality patient care and for preventing medical errors, infections and harm to patients.

Finally, a personnel change notice: After almost eight years of service as the Vice President for Mission & Ministry, Rev. Keith Bruce retired in July 2021. In October 2021, Chaplain Joe Perez (previously serving at Valley Baptist Health System) was selected as Chief Mission & Ministry Officer. Baptist Health System wishes Keith blessings in his retirement and welcomes Joe to service in the San Antonio community.

MATT

BAPTIST HEALTH SYSTEM & RESOLUTE HEALTH HOSPITAL STATISTICAL INFORMATION

2021 - 2022

Licensed beds 1,922

Patients admitted 62,687 Outpatients treated 290,504

Charity patients admitted 265 Charity outpatients treated 365

Estimated value of total charity care 32,927,903

Number of employees (FTE) 5,281

Amount of discounts allowed: Medicare 1,879,882,121 Other 8,266,733,969

Number of chaplains: Full-time 16 Part-time 4 Volunteer 16

Total Number of chaplains 36

Profession of faith 23 Rededications/recommitments 39

Patiet Visits by chaplains 47,184

Worship services conducted NA - Covid Safety

SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENT

Income from patients $ 1,357,461,772 BGCT appropriation Other income 6,658,690

Total income $ 1,364,120,462

Total expenses 1,038,218,412

Funds available for continuing ministry 325,902,050

Total net assets $ 2,113,251,425

BAPTIST HOSPITALS OF SOUTHEAST TEXAS

Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas serves the surrounding community every hour of the day and every day of the year. We are here for our patients at every stage of life, from the first breath, to the support they need throughout their journey, to the comfort and care we provide as they move on from this life. Healing, in its many forms, comes from the passion of our hearts that impacts patients, families, friends and the entire community as we care for our neighbors. Since its inception in 1945, Baptist Hospital has benefited from the philanthropy of individuals and churches in and around Beaumont, who saw the great need for a hospital, “a city of healing.” From our first building in 1949 to this very day Baptist Hospital has sought to provide compassionate care, what we call sacred work, to our neighbors around us. as a team, we provide sacred work by taking our passion and compassion and merging it with kindness, quality and healing to provide the best outcomes for our patients, their families and our community.

This past year we had an unprecedented caseload of COVID-19 patients as the pandemic hit a peak, impacting our facilities in every aspect from staffing to supplies and even employee morale. Our team quickly rose to the challenge, continuing to implement protocols established early on in the pandemic, and finding innovative ways to care for patients — and each other — as the number of cases and severity climbed.

True to our calling of serving our community, we didn’t allow the setbacks of COVID-19 to thwart our efforts to continue providing charitable services, education and new technologies for the patients in Southeast Texas. In the past year, we provided 1,400 free mammograms through our Gift of Life program, and we educated over 1,000 community members and health care workers on healthy lifestyles including diabetes prevention, weight loss surgery options, mental health, Alzheimer’s, influenza and women’s health. Additionally, we screened more than 37,000 patients for sexually transmitted disease, finding positive cases in approximately 10% of those, which we promptly linked to care.

Through grants and the fundraising efforts of the Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas Foundation, we have been able to secure housing and transportation services for cancer patients, provide high-resolution NIC-View cameras as well as Giraffe transportation units for our NICU patients and their families, and we introduced the first lactation pod in our area for the privacy of nursing mothers.

Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas continues to strive for excellence, as we maintain accreditations in several programs: breast cancer, stroke, bariatrics, cancer, nuclear medicine, hip and knee surgical procedures, radiology and lung cancer screenings. We are the only hospital in our area to offer a comprehensive Structural Heart Program, and we have the largest percentage of specialty-certified nurses, ensuring patient care is of the highest quality.

Treating others as we would want to be treated ourselves is our foundation. Our patients are not numbers or diseases. They are human beings created by God and in His image and He has placed them in our care, knowing we will treat them as if they were our own family. Through sacred work we aim to be the premier health care system in Southeast Texas by creating the best possible outcomes with exceptional patient care experiences, while maintaining quality of care and patient safety as the core of everything we do.

BAPTIST HOSPITALS OF SOUTHEAST TEXAS STATISTICAL INFORMATION

2021 - 2022

Licensed beds 483

Patients admitted 12,755

Outpatients treated 116,244

Charity patients admitted 1,574

Charity outpatients treated 11,556

Estimated value of total charity care (includes SP discounts) 219,170,655

Enrollment in professional educational programs

Number of employees (FTE) 1,520

Amount of discounts allowed: Medicare 993,522,173 Other (650,463,525)

Number of chaplains: Full-time 4 Part-time Volunteer Total number of chaplains 4 Professions of faith 3

Rededications/recommitments 5

Patient visits by chaplains 7,739

Worship services conducted 84

SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENT

Income from patients $ 319,537,766

BGCT appropriation 152,839

Other income 23,520,882

Total income $ 343,211,487

Total expenses 325,730,161

Funds available for continuing ministry 17,481,326

Total net assets $ 283,035,000

& WHITE HEALTH

PETER MCCANNA Chief Executive Officer

301 N. Washington Avenue Dallas, Texas 75246 baylorhealth. com

As Texas’ largest not-for-profit health system, Baylor Scott & White promotes the health and well-being of every individual, family and community it serves. It is committed to making quality care more accessible, convenient and affordable through its integrated delivery network, which includes the Baylor Scott & White Health Plan, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, Baylor Scott & White Quality Alliance and its leading digital health platform – MyBSWHealth. Through 51 hospitals and more than 1,100 access points, including flagship academic medical centers in Dallas, Fort Worth and Temple, the system offers the full continuum of care, from primary to award-winning specialty care. Founded as a Christian ministry of healing more than a century ago, Baylor Scott & White today serves more than three million Texans.

McCanna now leading Baylor Scott & White

After serving nearly five years as president, Peter McCanna became chief executive officer on January 1, 2022. McCanna is a strong advocate for Baylor Scott & White’s Christian ministry of healing and its focus on promoting the well-being of all individuals, families and communities.

Baylor Scott & White nationally recognized Baylor Scott & White is ranked as a top five large health system in the United States by Fortune and Merative (formerly IBM Watson Health), based on key quality and safety metrics, including better survival rates, fewer patient complications and better long-term outcomes. In addition, for the third consecutive year, Baylor Scott & White is the most award-winning not-for-profit health system in Texas, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-2023 Best Hospitals list.

Office of Mission & Ministry at Baylor Scott & White Health

The Office of Mission & Ministry’s (OMM) three divisions—Pastoral Care, Pastoral Education and Faith in Action Initiatives (FIAI)—minister Christ’s healing love to people whose lives have been disrupted by illness, injury, death and to enhance the quality of health in communities through partnerships with local congregations. A summary of OMM’s work can be found at Office of Mission & Ministry 2021 Annual Report.

This year, our chaplains recorded a total of 151,430 pastoral encounters with patients, including 6,078 visits at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Hillcrest in Waco and 32,478 visits at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas. In addition, chaplains made 133,346 supportive visits with hospital staff, a 32% increase from the prior year as staff continued to endure the challenges of COVID-19.

OMM added a “Community Support” feature to the MyBSWHealth app where patients can virtually request prayer support from a chaplain or pray for others. During its first four months, the feature averaged 21,000 monthly visitors, while chaplains responded to over 1,500 prayer requests.

Through virtual classroom experiences and tele-chaplaincy visits with patients and families, clergy, seminarians and qualified laypersons earned 90 student units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE). As always, those participating in our CPE programs offered direct spiritual care to patients, family members and staff in hospitals across the system.

FIAI provided nearly $6.5 million in medical supplies and equipment for humanitarian aid and medical missions domestically and internationally. These supplies served nearly 150,000 people. Of special note, FIAI has provided over $500,000 in medical supplies and equipment to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion.

OMM’s Faith Community Health (FCH) continues to improve access to care, enhance congregational health and provide community members with support. Since its founding, FCH has collaborated with 150 faith communities, trained 1,050 volunteers and served 931 patients. Additional information about FCH is at bswhealth.com/about/spiritual-care/ Pages/faith-community-health.asp. We are grateful for the continued support of Texas Baptists and look forward to the opportunities God will guide us to in the future.

BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE HEALTH

STATISTICAL INFORMATION

2021 - 2022

Licensed beds 5,111

Patients admitted 169,236

Outpatients treated 10,794,068

Charity patients admitted 37,569

Charity outpatients treated 403,337

Estimated value of total charity care 1,132,370,696

Enrollment in professional educational programs 806 Enrollees / 984,933 Hours

Number of employees (FTE) 47,227

Amount of discounts allowed:

Medicare 8,727,775,781 Other 9,755,347,856

Number of chaplains: Full-time 62 Part-time 87 Volunteer 35

Total number of chaplains 184

Professions of faith 255

Rededications/recommitments 491

Patient visits by chaplains 151,430

Worship services conducted 971

SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENT

Income from patients $ 7,629,000,000 BGCT appropriation 215,951

Other income 1,719,784,049

Total income $ 9,349,000,000

Total expenses 8,589,000,000

Funds available for continuing ministry 760,000,000

Total net assets $ 8,938,000,000

HENDRICK

SYSTEM

Hendrick Health, which consists of Hendrick Medical Center and Hendrick Medical Center South in Abilene and Hendrick Medical Center in Brownwood, continues its historic commitment to quality health care, carried out with compassion and excellence, consistent with the healing ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ. The recently enlarged organization has increased our capacity to 959 licensed beds, along with numerous ancillary services performed at the outpatient level.

Over the past two years, while the pandemic continued, so did Hendrick Health’s commitment to its patients and the communities we serve, as we battled through waves of COVID-19 surges. With each surge, our teams adapted resources, care plans and capacity to serve each patient. When the Omicron variant reached the Big Country in early 2022, Hendrick Clinic Screening and Vaccination experienced its highest volume day on January 12, testing 438 individuals. Our COVID-19 Community Safety Dial reached the Level 6 Emergency, the highest level, and the health system stood up its Emergency Operations Center to address rapidly increasing COVID-19 hospitalizations and staffing shortages at the campuses in Abilene and Brownwood. The COVID Medicine Committee, comprised of medical staff and support staff, continued to research best practices for the treatment of hospitalized patients.

In Spring 2022, Hendrick Health unveiled a special painting, entitled “The Armor of God,” honoring the personal and professional commitment of our health care workers to our mission during the COVID-19 pandemic. Commissioned by our Board’s Mission and Ministry Committee, replicas of the piece were placed in all three hospital campuses.

Scott Hibbs, a member of Abilene’s Pioneer Drive Church, who is currently a Hendrick Health Board member and former chair, was awarded the Texas Healthcare Trustees’ Founders’ Award for his exemplary record of leadership, dedication and excellence in health care governance. The Founders’ Award is the highest honor bestowed on a trustee.

The American Hospital Association honored Hendrick Medical Center South for the hospital’s 50 years of participation and leadership in the American Hospital Association, as well as their commitment to ‘Advancing Health in America’.

For the 16th year, Hendrick Health received Gallup’s Exceptional Workplace Award. In addition, Hendrick was named as one of the 2021 Modern Healthcare’s Best Places to Work in Healthcare for the third year.

Hendrick Health offers a comprehensive range of services, including women’s health, orthopedics, rehabilitation, oncology, neuroscience, cardiovascular, neonatal intensive care and children’s services.

Hendrick Health continues to partner with various area educational institutions to train and prepare nurses and other health care workers: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center’s Schools of Pharmacy, Nursing and Public Health; Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing, Abilene Christian University, Hardin-Simmons University, Angelo State University, Cisco College and Texas State Technical College.

Our employees regularly volunteer their time, talents and abilities to many civic and religious organizations. Qualified employees can also receive additional time away to participate in approved mission projects.

A statue, located in the main entrance to Hendrick Medical Center, represents the matrix of ministry and medicine that describes our heritage. It depicts a mother holding her child, who is being examined by a physician, while a minister with an open Bible compassionately observes. Hendrick strives to meet the physical, spiritual and emotional needs of our patients and improve the health of people throughout West Central Texas, with a sense of Christian compassion and care. To that end, we are always grateful for the gracious and prayerful support of Texas Baptists.

HENDRICK HEALTH SYSTEM

STATISTICAL INFORMATION

2021 - 2022

Licensed beds 922

Patients admitted 36,146

Outpatients treated 351,020

Charity patients admitted 2,508

Charity outpatients treated 14,792

Estimated value of total charity care $125,654,045

Enrollment in professional educational programs

Number of employees (FTE) 4,596

Amount of discounts allowed: Medicare 2,431,599,138

Other 2,303,712,583

Number of chaplains: Full-time 3 Part-time 15 Volunteer 6

Total number of chaplains 24

Professions of faith 4

Rededications/recommitments 11

Patient visits by chaplains 4,724

Worship services conducted 308

SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENT

Income from patients $ 850,549,023 BGCT appropriation $134,029

Other income 135,146,759

Total income $ 985,829,811

Total expenses 930,335,660

Funds available for continuing ministry 55,494,151

Total net assets $ 717,777,808

SYSTEM

GERALD R. JAMES, JR. President/CEO baptist churchloan.org

During the first 300 plus years of the early church, Christians were often beaten and killed for their belief in Christ. Just north of Rome, on the river Tiber, there was a bridge that changed everything.

The Battle of Milvian Bridge was between Maxentius, a paganist Roman emperor, and Constantine, a Roman emperor who was sympathetic to Christianity. Prior to the battle on Oct. 28, 312, Constantine and his army saw a great cross in the sky and the Greek letters IC XC NIKA (“Jesus Christ Conquers”). On the day of the battle, Constantine and his men put the Greek letters on all their shields. Shortly thereafter, Maxentius and his men were quickly crushed by Constantine’s army in the Battle of the Milvian Bridge.

After the battle, Constantine used his new power, as the sole Emperor of the Roman Empire, to restore stability and security to the Roman world. More importantly, he stopped the persecution of Christians, built churches for worship, designated Christianity as the main religion of Rome and devoted himself to God. What a great example of how Jesus Christ conquers.

At the Baptist Church Loan Corporation (BCLC), we receive the benefits of serving His churches on a daily basis. Despite many heartbreaks, we have seen how Jesus Christ conquers in the battles of His church. Some of these battles are in the hearts of our pastors, the stability of the church congregation and the lack of growth. Our sole purpose is to provide wisdom, knowledge, and encouragement to His churches. In the end, all that matters is IC XC NIKA.

Thank you to the many men and women who have volunteered their time and skills to serve on the BCLC Board of Directors.

About the Baptist Standard

We are excited to introduce you to our new logo. God’s vibrant story is centered in the cross of Jesus Christ. It’s a story for the world, and the Baptist Standard exists to connect people throughout the world with it.

The colors correspond to our core commitments and our spirit.

• Green: Redeeming and reconciling work of Jesus Christ

• Blue: Responsible journalism

• Gray: Historic Baptist principles

• Yellow: Hopeful, adventurous, adaptive

Connecting the world

We reached an average of 60,000 users per month and totaled 1.1 million pageviews during the reporting period. We also made 1.9 million impressions on social media. Our social following and weekly edition subscribers continue steady growth.

We updated our weekly edition and started a rebranding process to better communicate our desire to connect God’s story and God’s people. More improvements are expected to roll out between the writing of this report (July 2022) and when you read it (November 2022).

To be the best possible stewards of our resources, it became necessary for us to discontinue CommonCall Magazine. The Fall 2022 issue will be the last. We encourage you to grab a copy of the final issue during the Annual Meeting.

We need you

We are funded through donations, advertising and endowment income.

For us to succeed in keeping Baptists connected, we depend on people like you—faithful readers and financial supporters. Faithful readers share and discuss our content with family, friends, fellow church members, co-workers and others. They also partner with us financially to ensure we are able to connect God’s story and God’s people.

To further this mission, you can support us by visiting baptiststandard.com/donate or by mailing us at P.O. Box 259019, Plano, Texas 75025-9019.

How to stay connected

The Baptist Standard is published five days a week at baptiststandard.com and is delivered by email each Thursday. You can sign up for our weekly edition at baptiststandard.com/email.

Our app is available in the Apple and Android app stores and gives you direct access to all our content immediately upon publication.

You also can find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Content areas

We publish news about individuals, churches and institutions affiliated with the BGCT, as well as news related to religious liberty and other Baptist concerns around the world. Our opinion features Texas Baptists and other Christians expressing their views on current events in relation to Scripture and the good news of Jesus Christ.

Our resources include sermons, Bible studies and book reviews.

Advertising with the Baptist Standard

For advertising in the Baptist Standard, including placing classifieds, contact Victoria McCrary at victoria.mccrary@baptiststandard.com or 214-630-4571, ext. 1017.

Our team

• Eric Black, executive director, publisher, editor: In addition to oversight of operations, Eric oversees development and our opinion content. He can be reached at eric. black@baptiststandard.com.

• Ken Camp, managing editor: Ken, a veteran reporter, oversees all our news, Bible studies and book reviews. He can be reached at kencamp@baptiststandard.com.

• Victoria McCrary, digital communications manager: Victoria manages all things digital for us, including advertising. She can be reached at victoria.mccrary@ baptiststandard.com.

ERIC BLACK Executive Director/ Publisher

P.O. Box 259019 Plano, TX 75025-9019

(214) 630-4571 baptiststandard. com

STANDARD PUBLISHING COMPANY

DENISON MINISTRIES

JIM DENSION Chief Vision Officer

17304 Preston Road Suite 1060 Dallas, TX 75252 denisonforum. org

Denison Ministries was founded in Dallas, Texas, in 2009 by Dr. Jim Denison and Jeff Byrd to encourage spiritual awakening while equipping believers to engage with the issues and news of the day from a biblical perspective, principally through their brand Denison Forum. Since 2009 Denison Ministries has added three other content offerings to its family of brands: First15, Christian Parenting and Foundations with Janet Denison. Through the connection between spiritually meaningful content and technological innovation, the ministry resources and equips Christians on devices they already use with encouragement they need in the moment. By the end of May 2022, the ministry was averaging 3.8 million content experiences (across all brands and content platforms) each month.

Denison Forum (DenisonForum.org) increased its average monthly content experiences to 971,587. The Daily Article email was averaging over 540,000 opens each month. Denison Forum content was viewed on its website approximately 146,000 times per month and had over 146,000 monthly social media engagements. Dr. Denison released multiple books including, Biblical Insights to Tough Questions vols 9-10, The Coming Tsunami, The Greater Work and A Light Unto My Path. In addition, Dr. Ryan Denison released How to Bless God by Blessing Others.

First15 (First15.org) continued providing its daily devotional, averaging approximately 1.9 million content experiences each month. Craig Denison released Living Intentionally, a book designed to help create a simple, personal and powerful framework to facilitate the life you most want to live. First15 Worship (First15Worship.org) an initiative designed to help people connect with God through worship every day of the week, released Songs for Prayer Vol II. Primeros15 (Primeros15.org) the Spanish language version of First15 is now averaging over 23,000 email opens per month.

Christian Parenting (ChristianParenting.org) increased its monthly average content experiences to 830,584. The CP Podcast Network curated the best parenting podcasts from across the country with over 687,000 downloads each month. CP is working with Terra Mattson to create and distribute a video curriculum for moms and daughters titled Helping Moms Raise Confident Daughters. CP also released three books: Key Psalms to Pray over Your Kids, Love God, Love Others, Read, Ask Go! An Interactive Advent Devotional for the Whole Family, and Noteworthy Kids: 50 Encouraging Notes Every Child Needs to Receive.

Foundations with Janet Denison (JanetDenison.org) continued to produce online Bible study series such as the Sermon on the Mount, The Birth of the Christian Church, In Step with the Spirit, Our Biblical GPS and Our Influence for God’s Glory. She also released her 11th Advent devotional entitled A Shepherd’s Christmas. The aggregate reach of Janet’s blogs, Bible studies, books, and articles reached approximately 32,000 content experiences per month.

Dension Ministries believes not just in the value of meaningful content, but its power to transform lives so God’s people can transform the world. To that end, every Daily Article, each book, every First15 devotional, all the Christian Parenting podcasts, every Foundations Bible study, and every media opportunity is a result of that focus. Denison Ministries believes we live in an unprecedented day with an unprecedented opportunity to share biblical truth with God’s people and our larger culture. Jesus is just as alive and active as when he first rose from the dead. As part the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27), Denison Ministries is joining him in advancing his Kingdom in America and around the world.

“The Year of Beginning Again” was the theme that guided our work during 2021 as we challenged our team to remember our privilege, our purpose, our potential and our passions.

Dr. D. Hance Dilbeck Jr. officially became president and chief executive officer of GuideStone on March 1, 2022. Dilbeck joined GuideStone in July 2021 as president-elect. He previously served as executive director-treasurer of Oklahoma Baptists. GuideStone’s long-time president, Dr. O.S. Hawkins, became president emeritus.

It is difficult to overstate the year for Mission:Dignity — more than $11 million was given by more than 10,000 donors. The total donors and total given are both records. More than 2,500 individuals (66% are widows) from more than 1,900 households received assistance, an increase of 5% year-over-year. We give thanks to the Lord for His provision through His people — foundations, faithful individuals, Sunday school classes and local churches that have captured His vision to care for retired pastors and their widows. During the year, two record offering goals were achieved as well. On the nationwide Giving Tuesday emphasis — the Tuesday after Thanksgiving — more than $1.2 million, including $500,000 in matching donations, was given to Mission:Dignity. On Mission:Dignity Sunday, celebrated on the SBC calendar on the fourth Sunday in June, more than $1.4 million was given.

Despite continued anxiety about inflation and renewed COVID-19 concerns with the appearance of the Omicron variant, the S&P 500® Index1 posted its seventh consecutive quarter of gains, finishing the fourth quarter up 11.03%. Strong gains in October and December offset negative performance in November. Seasonality and robust earnings were the primary drivers of market movement during the quarter. They served to lift equities to multiple all-time highs over the most recent three-month period. The S&P 500® closed up 28.58% for the year, hitting 70 all-time highs in 2021 — the second most ever in a calendar year.

Amidst continued inflationary pressures, the Federal Reserve began to pull back on its pandemic-era easy money policies during the fourth quarter. The central bank’s first action was to start winding down its Treasury and mortgage-backed securities purchases. Shortly after beginning the process, the Fed announced it was doubling the pace of tapering — with an expected end date of March 2022 — in an effort to tame inflation. This move also served to suggest that Fed officials will move up the timeline in which interest rate increases are likely to commence. To that effect, the central bank released revised projections after its December meeting that showed an expected three rate hikes in 2022. As we have previously stated, tighter monetary policy presents a significant risk to lofty equity valuations.

Signs of slowing growth are appearing. In June 2022, the Chicago Federal Reserve reported an eight-month low in its gauge of national economic activity, and weekly jobless claims came in above consensus at 229K, reflecting a labor market that has already peaked.

As discomforting as the idea of a recession may be, the result is always a pruning of economic excesses. Our current base case scenario is a (hopefully) shallow recession beginning in late 2022 or early 2023. We are hopeful that such an event would be enough to correct many of the imbalances in the economy today and reduce inflation to a more tolerable level.

For 2021, the insurance line of business achieved more than 11% growth rate by adding more than 2,000 net new lives with a 97% retention rate. This is the fifth consecutive year in which we experienced new medical life growth in excess of 5%, with retention better than 94%, and the first year since 2013 where we have exceeded target enrollment measures. We experienced tremendous growth in our large group market (adding more than 1,500 lives).

2021 also brought expanded product offerings for our customers. More than 20 new products were added, including richer plans in response to certain group needs and more affordable medical options. This significant cross-functional effort involving multiple systems and vendors tackled seven times the products added from the prior year.

HANCE DILBECK President

5005 LBJ Freeway, STE 220 Dallas, TX 75244

1-888-98-GUIDE (888-984-8433)

GuideStone.org

GUIDESTONE

RESOURCES OF THE

BAPTIST

2021 saw the launch of The Prayer Code: 40 Scripture

Believer Should Pray. The 12th book in the best-selling Code series helps pastors, Bible study leaders and individuals walk through the truths found in some of the most-loved prayers on the pages of Scripture.

Like all Code books,

as of

Mission:Dignity.

JEFF W. SMITH President/CEO

Main Street, Suite 1400

Texas

Since 1930, HighGround Advisors has provided nonprofit investment management and charitable giving services. Our subsidiary, HighGround Trust Company, was established in 1996 and is charted by the Texas Department of Banking. Together, we have extensive financial knowledge in the nonprofit sector, with over $2.5 billion in assets under management and serving over 475 nonprofits and beneficiaries.

FAST FACTS:

• $1 billion distributed to client partners, donors and income beneficiaries as directed over the last decade

• $103.7 million distributed to client partners, donors and income beneficiaries as directed in 2021

• $16.6 million in scholarships awarded by our institutions to 6,628 students from The Burg Scholarship Fund since 2000

Flexible investment platform

Your mission is unique. That’s why HighGround customizes our investment solutions to fit each client’s goals, needs and resources. We offer a flexible investment platform that includes HighGround Pre-Built Investment Solutions, HighGround Proprietary Asset Class Funds and Third-Party Mutual Funds/ETFs. We learn what is critical to your success because our mission is to faithfully steward the assets that strengthen your work.

Cash management

HighGround works with many churches, ministries and nonprofits that wish to grow their operating reserves while minimizing risk, and we have an investment solution for that purpose. The HighGround Enhanced Cash Fund (ECF) is a fund vehicle that offers a low risk profile with daily liquidity, all while having greater earning potential than other liquid money market accounts. This allows for an organization’s operating reserves to earn interest income, remain available for immediate use and maintain capital preservation.

2021 investment highlights

• HighGround’s Capstone Endowment Fund saw the third consecutive year of doubledigit performance.

• The Private Equity Fund delivered gains of 65% and outperformed its benchmark for the fifth consecutive year.

• We were pleased to increase distributions for the eighth consecutive year.

• The Enhanced Cash Fund provided a favorable yield in comparison to what was available in the marketplace.

Economic outlook (as of May 31, 2021)

• The U.S. economy slowed during the first quarter, and in response to the RussiaUkraine war’s impact on global economic growth, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) lowered their 2022 global GDP growth forecast to 3.6%, a drop of 0.8% from its January 2022 forecast. Furthermore, due to its zero-COVID policy, China’s economic growth has come to a standstill, which will put additional downward pressure on the global economy.

• The U.S. unemployment rate fell to 3.6% in March, quickly approaching the February 2020 pre-pandemic rate of 3.5%, a 50-year low. With the addition of 431,000 jobs, March was the 11th consecutive month of job gains over 400,000, the longest stretch of growth of this magnitude since 1939.

• U.S. inflation hit a 40-year high in March, surging 8.5% year over year, driven by higher prices for energy, food and housing alongside prolonged supply constraints.

• The S&P 500 was off 13% at the end of April. In contrast, HighGround’s Capstone Endowment Fund was down only 6%, demonstrating the advantages of strong diversification during short-term market disruptions.

Protect. Strengthen. Grow.

In 2021, HighGround Advisors assisted donors in contributing $22 million in new gifts and additions to existing gifts for charitable purposes benefiting our Baptist constituencies. HighGround also distributed $103 million to client partners, donors and income beneficiaries. We are proud to champion the important work of our Baptist institutions and are humbled to be their trusted partner. Working beyond the expected and with innovation and vigilance, we wish to steward well the funds and assets entrusted to us by the nonprofits and generous individuals we serve.

In Acts 1:8, Christ tells His followers, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

In the past 12 months, Texas Baptists Men (TBM) volunteers have lived in the power of those words. Where needs have arisen, TBM volunteers have stepped up to meet them. That commitment to following Christ’s call has taken them around the globe.

TBM Disaster Relief responded after hurricanes in Louisiana; wildfires in Texas, Colorado and New Mexico; tornadoes in Texas and Kentucky; in Poland and Ukraine after the invasion of the latter country; and in Israel as Ukrainian refugees settled.

TBM Disaster Relief met significant physical, emotional and spiritual needs after each of these disasters. TBM Disaster Relief volunteers who are part of churches like yours:

• Provided more than 100,000 meals after Hurricane Ida devastated Louisiana

• Served 64,811 hours after disasters

• Performed nearly 500 chainsaw jobs and counting

• Washed more than 3,000 loads of laundry

• Led 61 people to faith in Christ

In the aftermath of the Russian invasion of Ukraine alone, TBM:

• Served more than 50,000 Ukrainians by supporting five church-based shelters in Poland and Ukraine

• Helped distribute more than 300 tons of aid throughout Ukraine and Poland to meet the needs of people seeking refuge from the war

• Provided 100,000 meals in Ukraine where supplies were extremely difficult to come by

Recently, TBM chaplains served within hours of a shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde. They ministered to parents, children, families and church leaders. Together, they sought to provide comfort from the Word of God.

TBM also supported two camps where a significant number of these families go during the summer. Partnering with Buckner International, TBM brought in specially-trained chaplains to help parents and children continue to process what they went through and come together stronger as a family unit. God worked mightily during these camps.

Thank you for your prayerful support of TBM ministries. Together, we advance the Kingdom of God.

MICKEY B. LENAMON Executive Director

5351 Catron Dallas, Texas 75227 texas baptistmen.org

MISSIONARY UNION OF TEXAS

TAMIKO JONES Executive Director-

TX

You make the difference!

Thank you for being a champion for Texas missions by lending your energy and resources to making disciples who make disciples. Because of you, WMU of Texas experienced a record-breaking year by surpassing the $3.5 million goal for the Mary Hill Davis Offering® for Texas Missions. You supported 86 ministry opportunities and enabled WMU of Texas to continue to engage churches in local missions, to establish meaningful partnerships with like-minded organizations for missions, and to empower our participants for worldwide missions. Understanding that missions is what believers do to reach beyond the needs of their congregations to witness and minister for the purpose of fulfilling the Great Commission, WMU of Texas designed the Mary Hill Davis Offering to advance Texas Baptists missionary efforts to help people come to know Christ.

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Across Texas, children were fed physically and spiritually, pastors were equipped to lead their congregations, students were supported in their pursuit of a college education, citizens experienced the hand of Jesus through disaster relief volunteers, church revitalization and replanting efforts thrived, young adults developed community to connect and grow, and the list of God’s wondrous works continues.

In 2021:

• There were 221 requests for missions discipleship curriculum

• Twenty-two women volunteers built the 11th home in Peñitas, Texas, through the WMU of Texas Women’s Build project

• Texas Christian Job Corps maintained 42 sites, with 725 participants, 423 graduates and 77 professions of faith

• WMU of Texas finalized a memorandum of understanding with Baptist conventions in Tanzania and Uganda

• We celebrated the WMU National Acteens panelists, two of the four being residents of Texas

New beginnings

In 2022, we have seen an increase in the number of new groups in local churches who desire to make disciples who make disciples. Through these new groups, churches are:

• Engaging preschoolers in missions discipleship through new Mission Friends® groups.

• Establishing partnerships, as churches work together to create community groups for Girls in Action®, inspiring elementary-age girls to reach their community with the love of Christ. Royal Ambassadors® and Children in Action (SM) are also starting new groups.

• Empowering adults, to reach their community for Christ through new requests for adult missions discipleship groups.

2022 New Start stats

• Churchwide – 20

• Women on Mission/Adult – 22

• Students (Youth) – 15

• Children/Preschool – 37

Implemented in 2022, Regional Leadership Training was designed to encourage, equip and train small group leaders, WMU directors, church leaders and volunteers in missions discipleship and leadership. Training events in Lubbock, Longview and Lewisville have equipped 150 new missions discipleship leaders. We look forward to continuing to focus on our future missions leaders next year with events in San Antonio, Houston and Midland.

The partnership with the World Mission Center at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary to rehab a home on the campus for stateside missionaries continues towards completion. The home is named Mary’s House, honoring the life and legacy of Mary Hill Davis, former president of WMU of Texas and namesake for the state missions offering. In 2021, plans for the renovation were completed by the Texas Baptists Architecture team and WMU of Texas provided funding. In the Spring 2022, WMU witnessed the construction crew gut Mary’s House, so a new and refreshed home could be built for future missionaries. Follow the journey at wmutx.org/get-involved.

For several years we have focused on I Am Texas Missions, emphasizing our individual part in Texas missions as God’s continues to write His story in our great state. While we continue to provide opportunities for individuals to engage in missions, we also want to celebrate partnerships, as together, we are Texas missions.

Thank you for your support of Texas missions, and we look forward to continuing to serve your congregations this year.

Abilene Callahan Baptist Association

Larry Tarver

PO Box 5228

Abilene, TX 79608-5228 325-673-8349 marsha.langford.acba@suddenlinkmail.com

Amarillo Area Baptist Association

Bryan Houser 2123 S Van Buren St

Amarillo, TX 79109-2404 806-372-6566 aabacherrie@gmail.com

Asociacion Bautista Hispana Norte Central De Texas Sammy Garcia PO Box 87

Denison, TX 75021-0087 (903) 815-6598

Asociacion Bautista Latino Americana Bulmaro Luna P.O. Box 111698 Houston, TX 77293 713-851-8550

Austin Baptist Association David Smith PO Box 4978 Austin, TX 78765-4978 512-454-2558 david@austinbaptist.org

Basin Baptist Network PO Box 60180

Midland, TX 79711-0180 432-563-3700 coordinator@basinbaptist.org

Bell Baptist Association

Tom Henderson PO Box 1447

Belton, TX 76513-5447 254-939-0761 bba9129@sbcglobal.net

Bi-Stone Baptist Association

Lowell Warren 519 S. McKinney

Mexia, TX 76667-2814 817-939-1142 Drlwarre72@gmail.com

Bi-Fork Baptist Association

David Warren PO Box 2125 Vernon, TX 76385-2125 940-257-7247 deidra@fbcseymour.com

Big Bend Baptist Association Edward Jennings PO Box 1488 Marfa, TX 79843-1488 432-729-4349 ambigbend@gmail.com

Blanco Baptist Association Rafael Murillo 3901 Charco Rd Beeville, TX 78102-2111 361-358-9420

blancobaptist@sbcglobal.net

Bluebonnet Baptist Association Robby Partain PO Box 312257

New Braunfels, TX 78130-3241 830-629-7674 linda@bluebonnetbaptist.org

Bosque Baptist Association PO Box 391 Clifton, TX 76634-0391 254-675-8381 bba@fbcclifton.com

Bowie Baptist Association PO Box 7740 Texarkana, TX 75505-7740 903-831-0194 receptionist@bowiebaptist.org

Brazos Valley Baptist Network Steven Doyle 410 Tarrow St STE 101 College Station, TX 77840 979-846-1788 www. bvbn.org

Burnet Llano Baptist Association Dale Hill 325 Ancient Oaks Dr. Marble Falls, TX 78654 713-530-8877 edalehill@gmail.com

Caprock Plains Baptist Association Lester Griffin 2301 Utica St Plainview, TX 79072-2063 806-296-2751 caprockplains@nts-online.net

Castle Gap Association Juan Avila PO Box 485 Rankin, TX 79778-0485 432-693-2385 francisjuan6259@yahoo.com

Coastal Bend Baptist Association Mike O’Neill PO Box 273 Kingsville, TX 78364 coastalbendinfo@gmail.com

Collin Baptist Association Matt Henslee 970 S Highway 5 Fairview, TX 75069-9461 972-529-5222 officers@cbachurchnetwork.org

Colorado Baptist Association Barry Barnet 1515 Briar Ln Wharton, TX 77488-4309 903-227-9019 coloradobaptistassociation@gmail.com

Concho Valley Baptist Association Aimee McGinnis 825 N Main St San Angelo, TX 76903-4056 325-653-4898 aimee@cvba.org

Cooke County Baptist Association Hollis Parsons PO Box 842 Gainesville, TX 76241-0842 940-665-4082 lori.geojcarroll@gmail.com

Corpus Christi Baptist Association Anson Nash 3115 Ocean Dr Corp Christi, TX 78404-1614 361-853-2555 anash@ccbaptistassociation.org

Coryell Baptist Association Richard Ray 502 Main St. Gatesville, TX 76528 254-865-1299 tririversdom@gmail.com

Crossroads Baptist Association Ken McMeans 1311 Goliad St Big Spring, TX 79720-4639 432-263-1673 contact@xroadsba.org

Dallas Baptist Association Ryan Jespersen 8001 E R L Thornton Fwy Dallas, TX 75228-7001 214-324-2803 cindyburr@dba.net

Del Rio Uvalde Baptist Association

Tommy Larner

117 E Commerce St

Uvalde, TX 78801-3713 830-278-5351 delriouvalde@sbcglobal.net

Denton Baptist Association

Morgan Malone 1406 N Corinth St Ste 408 Corinth, TX 76208-5449 940-498-5200 rochelle@dentonbaptist.org

Dogwood Trails Baptist Association

Alan Small PO Box 949 Jacksonville, TX 75766-0949 903-586-5156 alan.dtba@gmail.com

Double Mountain Baptist Association

Joe Walton PO Box 112 Stamford, TX 79553 325-773-2462 joewdmba@att.net

East Texas Baptist Area

Lewis Edwards PO Box 546 Mt Enterprise, TX 75681-0546 903-822-3474 etba@eastex.net

East Texas Baptist Network

Carolyn Anderson PO Box 9067 Longview, TX 75604 903-753-9900 office@getba.info

El Paso Baptist Association

Larry Floyd 2012 Grant Ave El Paso, TX 79930-1017 915-544-8671 lfloyd@elpasoba.org

Ellis Baptist Association

Richard Cody PO Box 532 Waxahachie, TX 75168 972-937-9320 eba@eba.life

Enon Baptist Association

Timothy Ellis PO Box 928 Linden, TX 75563-0928 903-756-7331 enondom@valornet.com

Erath Baptist Association Richard Ray 502 E. Main Street Gatesville, TX 76528 254-865-1299 tririversdom@gmail.com

Falls Baptist Association PO Box 192 Cameron, TX 76520-0192 254-697-6505 firmarea@sbcglobal.net

Fannin Baptist Association Darrel Hathcock 1505 Silo Rd Bonham, TX 75418-2864 903-583-2210 dhathcock@gmail.com

FIRM Baptist Area Patrick Knowlton PO Box 192 Cameron, TX 76520-0192 254-697-6505 firmarea@sbcglobal.net

Frio River Baptist Association Loren Fast PO Box P Pearsall, TX 78061-1415 830-334-2061 frioriverbaptist@outlook.com

Galveston Baptist Association Jim Grant 705 FM 517 East Dickinson, TX 77539 409-938-8942 gbassociation!@gmail.com

Gambrell Baptist Association Kevin Muilenburg PO Box 603 Gonzales, TX 78629-0603 830-672-3830 scba@southcentralarea.org

Golden Triangle Baptist Network Jim Turnbo 3350 Dowlen Road Suite G Beaumont, TX 77706 409-832-1110 office@gtbn.us

Gonzales Baptist Association Kevin Muilenburg PO Box 603 Gonzales, TX 78629-0603 830-672-3830 scba@southcentralarea.org

Grayson Baptist Association Bobby Fletcher PO Box 1806 Sherman, TX 75091-1806 903-868-9361 thegbaoffice@gmail.com

Guadalupe Baptist Association Walter Jackson 2601 N Ben Jordan St Victoria, TX 77901-5611 361-575-5281 guadalupeassociation@gamil.com

Gulf Coast Baptist Association Chuck Beem 2700 E Highway 35 Angleton, TX 77515-2904 979-849-2477 mail@gulfcoastbaptist.org

Hamilton Baptist Association Richard Ray 502 E. Main St Gatesville, TX 76528-0045 254-865-1299 tririversdom@gmail.com

Harmony Pittsburg Baptist Association Jeremy Randolph 403 Daingerfield St Pittsburg, TX 75686-1405 903-856-6696 jeremy@harmony.pittsburg.com

Harvest Baptist Association Gerry Lewis PO Box 1735 Decatur, TX 76234-6150 940-627-0723 hba@harvestba.com

Heart of Texas Baptist Network Zachary Harrel PO Box 1646 Brownwood, TX 76804-1646 325-643-1348 ministryasst.texasmissions@gmail.com

Hill Baptist Association Kenneth Coleman PO Box 1606 Hillsboro, TX 76645-1606 817-648-6645 broken22@windstream.net

Hill Country Baptist Association Robert Wheat PO Box 294718 Kerrville, TX 78029 830-445-4222 drrwheat@hcba.net

Hunt Baptist Association

Jim Gatliff

PO Box 8848 Greenville, TX 75404 903-883-0001 khunt@argontech.net

Independence Baptist Association Patrick Knowlton PO Box 192 Cameron, TX 76520-0192 254-697-6505 firmarea@sbcglobal.net

Kauf-Van Baptist Association Ernest McCoulskey PO Box 708 Terrell, TX 75160-0013 972-563-8023 adminassist@kaufvan.com

Lake Ivie Baptist Association Keith Simpson

PO Box 639 Ballinger, TX 76821-0639 325-365-2585 lakeiviebaptist@yahoo.com

Lamesa Baptist Association Ann Debnam PO Box 1373 Lamesa, TX 79331-1373 806-201-0595 debnam@poka.com

Lampasas Baptist Association Richard Ray 502 E. Main Street Gatesville, TX 76528 254-865-1299 tririversdom@gmail.com

Laredo Baptist Association Hector Almanza

PO Box 1634

Laredo, TX 78044-1634 956-791-0410 lbalaredo@gmail.com

Leon Baptist Association Allen Crosby

8153 FM 3178 Centerville, TX 75833-3116 903-536-7051 allenc@fbcjewett.org

Lubbock Area Baptist Association

Jerry Joplin 4207 34th St

Lubbock, TX 79410-2641 806-791-4442 angie@lubbockbaptist.com

Milam Baptist Association Patrick Knowlton PO Box 192 Cameron, TX 76520-0192 254-697-6505 firmarea@sbcglobal.net

Neches River Baptist Association William Jones PO Box 995 Crockett, TX 75835-0995 936-544-3754 nrbaoffice11@gmail.com

Palo Pinto Baptist Association Ferel Gage PO Box C

Mineral Wells, TX 76068-0079 940-452-1336 palopintobaptist@gmail.com

Paluxy Baptist Association Glenn Ward 1844 Acton Hwy Granbury, TX 76049-5900 817-579-5111 gwarddom.pba@gmail.com

Parker Baptist Association Leah Newman 118 E Park Ave Weatherford, TX 76086-5614 817-599-6586 leah@parkerbaptist.org

Pecos Valley Baptist Association Dudley Mullins PO Box 1105 Kermit, TX 79745-1105 432-586-6601 edmullins1952@att.net

Red River Valley Baptist Association Guille Seigler 2320 Clarksville St Paris, TX 75460-6260 903-785-2890 redrivervalleybaptist@gmail.com

Rehoboth Baptist Association Kent Pate 1139 Industrial Dr E Sulphur Springs, TX 75482-3326 903-885-2868 info@rehobothonline.org

Rio Grande Valley Baptist Association Eber Ibarra 617 W Expressway 83 Weslaco, TX 78596-4326 956-968-3161 asalazar@rgvbaptists.com

Robertson Baptist Association Patrick Knowlton PO Box 192 Cameron, TX 76520-0192 254-697-6505 firmarea@sbcglobal.net

Rolling Plains Baptist Network Daniel Dotson PO Box 214 Snyder, TX 79550 325-573-1803 smsba@suddenlinkmail.com

Rusk-Panola Baptist Association Lewis Edwards PO Box 546 Mt Enterprise, TX 75681-0546 903-822-3474 etba@eastex.net

Sabine Neches Baptist Area Jimmie Neel PO Box 159 Kirbyville, TX 75956-0159 409-423-2224 theresa@snbarea.org

San Antonio Baptist Association Darrell Horn 5807 W IH 10 San Antonio, TX 78201-2800 210-525-9954 contact@sanantoniobaptist.org

San Felipe Baptist Association Sam Waltman 1105 San Jacinto St Rosenberg, TX 77471-3641 281-232-8556 info@sanfelipeba.org

San Jacinto Baptist Association Randell Gilchrist PO Box 1533 Baytown, TX 77522-1533 281-422-3604 sjba@sanjacintobaptist.com

Shelby Doches Baptist Association Lewis Edwards PO Box 546 Mt Enterprise, TX 75681-0546 903-822-3474 etba@eastex.net

Smith Baptist Association Danny Pickens 3226 Old Jacksonville Rd Tyler, TX 75701-7503 903-581-6139 paula@smithbaptist.org

Soda Lake Baptist Association

PO Box 1088

Marshall, TX 75671-1088 903-938-0756 sodalakebaptist@gmailcom

South Central Baptist Area Kevin Muilenburg PO Box 603 Gonzales, TX 78629-0603 830-672-3830 scba@southcentralarea.org

South Plains Baptist Association Elvyn G. Lambright PO Box 1286 Levelland, TX 79336 spba.1@netzero.com

Southwest Metroplex Baptist Assoc Scott Whitson 601 N Nolan River Rd Cleburne, TX 76033-7007 817-645-8222 office@swmba.net

Strategic Church Solutions Travis Bundrick PO Box 607 Georgetown, TX 78628 512-930-0965 mandy@wbatexas.org

Tarrant Baptist Association David Bowman 4520 James Ave Fort Worth, TX 76115-2117 817-927-1911 frontdesk@tarrantbaptist.org

Top O Texas Baptist Association James Greer PO Box 300 Pampa, TX 79066-0300 806-665-3152 topotx@yahoo.com

Tri-County Baptist Association

Barry Schahn PO Box 1151 Cisco, TX 76437-1151 254-442-4568 tricountrybaptist@suddenlinkmail.com

Tri-Rivers Baptist Area Richard Ray 502 E Main St Gatesville, TX 76528-1317 254-865-1299 tririversdom@gmail.com

Trinity River Baptist Association David Williams PO Box 1269 Liberty, TX 77575-1269 936-336-9232 david@trbatexas.org

Tryon Evergreen Baptist Association Roger Yancey PO Box 2408 Conroe, TX 77305-2408 936-856-2001 ryancey@teba.org

Union Baptist Association Josh Ellis 2916 W T C Jester Blvd Ste 200 Houston, TX 77018-7051 713-957-2000 info@ubahouston.org

Unity Baptist Association Stephen Brazzel 105 Weber Street Suite B Diboll, TX 75941 936-526-2023 unityba@gmail.com

Waco Regional Baptist Association Timothy Randolph PO Box 1848 Waco, TX 76703-1848 254-753-2408 admin@wacobaptists.org

Wichita Archer Clay Baptist Assoc Darrell Brown PO Box 4110 Wichita Falls, TX 76308-0110 940-224-9136 wacmissions@yahoo.com

Alto Frio Baptist Encampment

P. O. Box 468

Leakey, TX 78873

Ph: (830) 232-5271

Fax: (830) 232-5274 www.altofrio.com

Aspendale Mountain Retreat Center

P. O. Box 287

Cloudcroft, NM 88317

Ph: (800) 959-2605

Fax: (575) 682-2608 www.aspendale.org

Big Country Camp 201 FM 142

Lueders, TX 79533

Ph: (325) 228-4542

Fax: (325) 228-4586 www.bigcountrycamp.com

Camp Buckner Hill Country Retreat 3835 FM 2342

Burnet, TX 78611

Ph: (512) 756-7540

Fax: (512) 756-6121 www.campbuckner.org

Camp Chaparral 3784 Church Camp Rd. Iowa Park, TX 76367

Ph: (940) 855-4182

Fax: (940) 852-0602 www.campchaparral.org

Camp Copass

8200 E McKinney St. Denton, TX 76208

Ph: (940) 565-0050

Fax: (940) 382-9984 www.campcopass.com

Camp Menard PO BOX 1385

Menard, TX 76859

Ph: (915) 396-2162

Fax: (915) 396-4427 www.zcat.com/tbm/listings/26

Circle Six Ranch P. O. Box 976 Stanton, TX 79782

Ph: (432) 458-3467

Fax: (432) 458-3320 www.circle6ranch.net

Cone Oasis 23921 N. Parker

La Feria, TX 78579

Ph: (956) 797-2050

Fax: (956) 797-5142 www.coneoasis.org

East Texas Baptist Camp 178 Private Rd. 7005 Newton, TX 75966

Ph: (409) 379-2737

Fax: (409) 379-2737 www.etbe.org

Heart of Texas Baptist Camp & Conference Center 8025 North FM 2125 Brownwood, TX 76801 Ph: (325) 784-5821

Fax: (325) 784-6293 www.heartoftexascamp.com

High Plains Retreat Center 18511 City Lake Rd Canyon, TX 79015

Ph: (806) 499-3429

Fax: (806) 499-3429 http://hpretreatcenter.org

Highland Lakes Camp & Conference Center 5902 Pace Bend Rd. N Spicewood, TX 78669 Ph: (888) 222-3482 Fax: (512) 264-2794 www.highlandlakescamp.org

Lake Lavon Baptist Camp 8050 County Road 735 Princeton, TX 75407 Ph: (972) 736-2273

Fax: (972) 736-6670 www.lakelavoncamp.com

Lake Tomahawk Baptist Encampment 408 Lake Tomahawk Livingston, TX 77351 Ph: (936) 563-4644

Fax: (936) 563-4630 www.laketomahawk.org

Lakeview Baptist Assembly & Conference Center P.O. Box 130 Lone Star, TX 75668 Ph: (903) 656-3871 Fax: (903) 656-2993 www.lba1948.com

Latham Springs Camp and Retreat Center 134 Private Rd 223 Aquilla, TX 76622 Ph: (254) 694-3689 Fax: (254) 694-4174 http://lathamsprings.com/

Mt. Lebanon Retreat & Conference Center 1701 Texas Plume Rd. Cedar Hill, TX 75104 Ph: (972) 291-7156 Fax: (972) 291-4958 www.mtlebanoncamp.com

Paisano Baptist Encampment 91872 W HWY 90 Alpine, TX 79830 Ph: (432) 837-3074 Fax: (432) 837-3074 www.paisanoencampment.org

Panfork Baptist Encampment 4530 County Rd 210 Wellington, TX 79095 Ph: (806) 447-2627 Fax: (806) 447-5558 www.panfork.org

Pineywoods Baptist Camp 6272 East US 287 Woodlake, TX 75865 Ph: (936) 642-1723 Fax: (936) 642-2608 www.pineywoodscamp.com

Plains Baptist Camp & Retreat Center 3001 Love Rd. Floydada, TX 79235 Ph: (800) 581-3954 Fax: (806) 983-2008 www.pbcamp.org

Riverbend Retreat Center 1232 County Rd 411B UNIT C Glen Rose, TX 76043 Ph: (254) 897-4011 Fax: (254) 897-3960 www.riverbendretreat.org

Texas Baptist Encampment

P.O. Box 1265

Palacious, TX 77465

Ph: (361) 972-2717

Fax: (361) 972-2939 www.texasbaptistencampment.org

Tejas Camp & Retreat Center 1038 P.R. 2191  Giddings, TX 78942

Phone (979) 366-2422  Fax (979) 366-9206  www.camptejas.org camptejas@camptejas.org

Timberline Baptist Camp & Conference Center 15363 FM 849 Lindale, TX 75771

Ph: (903) 882-3183

Fax: (903) 882-3184

Trinity Pines Conference Center 4341 FM 356 Trinity, TX 75862

Ph: (936) 594-5011 Fax: (936) 594-5085 www.trinitypines.org

Valley Baptist Missions and Education Center 1600 E. Business 83 Mission, TX 78572

Ph: (956) 585-4393

Fax: (956) 585-8354 www.vbmc.org

Zephyr Baptist Encampment 151 FM 3162 Sandia, TX 78383

Ph: (361) 547-2448

Fax: (361) 547-6351 www.zbcamp.org

Article I – Name and Nature

Section 1. The name of this corporate body shall be The Baptist General Convention of Texas, hereafter Convention.

Section 2. This Convention is and always shall remain, only and solely a medium through which Baptist churches may work harmoniously in cooperation with each other, promoting the work and objects set forth in this constitution. It has not, to any degree, and shall never have any ecclesiastical authority. It shall not have and shall never attempt to exercise a single attribute of power or authority over any church, or over the messengers of the churches in such wise as to limit the sovereignty of the churches, but shall recognize the sovereignty of the churches under the one Sovereign, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Article II – Object

The object of this Convention shall be to awaken and stimulate among the churches the greatest possible activity in evangelism, missions, Christian education and benevolent work and enterprises; to cultivate a closer cooperation among the churches and promote harmony of feeling and concert of action in advancing all the interests of the Redeemer’s Kingdom.

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 ($2000) 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) as specified in Article III, Section 2.A.

CONSTITUTION OF THE BAPTIST GENERAL CONVENTION OF TEXAS

1st

Final

by Baptist General Convention of Texas in

by Baptist General Convention of Texas in

17,

10,

CONSTITUTION OF THE BAPTIST GENERAL CONVENTION OF TEXAS

Article IV – Meetings

Section 1. The Convention shall meet annually at such a time and place, based on Convention site guidelines, as determined by the messengers at least two years prior to the annual meeting.

In case of emergency, the Executive Board is empowered to change the time and place of the meeting. The minutes of the annual meeting of The Baptist General Convention of Texas are to be approved by the Executive Board of the Convention at the first meeting of the Executive Board following the Convention.

Section 2. No notice of annual or regular meetings of The Baptist General Convention of Texas shall be required. Notice of a special meeting shall be given at least 10 days prior to such meeting by publication in any newspaper of general circulation in the community in which the principal office is located.

Section 3. The right to vote is limited to the duly elected and enrolled messengers who are actually present in the session at the time the vote is taken. There will be no proxy or absentee voting.

Section 4. The quorum for conducting business during any session of the annual meeting of The Baptist General Convention of Texas shall be a minimum of 25% of the enrolled messengers.

Section 5. Special meetings of the Convention may be called by the Executive Board by a two-thirds vote of the votes entitled to be cast by directors of the Board. The call for a special meeting shall state the purpose of the meeting and the date, time and place for the meeting. The special meeting shall be limited to the purpose stated.

Article V – Officers

Section 1. The officers of this Convention shall be a president, a first vice president, a second vice president, a secretary of the Corporation, a recording secretary and a registration secretary. With the exception of the recording secretary who serves by virtue of serving as Treasurer, these shall be elected annually by ballot not later than the second day of the annual meeting. By unanimous consent any officer of this Convention may be elected by acclamation. Officers shall hold their offices until the end of the last session of the Convention meeting at which their successors are elected. In case of the death, resignation, or disability of the president, or if the president is no longer a member of a cooperating church, the vice presidents shall automatically succeed to the office of president in the order of their election.

Section 2. In any election for office, the nominee who receives the vote of a majority of the enrolled messengers present in the session shall be elected. If on the first ballot no nominee is elected, there shall be a run-off election between the two nominees who received the greatest number of votes on the first ballot.

Section 3. No one shall be eligible for the office of president or eligible for the same vice president’s office for more than two successive years.

Article VI – Committees

Section 1. The committees of the Convention shall be: (1) Committee on the Annual Meeting, (2) Committee on Credentials, (3) Committee on Committees, (4) Committee on Resolutions, (5) Committee on Memorials, (6) Committee to Nominate Executive Board Directors, (7) Committee on Nominations for Boards of Affiliated Ministries. The duties of the committees are included in the Convention Bylaws.

Section 2. Special committees may be established by action of the Convention to serve for specified periods of time to perform specific duties that in the judgment of the Convention cannot be effectively performed by one of the regular committees of the Convention or by the Executive Board.

The Convention shall specify the number of members to be appointed to each special committee and the method to be followed in selecting members. In the absence of other provisions, the president and the two vice presidents shall jointly appoint the members.

1st Adoption by Baptist General Convention of Texas in session November 17, 2014

Final Adoption by Baptist General Convention of Texas in session November 10, 2015

Article VII – Executive Board

Section 1. Functions

The Executive Board speaks for the interest of the Convention and has authority and accountability over the work of the Convention in the interim between annual meetings, except for that which is reserved for the Convention in session as noted in the Articles of Incorporation, the Constitution and the Bylaws.

A. The Executive Board shall have charge and control, except when otherwise directed by the Convention, of all of the work of the Convention, including missions, education, and beneficence, in the interim between its sessions.

B. The Executive Board has authority to elect and employ, to evaluate performance and set compensation for the Executive Director who shall serve as chief executive officer of The Baptist General Convention of Texas and its Executive Board.

C. The Executive Board also has authority to elect an Associate Executive Director and a Treasurer/ Chief Financial Officer, both of whom shall serve under the direct supervision of the Executive Director. The Executive Director is authorized to employ other staff as provided by the plan of work and the financial plan of the Convention. The Board shall approve a compensation plan for Convention employees.

D. The Executive Board shall hold in trust and shall administer all the properties, annuities, trusts, and invested funds of this body except as otherwise provided for by the Convention, and the Board shall report annually to the Convention the state of all funds which the Board administers.

E. The Executive Board provides the Convention annually with a report of its work and with a complete financial accounting of all funds received and disbursed, including properties, trusts, and invested funds which the Board administers.

F. The Executive Board determines the organization, functions, responsibilities and working relationships of the Executive Board committees.

G. The Executive Board maintains an official organization manual setting forth the plan and organization of the Convention and its programs. It shall also maintain a policy manual (including business, financial and personnel) for those policies adopted by the Convention in session and by the Executive Board.

Section 2. Membership

A. The authorized number of elected directors shall be 90 directors from 30 sectors in the Convention. The sectors are based on resident church membership in counties, and such sector criteria will be included in the Bylaws upon recommendation of the Executive Board.

A minimum of three directors will be elected from each sector. The number of elected directors of the Executive Board will exceed ninety (90) until expiration of the terms of directors elected prior to the effective date of adoption of this amended Constitution.

B. One-third of the number of directors is elected each year to serve a three-year term. Directors are eligible for election to a second three-year term but are not eligible to serve more than six consecutive years.

C. Voting directors of the Executive Board shall be the elected directors, the convention president, and the two convention vice presidents, and the presidents of the Convention-recognized fellowships, provided that these presidents are members of churches supportive of the BGCT. Non-voting directors of the Executive Board shall be the executive director, recording secretary, and the presidents of Woman’s Missionary Union of Texas, Texas Baptist Men and Baptist Student Ministry.

1st Adoption by Baptist General Convention of Texas in session November 17, 2014

Final Adoption by Baptist General Convention of Texas in session November 10, 2015

CONSTITUTION OF THE BAPTIST GENERAL CONVENTION OF TEXAS

D. All Executive Board directors, including the ex officio directors, must be members of churches that are supportive of The Baptist General Convention of Texas.

E. No one who is an employee of the Convention or member of the immediate family of an employee, except an ex officio director of the Board, shall be eligible for membership on the Executive Board.

F. The membership of the Executive Board shall be generally representative of the Baptist membership in the Convention and shall include men and women, Anglo and non-Anglo persons, persons who are members of larger membership churches and smaller membership churches, and those who have abilities and experience needed by the Board. There shall be a minimum of forty percent (40%) of the persons elected each year who are church/denominational employees and a minimum of forty (40%) who are non-church/denominational employees.

Section 3. Officers

A. Officers shall be chairperson, vice chairperson, recording secretary and other such officers as the Executive Board may determine needed from time to time.

B. Term of service for elected officers is one year. A person is limited to a maximum service of two consecutive years in the same office. The exception to these provisions is the recording secretary who serves by virtue of serving as Treasurer.

C. Nominations for election of officers are from the floor. A person must be elected by majority vote.

If on the first ballot no nominee is elected, there shall be a run-off election between the two nominees who received the greatest number of votes on the first ballot.

Section 4. Committees

The Executive Board has the authority to establish and dissolve committees as required to carry out their responsibilities. Duties of the committees will be included in the Executive Board Policy Manual.

A. The Executive Committee plans, coordinates and monitors the general progress of the Executive Board, including the budget and financial affairs. The Executive Committee will be composed of the chairperson and vice chairperson of the Executive Board, the president and vice presidents of the Convention, and the chairperson of each Executive Board committee. The chairperson of the Executive Board will serve as chairperson of the Executive Committee. The executive director and the recording secretary will serve as ex officio members, without vote.

B. The Audit Committee is to oversee the financial audit function.

C. The Institutional Relations Committee is to give broad oversight of the institutions related to the Convention, recognizing that the institutions are managed by a separate board of trustees according to their articles of incorporation and bylaws.

D. The Church Ministries Committee shall set the direction for the operation of core ministries of the Convention.

E. The Administration Support Committee shall set direction and recommend general policies for the administrative functions of the Convention. The committee shall include a finance subcommittee for budget development and general financial oversight.

1st Adoption by Baptist General Convention of Texas in session November 17, 2014

Final Adoption by Baptist General Convention of Texas in session November 10, 2015

Article VIII – Affiliated and Related Ministries

Section 1. General Provisions

A. Institutions or agencies which associate with this Convention in compliance with this Article are affiliated. Institutions or agencies which associate with this Convention pursuant to an adopted Special Agreement are related.

B. A new agency or institution may be established or a change in relationship with an agency or institution may be approved by a majority vote of the votes entitled to be cast by the messengers when the vote is taken without regard to the total enrollment at any meeting of the Convention upon the recommendation of the Executive Board, and must be considered by the Executive Board not later than a September meeting of the Board preceding the annual meeting of the Convention.

In the case of a new agency or institution, the recommendation must include a comprehensive plan of development, a set of proposed articles and bylaws, and a proposed annual budget.

C. An affiliation or relationship with an agency or institution may be discontinued by the Convention upon recommendation by the Executive Board and by majority vote of the votes entitled to be cast by the messengers present when the vote is taken without regard to the total enrollment at any meeting of the Convention.

Section 2. Affiliated Ministries

A. Trustee Membership of Boards

1. Each institution affiliated with this Convention shall have a board consisting of thirteen (13) or more trustees of which at least a simple majority shall be elected by this Convention in its annual meetings. When the charter of such institution provides for a specific number of trustees, the number so provided for shall be elected. Those persons elected by the Convention to serve as members of these boards shall be active members of cooperating churches of The Baptist General Convention of Texas.

2. No person shall be eligible for concurrent membership on more than one affiliated board or board of related institutions or agencies.

3. Each institution affiliated with this Convention shall be eligible to elect those members of its trustee board not elected by the Convention in accordance with criteria adopted by its board. All trustees so elected shall be active members of a Baptist church and shall meet other criteria established by the Executive Board.

4. Trustees of affiliated institutions shall be elected in classes so that the terms of one class only shall expire with each Convention year. The term of office of each member of the boards of affiliated institutions shall be three years. A member who has served three full successive terms shall not be eligible for re-election until he or she shall have been out of office for one Convention year.

5. The board of trustees and the administrator of an institution may request that a trustee, whose continued service is considered imperative to meet an emergency or a special need, be elected for an additional year. Such an exception must be approved by the Committee on Nominations for Boards of Affiliated Ministries. No more than two exceptions may be made for any given term for any one institution. In the event of such an exception, the position filled by that trustee shall revert to its previous class at the completion of the extra year.

6. No Trustee shall be allowed to name his or her successor by resigning in favor of another person.

1st Adoption by Baptist General Convention of Texas in session November 17, 2014

Final Adoption by Baptist General Convention of Texas in session November 10, 2015

CONSTITUTION OF THE BAPTIST GENERAL CONVENTION OF TEXAS

7. No elected trustee of the board of an affiliated institution who resigns from that board before the expiration of his or her current term shall be eligible for nomination to another board of the Convention until one year after such resignation is filed. A trustee elected by the Convention who no longer meets the qualifications for service set forth by the Convention as determined by the Executive Board, shall cease to be a trustee and that place shall be deemed vacant, or the Executive Board upon a 75 percent vote of those present may recommend to the Convention the removal of a trustee.

A vote of 75 percent of the votes entitled to be cast by the messengers when the vote is taken without regard to the total enrollment at any annual meeting of the Convention is necessary for removal. The Articles of Incorporation and bylaws of affiliated institutions shall not contain provision inconsistent with this Section 2 (A)(7).

8. The Recording Secretary of the Convention shall be notified immediately of vacancies that occur on an institutional board for any cause. Should a trustee position elected by the Convention become vacant for any cause, the Convention shall name a replacement trustee for that position through its adopted processes

B. 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.

Section 3. Related Ministries

A. The institution’s Articles of Incorporation and Special Agreements with the Convention shall guide the election and terms of trustees.

B. No person shall be eligible to concurrently serve on more than one related ministry board or affiliated ministry board.

C. The board of an institution may request, with a 75 percent vote of its board, that the institution relate to the Convention through a contractual Special Agreement rather than as an affiliated institution. Such agreements must be approved by the Convention at its annual meeting and may be considered only after favorable action by the Executive Board. Special Agreements must be negotiated in accordance with policies established by the Executive Board.

Section 4. Reports and Reviews to the Convention

A. The board of each agency or institution affiliated with or related by Special Agreement to this Convention shall submit to the Convention at each annual meeting such written reports as will keep the Convention fully informed concerning the activities, plans, resources, financial condition, and legal status of the institution.

B. The board of each agency or institution, except general acute care hospitals and health care systems, affiliated with this Convention shall submit for review and approval to this Convention, or to a committee designated by this Convention, each and every project or policy that involves a level of indebtedness of the institution beyond the policies of The Baptist General Convention of Texas.

1st Adoption by Baptist General Convention of Texas in session November 17, 2014

Final Adoption by Baptist General Convention of Texas in session November 10, 2015

Article IX – Contributions and Funds

Section 1. The Cooperative Program shall be the chief means through which this Convention shall support its missionary endeavors. The mission causes shall be reviewed and the Cooperative Program Budget through which they are supported shall be adopted annually.

Annual adoption of the budget shall be voted at the Annual Meeting held in the fall. The Executive Board will be responsible for budget adoption at its fall meeting in years when a summer Annual Meeting is held.

Section 2. All funds of this Convention shall be raised by voluntary contributions provided this does not prevent acquiring funds, or property, by bequest or use of any income on property that may be bequeathed to or purchased by the institutions or agencies hereof.

Section 3. All designated offerings or special gifts shall be strictly applied according to the expressed will and direction of the contributor.

Article X – Offices

The Convention shall maintain a principal office within the State of Texas and shall continuously maintain in the State of Texas a registered office which is identical with the principal office and a registered agent who is the recording secretary of the Convention as required by the Texas Non-Profit Corporation Act. The Executive Board shall, from time to time, amend the Articles of Incorporation of the Convention as necessary to reflect the then current address of the registered office and the registered agent.

Article XI – Amendments

Any alterations may be made in these Articles by two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast by the messengers present when the vote is taken without regard to total enrollment at any annual meeting of the Convention, provided (1) no amendment may be considered after the second day of the Convention and (2) that an amendment shall be so approved by two successive Conventions.

THE

GENERAL CONVENTION OF TEXAS

1st Adoption by Baptist General Convention of Texas in session November 17, 2014

Final Adoption by Baptist General Convention of Texas in session November 10, 2015

BYLAWS OF THE BAPTIST GENERAL CONVENTION OF 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. For purposes of usage in the Constitution and the Bylaws, “supportive” and “cooperating” shall have the same meaning as “affiliated” has in these Bylaws.

Section 2. All Convention officers, members of Convention committees, all Executive Board directors, and all non-director 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 affiliated churches. An exception will be made for members of groups, teams, councils or other entities who are Baptists and live outside the state of Texas.

Section 3. If a person named in Section 2 is no longer a member of a church affiliated 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.

Section 3. Any challenges to the seating of the messengers of a church will be presented in writing to the Credentials Committee during the Annual Meeting.

Section 4. Any challenges to the ability of a church to have the opportunity to send messengers to the Annual Meeting will be presented in writing to the Executive Board.

Article III – Meetings

Section 1. The annual meeting of the Convention shall be a gathering for the purpose of worship, fellowship, mobilizing, encouraging, informing and uniting Texas Baptists to accomplish the Great Commission, as well as to elect officers; receiving recommendations and 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 cooperating 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 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, arranged by associations.

Section 5. The duties of the secretary of the Corporation shall be to attest legal papers of the Convention.

Article V – Convention Committees

Those committees that use sector criteria for membership shall use the same sectors as used for the Executive Board membership in the Bylaws, Article VI, Section 1, A.

Section 1. The Committee on Annual Meeting shall be responsible for recommending the time and place of future annual meetings of the Convention, for selecting the worship leaders and for formulating the agenda for the annual meeting and submitting the agenda to the messengers for approval at the opening session.

The committee shall have eighteen members appointed for three year terms with six appointed each year by the president and the vice presidents acting jointly.

The president and vice presidents 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.

Section 2. 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. Any challenges to the seating of messengers of church that are based upon the assertion that a church is no longer in harmonious cooperation with Texas Baptists will be referred to the Executive Board and not reported on until the next Annual Meeting. At the time scheduled by the Committee on Annual Meeting, 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 ten (10) members appointed for two years with five (5) appointed each year by the president and the vice presidents acting jointly. The president and vice presidents may appoint replacements to fill vacancies.

OF THE BAPTIST GENERAL CONVENTION OF TEXAS

Section 3. The Committee on Committees shall be responsible for nominating persons for election by the Convention to serve on the Committee to Nominate Executive Board Directors and the Committee on Nominations for Boards of Affiliated Ministries, and for such special committees as the Convention shall designate. The committee shall have fifteen (15) members appointed for three-year terms with five (5) appointed each year by the president and the vice presidents acting jointly. The president and vice presidents may appoint replacements to fill vacancies.

Section 4. The Committee on Resolutions shall be responsible for receiving all resolutions proposed by messengers and for reporting its findings to the Convention.

The committee shall have ten (10) members appointed for two-year terms with five (5) appointed each year by the president and the vice presidents acting jointly. The president and vice presidents may appoint replacements to fill vacancies.

All resolutions shall be automatically referred to the Committee on Resolutions without public reading or discussion.

This committee is directed to report back to the Convention such resolutions as it deems proper, whether submitted to or prepared by the committee.

Section 5. The Committee on Memorials shall be responsible for preparing and presenting to the Convention suitable memorial statements in remembrance of active Baptists whose death occurred during the year preceding the Convention session.

The committee shall have five (5) members appointed for one-year terms by the president and the vice presidents acting jointly. The president and vice presidents may appoint replacements to fill vacancies.

Section 6.The Committee to Nominate Executive Board Directors shall be responsible for nominating persons for election by the Convention to serve on the Executive Board.

A. The committee shall have fifteen (15) members, five (5) of whom shall be elected each year to serve for three-year terms. Members of this committee shall be elected by the Convention on the nomination of the Committee on Committees.

A member may serve one three-year term and is not eligible for re-election until one year has elapsed. No two members of this committee shall be from churches in the same sector.

The committee shall publish its list of nominees at least two full days prior to the day on which directors of the Executive Board are to be elected by the Convention

B. All members should be persons with experience in Convention affairs. In the election of the fifteen (15) members, a minimum of six (6) shall be church/denominational employees and a minimum of six (6) non-church/denominational employees. Spouses of church/denominational employees shall be considered in that category. Retired persons and their spouses who served as church/ denominational employees shall be considered in that category.

C. If a member moves from a church in one sector to a church in another sector that is already represented on the committee, the member shall continue to serve until the succeeding Convention at which time the position will be deemed vacant and the Committee on Committees shall make a nomination to the Convention to fill the unexpired term.

If a member resigns or is no longer a member of a church affiliated with the Convention, the position will be deemed vacant and the Committee on Committees may nominate to the Executive Board at its next meeting a person who shall be elected on a temporary basis to serve until the succeeding Convention at which time the membership shall be terminated.

Thereafter, the persons or committee charged with nominating the members of such committee shall make a nomination to the Convention to fill the unexpired term.

D. The committee shall conduct its work in accordance with a policy adopted by the Executive Board. The policy adopted shall provide for the committee to seek information and suggestions from persons in all sectors.

Section 7. The Committee on Nominations for Boards of Affiliated Ministries shall be responsible for nominating persons for election by the Convention to serve on the boards of trustees and boards of directors of all Convention institutions, agencies, and affiliates.

A. The committee shall have fifteen (15) members, five (5) of whom shall be elected each year to serve for three-year terms.

Members shall be elected by the Convention on the nomination of the Committee on Committees. A member may serve one three-year term and is not eligible for re-election until one year has elapsed. No two members of this committee shall be from churches in the same sector.

B. All members should be persons with experience in Convention affairs. In the election of the fifteen (15) members, a minimum of six (6) shall be church/denominational employees and a minimum of six (6) non-church/denominational employees.

Spouses of church/denominational employees shall be considered in that category. Retired persons and their spouses who served as church/denominational employees shall be considered in that category.

C. If a member moves from a church in one sector to a church in another sector that is already represented on the committee, the member shall continue to serve until the succeeding Convention at which time the position will be deemed vacant and the Committee on Committees shall make a nomination to the Convention to fill the unexpired term.

If a member resigns or is no longer a member of a church affiliated with the Convention, the position will be deemed vacant and the Committee on Committees may nominate to the Executive Board at its next meeting a person who shall be elected on a temporary basis to serve until the succeeding Convention, at which time the membership shall be terminated.

Thereafter, the persons or committee charged with nominating the members of such committee shall make a nomination to the Convention to fill the unexpired term.

D. The committee shall conduct its work in accordance with a policy adopted by the Executive Board. The policy adopted shall provide for the committee to seek information and suggestions from persons in all sectors. The policy adopted also shall provide for the committee to establish one nominating subcommittee for each institutional board, agency, and affiliate to assist the committee by suggesting names of persons who shall be considered for nomination for election to boards. The committee shall determine the composition of each subcommittee and select the members of each subcommittee.

E. The subcommittee shall develop the lists of suggested nominees in accordance with criteria established by the Executive Board. The committee shall develop its list of nominees on the basis of the list of suggested nominees presented by the subcommittee, screening those lists to eliminate duplications and to assure compliance with established criteria.

The committee shall publish its list of nominees at least two full days prior to the day on which members of institution boards, agencies, and affiliates are to be elected by the Convention.

Article VI – Executive Board

Section 1. Membership

OF THE BAPTIST GENERAL CONVENTION OF TEXAS

A. The elected membership of the Executive Board shall be ninety (90) directors from thirty (30) sectors in the Convention. At least three directors will be elected from each sector. The composition of the Executive Board shall be that as defined in the Constitution. Additionally, at least thirty percent (30%) of the membership shall be non-Anglo persons.

The sectors are based on resident church membership in counties with additional consideration given to the number of churches and Cooperative Program giving for Texas causes. The drawing of sector boundaries is based on the following weighted criteria by county: resident church membership, fifty percent (50%); number of churches, twenty-five percent (25%); and Cooperative Program giving for Texas causes, twenty-five percent (25%).

Large population counties may contain multiple sectors, and smaller population adjacent counties may be grouped into one sector. Counties containing more than one sector will not be subdivided.

Sector boundaries will be evaluated every five years by the Executive Committee of the Board and any changes recommended to the Board for approval.

B. The Executive Board shall have ex-officio directors in addition to the ninety (90) elected directors. The ex-officio directors shall be divided into these two classes.

Class 1. The president and vice presidents of the Convention and presidents of the recognized fellowships, provided that these presidents are members of churches supportive of the Convention. These persons shall by virtue of office serve with all rights, privileges, and duties of, and shall in all matters be treated as elected directors.

Class 2. The non-voting directors named in the Constitution, Article VII, Section 2, C. These persons shall by virtue of office serve with all rights, privileges, and duties of, and shall in all matters be treated as elected directors, except these persons shall not have the right to vote in regard to actions of the Executive Board or in regard to actions of any committee of the Executive Board, and shall not be counted for purposes of ascertaining a quorum of the Executive Board or of any of its committees nor in the number needed for adoption of certain actions.

C. If a director of the Executive Board moves from a church in one sector to a church in another sector, the director shall continue to serve until the succeeding Convention at which time the membership shall be terminated and the Committee to Nominate Executive Board Directors shall make a nomination to fill the unexpired term.

In order to achieve the purposes and structure dictated by the Constitution, as each incumbent director completes the term to which he or she was elected prior to the adoption of these Bylaws, or in the event any director, prior to the expiration of his or her term, dies, resigns, is no longer a member of a church affiliated with the Convention, is removed by the Convention, or otherwise vacates the office of director, such director’s position on the Executive Board determined by the previous provisions shall be deemed eliminated and no vacancy shall be deemed to exist, except as follows: if a sector has less than three directors on the Executive Board or after the time the number of directors positions has been reduced to ninety (90) elected directors, then when a vacancy occurs for any reason outlined in the foregoing sentence, the Committee to Nominate Executive Board Directors shall nominate to the Executive Board at its next meeting a person who shall be elected on a temporary basis to serve until the succeeding Convention at which time the membership shall be terminated and the Committee to Nominate Executive Board Directors shall make a nomination to fill the unexpired term.

Should an ex-officio director resign, be unable to continue to serve, or no longer be a member of a church affiliated with the Convention, the position will be deemed vacant.

The Executive Board shall give the entity responsible for the election of such person written notice that such person’s position as a director has been deemed vacant and that such director position shall remain vacant until it is filled by such entity’s presentation to the Executive Board of another person qualified to serve as such entity’s ex-officio director under the Constitution and these Bylaws.

D. The Constitution and Bylaw provisions in regard to the composition of the Executive Board directors pertain to directors elected under these Bylaws and not to previously elected directors continuing during the transition period.

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

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.

OF THE BAPTIST

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 shall 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 Convention-adopted programs.

The meeting schedule of the Board shall be recommended to the Board by the Executive Director.

OF TEXAS

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.

Adopted by Baptist General Convention of Texas in session, November 14, 2016

Section 5. Committees

Descriptions of the committees and duties of the Executive Board Committees will be described in the policy of the Executive Board as adopted by the Executive Board.

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 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

but may receive reimbursement for appropriate travel expenses.

Article VII –

Section

BYLAWS OF THE BAPTIST GENERAL CONVENTION OF TEXAS

The Executive Board is to establish a search committee composed of seven (7) members of the Executive Board appointed by the chairperson and vice chairperson of the Executive Board and eight (8) members of the Convention-at-large appointed by the president and vice presidents of the Convention.

The chairperson and vice chairperson of the Executive Board and president and vice presidents of the Convention will nominate a chairperson of the Search Committee from among the fifteen (15) members.

The Executive Board is to approve the Search Committee and the chairperson.

Section 2. Associate Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer and Treasurer/Chief Financial Officer Recruitment

The executive director with the chairperson and vice chairperson of the Executive Board and the president of the Convention shall compose the search committee for the associate executive director/chief operating officer and the treasurer /chief financial officer as needed.

Section 3. Other Employees of the Convention

The executive director is authorized to employ other staff as needed in the plan of work and as provided by the financial plan of the Convention.

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 by Baptist General Convention of Texas in session,

African American Ministries, 43

Area Representatives, 24

Associate Executive Director, 14 Associations, 103 Associational Relations, 8 Baptist Chaplaincy Relations, 46 Baptist Church Loan Corporation, 96 Baptist Community Services, 78 Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio, 87 Baptist Health System, 88 Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas, 90 Baptist Standard, 97 Baptist University of the Américas, 54

Baylor Scott & White Health, 92 Baylor University, 56 Bi-vocational Pastors Ministry, 25 BOUNCE Student Disaster Recovery, 32 Buckner International, 80 Bylaws, 116 Camps, 107

Center for Church Health, 15 Center for Collegiate Ministry, 47 Center for Cultural Engagement, 38

Center for Ministerial Health, 23 Center for Missional Engagement, 31

Children at Heart Ministries, 82 Christian Life Commission, 39 Church Architecture, 16 Church Health Strategy, 17 Church Starting, 33 Communications, 9

Conference & Event Planning, 51

Constitution, 109 Cooperative Program Ministry, 8 Counseling Services, 26 Dallas Baptist University, 58 Denison Ministries, 98 Discipleship, 18 East Texas Baptist University, 60 Ethics & Justice, 40 Evangelism, 19 Executive Director, 3 Executive Board Report, 4 Finance and Accounting, 52 Financial Health, 27 GC2 Press, 20 GuideStone Financial Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention, 99 Hardin-Simmons University, 62 Hendrick Health System, 94 HighGround Advisors, 100 House/Philippi Church, 34 Houston Baptist University, 64 Howard Payne University, 66 Human Resources, 10 Hunger & Care, 42 Information Technology and Support Services, 53 Institutions, 54 Intercultural Ministries, 45 Interim Church Services, 28 Ministers Development and Missional Networks, 35 Missionary Adoption Program, 36 Music & Worship, 21 Pastor Strong Initiative, 29 Public Policy, 41 River Ministry/Mexico Missions, 37 San Marcos Baptist Academy, 72 South Texas Children’s Home Ministries, 84

Stark College & Seminary, 74 Statement of Financial Position, 50

Statement of Activities, 49 Texas Baptist en Español, 44 Texas Baptist Heritage Center, 11 Texas Baptist Historical Collection, 12 Texas Baptist Men, 101 Texas Baptist Missions Foundation, 13 Treasurer/CFO, 48 University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, 68 Valley Baptist Missions Education Center, 76 Wayland Baptist University, 70 Western Heritage Ministries, 30 Woman’s Missionary Union of Texas, 102