Texas Baptists Committed is dedicated to reaching people for Christ through local churches; promoting and defending historic Baptist principles; spreading an understanding of Baptist heritage and distinctives through education; and cooperating with the mission of the Baptist General Convention of Texas and its related institutions.

TEXAS BAPTISTS DECLARE INDEPENDENCE, MUST DEAL WITH COMMITMENT TO MISSIONS

The spirit of the 1993 Baptist General Convention of Texas was reminiscent of the Texas revolution to some observers.

Messengers seemed to reject any notion that the BGCT had to “fall in line” with the SBC (or any other group for that matter).

The idea which seemed to emerge was that Texas Baptists feel that the SBC is in “such a mess” the SBC is in no position to provide much leadership or direction to Texas Baptists.

At the same time, no one can question that Texas Baptists, first and foremost, believe in world missions. Texas Baptists are independent people who strongly believe in cooperating in world missions.

Thus a dilemma is presenting itself to Texas Baptists. We do not want fundamentalist control like that currently in the SBC. Yet, we believe that cooperating together is an effective way to do mission work.

The solution probably lies in the genius of Baptist polity. Texas Baptists, strongly committed to local church autonomy and the priesthood of every believer, will probably rely on the truth that “THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE SOUTHERN BAPTIST FAMILY IS LOCATED IN THE LOCAL CHURCH.”

The key to remaining united in Texas will be in respecting what each local church decides to do in relation to the SBC or any other national missions movement.

(continued)

Some will continue to support the SBC. Some will strongly support the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. Some will support both in areas where they are most comfortable. Many will decide to support more and more direct missions as a local church, and possibly even associations will start to sponsor missions projects.

One thing is certain, Texas Baptists will support world missions. How and which organizations they support will probably be determined over the next several years by who challenges them with the most exciting VISION of world missions, based on the rock solid Baptist principles of inclusiveness and respect.

Baptists came together in 1845 committed to holding independence and cooperation together - a brilliant concept.

Texas Baptists have not changed from those principles and hopefully never will.

So the challenge to the SBC, CBF, or anyone else who wants the support and cooperation of Texas Baptists, is to challenge us to world missions while being Baptist in your methodology and practice. The convention indicates Texas Baptists will recognize “real” Baptist polity when it is shown to them.

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