CO-CHAIR THOUGHTS FROM BILL BRIAN
Reflections on the Annual Convention

The 1997 session of the BGCT was a watershed for Baptist life in Texas. President Charles Wade was a superb moderator of a wide ranging debate of the Efficiency/ Effectiveness Committee recommendations. Messengers developed the issues by stepping up to the microphones and “saying their piece.” People expressed a broad spectrum of opinions and had their say. That’s messy and time consuming, but it’s the Baptist way, the right way.

Texas Baptists, by clear and convincing majorities, approved all E/E recommendations that will position our BGCT for the new century. A hallmark of our state convention has been its responsiveness to the needs of the churches in the face of a changing population. The E/E Committee, BGCT staff, and messengers to the 1997 session showed courage and foresight in recognizing that we must be prepared to share the Gospel in new ways, using methods and partnerships that make the most effective use of human and material resources.

Texas Baptists Committed has been an important means of communicating the truth about the E/E recommendations, reporting the support of lay and clergy leaders throughout the state, in addition to the excellent written and oral information that flooded the state from the Baptist Building in Dallas.

Informed Baptists will make right decisions. Texas Baptists were well informed before the 1997 session. A crucial year will be 1998 when the adopted recommendations are developed into specific budget proposals. Encourage your pastor to inform your congregation about the recommendations.

As members of Texas Baptists Committed we must be in the forefront of those who are informed. Read the Baptist Standard, read your Texas Baptists Committed newsletters. Tell your friends about Texas Baptists Committed. Enlist persons to be added to the TBC newsletter mailing list. TBC operates lean, so join me in continuing to support Texas Baptists Committed financially. Keep the information flowing.

The new year promises for Texas Baptists great challenge and opportunity. Pray that God will guide our BGCT elected and staff leaders. May you and your family have a joyous Christmas.

This is the last TBC newsletter issue of 1997. When I was asked this time last year to serve as co-chair of TBC, I told David I would serve one year. That year has gone quickly.

It has been a privilege to serve with my friend and co-chair Jerold McBride. It has also been a privilege to work with David, Charles, and Charlotte, our dedicated, focused staff leadership and the administrative committee composed of Millie Bishop, Ed Hogan, and Dan Williams. Most of all, I have been privileged to get to know and work with many of you, faithful, caring Baptists who love Jesus and His church and who hold dear the principles that have distinguished Baptists in service to the Lord.

The new year promises for Texas Baptists great challenge and opportunity. Pray that God will guide our BGCT elected and staff leaders. May you and your family have a joyous Christmas.

December 1997