TEXAS BAPTISTS MOVE TOWARD A MORE EXCELLENT WAY
by Charlie McLaughlin,
Associate Coordinator

Texas Baptists, meeting at their annual convention, voted to follow their understanding of the Apostle Paul when he wrote I Corinthians 12:31, “yet show I unto you a more excellent way.” (KJV)

Messengers at the annual meeting of the BGCT in Austin overwhelmingly approved 19 recommendations offered by the Effectiveness/Efficiency Committee. The proposals will initiate new programs and enlarge existing ministries.

Russell Dilday, former president of Southwestern Seminary and now a professor at Truett Seminary, was elected president of the BGCT. Dilday received 71.1 percent of the vote (3,751) compared to the 28.9 percent (1,524) received by the fundamentalist supported nominee.

Jaclanel McFarland, an attorney and member of South Main Baptist Church in Houston, was elected as first vice president.

Ed Hogan, pastor of Jersey Village Baptist Church in Houston, was elected as second vice president. McFarland and Hogan were elected without opposition.

Dilday, McFarland and Hogan were endorsed by Texas Baptists Committed and had expressed support of current BGCT leaders, institutions and emphasis including the Efficiency/Effectiveness Recommendations.

David Currie said, “Texas Baptists continue to keep the focus on Texas 2000 by electing conservative officers instead of fundamentalists so the BGCT can be lead in a cooperative spirit.”

Most of the recommendations by the E/E Committee passed by a considerable majority. Most votes were at least two- or three-to one in favor of the report. On a computer-read vote, seventy-three percent of the messengers voted for a constitutional amendment that would base the number of messengers a church can send to the BGCT annual meeting upon the amount of money it contributes to the convention. However, before this can be implemented, it must be approved again next year by a two-thirds majority.

President Charles Wade deserves many accolades for the manor in which he presided over marathon discussions including debate and sharp differences of opinion. His kindness and fairness were clearly demonstrated throughout the proceedings.

December 1997