BGCT PRESIDENTS ENDORSE EFFECTIVENESS/EFFICIENCY PLAN

As former and current presidents of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, we are very familiar with the leadership, institutions and programs of the BGCT. We have all worked closely with Dr. Bill Pinson and the staff of the BGCT. We are familiar with the institutions which educate, heal and serve Texas, America, even the world, in Jesus’ name and in the name of Texas Baptists.

Texas Baptists have consistently kept their focus on Jesus and missions, education and human service in His name. The BGCT has avoided becoming a political convention, working hard to include all Texas Baptists as we seek to serve the needs of local churches in their ministry.

We have studied closely the recommendations of the BGCT Effectiveness and Efficiency (E/E) Committee and wish to enthusiastically endorse the excellent and visionary recommendations of this committee. Our reasons are outlined below.

Vision: Texas Baptists have a history of being visionary. Texas Baptists started Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and later entrusted the seminary to the Southern Baptist Convention to hold in trust. Texas Baptists started a Christian Life Commission. Texas Baptists have been pioneers in Partnership Missions, partnering for years with the work in Minnesota and Wisconsin as well as countries like Brazil and Australia.

The E/E Committee plan continues this visionary approach in recommending an expansion in Partnership Missions, a Bible College, theological education for the laity, multi-cultural ministries, increased ministries to families and biblically based Texas-focused literature.

Baptist Principles: Texas Baptists have consistently supported and honored historic Baptist principles and practices. The E/E Committee plan continues this tradition. Nothing in this report contradicts Baptist principles such as local church autonomy and the priesthood of all believers. No Texas Baptist church is required to support these recommendations financially. No Texas Baptist church is required to use new literature. The plan gives Texas Baptist churches more options in ministries to support and resources to use. The report consistently praises Baptist principles and the autonomy of the local church.

Cooperation: Texas Baptists have consistently emphasized voluntary cooperation as the basis for unity. This plan celebrates autonomy, diversity, freedom and local decision making. This plan honestly recognizes the differences among Baptists and encourages unity amidst this diversity. The plan encourages the support of missionaries and institutions as chosen by the local church. Such emphasis allows Texas Baptists to cooperate freely as individuals and congregations.

As Texas Baptists prepare to enter the 21st century, it is appropriate we outline a vision for effectiveness and efficiency. This plan identifies critical needs and makes appropriate recommendations to keep Texas Baptists in the forefront of missions, evangelism, education and human services. We enthusiastically encourage the messengers to this years annual meeting to approve this visionary plan.

Phil Lineberger, 1990–’91
Jerold McBride, 1994–’95
Charles Wade, 1996–’97 Paul Powell, 1986–’87
Milton Cunningham, 1978–’79
Winfred Moore, 1984–’85