Effectiveness/Efficiency Report is “more than…!”
Leroy Fenton,
First Baptist Church, Waxahachie

The E/E Recommendation is more than a timely document—it is a document for our times. It is more than a document of practical Christianity—it is practical in its application. It is more than a document for the future—it does have futuristic impact. It is more than a document on structure—it will influence structural consideration. It is more than a document about the BGCT—it does center on the dynamics of the Convention. It is more than a document about theology—it does strongly affirm the classic doctrines of our faith. It is more than a document about politics—it does acknowledge the political arena in which initiatives were spawned. It is more than a document about change—its content was motivated and inspired by change in culture and paradigms.

At best, it is a document that is personal. It is about you, me, us, and our churches who need to get serious about reaching our state for Christ, about being at our personal best in effectiveness and efficiency. It focuses on the battle lines in our state which is on our streets and in the houses of our local communities.

The focus is an intensification of a “church-first” strategy which moves Texas Baptists more in line with the purpose statement of the Convention which is “to assist and encourage churches and associations…” By amassing the resources of the state convention to be available to the local church through consultation and customization, there is a cooperative partnership that, inspired, can turn a congregation into a church, the body of Christ.

Moving from a conference to a consultation mode was already in process but needs confirmation and affirmation from the Baptist folk in Texas. Such an affirmation strengthens the autonomy of the local church and the priesthood of every believer and reminds us of the servant role of the BGCT and the purpose of every church.

It strengthens the position of the BGCT as a “channel of choice” by which every church can be inspired by God to find a vision for itself and find a way to work together. By being personal, it humanizes the process and finds decentralization as a core value of effective cooperation.

It is about clergy, laity, denominational servants, change and responsibility. Someone said that insanity is doing the same thing the same way and expecting different results.

Texas Baptists lead this denomination in almost every category by which it can be measured but we are still stagnant in winning the lost and underachievers in ministry. This document encourages changes when change can create a better atmosphere in which to accomplish our purpose.

Traditions are not acceptable when they only maintain an organization or a program. The document encourages openness to new ideas, to new ways to organize local congregations and the BGCT, to new ideas about outreach, to new relationships to the Divisions of the BGCT and its personnel, to new means of adapting program resources to the needs of individual congregations, to new means of time management and reducing red tape, to new and better use of technology and distance learning, to new delivery systems for theological education. The document expects better results in the future and expects Texas Baptist to find a way to improve its effectiveness.

It is about relationships. During the past few years, Texas Baptists have been “bashed” by some SBC leaders who appreciate control but do not appreciate cooperation. For power and control, these leaders have encouraged division and takeover. What they cannot control, they cannot tolerate. I remind you of our practical and precious “soul freedom” in Christ which is implemented doctrinally in the fact that the SBC leadership, the BGCT leadership, and the Association leadership work for the churches and not the contrary.

It is the privilege of being a free Baptist to have the opportunity to give and cooperate with whom one chooses. The document encourages relationships and sharing tasks with denominational entities that have common purpose and vision. Networking these relationships will benefit God’s work universally. Using the BGCT as a “channel of choice” in relationships promotes effectiveness when Christians can work and give with trust and confidence. We must build bridges and not burn them.

It is about vision. We should be thankful for the vision of Charles Davenport who started this process with his motion at the San Antonio Convention. The staff of the BGCT has a vision for God and by adopting this recommendation they have another way of sharing in ours.

October 1997