Mainstream Baptist Network National Convocation

The Mainstream Baptists’ first-ever national convocation was held February 15-16 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Among the great lineup of speakers were Phil Lineberger, co-chair of Mainstream Baptist Network and pastor of Williams Trace Baptist Church, Sugar Land; Michael Bell, pastor of St. Stephen Baptist Church, Fort Worth and our own Texas Baptists Committed Executive Director, David Currie. The speakers focused on the importance of freedom found in Christ.

Approximately 250 people attended the convocation in Charlotte. The attendees were representatives of the 15 Mainstream state organizations.

As a part of the gathering of Mainstream Baptists, 37 men and women were inducted into a new Hall of Fame to honor courage in standing for Baptist principles and heritage. Those honored were nominated by state Mainstream groups and a national committee. Included in the class of 2002 were 13 Texans:

Jimmy Allen, a pastor in Georgia and former president of the SBC and its former Radio and Television Commission; former president of the Baptist General Convention of Texas; and former pastor of First Baptist Church of San Antonio.

John Baugh, a Houston layman and business entrepreneur who founded the Mainstream Baptist movement.

Michael Bell, pastor of Greater St. Stephen Baptist Church in Fort Worth and a long-time denominational leader.

David Currie, director of Texas Baptists Committed and consultant for the Mainstream movement.

Russell Dilday, former president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and former president of the Baptist General Convention of Texas.

James Dunn, retired executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee on Public Affairs and current president of its endowment; former executive director of the Texas Baptist Christian Life Commission.

Dan Martin, former editor of Baptist Press news service and founding editor of Associated Baptist Press who now serves as a minister and journalist in Texas.

Keith Parks, who retired early as president of the Southern Baptist Foreign (now International) Mission Board and is the now-retired first Global Missions Coordinator for the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship.

Herbert Reynolds, president emeritus of Baylor University. Noah Rodriguez, church administrator of First Mexican Baptist church in San Antonio and a former educator, chaplain and denominational leader.

Cecil Sherman, a former pastor of Broadway Baptist Church in Fort Worth and now retired as the first coordinator for the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship.

Foy Valentine, former executive director of the Texas Baptist Christian Life Commission and the former SBC Christian Life Commission.

Daniel Vestal, current CBF coordinator and former pastor of First Baptist Church of Midland and Tallowood Baptist Church of Houston.