Texas Baptists to start new “Church Centered” missions emphasis

In a move both designed to be effective and inclusive, Texas Baptists will soon be launching a new missions emphasis that is local church driven and fair to all the many perspectives of Texas Baptist churches and individuals.

The heart of the new program is described on page 22. An excellent press release from Associated Baptist Press by Bob Allen begins on the front page.

The secret to this new approach is that rather than the “pray and pay” approach to missions that has historically described Southern Baptist mission programs, this new emphasis encourages churches to be directly involved in missions and design their own mission programs in conjunction with the BGCT, SBC or CBF (all treated equally and with respect). That is, there is a place for every Texas Baptist.

The wisdom in this is that we are now in a “hands-on period” of life. People want to be directly involved in missions. They don’t just want to give, but they want to go. They want to give and go to specific projects in specific places.

Please read the details of this historic new missions emphasis and consider supporting it. Make your plans now to be in Waco for the BGCT annual meeting. The convention will meet November 11 and 12.

September 2002