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It’s finally happened. Life snuck up on me faster than I expected. I am now at a point where I must always keep a pair of reading glasses with me. It’s not that I can’t see without them; it’s just that when I put them on, I see more clearly. That’s simply part of life.
The same is true for organizations. Governing documents are among the many lenses that provide operational focus to an organization. To strengthen that clarity, a special review committee was appointed last August to examine and propose amendments to the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention Constitution and Bylaws. The committee worked diligently and in full unity to propose changes to our Executive Board.
The board has voted to present these changes to the messengers at the SBTC Annual Meeting in October. The convention will discuss and vote on these changes this year, with a second potential vote in 2027. You can read the proposed changes in this issue.
Over the past four years, there has been extensive discussion at the national and state levels about the office of pastor/elder/overseer. For the SBTC, affirmations related to this office are required for affiliation. Our Credentials Committee has done a phenomenal job navigating difficult conversations and decisions as they have arisen. I know firsthand how they have prayed, discussed, and, with grace, made decisions and recommendations to our Executive Board. I am so grateful for the integrity with which they have operated.
Greater clarity will serve our convention’s committees well, and these proposed amendments help provide that clarity. I am excited that messengers will have the opportunity to discuss and vote on them.
The SBTC has been, remains, and will continue to be a confessional fellowship rooted in the Word of God. We are seeing God do many incredible things among us. It’s amazing to see churches working together to multiply disciple-making movements in Texas and around the world. We believe these proposed changes to our Constitution and Bylaws offer an opportunity to continue moving forward in doctrinal unity and with a stronger missional focus.
I love you and am honored to serve you.
