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New SBTC vision aims to mobilize churches to multiply disciple-making movements in Texas and around the world
Editor’s note: During the 2023 Southern Baptists of Texas Convention Annual Meeting in November, Executive Director Nathan Lorick presented a 10-year vision for the SBTC called “Moving Forward Together.” To further introduce this vision to our readers, this month’s Texan features a brief conversation with SBTC Associate Executive Director Joe Lightner.
What is the Moving Forward Together 10-Year Vision?
Joe Lightner: Approaching our 25th anniversary as a convention, our executive director assembled a team of leaders from across Texas to discern God’s vision for our future. God allowed the team to glimpse 10 years beyond the horizon to see all SBTC churches mobilized to multiply disciple-making movements. We envision all our churches moving forward together, multiplying impact, and reversing lostness in our state and world. The vision has become the North Star for our convention.
"We envision all our churches moving forward together, multiplying impact, and reversing lostness in our state and world. The vision has become the North Star for our convention."
How will the SBTC step into this vision?
JL: The vision requires a new mission focus on mobilizing churches to multiply disciple-making movements in Texas and around the world. This is a renewed focus on mobilizing churches together to multiply their collective impact. Not just any mobilization will do. The church deserves mobilization that:
- Is anchored in our three long-standing core values: Biblically Based, Missionally Driven, and Kingdom Focused.
- Is measured by five markers: Prayer Energized, Evangelism Prioritized, Disciple-Making Normalized, Sending Maximized, and Partnerships Synergized. New Testament writers provide example after example of God multiplying these markers into disciple-making movements. Knowing that God multiplies these markers, we are focused on mobilizing churches toward them.
- Is found on three strategic pathways: Resourcing Churches, Networking Leaders, Advancing Mission.
We come alongside churches, mobilizing them onto pathways that multiply their collective impact.
We are bringing this new mission focus into all that we do—mobilizing churches to multiply their impact.
When will the new mission focus be implemented?
JL: The SBTC has already begun adjusting ministries to refocus on the 10-year vision. The hope is that within 36 months:
- SBTC ministries will be fully optimized with the new mission.
- 1,000 churches will be resourced and 350 revitalized.
- 1,000 leaders will be connected to 75 networks.
- 1,200 churches will be supporting 120 church plants.
The response from our churches to the new 10-year vision has been overwhelmingly positive. Moving forward together multiplies our impact, and together, we can reach Texas and impact the world. Additional information about the new vision, along with Lorick’s annual meeting presentation, can be found at sbtexas.com/mission-vision.
