A few weeks ago, my wife and I were able to get away for a few days. It was an incredible time to rest and reflect on all God has done and continues to do. One morning as I sat on the patio of the place we were staying, all I could think about was how grateful I am for the churches that make up the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention.
I first became acquainted with the SBTC in 2001 as I began serving in my first ministry position. I was immediately drawn to the mission and unity of this network of churches. I have always loved and appreciated being part of a convention that stands on the Word of God without compromise. In my wildest imagination, I could never have dreamed of God one day leading me to be the executive director of this incredible organization.
After these reflections, I want to simply thank the churches of the SBTC for a handful of things:
Commitment to the inerrancy of Scripture
I have never been more grateful to stand shoulder to shoulder with pastors and leaders who without a doubt believe in the inerrant and infallible Word of God. In a culture that always struggles to define things, the churches of the SBTC have always stood on the Word of God. I am thankful to stand with you and drive that stake in the ground.
Commitment to evangelism and missions
There are a lot of things that can distract churches and organizations from the mission. At the SBTC, we have always made missions and evangelism our top priorities. Whether through disaster relief, equipping churches to engage their communities with the gospel, mobilizing churches toward mission opportunities, or planting new churches, SBTC churches have always remained steadily focused on moving the needle forward. For that I am grateful.
Commitment to the Cooperative Program
Ever since our inception in 1998, SBTC churches have been extremely generous in CP giving. I believe this is because we truly understand we are better together. There is no better way to get the gospel to the ends of the earth than the Cooperative Program. As I sat on that porch and reflected, I was filled with gratitude for the consistent generosity of SBTC churches.
Commitment to the Baptist Faith and Message 2000
I have always believed our network is missionally unified because we are doctrinally unified. We are a confessional fellowship of churches. Our statement of faith guides us in our efforts to reach Texas and the world together.
Commitment to our mission focus
The SBTC’s mission focus is “Mobilizing churches to multiply disciple-making movements in Texas and around the world.” We realize we are not the local church—we serve the local church. You have been so gracious to allow us to serve and mobilize SBTC churches to change the world together.
While this list is certainly not exhaustive, these are things I am eternally grateful for. You have been kind, generous, and partnered with the SBTC so well. I want you to know you have a phenomenal staff who desires to serve you well. I love you and am so grateful to serve you.