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As the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention concludes its 14th year, we celebrate with our 15th annual meeting. Remarkably, we have traveled a great distance since we were in San Antonio in 2000. The convention has grown from a starting point in 1998 of 120 churches to now almost 2,400 congregations. The giving of the churches has increased from $1.3 million our first year to total receipts of over $35 million in 2011. The full story of what God has done in the 14 years cannot be measured in nickels and noses, though.
Our core values have not changed. The very fabric of our being making us who we are as a convention of churches begins to tell the story of God’s incredible favor. If the nickels and noses begin to slide, it does not mean God’s hand is no longer on us as a group of churches. We must stay true to the core values whether we are outwardly prospering or struggling. I have rehearsed the core values on a regular basis, but once again it is essential that we hear our reason for existence.
The SBTC is Biblically Based. We have in our constitution the word “inerrant.” Our Executive Board has defined a high view of Scripture. The terms used in the statement say that we believe all the miracles occurred as they are recorded, that the historical records are true and that the authors of the books are the authors to whom the text ascribes. These elements of a high view of Scripture were used in the 1987 SBC Peace Committee report. Perhaps the most striking element of our first core value is that the SBTC is a confessional fellowship. Churches that affiliate with the SBTC affirm that they are in agreement with and will work within the parameters of the Baptist Faith and Message statement (2000). Churches are free to adopt their own statements of faith, but when we work together we agree on the basics in the BF&M 2000.
The function of the SBTC is to be Kingdom Focused. Almost 40 percent of all in-state dollars go for missions and evangelism. Another 40 percent plus is invested in church growth and health. The SBTC full-time ministry staff is small in number but focused on serving the churches. The SBTC models for other state conventions how to reduce bureaucracy without losses to quality service. Over 100 different ministries are facilitated through the SBTC. Prophetically at times, the staff seeks to provoke churches to evangelism and church planting in Texas. This is a kingdom focus.
We are Missionally Driven as a convention of churches and as staff leaders. By adopting a unified budget which calls for 55 percent to be sent to the Southern Baptist Convention, SBTC churches make a statement that giving through the Cooperative Program is the way to support Southern Baptist Convention ministries. You give through the Cooperative Program and invest in eternity by sending missionaries, training church leaders and serving churches throughout North America and around the world. Your staff seeks to live Philippians 2:5 by having a servant’s heart toward the churches.
We are facing challenging times. Economic uncertainty looms over us. Cultural morality has fallen to an all-time low. Biblical Christianity is experiencing the beginning of persecution in America. We need each other more now than ever before. Join hands and hearts. We are stronger together. Let’s resolve as the old hymn states, “We’ll work ‘til Jesus comes.” The future is as bright as the promises of God.
Thank you for allowing me to serve you another year at the SBTC. I pray God’s favor on you. Join with me in praying for God’s continued favor on the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention.
