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Iam grateful to God for our network of churches known as the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention. God has been so gracious to us since our inception in 1998. We have 2,780 churches in the SBTC, and we are blessed to be guided by our executive director, Nathan Lorick.
Having served on the executive board and now as president of the SBTC, I have had a front row seat to view the many ways God continues to show His favor upon us. Take a moment and lift up a prayer of thanksgiving to God for allowing you to be a part of a dynamic partnership with brothers and sisters in Christ committed to proclaiming Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit.
The theme for our annual meeting, scheduled for Nov. 11-12 at Sagemont Church in Houston, is “Side by Side.” Nathan and I, along with all the men and women serving in the SBTC, want our churches—especially pastors and staff—to know they are not alone. The devil likes us to feel isolated and removed from other believers. There is much strength and joy for ministry when we realize we are not alone.
"God has blessed us with many fellow ministers of Christ who are passionately pursuing Jesus and His gospel."
Being a Lone Ranger pastor removed from contact and encouragement from others is no way to serve the Lord. God has blessed us with many fellow ministers of Christ who are passionately pursuing Jesus and His gospel. We need each other. We are so much stronger when we are together.
Our focal biblical text for the annual meeting is Philippians 1:27, where Paul writes, “Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.” The verb translated “striving together” in Greek is synathleo (notice the root structure for the English word “athlete” in this Greek word). This connotes toughness and tenacity. We are to exert the energy of a wrestler in his match for the sake of unity in the body of Christ. There will be many temptations to separate us. Let us determine to do all we can to stand fast, be of one mind, and strive together.
I look forward to sharing a message based on this biblical text during the Monday evening session. Also on Monday evening, we will have a prayer and praise service that is going to be powerful.
Be sure and join us in Houston as we celebrate what God has done and is doing through the churches of the SBTC. Each session will have uplifting messages and worship. Meals and gatherings will allow you opportunities to connect with others from around the state. I am excited to host the President’s Lunch on Tuesday, where we will look at some practical ways we can walk side by side with others for the gospel.
I am praying now for God to pour out His favor and anointing on every one of our 2,780 churches in the SBTC. You are loved and appreciated. Keep going strong for Jesus.
