SBTC AM22: Kaunitz elected to second term as SBTC president

CORPUS CHRISTI—Todd Kaunitz, pastor of New Beginnings Baptist Church of Longview, was elected to a second term as president of the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention by messengers at the 2022 annual meeting Nov. 15 at the American Bank Center.

A second term is customary for SBTC presidents.

In nominating Kaunitz, Caleb Turner, co-pastor of Mesquite Friendship Baptist Church, called his friend a man of humility: “intentional” in prayer, leadership, and discipleship; “irrefutable” in character; “impactful” in ministry; and “insufficient” in that Kaunitz realizes he “cannot do it on his own.”

“He will seek the Father first and foremost in everything he does as he leads this convention as he has done this past year,” Turner said.

Richard Lewis, SBTC vice president and pastor of Unity Baptist Church in Copperas Cove, called for further nominations for the office. None were submitted and Kaunitz was elected by acclamation.

During the president’s message Monday night, Kaunitz called on the Lord to “spark a passion in our heart for His presence like never before.” Kaunitz said revival is the “only hope for the church in America,” noting such a movement of God only comes through “desperate prayer.” He preached from Jeremiah 29:11 (the foundational verse on which this year’s annual theme, “Pursuing Presence,” is rooted) and led the time of corporate prayer at the close of the general session.

Following his unanimous election Tuesday morning, he expressed gratitude to messengers and asked for prayer.