Comments for We Are Texas Baptists

Comment on Annual Meeting: Putting it all on the table by Robert

Robert — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:33:27 +0000

I for one am always attracted to the exhibits and what the different divisions have to offer in terms of research and experience, strategy and tactics, devotion and discipleship. This year I was moved by George Masons call for unity in Christ for even those who were not so like me in their introduction and training. But then maybe I am just easy. I think important aspects of the convention as it is are the Exhibit Hall experience, the Break out sessions, and the overall sense of fellowship. I think the Exhibit Hall Experience and Breakout sessions might be adapted to a more regional perhaps quarterely caravan type encounter, while some of the fellowship and business might be realizable and doable through some form of satellite and or internet teleconferencing at appropriately equipped churches available for such gatheriings on more or less micro-macro formats as needed. The two special “conversations” at the end were exciting and informative and need to be developed into our future. I only wonder what it is you are teaching the under thirty five crowd and hope they will be prepared to come visit and preach to me in my retirement at some nursing home or another as may be needed.

Comment on Seeing is believing, or is it the other way around? by CIF Administrator

CIF Administrator — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:45:34 +0000

The link for the God Issues article referenced has moved to:
http://resources.informedfaith.com/articles/1644/1/I-may-have-seen-a-ghost/Page1.html

Comment on ‘You Lie!’ by CIF Administrator

CIF Administrator — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:44:10 +0000

The link for this article has moved to:
http://resources.informedfaith.com/articles/1647/1/You-lie/Page1.html

Comment on Is your church doing enough to help the poor? by anil kumar

anil kumar — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:52:13 +0000

Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ.
Respected sir! I am ANIL KUMAR from India, I am Hindu converted christion, when I was 14 years old I believe Jesus Christ is my saviour, but my parents are Hindu, which means they worship idols, and they sacrifice animals, and they do lot of things like this, but they don’t like me because I believe Christ and they chase me out of there home, but god did not leave me and he lead me to a bible college, and I have studied theology.
Last 3 years I am doing ministry among Hindus and also I am doing social work among begging children in the streets, becose they don’t have parents and no food to eat and home to stay. And some times these children taken advantage by some drunkard man, that’s way I like to share the gospel to them.
sir I am writing this letter to u because I have read a you’re your ministry in internet, I need your prayers and support to preach gospel to many people, I don’t have any support from any denomination. I am doing this ministry alone. Pray for us sir.
IN HIM
ANIL KUMAR

Comment on So we know how. But why? by thomastwitchell

thomastwitchell — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:46:44 +0000

‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’

It’s not extensive, but delimited to “my brothers.” The world will see that we are his disciples by our love for one another, period.

It is always interesting how the social gospelers can rip verses out of context to suit their self exaltation. Why not the whole U.S.? What, is she a bigot, and only Texans are worthy of the feast. See, even at there best, liberal Christians cannot do what they think the Scriptures command.

Comment on How is that possible? by So we know how. But why? « We Are Texas Baptists

So we know how. But why? « We Are Texas Baptists — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:39:22 +0000

[...] We Are Texas Baptists « How is that possible? [...]

Comment on The difference a meal can make by David Troublefield

David Troublefield — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:02:00 +0000

The Food Pantry Ministry Team of Lamar Baptist Church-Wichita Falls has served 215 different WF families during the past 20 weeks, and almost 400 since January 1 (each Wednesday morning, 9:00-11:00). Many of those people never have sought such assistance before, ever. Much of the need expressed is related to unemployment and under-employment occurring now in the U.S.

The congregation and the local food bank partner to keep LBC’s pantry stocked; it’s become quite a challenge to do that lately, but we know that we’d see NONE of the families requesting assistance without this weekly ministry—they have no church they call their own, or they’d request assistance from it. We’re doing follow-up with invitations to Christ and to Sunday morning Bible study (LifeCare Groups, at LBC-WF).

Comment on Annual Meeting: Putting it all on the table by David Troublefield

David Troublefield — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:57:25 +0000

John:

It’s not a message I need (anymore) but one that Baptist churches (and DOMs?) across the state seem really to need.

I traveled to Venezuela and New England during Summer 2009 with Steve Seaberry (Texas Partnerships director) to investigate short-term partnership possibilities with new churches in those locations (Steve’s office paid for the travel costs; have commitments from Steve for further funding in 2010 for the partnerships now established). Our youth minister and I met with BGCT staff in the Valley in May 2009 to discuss missions partnerships there (set now for 2010). I’ve had David Bowman (Service Area 9 Congregational Strategist), Mateo Rendon (Service Area 9 Church Starter), and Dickie Dunn (BGCT Discipleship Specialist) speak to our LifeCare/Sunday School leaders during their meetings so far this year (John, you’re next—so, brush-up on your speaking skills!). I attend almost all BGCT annual meetings and a few besides, interact fairly frequently with other anyone in the Baptist Building who’ll return an email, express my opinions to department managers there, and on occasion get asked to help some way or another. I’ve counseled a prominent Wichita Falls minister considering moving his congregation to the SBTC not to make a move without first consulting face-to-face with the highest paid BGCT staff member he can sit down with to have his questions answered. I’m doing about all I can to help the staff stay employed!

But others posting here—they seem to need the message: “Contribute to the BGCT via CP funds, then request a return of some of those funds through appropriate channels for the evangelistic/discipling ministries being done/planned at home and away.” Again, they’re resources/resource people already paid for; so, use them.

Hang in there, brother!

Comment on Annual Meeting: Putting it all on the table by John

John — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:24:32 +0000

David, I completely understand what you are saying. Convention staff members are here to help congregations across the state do whatever God is calling them to do. Sometimes that means helping with training. Sometimes it mean assisting with materials. Other times — like when growing a hunger ministry or starting a church — financial assistance may be the most help. As I talk to convention staff members, they’re seeking to help Texas Baptists in any way they can.

And much of the assistance is completely free to a church.

So what’s the simplest way to contact the convention for help? 888-244-9400 is the main toll free number. The great folks upstairs should be able to connect you with what you need.

If you’d like to contact the convention via e-mail first, I don’t mind being the conduit. Drop me a line at John.Hall@texasbaptists.org. I’m more than happy to connect you with a resource that will help your congregation make a larger impact for the kingdom.

Comment on Annual Meeting: Putting it all on the table by doug

doug — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:03:46 +0000

Hey that idea of moving to smaller towns is great. We have whittled attendance down to a managable size so tht is possible. I have offered to host the annual meeting in Laguna Park our sanctuary will hold 260 crowded so this should be fine in 2011. All 3 of the remaining ministries will fit in the foyer. And Tim we have room for 12 breakout sessions maybe we could have one on how a convention could retain relevance in a real world.