A Visionary

In his editorial last week, Baptist Standard editor Marv Knox said that BGCT meetings are often “sober’ and “humdrum”. Those descriptions pretty well tell the story of the 2007 annual meeting so far, that is, with the exception of Rick Warren’s address as the keynote speaker Monday evening. Rick broke several rules of Texas Baptist tradition while delivering a blistering challenge to the messengers. The rules:

1. Rick sat in a chair rather than standing to preach.

2. Rick used up 70 minutes of his allotted 30 to 45 minute time slot.

As Rick delivered his address, the gathering, which was larger than for the business session, was captivated by his passion for his subject matter. This was my first time to hear Rick preach in person although I have listened to sermons and watched him on video. Clearly he has two attributes that are badly needed in the BGCT, he has a deep passion for souls and he has visionary leadership. Rick is clearly driven by his vision to reach souls and meet humanitarian need around the globe.

Rick’s address made coming to the convention worthwhile. Most everything else at the convention this year seems to be an attempt to tell us how great the BGCT really is while she is undergoing a substantial amount of testing and redirection. Rick came to preach how great God is and how He desires to use us in what He is doing. It would be well worth your time and money to contact the BGCT asking for a copy of Rick’s message to the convention this year.

Texas House Divided

The BGCT has once again made history by electing a first. The first female to serve as president of the BGCT won on the first ballot by a 60 vote margin with 1740 votes cast. While everyone is publicly giving support to the president elect, Joy Fenner, messengers sent a clear message of support for new directions and disdain for the status quo.

Messengers also brought motions regarding no confidence for the executive board and team, a rejection of no confidence, a motion to evaluate the necessity of the COO position, and raised several questions concerning cuts in the evangelism missions budget with increases in the area of communications. The budget was readily adopted in spite of the voiced opposition.

Nominations have now been made for 1st VP with just a fraction of messengers present for that session as the session electing a president.

All in all, attendance seems to be minimal considering this is to be a time to celebrate the tenure of EC Charles Wade. Further updates to be posted later.