Family Gathering to unite Texas Baptists in Arlington

ARLINGTON–The 133rd Annual Meeting of the Baptist General Convention of Texas will be a “Family Gathering”  from July 29-31, 2018, at the Arlington Convention Center. The first Family Gathering was held in San Antonio in 2013, with great success. Now, for the second time, joint sessions of Texas Baptists Annual Meeting, the African American Fellowship Conference and the Hispanic Baptist Convention of Texas will join together in harmonious celebration for a three-day event.

"The Family Gathering of Texas Baptists this July, is unique among Baptists gatherings here in the U.S.,” said Texas Baptists Executive Director David Hardage. “We will enjoy great worship and fellowship and, in so doing, get a real glimpse of what heaven will be like. I hope our BGCT family will take full advantage of this wonderful opportunity."

Featured speakers throughout the event include Nebiye Kelile, pastor of Pathway Church in Garland; David Dykes, senior pastor of Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler; Ralph West, senior pastor of Church without Walls in Houston; and Jason Paredes, lead pastor of Fielder Church in Arlington.

"The Family Gathering is one expression of God's great gift to His creation: through Christ we are 'no longer foreigners and strangers,' but members of God's household (Eph. 2:19-22),” said Jesse Rincones, executive director of the Hispanic Baptist Convention of Texas. “As we come together, we can value God's image in each other even in the midst of our differences. What a great opportunity to be joined together, be built up and 'become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit!’”

Worship will be led by Chris and Diane Machen; the choir, orchestra and praise team of The Heights Baptist Church in Richardson, under the direction of Jud Hardage & Angela Irby; Westside Baptist Church Praise Team in Lewisville, under the direction of Patrick Bradley; and First Baptist Church Weslaco Praise Team, under the direction of Raymond Sanchez.

Business sessions for both Texas Baptists Annual Meeting and the Hispanic Baptist Convention of Texas will be held. Affiliated churches must register messengers for both conventions in order to vote during business sessions. ​​Nominations to be considered by messengers to the Annual Meeting​ will be presented by the Committee on Nominations for Boards of Affiliated Ministries, the Committee to Nominate Executive Board Directors and the Committee on Committees.

"Relationships! Deepened partnerships! Practical training! Great preaching! Dynamic worship and encouragement! These are just a few of the reasons I can't wait for this year's Family Gathering,” said Texas Baptists President Danny Reeves. “I love the unity we feel when our entire Texas Baptist family comes together! I can't wait to see everyone there!"

Twenty-five workshops will be offered on topics such preaching, family ministry, church safety, evangelism, discipleship and missions.

Completed registration for each convention is required for messengers to vote during business sessions. Whether registering by mail or online, messengers are required to present their signed messenger cards to the registration desk during the event.

Messengers to the Baptist General Convention of Texas Annual Meeting must be elected by their church. To register, please access the BGCT ID# that has been mailed to your church.

Messengers to Convención Bautista Hispana de Texas must be elected by their church. To register, please access the BGCT ID# that has been mailed to your church. Registration is available in English and Spanish.

Childcare and M-JAM Missions Day Camp options will be available for infants through 6th grade July 30 and 31. Registration is $20 for the first child and $10 for each additional child. Registration must be completed by July 9 for each child.

Attendees are encouraged to stop by exhibit halls throughout the three-day event to learn more about Texas Baptists resources, partnering ministries and institutions, and for networking and fellowship.