Outgoing president shares love of Texas, vision for future of Baptists in the state

Outgoing President Jason Burden gave his final presidential address to messengers at the 2022 Texas Baptists Annual Meeting on Tuesday morning, Nov. 15.

Burden opened by sharing his deep love for Texas and Baptist ministry within the state.

“I love Texas. It’s dear to me. It has nurtured me, provided me and my family opportunities. It has been our primary mission field,” he said. “Everything is bigger and better in the state of Texas, and we’ve enjoyed great ministry here.”

Burden emphasized that changes are on the horizon, and already taking place, within the state. He shared that the population in Texas is projected to grow to 50 million people by the year 2050. He traced the history of Texas from cattle barons to oil barons to the incoming tech barons that are bringing waves of change in modern day Texas.

“Texas is changing. We could yearn after the ways of yesteryear, but we’d be wasting our time. God’s not going to stand still. God’s going forward, and God is looking for people to keep up with Him,” Burden said. “The kind of Texas that will be in the future is going to be largely determined by what God does through Texans in this room today.”

Burden read from Hebrews 11, sharing his hope that Texas Baptists would exhibit the character of those found in this passage.

“Aspects of the new Texas we can’t control, but we can control how we use our resources and how we commit our lives together to a greater cause … Our reach is being extended, and the reason for that is because our God still reigns,” he said.

Burden asked attendees to greet incoming residents with love and the gospel message.“We must make sure that every new Texan is welcomed to our great state with an invitation to know Jesus the Savior,” he said.”

Burden closed with a prayer for Baptists in Texas.

“May we never rest until every Texan knows that you are Lord and Savior,” he said. “May our commitment be a Texas-sized commitment to you. May our work and values be cross-shaped because that is the ultimate sign of your sacrifice and love for us. May all of our work bring glory and honor to you. Lord, we want to make you famous in Texas.”