Reeves encourages Texas Baptists to pass the baton

ARLINGTON–Just as Abraham passed his legacy on to his son Isaac, President Danny Reeves encouraged Texas Baptists to pass the baton of leadership on to upcoming generations. Reeves’ challenge was presented during his final presidential address at the 133rd Annual Meeting of the Baptist General Convention of Texas at the 2018 Family Gathering in Arlington.

“Passing the baton is the job of our convention. It’s the job of every follower of Jesus Christ,” Reeves, pastor of First Baptist Church of Corsicana, said. “God has commissioned you and me as participants and carriers of the Gospel to successfully pass the baton.”

Abraham was active in teaching and preparing Isaac to follow God’s call on his life, Reeves noted.

“He knew he could not quit until the job was done. He knew he couldn’t stop until his son had all the encouragement necessary to embrace what God had for him,” Reeves said.

Once Abraham had completed passing the baton on to Isaac, the legacy was continued as Isaac passed the baton to his 12 sons, and the lineage continued through the Old and New Testament, through Jesus and all the way to present-day Christians.

As believers, Reeves said each generation must faithfully receive the baton from those before them and run the race to be best of their ability. Then, as their time of leadership comes to an end, the leader must securely and smoothly pass the baton on to others to carry on the cause of Christ.

“That baton of the Gospel now comes to you and to me,” Reeves said. “Now it’s our turn. Don’t drop the baton. Choose today, Texas Baptists, to pass everything on for the glory of God until you see your Savior face to face.”

Concluding his address, Reeves thanked Texas Baptists for the joy and honor of serving as president for two years. He then noted the passing of his baton to newly-elected president, Michael Evans, pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Mansfield.

Later in the service, Evans said, “I accept that baton. I appreciate you. I accept this assignment. I want to thank you, Texas Baptists and I look forward to sharing the Good News of Christ with the state, nation and world.”