Texas Baptists hear message on revival, honor David Hardage, collect offering for hunger relief

Texas Baptists gathered for the third Worship Celebration of the 2022 Texas Baptists Annual Meeting on Monday evening, Nov. 14. Michael Gosset, pastor of Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler, brought a powerful message from Psalm 85:1-13 on revival in God’s church.

“Revival requires a heart that longs for the presence of God. It requires a divine and holy discontent,” said Gosset. “Are you willing to live without revival? Contentment and complacency are very close, but you and I must never be content about others' salvation. We must long to tell others that there is a Savior.”

“You know what I love about Texas Baptists? It’s a convention that believes in evangelism. It’s a convention that understands the power of the gospel and God's word. You and I have to continue that direction, we have to stand firm in our faith and stand firm in the mission that God has called us to,” he said.

Gratitude for over 10 years of service

David Hardage, outgoing executive director for Texas Baptists, was honored for more than 10 years of faithful service to the Convention.

“David and Kathleen, you have made Texas Baptists proud. And most importantly, you have made God proud,” said Jason Burden, president of Texas Baptists.

“Dr. Hardage, I want to thank you, because you’ve led us with integrity, a sense of conviction and with purpose. You’ve loved us with that Christ-like love,” said Clint Davis, chair of the Executive Board.

Several other leaders from across the Convention expressed their deep gratitude to Hardage in a video message. Associate Executive Director Craig Christina shared some of Texas Baptists’ greatest accomplishments under the leadership of Hardage — including the reorganization of the Convention into five ministry centers and a refocusing on sharing Christ and showing love.

“Thank you, Dr. Hardage, for leading us from viability to vitality,” he said.

Christina also announced the inaugural David W. Hardage Run With It 5K, an initiative of Hardage’s, which will be his name sake moving forward annually. The race will benefit the David and Kathleen Hardage Endowment Fund at the Baylor University Baptist Student Ministry (BSM).

Special offering for hunger relief

Irene Gallegos, director of Hunger and Care Ministries, led a special time of giving for the Texas Baptist Hunger Offering. Hunger Offering funds are utilized by almost 150 ministries across Texas and beyond, reaching over 600,000 people and serving just under 4 million meals so far this year, Gallegos shared.

“Thank you [Lord] for the opportunity for Texas Baptists to bring your tangible love to communities in Texas and beyond through the Texas Baptists Hunger Offering. Bless this offering that is collected tonight that you may be glorified,” she prayed.

Messengers in attendance observed the Lord’s supper together, led by Hardage. The Committee on Memorials gave a report and showed a video of remembrance for members of the Texas Baptists family who passed in 2022.

The service concluded with a benediction from Jeff Smith, president and CEO of HighGround Advisors.