Texas Baptists prepare to Live the Difference

WACO – Texas Baptists' annual meeting November 16-18 in Waco will be an opportunity to see what it means to truly "Live the Difference." The meeting, to be held at the Waco Convention Center, is centered on the theme verse from 1 John 2:6 with a special emphasis on ministry opportunities through Advocacy/Care and Chaplaincy, including the Christian Life Commission.

"This is an exciting time for our convention as we pave the way for our future and focus on what it means for us to 'live the difference,'" said Executive Director David Hardage. "In this exciting age of diversity, I think it fitting to focus our attention on what it means to live out our faith radically and authentically!"

Registration begins at 4 p.m. on Sunday, November 16, and rallies for Hispanic and African American Ministries, as well as Texas Baptist Men, will begin at 6 p.m.

Monday morning registration will open at 8 a.m. and workshops beginning at 8:30. Workshops this year will intentionally address the intersection of Christian faith and our social context through topics such as Stolen: Human Trafficking on Our Texas Doorsteps and Love in Deed: Ministry with Refugees.

The first worship session will begin at 10 a.m. with Joseph Parker, pastor of David's Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Austin, bringing the Annual Sermon. President Jeff Johnson, pastor of First Baptist Church of Commerce, will bring the President's Address on Monday evening.

"How do we 'abide' in Christ?" Johnson asked. "What does abiding in Christ look like in practice? How are we as Texas Baptists called to implement our relationship with Christ in a way that will transform our great state? It is my hope that this annual meeting will spark answers to these questions and more. It is because of Texas Baptists working together to make a difference."

Continuing the Christian Life Commission emphasis, Monday evening's worship session will highlight many areas of service through the Austin-based ministry, including a special time of giving for the Texas Baptist Hunger Offering.

Tuesday evening will feature special guests Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy in an On Topic presentation with Judge Ken Starr at Waco Hall on the Baylor University campus. The Tuohy's were the inspirational subjects for The Blind Side, a New York Times number one best-seller and record-breaking Hollywood blockbuster. Seating is limited and admission is free. Tickets are required for this event.

Resolutions and nominations that will be discussed during business sessions are now available on the Texas Baptists website, per a recommendation last year that all changes would be available one month prior to the meeting.

For more information about the meeting, visit texasbaptists.org/annualmeeting.