Issue 1 S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 5 txb. life

Texas Baptists exists to help churches live out the

Great Commission and the Great Commandment,

to share the Gospel and care for others.

txb.life is a new publication created to identify

events and ministries within Texas Baptists

resources that will help you, as a church and

community leader, impact those who God puts in your path. Events and

topics are broken down by ministry emphasis to give you a snapshot into

what’s upcoming and trending in your area of service.

Also in the mix are various posts online, many of which are introduced here,

which address issues facing Texas Baptists. They are written by a variety of

people around the state on a range of subjects. Some address debated topics

and others are just a good read for information or entertainment (read the

Texas Baptistist on “Non-Words” online at txb.life).

To read more of the topics and see more of the highlighted events for your

area of ministry, visit the website txb.life.

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David HardageExecutive Director

@dwhardage

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BGCTCamp Day DALLAS, TX

Everlasting Adult Choir CelebrationAMARILLO, TX

[un]Apologetic ConferenceGreater Houston HOUSTON, TX

African American Leadership Workshop WACO, TX

ChildhoodCertifi cation ProgramDALLAS, TX

Everlasting Adult Choir CelebrationBRYAN, TX

Introduction to Interim MinistryPLAINVIEW, TX

Instrumental ConvergenceTYLER, TX

HungerOff ering5th Sunday

Beach Reach 1SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, TX

Beach Reach 2SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, TX

Spring Break Eagle Pass RebuildEAGLE PASS, TX

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BOUNCE Spring Break Mission 2AUSTIN, TX

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BOUNCE Spring Break Mission 1AUSTIN, TX

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Bible Drill &Speakers’ TournamentARLINGTON, SUGAR LAND, ANDTYLER, TX

Intentional Interim Ministry TrainingDALLAS, TX

Texas Baptist Educator’s RetreatNEW BRAUNFELS, TX

Bible Drill &Speakers’ TournamentALLEN AND LUBBOCK, TX

CongresoWACO, TX

Introduction toInterim MinistryGRANBURY, TX

WMU Annual MeetingWOODWAY, TX

Texas Baptists Golf ClassicSAN ANTONIO, TX

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ENGAGEAMARILLO, TX

Good Friday

Easter Sunday

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State Bible Drill &Speakers’ TournamentDALLAS, TX

Combined Introduction to InterimIntentional TrainingNORTHBOROUGH, MA

Mother’s Day Hunger Off ering

Bike Out HungerBOERNE TO DALLAS

HungerOff ering5th Sunday

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TexasBaptists Legacy AwardINDEPENDENCE, TX

Super Summer Session 1 — DBU DALLAS, TX

BOUNCE Mission 1DALLAS, TX

Eagle Pass RebuildEAGLE PASS, TX

Super Summer Session 2 – HSU ABILENE, TX

Super Summer Session 3 – UMHB BELTON, TX

BOUNCE Mission 2BIRMINGHAM, AL

Youth EvangelismConferenceBURLESON, TX

Camp ExaltedDENTON, TX

Super Summer Session 4 – HPU BROWNWOOD, TX

BOUNCE Mission 3TBA

Convención Bautista Hispana de TexasAUSTIN, TX

Super Summer Session 5 – HBU HOUSTON, TX

SUN THUMON WEDTUE FRI SAT

National Bible Drill & Speakers’ Tournament KINGSLAND, GA

Introduction toInterim MinistrySAN ANTONIO, TX

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Super Summer Session 5 – HBU HOUSTON, TX

Campamento East TexasLONE STAR, TX

Campamento East TexasLONE STAR, TX

BOUNCE Mission 4WACO, TX

African American Fellowship ConferenceEL PASO, TX

Disaster Recovery Family Mission Trip

Super Summer Session 6 – HSU ABILENE, TX

BOUNCE Mission 5MOORE, OK

BOUNCE Mission 6MINERAL WELLS, TX

BOUNCE Mission 7TBA

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Independence Day

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BOUNCEA missions experience that provides 7th-12th grade student ministries the opportunity to impact disaster-aff ected areas by being the hands and feet of Christ. They help communities bounce back from devastation such as fl ooding and tornadoes. There are two trips available during Spring Break in March (pg. 3) and seven summer trips are off ered from June to July (pg. 6-7).

texasbaptists.org/bounce

Beach ReachA mission trip for college students during which volunteers will spend their Spring Break engaging in spiritual dialogue with spring breakers and off ering free pancakes and van rides at South Padre Island. Trips are coordinated through local Baptist Student Ministries in March.

texasbaptists.org/collegiate

CongresoThe largest annual gathering of Hispanic Baptist young people in North America. Hispanic youth engage in worship and small group training in evangelism and discipleship. Ferrell Center at Baylor University, Waco; April 24-25.

youth.texasbaptists.org/congreso

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Super SummerAn intense week of discipleship training for youth from 8th to 12th grade who have surrendered to ministry. Super Summer helps encourage and guide them as they are seeking God’s will for their lives. Dates are available in June and July (pg. 6-7).

supersummer.com

Youth Evangelism Conference (YEC)A life-changing, faith-building, motivating worship experience to empower students as they live for Christ in today’s world. Venue 510, Burleson; June 19-20.

youthevangelism.com

Camp ExaltedA camp where African American youth–from 7th grade to college students–receive training, encouragement, network-ing, and access to information to help them become better servants. Camp Compass, Denton; June 22-26.

youth.texasbaptists.org/camp-exalted

Students

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Childhood Certifi cation ProgramA program to equip leaders in the preschool, children’s, and family ministry areas of their church. Dallas, BGCT Building; March 19-20.

texasbaptists.org/childhood

Texas Baptist Educator’s RetreatA retreat for church staff leaders with responsibilities for Bible study and discipleship. Attendees will gain valuable ministry insight and encouragement/connection with colleagues from across the state. T Bar M Resort and Conference Center, New Braunfels; April 20-22.

texasbaptists.org/discipleship

Welcome Pastor DayA bi-annual event introducing pastors to resources, ministries and experts available through the BGCT. It allows the opportunity for the BGCT to meet new pastors personally, share ideas and resources, and hear about needs facing pastors. Dallas, BGCT Building; January 27, August 25.

texasbaptists.org/pastors

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African American Leadership WorkshopA workshop designed to train and equip lay leaders and potential leaders in pertinent, key areas of ministry. Truett Seminary, Waco; March 6-7.

texasbaptists.org/aam

Convención Bautista Hispana de TexasThe annual meeting for Hispanic pastors, church leaders and members designed to provide training, information, inspiration, unity and coordination in the work of Hispanic churches that are part of Texas Baptists. Hyde Park Baptist Church, Austin; June 28-30.

texasbaptists.org/hispanicministry

African American Fellowship ConferenceA multifaceted training event introducing ministry resources provided by Texas Baptists in a context unique, encouraging and enriching to the African American Church. El Paso; July 7-9.

texasbaptists.org/aam

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Cultural

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[un]Apologetic ConferencesAn evangelistic apologetics conference addresses current ways to remove obstacles to evangelism. Trinity Baptist Church, San Antonio; February 27-28.Tallowood Baptist Church, Houston; March 6-7.

texasapologetics.com

Texas Baptists Golf ClassicA golf tournament in which proceeds will benefi t the work of Texas Baptists Disaster Recovery. TPC San Antonio; April 27.

texasbaptists.org/golf

ENGAGEENGAGE off ers regional opportunities for leaders to receive inspiration and training in a wide variety of strategic evangelism models. Lubbock; March 28 | Amarillo; April 9.

Great Commission

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Spring Break Eagle Pass RebuildOn this mission opportunity of Texas Baptists Disaster Recovery (open to students, adults and families), volunteers will help repair homes damaged by fl ooding in Eagle Pass; March 8-12.

texasbaptists.org/disaster

Bike Out HungerAn initiative to actively end hunger that exists in your community, city, state and nation by raising awareness and money while riding 450 miles on a bicycle from Boerne to Dallas; May 11-16.

outhunger.org | @OutHunger

Mother’s Day Hunger O� eringMany churches across the state take up an off ering on this day to help end hunger as a part of the Texas Baptist Hunger Off ering. It’s a tangible way to show Christ’s love and generosity by helping those in need. May 10.

hungeroff ering.texasbaptists.org

Texas Baptist Legacy AwardAn annual award ceremony held at Independence Baptist Church honoring individuals who have left and are leaving a lasting impact in Baptist life. Independence Baptist Church, Independence; June 7.

texasbaptists.org/legacy

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GreatCommandment

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A new wrinkle in the same old purpose

By Joshua Minatrea Associate Director of Communications @TXBCommShop

t x b c o m m s h o p

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A new wrinkle in the same old purpose

It’s nothing new to say the way we communicate is changing. Just observe a young person for five minutes and you’ll see it for yourself. “Text neck” is now an actual medical condition. Really.

Nor is it new to say Texas Baptists exists to help affiliated churches. We’ve been on mission since 1884, and we show no signs of slowing.

What is new is the combination of these two concepts: a desire to help churches as they navigate the new communication landscape.

From the top down, the Convention is rethinking what it means to help the church of the 21st Century. Starting this year, the communications team is proud to launch TXB CommShop, a new initiative aimed at helping churches tell their story through the web and social media, graphic design and print, newsletters and all things audio-visual.

Over the next few weeks and months, we will post practical helps designed to improve your

church’s communication capabilities. Through tweets, helpful tips, weekly blog posts and regional workshops, you and your church can gain and maintain a working knowledge of the latest communication tools, and put them to work in your ministry efforts.

If you have a question about something we cover, or need some help with a topic we’ve yet to address, simply stop by, give us a call or send us an email, and we’ll help out as best we can.

To learn more about TXB CommShop, go to texasbaptists.org/commshop. There you can follow us on Twitter, read our tips and weekly blogs, view our schedule of online and regional events, and find out how to contact us with any questions you might have.

We’re looking forward to helping you tell your story. Happy communicating!

t x b c o m m s h o p

Do you have questions and anxiety rise up when you think about sharing the Gospel with others? Will I know all the answers to their questions? What if they ask me something I can’t explain? What if I stumble over my words?

Think about it from an unbeliever’s perspec-tive. What questions might interfere with their receiving the Gospel? Can you show positive proof Jesus was who he said he was? How do you know who really wrote the Bible? How do you know the Bible is true? Do heaven and hell really exist?

There are many questions that build obstacles between sharing and hearing the Gospel. But 1 Peter 3:15 reminds us to always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks us to give a reason for the hope we have. That means we need to be armed and ready to share our faith with those around us—our family, friends, co-workers, neighbors and others we encoun-ter day to day. As Christians, we cannot let our questions stand in the way of telling others about Jesus. Instead, we need to arm ourselves with Scripture to testify to the absolute truth we know and have experienced personally.

In his book The Questions Christians Hope No One Will Ask, Mark Mittelberg states, “The Bible is clear, and the crisis in our culture is great: people—of all ages, but especially younger folks —need help sorting out what to believe, and we who are followers of Christ are called to respond to their questions and to point them to the truth of Jesus.”

Our culture needs to hear about Jesus and see the diff erence he makes in the lives of his followers. In response to this great need, Texas Baptists have gathered leading Christian apologetic experts from across the country for regional [un]Apologetic Conferences to address questions just like these. Speakers including Lee Strobel, Mark Mittelberg, Sammy Lopez, Mike Licona, Mary Jo Sharp and others provide great biblical insight into how we can eff ectively share the Gospel with unbelievers.

Although we may still have questions as the con-ferences come to an end, we need to be bold in stepping out in faith and telling others about the hope we have. Jesus was clear in his command in Matthew 28 to go and make disciples. We must heed his call. The [un]Apologetic Con-ference is just one tool to help spur Christians around the state to walk in faithful obedience.

Questions & Faith By Kalie LowrieNew Media Manager@klowrie84

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“We started on a shoestring and look how God has grown it. We are investing in our kids because they are the future...And a lot of these kids won’t have a homemade meal like this until next Wednesday.”– Virginia Cloud, volunteer

Please visit txb.life to continue reading about FBC Killeen’s Freebie Wednesday.

Freebie WednesdayWednesday

By Rachel HendricksWeb Content Manager@homegrownhippie

Almost every Wednesday during the school year, a group of volunteers gather in the Fellowship Hall of First Baptist Church, Killeen, form a cir-cle, hold hands and pray: “Watch over the teens that are coming to us today. Begin to open hearts and minds to you God for those who don’t know you. For those who this is their fi rst experience inside a church, God I pray it would be a memorable one so that they can know there is a place that loves them and accepts them for who they are. We pray that you’d help us move mountains in these students’ lives and bring down barriers so we can share the Gospel. It’s in Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.”

Five years ago, Matt Cornelius, youth pastor at FBC Killeen, and eight ladies started what has become known as “Freebie Wednesday.” Cornelius said, “We moved our church location and at that time I began to feel God’s pressure to fi nd a way to impact the Ellison High School campus in a massive way.”

After researching church and school law, Cornelius found a way to minister to these

students—invite them to a free lunch at the church. Thirty-six students came to enjoy sloppy joes on their fi rst day. Cornelius said, “Now we feed around 250 students every Wednesday with not only a hot meal, but also with the Gospel.”

But while the ministry started with just a free meal, it has become much more: three of Killeen’s high school campuses have started attending; a prayer ministry has begun where students submit requests and later during the week receive a letter, email or text from a church member who prayed for them; and many students with no other access to church have started to attend church youth events resulting in several professions of faith.

Many of the volunteers feel as if they have become surrogate grandmothers to these students. Virginia Cloud, a founding volunteer, said, “We don’t push any of the children, but they have started inviting us to special events or award nights and even to their homes to meet their families.”

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Please visit txb.life to continue reading about Urban BOUNCE and to watch Richard’s story.

His name was Richard. Just being released from the hospital, he retreated home—a familiar place of peace and solitude, but that night he woke to his house under water. Richard, a victim of the October 31, 2013 Austin floods, continued to live in his home without electricity and water, with a growing pain and wound to his psyche. That is, until one of the first BOUNCE Student Disaster Recovery teams came to help rebuild his home and his hope last July.

In the summer of 2014, David Scott, director of BOUNCE, followed the calling on his heart: mobilizing students to be on mission (6th grade to 12th grade). Scott launched the project with a model he knew worked. Groups of around 200 students each served in West and Austin, Texas, as well as Moore, Oklahoma; each group did a myriad of construction projects in the commu-nity, including rebuilding fences, framing, roof-ing and painting. Scott believes more than just a community will be changed on these missions trips, though.

“These trips give us the opportunity to share Christ,” says Scott, “but also we get to see what

happens in the lives of students when they serve, return home, and now open up to other missions and ministry opportunities.”

This year, students will serve in West and Austin, Texas and Moore, Oklahoma, in addition to a few new cities, such as Dallas, Texas and Birmingham, Alabama. Two of these trips will be uniquely different.

Scott has teamed up with Ryan Jespersen, director of Urban Missions, to create Urban BOUNCE. “Urban BOUNCE is different only in the sense it is not disaster recovery, but I’ve learned disasters come in different forms. People can feel helpless about their living situations and if we can help improve quality of life for them, that’s a pretty good deal,” Scott said.

Both Jespersen and Scott recognize the need to find different ways to serve because natural disasters cannot be predicted. Jespersen knows that disaster recovery work will always be done, but he wondered how he could begin to physically help urban areas.

Urban BOUNCE

“We must learn to not regard people in the light of what they do or omit to do, and more in the light of what they suffer.” – Dietrich Bonhoeffer

By Rachel HendricksWeb Content Manager @homegrownhippie

A new publication for Texas Baptists, txb.life is available both in print and online. Full articles featured in this piece are accessible at txb.life. Join the conversation on this new website on topics like:

Where life and faith are just a click away.

great commission great commandmentlife & faith culture profilestxb commshop church office

txb.life

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