In the Winter, 2005 volume of the Baptist History and Heritage Journal (Volume XL, Winter 2005, Number 1, page 44), I wrote an article entitled “Unification to Integration: A Brief History of the Hispanic Baptist Convention of Texas.” The article was a brief recounting of the history of the Hispanic Baptist Convention of Texas, (HBCT) since 1910. The article explored the Unification Agreement between the Baptist General Convention of Texas and the HBCT established in 1963 and explored the future of the HBCT.
In short, I would say yes, the HBCT is still needed for several reasons. First, we have a wonderful heritage and 100 years of history to value and affirm. The history and the cause for the establishment of the HBCT is cause for reflection and consideration. Second, the HBCT is a fellowship of Baptist churches. Fellowship is good for like-minded churches, especially Hispanic churches. The HBCT is needed because it provides the larger Texas Baptist family with a cultural expression that connects to a growing segment of the Texas population, especially Hispanics who primarily speak Spanish. Furthermore, the BGCT needs the HBCT since its 1200 congregations comprise over 20% of its constituent congregations. If you add African American congregations affiliated with the BGCT (800), and Asian and Intercultural churches (400), about 44% of congregations affiliated with the BGCT would be made up of non-Anglo congregations. These congregations, like the HBCT, help diversify the Texas Baptist family of 5,500 churches and enhance our ability to connect with the broad Texas population. Third, as long as newcomers from south of our border continue to migrate the USA; we will need the HBCT to provide a familiar place to connect.
Buckner enjoys relationships with a growing number of churches, including Hispanic Baptist churches that seek to make a difference in the lives of at risk children, orphans, and families in Texas and around the world. Networks of Baptist churches have formed to impact lives across 93 cities worldwide and in 14 countries. We enjoy relationships with small and large churches making a huge difference in communities all across the globe. However, we also enjoy growing relationships with Church of Christ Churches, Assembly of God, United Methodist Churches, The Greek Orthodox Church of America, and churches from several other denominations who seek to serve children and families.
Two Hispanic Baptist churches have begun collaborative relationships with Buckner in Dallas and San Antonio. Primera Iglesia Bautista Mexicana of Dallas enjoys a growing collaboration with Buckner in North Dallas and South San Filadelfia Church in San Antonio, the first Hispanic Baptist church collaboration, enjoys a wonderful collaborative relationship with Buckner. Buckner staff will be participating in the annual meeting of the HBCT this coming Sunday because we value relationships with Texas Baptist churches and especially, Hispanic Baptist churches. We will be distributing our latest copy of “Nuestra Familia,” at the meeting at Park Cities Baptist Church. There are many more reasons to have a HBCT. I will share some of those thoughts on Wednesday.
Comments