La Convención Bautista Hispana de Texas

I am writing about two different subjects this week. The Hispanic Baptist Convención of Texas and Social Justice. These two very different subjects just may be related so stay tuned.

Just what is the Convención? The Hispanic Baptist Convention of Texas (Convención) is a fellowship of about 1200 churches affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas (BGCT), a fellowship of 5,500 churches that cooperate to focus on missions and evangelism, education and discipleship, and human welfare and advocacy in the state of Texas and beyond. The BGCT, and therefore, the Convención, does these ministries through 5,500 churches, 23 institutions (Hospitals, universities, and children’s services), facilitated by executive board staff. The current emphasis for the BGCT is Hope 2010, an effort to share, care, and pray across the state. The Convención, is a fellowship of sister churches, affiliated with the BGCT, their respective associations, and compañerismos (Hispanic local fellowships) to encourage one another in ministry.

Why am I writing about this today? The Convención will gather for its 99th annual meeting this week in Dallas at Park Cities Baptist Church, where I am a member with my family. The meeting will start on Sunday and end on Tuesday morning. There will be auxiliary groups meeting such as Texas Baptist Men, Texas WMU, Sunday School, Minister’s Conference, Minister’s Wives Conference, a Youth Conference, and Day Camp for children. Officers of the Convención will preside over business sessions, worship services, and elections during the three day meeting. Attendance usually ranges between 1,800 and 2,500 during the three day meeting.

La Convención, originally named Mexican Baptist Convention of Texas, was formed in 1910 in San Antonio, Texas with 24 churches and 36 messengers represented. At that time the HBCT was an independent convention of churches and was not part of the BGCT. La Convención operated independently and met annually to elect officers, approve a budget and begin its institutions for 50 years until 1960 when the HBCT began to discuss with the BGCT about the possibility of uniting these two conventions into one. This idea later became known as “Unification.” The Unification Agreement was approved in 1962 and ratified in 1963 (Same year that the 1963 Baptist Faith and Message was affirmed by the SBC).

The meeting of La Convención is very important for several reasons: First, this year marks the eve of the 100th celebration of the beginning of Convención, also called the Centenario! Second, it is time to elect a new slate of officers. The new president will most likely preside over the Centenario in San Antonio next year. This is an honor and privilege as we will be celebrating 100 years of Convención history. Third, if Unification is to be revisited after 47 years of existence, this year would be a good year. Fourth, by 2010 Dallas will be home to more Hispanics than San Antonio. Demographics continue to change our state and it may be time to reconsider our convention structure and budget in order more accurately reflect the future of Baptist work in Texas. Fifth, the significance of institutions formed by La Convención is of vital importance. These institutions include Baptist University of the Americas (formerly, the Mexican Baptist Bible Institute), Valley Baptist Academy (now called Valley Baptist Missions Education Center) and the Mexican Baptist Children’s Home (now called Baptist Child and Family Services). More about La Convención and how this fellowship relates to Buckner and Social Justice to come. Stay tuned.

Comments

[jesse rincones]

Thanks for the brief history on Convencion and for making it a focus of your blogging this week. It will truly be an important gathering for our Hispanic Baptist family and the state.

Also, it's good to know that we'll be at "tu casa" -- Park Cities. As any good host would do, I'm sure you'll have some nice pan dulce waiting for your guests every morning!

[Albert Reyes]

Jesse, thanks for your note. We will have complimentary Pan Dulce everyday this week and next week during Convencion. Its the electronic kind so no problems with weight gain. Seriously, Buckner staff will be in force to welcome those coming to Convencion.