Highlights from the Baptist General Convention of Texas Annual Meeting

Texas is unique in that it is home to two distinct state conventions of Baptist churches. Recently, the Baptist General Convention of Texas (BGCT) gathered in Abilene for its annual meeting—a time filled with encouragement, valuable training, and practical tools for churches of every size. Two breakout sessions in particular stood out and offered exceptional insight for today’s ministry landscape: the Bi-Vocational Pastors Workshop and the conversation surrounding the BGCT’s new indemnity program and insurance options through KingsCover Insurance Services.

The Bi-Vocational Pastors Workshop, led by Darrin Moore of Truevine Baptist Church and Ira Antoine from Texas Baptists’ Center for Ministerial Health, focused on helping pastors balance ministry, secular employment, and personal well-being. Their guidance was refreshingly practical and deeply appreciated by those who juggle multiple roles each week.

They offered four key practices for bi-vocational leaders:

1. Know your boundaries.
Pastors were encouraged to set clear expectations for themselves and their congregations. One pastor wisely noted, “No is a complete sentence.” Ministry requires a servant’s heart, but not unlimited availability. Without healthy boundaries, someone will always feel shortchanged—often family. As Andy Stanley reminds us in Choosing to Cheat, we must choose carefully who gets our time.

2. Be intentional about family and personal needs.
Protecting time with family is not optional—it is essential. Leaders were encouraged to create immovable blocks of family time and personal rest. With two demanding roles, ministry rhythms can feel unpredictable, but the home remains the most important ministry of all.

3. Know your bandwidth.
Get organized, be honest about your limits, and avoid overcommitting. Breaking big tasks into smaller steps helps ensure quality and reduces unnecessary stress for both pastor and church.

4. Plan ahead.
Put non-negotiables on the calendar, schedule vacations early, and stick to them. Churches were also encouraged to build a team approach by training a few trusted leaders who can step in when the pastor cannot—whether for preaching, hospital visits, or simply unlocking the building. Ministry thrives when it is shared.

In addition to strong ministry training, the convention addressed one of the most challenging issues facing churches today: insurance. Rising costs and increasing difficulty securing adequate coverage have created real strain for congregations. Catastrophic weather events, the rise in sexual abuse claims, and aging buildings have driven premiums sharply upward. Many churches previously insured through Brotherhood Mutual are now being reassigned as the company transitions underwriting partners, leaving some facing higher costs or gaps in coverage.

While no single solution fits all, the BGCT announced encouraging news: KingsCover Insurance Services is now available to all qualifying churches, regardless of affiliation. Their lean, simplified business model helps reduce costs, offering a potentially helpful option for churches seeking affordable coverage. More information is available at kingscover.com.

The BGCT Annual Meeting offered much more—worship, fellowship, and helpful ministry resources. To explore the many ways Texas Baptists support local churches, visit texasbaptists.org.

Celebrating Pastor Russ Davis: A Faithful Servant and Lifelong Teacher

The San Felipe Baptist Association is honored to recognize Pastor Russ Davis of Great Oaks Baptist Church as this week’s Pastor of the Week! As we celebrate his faithful ministry, we also join in congratulating him on his upcoming retirement after more than 40 years of dedicated service to the Lord and His Church.

Pastor Russ has served bivocationally, balancing his role as Professor of Developmental Education at Houston Community College with his calling as Pastor of Great Oaks Baptist Church. His love for both teaching and preaching has been evident in every classroom and pulpit he’s entered. With a deep commitment to study, prayer, and personal growth, Pastor Russ continually strives to sharpen his gifts for the glory of God.

Before joining Great Oaks, he faithfully served as an interim pastor, guiding congregations through seasons of transition with wisdom and care. Since arriving at Great Oaks, he has poured his heart into the church family—loving them deeply, serving them selflessly, and walking alongside them through both joys and challenges. Those who know him best describe him as a man of integrity, humility, and steadfast devotion.

On November 2, 2025, Pastor Russ announced his plan to retire on December 14,2025, as he and his family prepare to move to the Indianapolis area. Yet, true to his calling, he intends to continue preaching and serving in ministry, even in retirement. His passion for God’s Word and his heart for people remain as strong as ever.

Pastor Russ, we thank you for your unwavering faithfulness, your love for Christ and His Church, and your countless acts of service throughout the years. You have made a lasting impact on Great Oaks Baptist Church and the San Felipe Baptist Association. Congratulations on being our Pastor of the Week—and on a life of ministry well-lived!