Gil Lain was named recipient of the Leaders Legacy Award on Oct. 27 at the 2026 Southern Baptists of Texas Convention Annual Meeting, held at First Baptist Church in Forney. The Southern Baptists of Texas Foundation created the award in 2021 to honor a person whose service to Christ has stood out through the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention or the Southern Baptist Convention. The convention's Executive Board selects the recipient each year, based on a recommendation from its Executive Committee.
Lain has pastored churches in Texas for more than 50 years. He retired as pastor of Paramount Baptist Church in Amarillo after nearly 25 years, and the church named him pastor emeritus in 2015. He now pastors Bethel Baptist Church in Tyler. He and his wife, Mary, a retired schoolteacher, also lead People Matter Ministries, which provides funding to help with his church's mission trips. He has also pastored churches in Brownwood, Burleson, Rio Vista and Centerville.
SBTC Executive Director Nathan Lorick said Lain is an exemplary recipient for the award. Lain said he is honored, adding that he is not sure he deserves it.