The Southern Baptists of Texas Convention held its annual meeting Oct. 26-27 at First Baptist Church Forney. The convention said 944 messengers and 497 guests attended. The meeting's theme was "Built on the Rock."
Messengers approved a $27,983,488 budget for 2027, an increase of 0.36%, or $100,000, over the 2026 budget. The convention said the increase was funded by SBTC-designated funding rather than Cooperative Program giving. The budget keeps the practice of passing 55% of undesignated Cooperative Program receipts to the Southern Baptist Convention and retaining 45% for SBTC ministry in Texas.
Messengers passed the first consideration of proposed amendments to the convention's Constitution and Bylaws without dissent. Messengers will vote a second time at the 2027 annual meeting before the changes take effect. Study committee chairman Denny Autrey said most changes were meant to clarify existing language. Caleb Turner, pastor of Mesquite Friendship Baptist Church, was re-elected president by acclamation. Russ Ponder was elected vice president and Zoila Lopez was elected secretary. Messengers adopted five resolutions without dissent. The 2029 annual meeting will be held in the Houston area, and the 2027 meeting will be hosted by Mobberly Baptist Church in Longview on Oct. 25-26.