125th Annual Meeting of the BMA of Texas

By EMILY SIMPSON
Baptist Progress Editor

​Our God orchestrates the timing of things in a precise, orderly, and sometimes surprising way. One such example, next year the United States of America will celebrate its 250th birthday and for half that time the BMA of Texas has existed. This year, the BMA of Texas celebrated its 125th anniversary as messengers gathered to conduct business in an association half as old as the United States of America. Beginning on Nov. 17 and concluding on Nov. 18. The mission and theme for this year; One Heart was inspired by Acts 4:32. 
 
Seventy churches were represented by messengers and 23 churches by letters. A total of 157 messengers were present and 72 visitors. Six petitioning churches were accepted into the association; Iglesia Bautista Misionera Antioquia, Gilmer; Arise and Shine Fellowship Teluga, Irving; Lively, Scurry; New Hope, Bloomburg; Iglesia Bautista Misionera, San Antonio; Bethlehem, Cut N Shoot; Iglesia Bautista Emanuel, Conroe.
 
The meeting began at Pathway, Waxahachie with a call to order from President Michael Pool, moderator. Pool’s Presidential Message challenged the association to be unified in one heart. Pointing out that it’s easy to like the idea, but when it comes to act as one how are we truly responding? Pool believes the 4:32 passage in the book of Acts “shows what happens when people are rooted in the Holy Spirit.” Even though they came from different backgrounds, they acted together. They grew in unity, generosity, boldness, kindness and continually shared the gospel. “The same God these people loved and worshiped is the same God we love and worship today,” Pool concluded. Everything accomplished by the church in Acts and everything accomplished by the BMA of today, all the credit goes to God. 

(Left to Right) First Vice President Eric Johnson, President Michael Pool, Second Vice President Mike McEuen stand behind a celebratory cake labeled “Happy 125th Anniversary”

BMAT Messengers and visitors join together in praise

​A rearranged and new slate of officers was elected as President Pool’s term ended. First, Jacksonville Pastor Eric Johnson, president; New Beginnings, Ferris pastor Mike McEuen, first vice president; Beacon, Bryan pastor Nick Kerry, second vice president; Dale Patterson, clerk; Congregational Care at Sovereign Life, Longview Pastor Wayne McKay, clerk. The annual speaker elected for next year Northside, Conroe Pastor Wes Pratt; alternate speaker Baptist Publishing House Executive Director Jordan Tew.
 
Short but impactful constitutional amendments were made from TBHC and Jacksonville College. Jason Curry, president of TBHC proposed a change that has been on his heart for quite some time; changing the name of Texas Baptist Home for Children, to Texas Baptist Hope for Children. The change emphasizes what has always been true for TBHC; providing hope for children in need of loving families. TBHC will celebrate 115 years serving toward this mission. Dr. David Erickson, president of Jacksonville College concurred with Curry’s proposal as Dr. Erickson presented changes for Jacksonville College. More of a formality, the changes to the college’s bylaws clarify the college’s position on transgenderism to accommodate Title IX state regulations. This change also formally ties Jacksonville College to the BMA Doctrinal Statement of Texas.
 
Dr. David Erickson reported that Jacksonville College has grown in enrollment. Last year they had less than 200 students on campus, and this year they have near 300. They are just over capacity. Also, this year Jacksonville College celebrated the transition as a four-year school and becoming more trade focused. Dr. Erickson emphasized partnerships with public schools have become less frequent due to the desire for their students to have a genuine Christian education. Dr. Erickson explained “education by Christians is not the same as a Christian education”.
 
The afternoon consisted of a Jacksonville College Singers concert, led by Holly Blaylock 1988-1990 Jacksonville College alumni. Dr. Erickson then gave the Annual Message chosen from Luke 15:11-32, the Parable of the Prodigal Son. Dr. Erickson set the stage by talking about his own prodigal past, as a teenager he dropped out of school in contrast to his family who for generations had valued and worked hard for education. In Luke 15, we see a similar acting son, yet his Father did not reject him or push him away. His Father left the door open for reconciliation. “We were designed for relationship with Him [God] and with one another” Dr. Erickson explained. Comparatively, the older brother portrayed in the story did not have a better relationship with his dad. Even though he appeared to have done everything right, he wanted what his younger brother wanted. The older brother simply took a longer route to get there. Dr. Erickson concluded the message with two insights he has gained working as a professor; 1) many people do theology not by scripture, but by our intuitions 2) we tend to see our relationship with God like we do our earthly fathers - but God is so much better. These two insights are a worthy reflection for us all. 

Carol Murph joins the 125th celebration with a piece of cake

(Left to Right) Clerks Eddie Ballard and Wayne McKay applaud for the raffle ticket winners

Travis Sellers Lead Pastor at Antioch, Celina delivers the “Encouragement from the Word”

​The third and final session began with a report from Jerry Fulton, Baptist Missionary Loan Association director. Fulton recollected and spoke highly of former director Bro. Jerry Burnaman. The BMLA is standing strong and is continually available to assist with loan and investment opportunities.
 
The Women’s Missionary Auxiliary (WMA) report was given by newly elected president, Johnnie Ross. The Texas WMA had an active year: GMA and Sunbeam meetings were well attended, they raised $29,136.52 for new TBHC signage (as of the state meeting), made donations to National GMA officers (three of which are from Texas) to go on mission trips to Mexico, witnessed the celebration of newly renovated Bucker Chapel at Jacksonville College (a previous WMA project), as well as ministering to BMAT pastors and their wives.
 
The Baptist Progress report was given by new team lead, Morgan Standifer. Standifer highlighted the new subscription plan offered by the Baptist Progress, where churches can now subscribe based on their attendance numbers. Standifer also introduced the new editor, Emily Simpson.
 
The BMAT Missions trustees honored director Heith Mitchell for his 10 years of service as director. In thanks, Mitchell quoted longtime missionary Buddy Johnson, “more churches, more glory.” Mitchell introduced two new missionaries: Salvador Ramos who has planted eight churches (two of which have joined the BMA), and Miguel Ramos.
 
A concert was led by The Golden Boys and an encouragement from the Word by Travis Sellers, pastor of Antioch, Celina concluded the meeting. Sellers was honest about the positive things God has done since he’s become a church planter, but admits more times than not it’s a hard, weary position. Sellers focused on the Great Commission from Matthew 28, pointing out the two essential promises we often look over: 1) all authority has been given to Jesus 2) He is with you to the end. “His presence is not theoretical; it’s oxygen for ministry” Sellers declared. For everyone who finds themselves in a ministry position, it’s essential to remember “you are not carrying the mission, the One who holds all authority is carrying you”, Sellers.
 
The 126th Annual Session of the Baptist Missionary Association of Texas will be held at New Harmony, Tyler Nov. 16-17, 2026.

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