Texas Baptist Young Professional Network

...be a part of the conversation

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor.  He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
Luke 4:18-19
 

The historic New Baptist Covenant Celebration will take place in Atlanta, Georgia, January 30- February 1, 2008.

Within the Baptist framework of autonomy of both congregation and believer, the NBC Celebration will produce new partnerships and strategies among the North American Baptist Fellowship of the Baptist World Alliance.

The theme of the New Baptist Covenant Celebration is Unity in Christ, answering the call by Jesus to pursue both evangelism and ministry to “the least of these” in Luke 4:18-19.

What is the Celebration of a New Baptist Covenant, exactly?
The New Baptist Covenant is an informal alliance of more than 30 racially, geographically and theologically diverse Baptist organizations from throughout North America that have come together to demonstrate a common commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ in word and deed.

The issues-centered, non-partisan event is expected to draw as many as 20,000 Baptists from throughout North America in what will be the broadest convocation of Baptists in the U.S. since before the Civil War.

In addition to the plenary sessions, the convocation will feature special-interest sessions dealing with topics such as racism, religious liberty, poverty, the AIDS pandemic, faith in public policy, stewardship of the earth, evangelism, financial stewardship, and prophetic preaching.

An excerpt from an article by Suzii Paynter  in the Clarion, FBC Austin’s Newsletter:
On January 30 – February 1, 2008, The New Baptist Covenant will convene in Atlanta. Christians, Baptists, from across North America will come together to reconcile racial divisions, and speak in unity about priorities of the gospel.

Gatherings, marches, pilgrimages, demonstrations, vigils are statements of presence - they take on meaning because a mass of people speak as one. There are thirty different groups sponsoring NBC, starting with the four national African American Baptist denominational bodies inviting other Christian Baptists to join them in Atlanta. It is time to stand side by side with thousands of others - across races, languages and cultures affirming something big for something good.

Why participate in a denominational meeting? You may not identify with Baptist-ness. Don't we live in a post-denominational era? The New Baptist Covenant meeting is organized around denominational strands because messages of unity can be interpreted to the world through the gesture of reaching across faith boundaries.
 
Many young adults are especially interested in creating a new voice for the future that is joined in faith affirmation across racial and social lines; Baptist laity under 35 want to participate in the New Baptist Covenant. Christians of all ages want to emphasize the power of grace and love.

How is TBYPN related to the Celebration of a New Baptist Covenant?

TBYPN will support the New Baptist Covenant by taking a large, diverse delegation of young adults to the Celebration.

With travel (via Charter bus) and hotel accommodations (double room), the total cost is $320.  We need to know if you are interested in going before November 10th.  Contact Julie.Valentine@bgct.org regarding payment arrangements.  If you are in need of financial assistance, please contact us!  We want to help you go!

New Baptist Covenant Plenary Sessions

• Unity in Seeking Peace with Justice
• Unity in Bringing Good News to the Poor
• Unity in Respecting Diversity
• Unity in Welcoming the Stranger
• Unity in Setting the Captive Free

I have one life and one chance to make it count for something . . . I'm free to choose what that something is, and the something I've chosen is my faith. Now, my faith goes beyond theology and religion and requires considerable work and effort. My faith demands -- this is not optional -- my faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can with whatever I have to try to make a difference.
~ Jimmy Carter

How Can I be Involved?

Choose your level of involvement:

• Join the Facebook group 
• Include my name in the database! *
• I want to tell others about TBYPN! * 
• I’m interested in leadership opportunities! *

* please add title to subject line