HSU Insider

And a Woman Shall Lead Them

• By Dave Coffield
• Posted November 1, 2007 10:04 AM
• 0 Comments

Representatives from Hardin-Simmons University were on-hand in Amarillo at the Baptist General Convention of Texas annual meeting this week when the history was made. Over 2,000 messengers to the convention elected a new slate of officers, including the Convention’s first-ever woman president. Messengers elected former missionary, church secretary, and Woman’s Missionary Union of Texas Executive Director Joy Fenner of Garland president in a close, 900-840 vote over David Lowrie, pastor of First Baptist Church in Canyon. The margin was one of the smallest in BGCT history. Fenner pledged to continue current BGCT President Steve Vernon’s emphasis of increasing mission work.

Joy Fenner at press conference

Steve Wells, pastor of South Main Baptist Church in Houston, nominated Fenner, praising her commitment to mission work. He noted her broad support among leaders across Texas, especially those within the Woman’s Missionary Union. “Texas Baptists have always been a missionary people,� he said, “Joy Fenner has been that literally.� He also indicated that Fenner is the person to lead the convention during a time when its executive director is about to retire, the chief operating officer has announced his resignation, and the executive director of Woman’s Missionary Union of Texas has resigned recently.

Dr. Tommy Brisco, dean of the Logsdon School of Theology, said the election was a historic occasion, but emphasized Fenner’s qualifications to lead the convention, “She is a logical choice because she has been so invested in missions work. Her life has really been committed to missions, and I would say that Texas Baptists have always been committed to missions.�

Lowrie, who ran on a platform of bringing the convention leadership back to the political center, facetiously said both candidates had won because he had made his point and now didn’t have to do the hard work associated with the position. He looks forward to working with Fenner and believes Texas Baptists can come together if everyone is included in the effort.

Fenner, who recently spoke at the Women in Ministry Conference hosted by HSU, was modest about being the first women to hold the position, but said, “It’s gratifying because women have been so involved in Baptist work. I hope it would honor some of our women who have leadership abilities.�

HSU unveiled its new booth in the display hall; a smaller replica of the new Alumni Wall. To say it created a sensation is an understatement. A place for alumni to gather and pastors and prospective students to inquire about HSU programs, the display was constantly besieged by alumni, friends, gawkers, and astonished representatives from other universities.

The Coleman's stop by the HSU booth

The 2007 Convention Alumni Dinner was held on the 30th floor of the nearby Chase Bank building. Over 60 HSU alumni who were either from Amarillo, or who had travelled to the convention from other parts of Texas were treated to a spectacular view of West Texas, a superb dinner, and inspiring testimonials by class of 2005’s Melissa Schaeffer and 1999’s Tracy Bruce.