First woman to lead Texas Baptist group

A former missionary to Japan narrowly defeats a West Texas pastor.

The largest state Baptist convention in the nation elected its first female president yesterday, the Associated Press reports.

Joy Fenner, a former missionary to Japan, narrowly defeated Texas pastor David Lowrie, 900 to840. The Dallas Morning News reports that Fenner’s will begin her presidency in a time of trouble for the BGCT, including a budget shortfall, layoffs and a scandal involving church starting funds.

Fenner is not the only “first” for the convention. The AP reports that the convention elected its first Hispanic president in 2004 and its first black president in 2005.

- More from Sarah Pulliam

Our Latest

President Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address during a joint session of Congress at the Capitol in Washington, DC on February 24, 2026.

At SOTU, Trump Overstates and Inflates Presidential Power

Bonnie Kristian

In his State of the Union marking our 250th year, the president honored athletes, veterans, Sage Blair, America—and himself.

An illustration of a flying saucer.

Public Theology Project

What If Aliens Are Real? A Thought Experiment

I don’t know how likely extraterrestrial life might be. But no matter what, the truth of Christianity will stand.

An Instagram grid of people in blue and red squares.

Faith Should be Public but Not Performative

Jen Pollock Michel

Christian faith must act on behalf of the most vulnerable, not clutter social media feeds.

A child writing math symbols.

Analysis

First, Honesty. Then, Multiplication Tables.

Carrie McKean in Midland, Texas

We need to know how badly students are failing in math class. Then we must return to the fundamentals.

Security officers stand guard next to a bus carrying freed worshippers at the Government House in Kaduna.

News

Mass Kidnappings Leave Nigerian Churches Reeling

Emiene Erameh

Christian leaders fight to draw attention to the abductions by criminal gangs amid government denial.

why-are-young-men-struggling

The Russell Moore Show

Richard Reeves on Why Young Men Are Struggling

What do boys need from fathers, churches, and institutions that they aren’t getting right now?

Inside the Ministry

The One Kingdom Campaign Spring 2026 Impact Report

CT Partners are making Jesus known.

The book on an orange background.

Review

They May Forget Your Sermons, but They’ll Remember This

Reuben Bredenhof’s new book encourages pastors to focus on small acts of faithfulness.