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SBC DIGEST: GuideStone’s Employee Benefits Summit; BGCT gifted $28M


Registration available for GuideStone’s annual Employee Benefits Summit

By Roy Hayhurst/GuideStone

DALLAS (BP) – Registration is open for the annual Employee Benefits Summit, slated for March 26-28 at the Dallas/Plano Marriott at Legacy Town Center.

Early bird registration is available for $200 and closes on Feb. 24. Regular registration is $249 and closes on March 13. Information is available at GuideStone.org/EBS.

Continuing education credits are available for CPA, CPE, CCA, SHRM and HRCI holders.

“Each year, our Employee Benefits Summit draws in top ministry finance and HR leaders from across the country,” GuideStone President Hance Dilbeck said. “We are pleased to make available top industry leaders, not just from GuideStone, but also from top law and accounting firms, to help our ministry partners as they are committed to following best practices and staying compliant with an ever-changing landscape.”

Speakers include Michael Batts, managing partner of Orlando-based Batts Morrison Wales & Lee; Kenneth Tan, partner at Capin Crouse, LLP; Kimberlee D. Norris, a founder of MinistrySafe and Abuse Prevention Systems and Danny Miller, a partner with Conner & Winters LLP. Mark Dance, director of pastoral wellness at GuideStone, will speak on the Top 4 Obstacles for a Strong Finish.

“When GuideStone established the Employee Benefits Summit, we hoped to bring in our people and outside experts to make a one-of-its-kind conference for church and ministry leaders,” Dilbeck said. “This year’s conference is the latest example of that goal coming to fruition.”

Jorge Cisneros of United City Church will lead worship. Afshin Ziafat, pastor of the Dallas-area Providence Church in Frisco, Texas, will give a keynote address on The Gospel and the Future of Multi-Ethnic Ministry.


BGCT receives $28 million from Dukes estate

By BGCT Staff

DALLAS (BP) – The Baptist General Convention of Texas received more than $28 million from the estate of William (Bill) P. and Janie B. Dukes.

Janie Dukes died last June. Her husband preceded her in death in 2015. They were lifelong Baptists.

The Dukeses first became involved in Baptist philanthropy in 1990, when they met Bill Arnold, now president emeritus of the Texas Baptist Missions Foundation. With Arnold’s help, they began planning how they would use their resources to benefit Baptist work.

“They wanted to help all ages and all phases of Baptist life,” Arnold said. “They wanted to help children, students, ministers, lost people and everyone in between.”

The William P. and Janie B. Dukes Endowment Fund will help start churches, provide scholarships to students pursuing ministry in the business school at Baylor University, assist senior adults in Texas Baptists’ retirement centers and benefit other ministerial causes. The gift was processed through HighGround Advisors.

“They were humble people with a generous spirit,” said Ward Hayes, BGCT CFO/treasurer. “And now, they’ll be able to help grow the kingdom for many, many years to come.”

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  • BP Staff