Baptist Press
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Trustees for GuideStone Financial Resources gathered July 31–Aug. 1 in regular session to hear reports from GuideStone executive officers and staff about the board’s performance in key lines of business. GuideStone also honored O.S. Hawkins for 20 years as president of the Southern Baptist entity.
Hawkins joined the Dallas-based ministry after having served for four years as pastor of the historic First Baptist Church, Dallas. He thanked the trustees for honoring him and his wife Susie for their service to Southern Baptists through GuideStone.
“We remain so thankful to serve this ministry we have received from the Lord through Southern Baptists,” Hawkins said. “As we consider GuideStone’s first century, and look forward to our second century of service, it is with gratefulness for our heritage and confidence for our future, focused on the Lord’s leadership.”
Hawkins addressed trustees about the entity’s annual theme, “the Year of Innovation,” citing the need for GuideStone to not rest on its laurels as it prepares to mark its 100th anniversary in 2018.
Citing the ministry’s accomplishments of its long-range plan, GuideStone 100, which has guided its work for more than a decade, and Vision 20/20, which is an enhancement and extension to the long-range plan, Hawkins said the organization is focusing on three strategic goals: increasing market share, responding to changes in the marketplace, and continuing to aggressively manage costs while keeping customer service as its primary focus.
It is imperative for GuideStone to stay focused on its mission and calling, Hawkins noted.