BROWNWOOD – August 23, 2017 – Rev. René Maciel, community life pastor at First Woodway Baptist Church of Waco, addressed Howard Payne University students, faculty and staff at University Convocation on Wednesday morning. The event marked the first Chapel service of the academic year.
Rev. Maciel invested more than 31 years in higher education and administration with Baptist institutions such as Hardin-Simmons University, Baylor University, the New Mexico Baptist Children’s Home and George W. Truett Theological Seminary. He also served as president of the Baptist General Convention of Texas (Texas Baptists) from 2015 to 2016.
He discussed the importance of finding one’s identity in Christ.
“I believe that when you know who He is, you will discover who you are,” he said. “God created you in likeness of Him and He has a purpose and plan for your life.”
Additional Convocation program participants included Dr. Bill Ellis, HPU president; Dr. Celeste Church, professor of music and dean of institutional research and effectiveness; Dr. Gerry Clarkson, associate professor of physical science and president of HPU’s Faculty Assembly; Stephen Goacher, professor of music; Alexa Maddox ’04, instructor of developmental studies and academic services coordinator; Dr. Christopher Rosborough ’08, assistant professor of music; Isaac Sommers, president of HPU’s Student Government Association; Dr. W. Mark Tew, provost and chief academic officer; Dr. Elizabeth Wallace ’71, professor of music; and Dr. Craig Younce, associate professor of biology.
###
Cutline: Rev. René Maciel, community life pastor at First Woodway Baptist Church of Waco, spoke at HPU’s University Convocation ceremony Wednesday morning.