1. This agreement is between The Baptist General Convention of Texas and the Home Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, and has been adopted by the Boards of the two entities. The purpose of this agreement is to define the responsibilities of The Baptist General Convention of Texas and the Home Mission Board in areas in which the two entities develop and administer a strategic mission plan on a cooperative basis.
2. The strategic mission plan shall be cooperatively developed by appropriate staff representatives of the two entities and according to the policies of each entity. However, in the final negotiation of the strategic mission plan and its funding, the Home Mission Board will be represented by the regional coordinator and the Baptist General Convention of Texas by the executive director or by his representative(s). If negotiation cannot be completed satisfactorily, concerns may then be referred to the Vice President, Home Mission Board, Planning Section, and if necessary, to the Executive Office.
3. Financial support for the strategic mission plan shall be provided by the two entities on an agreed-upon ratio of participation in an annual conference.
4. General administration and promotion of the strategic mission plan shall be by The Baptist General Convention of Texas.
5. Adjustment to the strategic mission plan and its funding may be requested by either entity. However, changes shall not be implemented until both entities have approved.
6. All Home Mission Board funding shall be paid through The Baptist General Convention of Texas office upon receipt of agreed-upon documentation.

1. Administration
1. Personnel supported by The Baptist General Convention of Texas and the Home Mission Board shall relate to both entities. Other entities, such as an association or local church, may also participate in the support. However, funding will always be coordinated through The Baptist General Convention of Texas consistent with the strategic mission plan. The employer of jointly supported missions personnel will be the entity which issues the individual's payroll checks. Normally, the employer will also provide for Workers' Compensation and general liability insurance. All personnel receiving funds from the Home Mission Board and The Baptist General Convention of Texas shall be accountable for said funds and subject to evaluation and appropriate reporting procedures.
2. Selection of jointly supported personnel shall conform with procedures and requirements of both entities. The Baptist General Convention of Texas and the Home Mission Board shall concur on jointly supported personnel before election, appointment/approval and/or placement by the other entity. Each entity will consult with the other before major changes are implemented.
3. A coordinated processing service for prospective personnel shall be provided by the Home Mission Board and The Baptist General Convention of Texas.
4. Employment of jointly supported Baptist General Convention of Texas administrative staff shall be carried out by The Baptist General Convention of Texas following consultation with the Home Mission Board. Personnel shall be approved by the state executive director and appropriate Home Mission Board section vice president prior to employment.
5. Each entity will provide appropriate orientation for jointly appointed persons.
6. Supervision of all jointly supported missions personnel shall be negotiated as part of the addendum.
7. Jointly supported appointed personnel shall be available to the Home Mission Board for two weeks of deputation service annually. Jointly supported approved personnel may also occasionally be asked to participate in deputation service. All jointly supported personnel shall be available to participate in national and regional events related to their responsibilities. Missions personnel shall obtain the approval of local and/or state administrators prior to accepting any Home Mission Board invitations.
8. Transfer of jointly supported personnel may be implemented after agreement between both entities.
9. Termination of employment of jointly supported personnel may be initiated by either entity. Termination of an employee shall be at the discretion of either entity but only after consultation of the other entity. The Baptist General Convention of Texas or the Home Mission Board shall have the option to transfer and/or continue to fund personnel not involving the other entity.
1. Remuneration
   1. Funding for jointly supported personnel shall be provided by local forces to the largest percentage possible. The Baptist General Convention of Texas and Home Mission Board assistance shall be provided according to the agreed-upon ratio of participation.
   2. Funding for the cost of moving jointly supported personnel shall be provided by the local entities to the largest degree possible. Home Mission Board and state assistance may be requested, based upon need and available resources.
2. Benefits
   1. The Home Mission Board shall provide a comprehensive insurance plan and share in the cost for all appointed missions personnel. All appointed missions personnel shall participate in the Home Mission Board plan. Exceptions shall be in accord with state policy and the state/Home Mission Board plan. Jointly supported state administrative staff personnel may participate in the Home Mission Board insurance plan. Proof of coverage shall be provided for the other entity.
   2. A retirement and annuity plan shall be made available by The Baptist General Convention of Texas for jointly supported personnel. Appointed missionaries, missionary associates, and jointly supported state administrative staff personnel shall be required to participate in The Baptist General Convention of Texas Convention plan. US-2 missionaries are not eligible to participate. Congregations and associations receiving financial assistance shall be strongly encouraged by The Baptist General Convention of Texas and Home Mission Board to participate with their pastor or associational staff.
   3. Other benefits may be provided to jointly supported personnel in keeping with agency policies. Appropriate representatives of the two entities shall periodically review these benefits.

1. Jointly financed conferences within the state shall be planned by The Baptist General Convention of Texas and Home Mission Board personnel. Conference and literature costs shall be shared on an agreed-upon ratio of participation.
2. Conferences relating to program techniques may be provided by the Home Mission Board within The Baptist General Convention of Texas after consultation with the state leader although the state may not participate.
3. Following consultation within the related state convention(s), regional and national program conferences may be planned and conducted by the Home Mission Board.

1. The Home Mission Board may own and administer properties and equipment within The Baptist General Convention of Texas.
2. Local entities using Home Mission Board property and equipment shall provide upkeep and maintenance. The Baptist General Convention of Texas and Home Mission Board may assist according to need and available resources. The Home Mission Board will be responsible for appropriate insurance.

A coordinated processing service for prospective chaplaincy personnel shall be provided by the Home Mission Board. This shall include the solicitation of references by the Home Mission Board from appropriate state administrative personnel for prospective personnel from that state.

1. It is the continuing goal of the two entities to improve cooperation in the administration, promotion, and implementation of the strategic mission plan.
2. New projects may be initiated, financed, administered, and promoted in the state by the Home Mission Board after consultation with and affirmation of The Baptist General Convention of Texas. It is further agreed that neither entity will initiate work that obligates the other without written approval of the other.
3. A review of the Cooperative Agreement shall be conducted annually by appropriate representatives of The Baptist General Convention of Texas and the Home Mission Board. All or any part of this agreement may be amended or revised at the end of any calendar year after negotiation between appropriate representatives of the two entities. Any amendments to the agreement should be adopted by the respective boards or each board may choose to authorize its administrators to make changes.
4. With 12 months notice, the agreement may be discontinued by either entity after consultation between The Baptist General Convention of Texas executive director and the president of the Home Mission Board.

Administrative and procedural guidelines not addressed in the Cooperative Agreement are to be negotiated by the administration of the two entities and noted in a procedural addendum to the Cooperative Agreement.