During this time, Dr. Ratliff felt a strong conviction to establish an organization that would unite Black churches. This conviction led to the founding of the African American Fellowship of the Texas Baptist Convention. The impact of this organization has been both visible and powerful, achieving many significant milestones.
Today, the AFF continues to be a dynamic fellowship for such a time as this. The future of the African American Fellowship is both bright and promising.
In 1982, Dr. Culp joined the BGCT staff as the Coordinator of the Black Church Development Division, where he worked until his retirement in 2001. He played a crucial role in assisting churches and associations in ministering to African Americans and liaised with various Baptist conventions. His community involvement included contributions to the American Heart Association, Salvation Army, and local organizations in Garland, Texas, where he also served as the first Black City Councilman. Dr. Culp received numerous awards, including the Emmanuel McCall Award and the Texas Baptist Legacy Award, recognizing his outstanding service and contributions.
Dr. Culp passed away on July 22, 2018, leaving behind a legacy of godly living, dedicated service, and a love for sharing God's word. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Mary Cunningham Culp. They are survived by their seven children, seventeen grandchildren, and seventeen great-grandchildren.
Dr. Howard E. Anderson, Sr., 1995-1997 The Singing Hills Baptist Church, Dallas
Dr. Milton Walker, 1997-1999 Community Baptist Church, El Paso
Dr. C. Paul McBride, 1999-2001 Friendship Baptist Church of The Colony
Dr. Dennis W. Young, Sr., 2001-2003 Missouri City Baptist Church, Missouri City
Dr. Jerry William Dailey, 2003-2005 Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, San Antonio
Rev. Ronald G. Edwards, 2005-2007 Minnehulla Baptist Church, Goliad
Dr. John D. Ogletree, Jr., 2007-2009 First Metropolitan Baptist Church, Houston
Dr. Michael Bell, 2009-2011 Greater Saint Stephens First Baptist Church, Fort Worth
Dr. Michael A. Evans, Sr., 2011-2013 Bethlehem Baptist Church, Mansfield
Rev. Oscar D. Epps, Sr., 2013-2015 Community Missionary Baptist Church, Desoto/Cedar Hill
Dr. Ponce L. Brown, Sr., 2015-2017 Shiloh Baptist Church, El Paso
Dr. Elmo Johnson, 2017-2019 Rose of Sharon Missionary Baptist Church, Houston
Dr. Kenneth O. Jackson, 2019-2021 New Light Baptist Church, Lubbock
Dr. Edward L. Wagner, 2021-2023 Cornerstone Baptist Church, Harker Heights