Reminding listeners that only 30 percent of the population within the Diocese of West Texas currently has a church home, the Rt. Rev. James Folts told the annual council that growth is imperative.

"Jesus told his followers to 'Go . . . make disciples ... baptize ... teach'," the bishop said at the council meeting in San Antonio, Feb. 17-19. "He did not say, 'Huddle up in your little churches, huddle up in your little diocese, and maintain the comfortable status quo'."

Last year, Bishop Folts set a five-year goal to double membership and average Sunday attendance. He reiterated the call at this year's council when he reminded his audience that of the 13 fastest-growing areas in the country, four are within diocesan geographical boundaries.

Over the past year, the diocese's executive board has begun to study ways to accomplish the growth imperative, and the council approved the establishment of five task forces to further that work. During the coming year, the ad hoc committees will address ways to: focus on the younger generation; incorporate the cultural and ethnic realities of South Texas; identify and train both lay and clergy leaders; evaluate the diocese's mission and ministry; and restructure the executive board to be more effective.

Over its two-day meeting, the 450 clergy and council delegates heard reports from the diocesan operating departments, attended workshops, worshiped, and celebrated with a Texas-style dance and barbecue.

Council approved a $3.2 million budget, up from $2.9 million in 1999.