Month: November 2025

Best of SBTC Resources 2025

The Southern Baptists of Texas Convention continues to provide tools and training to bring clarity, support, and momentum to every area of church life—from student ministry to evangelism to financial stewardship. Some of the resources listed here are new, while others are tried and true. Check out this list of tools designed to help your church charge into 2026 resourced and ready.

M-Link

Identifying missions partners can be tricky. Pastors and missions leaders know opportunities abound, but locating those partners can be difficult.

That’s why SBTC leaders developed M-Link.

M-Link connects “going” churches looking for partners to serve with “hosting” churches looking to receive mission teams. Going and hosting churches each fill out an online form, providing information such as abilities, needs, group size, and budget, and M-Link assesses the data to provide the best matches for each one. Those opportunities could be in Texas or in areas where the SBTC has developed partnerships through initiatives such as Reach Nevada, Reach Puerto Rico, and Reach Europe.

“I’m excited about this because it helps churches participate in the Great Commission in a way that uniquely assesses who they are and it’s based on their capacities and abilities as opposed to a one-size-fits-all missiology,” SBTC Missions Mobilization Associate Colin Rayburn said.

Chosen to Serve

Being a deacon is more than a title. It’s a calling to serve with humility, wisdom, and dedication. Chosen to Serve is a dynamic training meant to equip deacons with the biblical foundation, practical skills, and spiritual insight needed to serve effectively.

The curriculum is designed for those who are new to the role or for those seeking to deepen the effectiveness of their service. Chosen to Serve will soon be available through the SBTC Resource Webstore, and churches can also request on-site training.

“Healthy churches are served by healthy deacons,” said Jeff Lynn, the SBTC’s Church Health and Leadership senior strategist who wrote the curriculum. “Having served as a pastor for 25 years, I deeply value the difference it makes when men truly understand their role. I believe the principles in this training will not only encourage deacons but also empower pastors to serve more effectively.”

ReZoom

This weekly online gathering is meant to provide student ministers from all over the state with a little bit of everything. It’s intentionally held on Thursday mornings, giving participants who have midweek meetings a place to talk about what worked the night before, what didn’t, and everything in between. Even for those who don’t have a Wednesday night gathering, ReZoom provides opportunities for student ministers to network and support one another through the sharing of ideas, prayer, and more.

“Student ministers and leaders are just giving, giving, giving all the time,” SBTC Student Associate Grant Byrd said. “Sometimes they just want someone to listen to them, but sometimes they don’t want to talk at all—they just want to listen. We absolutely welcome that. I believe that as long as you’re willing to laugh at yourself and you’re willing to learn, you’re gonna love it.”

Online Disaster Relief Training

Americans woke up July 4 ready to celebrate Independence Day. Residents of Central Texas woke up that same day to what turned out to be one of the worst natural disasters in Texas history when flooding across the Hill Country and in the surrounding areas claimed the lives of at least 135 people.

SBTC Disaster Relief volunteers began mobilizing almost immediately. Around the same time, a significant spike in users was recorded on the SBTC DR online training site. The online modules include an introductory course that’s required for new volunteers and those seeking to renew their credentials, as well as specific training in areas such as Cleanup & Recovery and Feeding.

“Our ministry seeks to meet real needs and share the hope of Jesus Christ with those impacted by disasters,” SBTC DR Director Scottie Stice said. “These training modules will give you an orientation into disaster relief ministry and help users learn to safely work in disasters such as floods, fires, and tornadoes.”

Barriers & Bridges

Texas is one of the most ethnically diverse states in the U.S. That makes it one of the most religiously diverse places in the world, as well. In some cases, a Christian’s attempt to evangelize those around them requires them to have a basic understanding of what someone else believes.

Barriers & Bridges, a North American Mission Board resource available on the SBTC website, aims to educate Christians about the beliefs and practices of those who call North America home. The resource provides information on a range of belief systems ranging from Sikhism to Roman Catholicism to Wicca, as well as recommendations for how to strategically engage such groups. Each section of the guide includes a list of barriers to the gospel for each group, as well as ways to build bridges for them to have true faith in Jesus Christ.

1Cross Evangelism App

A couple of years ago, a Korean student attending Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary wanted to share the gospel with a Spanish-speaking Mexican man. Knowing the challenges presented by the language barrier between them, the student pulled out his phone and opened the SBTC’s 1Cross app—a tool churches and individuals can use to share the gospel in nearly 70 languages. After hearing the gospel in his native language, the Mexican man gave his life to Christ and was connected to a church in Fort Worth.

Twelve years after its launch, 1Cross continues to be used by thousands of people around the world to engage in cross-cultural evangelism. The app has nearly 24,000 downloads, and 800 videos have been downloaded for use this year alone. In addition to video and audio gospel presentations, the app also provides links to other evangelism resources including trainings to evangelize Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and Mormons.

Online Tax Seminars

Most people aren’t itching to talk about unrelated business taxable income. They don’t envision stimulating conversations about seeking formal recognition of exempt status or accountable expense reimbursement plans.

But churches don’t have a choice. Each year, church staff—and often volunteers—carry the burden of stewarding God’s resources well while facing complicated questions. For many, it can feel overwhelming.

Each January, the SBTC hosts a series of Online Tax Seminars to resource churches with the training they need to navigate the often cumbersome and confusing world of tax and finance. The seminars are led by professionals with decades of experience and offered at no cost to participants.

“In the changing world of administration, staying up to speed is important,” SBTC Chief Financial Officer Joe Davis said. “These tax seminars bring churches up-to-date information as well as instruction on more traditional issues.”

Five minutes with Michael Cooper

Lead pastor of Mabank’s Grace Community Church since 2013, Michael Cooper trusted Christ at age 17 and was called to the ministry at 18. Following college, he earned a doctorate from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and in addition to pastoring, serves as an adjunct college and seminary professor and lecturer. He is active in the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention, this year serving on the credentials committee. Cooper has authored numerous articles and the book Cruciform Identity: Union with Christ and Christian Formation. Cooper and his wife, Kailie, are the proud parents of two little girls, Sophia Grace and Lydia Joy. He is passionate about the history of preaching, severe storm spotting, music, and the Dallas Cowboys.

What have you been celebrating at the church lately?

We’ve been in a state of transition. We moved into our new worship space in 2023. While we’ve had some ups and downs, God has been faithful to provide an abundance of grace. There is a renewed focus on discipleship.

What are some ways the church is ministering to the Mabank community?

We are prioritizing outreach in various ways. In the spring we had 30 members go knocking on doors. We have a presence in the community. Recently, we had specific conferences dedicated to reaching students, women, and men.

What is one thing you are praying will happen over the next year at Grace?

A renewed focus on missions. This past summer, a group from the church went on a domestic mission trip to North Carolina. This was a first for our church. I pray that this will continue.

What’s one thing you have learned to this point of your life and ministry you know you will never forget?

How difficult it is to maintain healthy boundaries in life and ministry. I have to own my “stuff.” Be quick to repent, forgive, and love.

How can other SBTC churches be praying for you and your ministry?

Continued faithfulness to keep plodding well. My revised dissertation, based on the theology of preaching of 17th century pastor Benjamin Keach, is being published by Wipf and Stock in 2026. I am beginning the slow work of revision. Pray for sustained personal growth and intimacy with Christ.

How pastors can influence the prayer climate at their churches

As the spiritual leaders of the local church, pastors can adjust the prayer climate of their congregations. No pastor wants to be the thermometer when he is called to be the thermostat as it relates to the spiritual fervor and prayer culture of the church. Still, pastors need help in this area. With that in mind, here are five effective, practical ways pastors of any size congregation can adjust the prayer climate in their churches.

The pastor shapes the prayer climate by example

You can never lead anyone spiritually to a place you’ve never gone. Pastors lead more by example than they may realize. As Matthew Haste observed, “A brilliant sermon can be silenced by a lifestyle that contradicts it.”

Haven’t we all seen enough pastoral failure in recent years to agree that a good example, by contrast, is worth its weight in gold? Unfortunately, more than 70% of pastors struggle with consistent faithfulness in prayer.

The spiritual ceiling of the local church, therefore, is greatly determined by the pastor’s personal example—whether good or bad—in prayer. This was clear from the earliest days of the church when our apostolic role models devoted equal time to the priorities of “prayer and the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:4). Can we do less? Obviously not. If you want to lead a praying church, you have to be a praying pastor.

The pastor strengthens the prayer climate through preaching

The 19th century Anglican Bishop J.C. Ryles taught that preaching is God’s “principal instrument” of “the edifying of saints.” No wonder Stephen Olford said, “Only one thing will ever take the place of great preaching and that’s greater preaching!”

For most pastors, the pulpit is ground zero of his leadership. He influences more people from the pulpit than from any other platform. For this reason, the pastor must preach on prayer if he hopes to lead a house of prayer.

There are hundreds of passages in Scripture where the word “prayer” appears. In fact, one pastor could preach on prayer every Sunday for a decade and never use the same passage twice.

For this reason, a faithful pastor’s preaching schedule should include numerous Sundays devoted to thundering the truth about prayer.

The pastor supports the prayer climate with resources

We live in the information age. The average American consumes 74GB of information every day—about 850% more information consumed than only 30 years ago. That’s the equivalent of reading four or more books daily.

Americans crave information, and pastors must intentionally enter the arena of providing quality information if we want to make a difference in this culture. Our teaching role demands that we resource what we believe in. Tell people which books on prayer you recommend. Write or otherwise provide free prayer material for your church website. Guide people to sermons and teaching online. Remember, the appetite grows on what feeds it; so, provide excellent resources which feed a growing hunger for more prayer.

The pastor sustains the prayer climate by equipping

God has placed “watchmen on the walls” who are “never silent” in prayer, and they give God “no rest” (Isaiah 62:6-7). There are prayer warriors and intercessors, the watchmen on the walls, already in your church who will help the pastor change the prayer climate.

In addition to these few “watchmen,” the pastor should organize prayer conferences and training events to equip as many prayer warriors as possible. Equip men to pray. Equip teenagers in prayer. Host prayer training for women. Equip the staff in prayer. Of course, the pastor should be on the lookout for those men and women who are most inclined to intercede but train the entire church!

In this way, the church becomes saturated with a passion for prayer. Never stop equipping prayer warriors and intercessors.

The pastor stewards the prayer climate in prayer meetings

In order to ignite a climate of prayer, we must break out of the anonymity of the prayer closet alone and let the church see prayer in action (Acts 1:14). The church was born in a prayer meeting, but today an astonishing number of believers know nothing of the power of praying together. In fact, 98% of believers never join with their church in a gathering for prayer.

It seems like an outrageous claim, but it is true that no church will ever develop a dynamic culture of prayer apart from regularly scheduled, organized, powerful prayer meetings. The pastor, therefore, must do whatever it takes, no matter how long it takes, to host life-giving prayer meetings for the entire church.

The New Testament is clear about the need for praying churches, and the pastor’s leadership is essential in creating a climate for prayer. It will take time, but every minute invested is time well spent. The time is now, therefore, to turn the prayer temperature up!

This article was originally published by Baptist Press.

State of Theology report offers insights, reveals opportunities for churches

BRENTWOOD, Tenn.—What people believe matters—and Lifeway Research’s State of Theology Insights Report helps leaders understand those beliefs and take a step toward meaningful ministry.

The State of Theology is a biennial study from Lifeway Research sponsored by Ligonier Ministries, tracking Americans’ beliefs about God’s nature, sin, the Bible and more. The 2025 study surveyed more than 3,000 U.S. adults and follows previous studies in 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020 and 2022.

Many Americans affirm foundational doctrines of Christianity, but the State of Theology research reveals persistent misunderstandings and areas where biblical teaching is often overlooked.

“While many aspects of American society can accurately be described as secular, large numbers of Americans have theological beliefs that line up with the Bible’s teaching,” said Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research. “A pandemic and debates around moral standards in political spaces appear to have some minor impact on some beliefs, but most Americans are not quick to change their views of matters related to God.”

Lifeway Research’s State of Theology Insights Report explores data and uncovers practical tips regarding the spiritual landscape in America, equipping churches to lead with wisdom and compassion.

Beliefs about God

When it comes to their beliefs about God, many Americans are a mixed bag, affirming some truths about God while also revealing misunderstandings.

Seven in 10 (71%) agree there is one true God in three persons: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit, according to the 2025 State of Theology. However, many Americans struggle with the logical conclusions of that belief. Most (57%) say the Holy Spirit is a force, not a personal being. And nearly half (49%) agree Jesus was a great teacher but not God.

U.S. adults may feel complicated or even contradictory beliefs about God are OK because many don’t see religion as an area of clear right and wrong. Around 2 in 3 (65%) say God accepts the worship of all religions, including Christianity, Judaism and Islam. Almost half (46%) agree religious belief is not about objective truth.

“When a clear majority of Americans think God is flexible when it comes to religion, it’s not surprising that agreement with some teachings in the Bible does not translate to accepting all biblical teaching. Americans want the same flexibility they think God has, even if that contradicts other beliefs they have and how God is revealed in Scripture,” said McConnell.

Beliefs about sin and punishment

Americans feel good about their own goodness and innocence. Two in 3 (66%) believe everyone sins a little but most people are good by nature. Also, 3 in 4 (74%) agree everyone is born innocent in the eyes of God.

Most Americans have no issues with the existence of hell and the return of Jesus to judge, but they might assume those don’t apply to most people.

More than 3 in 5 Americans (62%) believe there will be a time when Jesus Christ returns to judge all the people who have lived.

Almost 3 in 5 U.S. adults (57%) say hell is a real place where certain people will be punished forever. However, less than a quarter (23%) agree that even the smallest sin deserves eternal damnation.

Beliefs about the Bible and its authority

Americans’ perspectives on the Bible are divided. Around half (49%) believe the Bible is 100% accurate in all that it teaches. Similarly, however, 48% say the Bible, like all sacred writings, contains helpful accounts of ancient myths but is not literally true.

Today, more than a third (36%) believe modern science disproves the Bible, down from 40% in the last State of Theology.

“More Americans believe the Bible is a myth than believe it has been proven to be false,” said McConnell. “While two-thirds of Americans believe key truths taught in the Bible, it is almost evenly split between those willing to trust and dismiss the entire message of the Bible.”

Half (50%) of Americans believe the Bible has the authority to tell us what we must do, while 44% disagree. And 16% believe the Holy Spirit can tell them to do something forbidden in the Bible.

Whatever else they may believe about God or the Bible, 2 in 3 Americans (65%) agree the biblical accounts of the physical or bodily resurrection of Jesus are completely accurate. They say this event actually occurred. Around a quarter (24%) disagree. Acceptance of Jesus’ resurrection has remained stable since 2016.

Beliefs about the church

One of the few areas of change in the State of Theology surrounds joining and attending a local church. In 2025, 63% of U.S. adults say their personal or family worship is a good church attendance substitute, down from a high of 66% in 2022 but up significantly from pre-pandemic levels.

Not only do most Americans say personal or family worship is a valid replacement for church attendance, but most also don’t believe Christians must become church members. Only a third of U.S. adults (33%) say every Christian has an obligation to join a local church.

“While the focus of this study is on Americans’ beliefs, an important part of those beliefs is what people think it means to practice a faith in God,” said McConnell. “There are many people inside the church and even more outside who think believing without attending in person or belonging is OK.”

Where do churches go from here?

The research paints a vivid picture of the beliefs, doubts and spiritual questions present in American culture today. Across every section—beliefs about God, sin, the Bible and the church—church leaders will likely find both encouraging signs and areas of concern. Many hold to foundational truths, yet misunderstandings and cultural influences continue to shape how faith is lived out—even among those in church.

In the latest Lifeway Research report, insights based on the last State of Theology data encourage pastors and church leaders to engage thoughtfully and compassionately with their congregations and communities. The report will challenge pastors and church leaders to move from information to transformation—whether it’s clarifying the nature of the Trinity, cultivating a culture of evangelism or guiding conversations about social issues.

‘He is the one who causes the growth’

After refocusing on core principles, FBC Lavon
has experienced an exciting turnaround

Continue reading →

Executive board affirms commitment to mobilize SBTC churches to reach Europe with the gospel

LUBBOCK—The Southern Baptists of Texas Convention has taken steps to deepen its commitment to reversing the growing trend of lostness in Europe.

During its Oct. 29 meeting, the SBTC Executive Board approved a $556,000 grant to strengthen its ministry partnership with the International Mission Board. The grant will be used over the next three years to support IMB’s “Everyone Equipped” initiative in Europe.

The scope of the initiative would provide IMB personnel in Europe with coaching, mentoring, and accountability training in an estimated 20 cluster groups from 102 regions. Additionally, it would provide Great Commission training for local believers and funding for a one-time affinity-wide gathering for all IMB field leadership.

“This will not be just a series of trainings, but the development of a culture of coaching, mentoring, and accountability for our workers and local partners,” according to information provided from IMB to the Executive Board. “We trust that as we focus on the Word in the power of the Spirit, the Lord of the harvest will answer our prayers for multitudes of maturing disciples, leaders, churches, and missionaries across Europe.”

In 2023, the SBTC launched a new mission focus—to mobilize churches to multiply disciple-making movements in Texas and around the world. Part of that strategy includes its ministry partnership with the IMB called Reach Europe. In May 2025, 33 pastors and association leaders traveled on a vision tour of Europe to identify opportunities for SBTC churches to mobilize alongside local churches on what IMB considers the most lost continent on the planet.

SBTC churches are already being mobilized through Reach Europe. This past August, members from more than 20 churches traveled to Prague to minister to and encourage approximately 200 missionary children. Additionally, more than a handful of SBTC churches have already stated their intention to travel to Europe in the near future to work with local churches to strengthen them and widen their gospel reach.

Additional Reach Europe vision tours are planned for 2026.

New board officers selected

Wes Hinote, senior pastor of Old River Baptist Church in Winfree, was chosen to serve as board chairman at the Oct. 29 meeting. He replaces Steven Gaither, who is stepping down from the position after announcing he has accepted the call to serve as the new executive director of Highland Lakes Camp and Conference Center.

James Jordan, executive pastor at First Baptist Church Forney, was selected to serve as the board’s vice chairman, filling the role left vacant by Hinote. Averri LeMalle, senior pastor of The Church at Jersey Village, was elected secretary.

Latest Richards endowment recipients announced

Board members learned the latest recipients have been selected for the Jim and June Richards Endowment for Kingdom Advance.

The endowment’s purpose is to support individuals or organizations which promote kingdom causes through religious ministry consistent with the doctrinal statements of the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention. It was established by the Southern Baptists of Texas Foundation in 2021.

Richards, the convention’s founding executive director from 1998 through 2021, said he and his wife made the decisions for this year’s recipients after much prayer and consideration. Those recipients are:

The National Hispanic Baptist Network, led by former and longtime SBTC staff member Bruno Molina. Richards said he was excited when Molina accepted the role as the NHBN’s executive director, adding, “He is in a strategic position to influence millions for the cause of Christ.”
The La Chapelle Church Planting Network, a movement that has started numerous churches in Montreal, Canada—one of the largest unreached places in North America. “June and I have a special place in our hearts for Montreal,” Richards explained, noting that David Pothier, pastor of La Chapelle Church, has labored to bring the gospel to that area “with integrity and sacrifice.”
The June Richards Scholarship Endowment at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, which will be disbursed to support other women to faithfully fulfill the roles to which God has called them as Mrs. Richards has done in her own life. “June—my wife and ministry partner for 52 years—is a Proverbs 31 woman,” Richards said. “She served with me when I was a pastor, church planter, director of missions, and at the SBTC. Her prayers have impacted untold numbers of lives.”

Richards now serves as executive director emeritus. The SBTC grew from 120 churches to more than 2,600 churches during his tenure. Prior to coming to Texas, he pastored for 21 years in Louisiana and then served as an associational executive director in Northwest Arkansas.

Executive Committee expresses support for Credentials Committee’s work

Following the meeting, the SBTC Executive Committee released the following statement:

“We had an amazing annual meeting at Southcrest Baptist Church followed by a great Executive Board meeting as we celebrated what we are seeing God do through our network of churches, including our growing partnership with the IMB in Europe and the many ways our churches are advancing the mission in Texas and beyond. We also wish to express our appreciation in support of the Credentials Committee’s work in faithfully applying our governing documents and look forward to the results of our constitution and bylaws review committee that will begin work in November.”

Reunión Anual 2025: Oración y testimonios poderosos marcan una exitosa sesión en español

LUBBOCK—Más de cien pastores, líderes y miembros de iglesias hispanas se reunieron del 26 al 27 de octubre para celebrar lo que Dios está haciendo a través de sus congregaciones durante la sesión en español de la Reunión Anual de la Convención de los Bautistas del Sur de Texas (SBTC, por sus siglas en inglés).

El evento dio inicio el domingo 26 con un tiempo de compañerismo y comida. El director ejecutivo de la SBTC, Nathan Lorick, se unió al grupo para compartir unas palabras de aprecio y ánimo hacia las iglesias.

“Estoy muy agradecido de que estén aquí”, expresó. “Sepan que la convención está para caminar con ustedes. Doy gracias a Dios por todo lo que Él ha hecho a través de los eventos, retiros y el trabajo de SBTC en Español. Ha sido fenomenal. Pero queremos que sigan caminando con nosotros, porque necesitamos plantar más iglesias en todo Texas, y contamos con ustedes”.

Haciendo más juntos

Esa misma noche, los asistentes se reunieron para un tiempo de adoración —dirigido por el pastor Diego Manosalva y el pastor Jonathan Reyna junto a su esposa Karla— y enseñanza bíblica. El mensaje principal fue predicado por Bruno Molina, director ejecutivo de la Red Nacional Bautista Hispana.

Su sermón, titulado “El Compañerismo Transformador” y basado en Hechos 2:41–47, destacó que los creyentes forman parte del equipo de Dios y que las obras preparadas por Él se cumplen en comunidad.

Molina explicó que la iglesia primitiva perseveraba en cuatro áreas esenciales:

Doctrina: escuchar, aprender y maravillarse ante la Palabra de Dios
Comunión: cultivar relaciones a través de la oración, la celebración y el servicio mutuo
Partimiento del pan: compartir la vida cristiana y recordar el sacrificio de Cristo
Oración: mantener una vida constante de comunicación con Dios

“Yo no creo en los milagros —dependo de ellos”, afirmó Molina, subrayando que la cooperación y la oración son la base de una iglesia viva. “Podemos hacer mucho más juntos que separados. La colaboración es el antídoto contra el individualismo expresivo”.

Durante el servicio hubo un tiempo especial de oración por plantadores de iglesias y sus esposas, dirigido por Luis González, director de SBTC en Español, junto a Luis López, pastor de Forney en Español y líder catalizador de plantación de iglesias hispanas para Send Network SBTC. Más de una docena de parejas de plantadores pasaron al frente y fueron rodeados por pastores de todo el estado para interceder por ellos, pidiendo fortaleza y provisión para su llamado.

Rivera es honrado por su legado ministerial

Durante la sesión, Michael Gonzales presentó el Reconocimiento al Legado Ministerial al pastor José “Joe” Rivera, de la Primera Iglesia Bautista en Grand Prairie, por su servicio fiel y compromiso con el evangelio.

Rivera, nacido en Monterrey, México, y criado en Texas, ha servido por más de 25 años en esa iglesia, donde pastorea desde el 2008. Junto a su esposa Nancy, con quien lleva 28 años de matrimonio, ha dedicado su vida a servir a Dios y a su comunidad con humildad y entrega. También ha sido activo en la Convención Bautista del Sur, la SBTC y diversas juntas y ministerios locales.

Capacitación y enseñanza

El programa del lunes 27 incluyó talleres enfocados en liderazgo, carácter y misión.

Terry Coy ofreció una perspectiva histórica sobre el poder transformador del evangelio en su taller “El Legado de la Cruz”.
David Ramírez habló sobre “Carácter antes que carisma”, exhortando a los líderes a priorizar el ser antes que el hacer.
Arlene Sanabria dirigió una sesión para mujeres titulada “Mi Parte en el Plan de Dios”, ayudándolas a descubrir su propósito en el reino.
Clara Molina enseñó “Testificando en medio del dolor”, animando a las mujeres a compartir su fe en tiempos de sufrimiento.

Un testimonio impactante

El programa del sábado concluyó con un almuerzo y un tiempo de testimonio dirigido por Luis González, quien compartió cómo ha visto la mano de Dios sostenerlo a él y a su familia a lo largo de su vida y ministerio.

González relató momentos en los que el Señor se mostró fiel: desde su llamado al ministerio, pasando por retos de salud que requirieron cinco cirugías, hasta el milagro del nacimiento de sus hijos después de un tiempo de oración y espera.

También compartió la historia de su hijo menor, Josué, quien partió con el Señor después de ocho meses de vida debido a una condición médica desde su nacimiento. Durante ese tiempo, Dios usó la vida de Josué para cumplir un propósito eterno: fortalecer la fe de sus padres, abrir puertas para compartir el evangelio en el hospital y ministrar a otras familias en medio del dolor.

“Dios nos permitió ver Su poder en nuestra debilidad”, dijo. “Nos sostuvo con una fuerza sobrenatural para seguir sirviendo, predicando y pastoreando en la Iglesia Bautista Lamar en Arlington”.

González exhortó a los pastores y líderes a buscar unidad, a no guardar silencio en tiempos difíciles y a apoyarse mutuamente en el cumplimiento de la misión.

AM25: Prayer, powerful testimonies mark Spanish sessions

LUBBOCK—More than a hundred pastors, leaders, and members of Hispanic churches gathered Oct. 26-27 to celebrate what God is doing through their churches during the Spanish session of the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention Annual Meeting.

The event began Sunday, Oct. 26, with a time of fellowship and food. SBTC Executive Director Nathan Lorick joined the group to express his appreciation and encouragement to the churches.

“I am very grateful you are here,” he said. “Know that the convention is here to walk with you. I thank God for all He has done through the events, retreats, and work of SBTC en Español. It has been phenomenal. But we want you to continue walking with us, because we need to plant more churches throughout Texas, and we are counting on you.”

Doing more together

On Sunday evening, attendees gathered for a time of worship—led by Pastor Diego Manosalva and Pastor Jonathan Reyna and his wife, Karla—and biblical teaching. The main message was delivered by Bruno Molina, executive director of the National Hispanic Baptist Network and former SBTC associate.

His sermon, titled “Transforming Fellowship” based on Acts 2:41–47, emphasized that believers are part of God’s team and that the works prepared by Him can only be accomplished in community.

Molina explained the early church persevered in four essential areas through:

Doctrine: listening, learning, and marveling at the Word of God;
Fellowship: cultivating relationships through prayer, celebration, and mutual service;
The breaking of bread: sharing Christian life and remembering Christ’s sacrifice; and
Prayer: maintaining a constant life of communication with God.

“I don’t believe in miracles—I depend on them,” Molina said, noting that cooperation and prayer are the foundation of a living church. “We can do much more together than apart. Collaboration is the antidote to expressive individualism.”

The service included a special time of prayer for church planters and their wives led by Luis González, director of SBTC en Español, along with Luis López, pastor of Forney en Español and Hispanic church planting lead catalyst for Send Network SBTC. More than a dozen planter couples were accompanied by pastors from across the state in a time of intercession, asking for strength and provision for their calling.

Rivera honored for lifetime of service

During the session, the Ministerial Legacy Recognition Award was presented by Michael Gonzales to José “Joe” Rivera, pastor of First Baptist Church in Grand Prairie, for his faithful service and commitment to the gospel.

Rivera, born in Monterrey, Mexico, and raised in Texas, has served faithfully for more than a quarter century at the church, where he has been pastor since 2008. He and his wife of 28 years, Nancy, have dedicated their lives to serving God and their community with humility and commitment. He has been active in the Southern Baptist Convention and the SBTC, as well as various local boards and ministries.

Teaching and training

The program on Monday, Oct. 27, included workshops focused on leadership, character, and mission. Terry Coy, who offered a historical overview of the transforming power of the gospel, spoke about “The Legacy of the Cross.” David Ramirez spoke about “Character Before Charisma,” encouraging leaders to prioritize being over doing.

Arlene Sanabria addressed the women in attendance, speaking about “My Part in God’s Plan” and guiding them to discover their purpose in the kingdom of God. Clara Molina’s topic, “Testifying in the Midst of Pain,” encouraged women how to share their faith during times of suffering.

A powerful testimony

Saturday’s program concluded with lunch and a time of testimony led by Luis González, who shared how he has seen God’s hand sustain him and his family throughout his life and ministry. González recounted moments when the Lord proved Himself faithful—from his call to ministry, through health challenges that required five surgeries, to the miracle of the birth of his children after a time of prayer and waiting.

He also shared about the life of his youngest son, Josué, who departed to be with the Lord after eight months of life, facing a medical condition since birth. During that time, God used Josué’s life to fulfill an eternal purpose: to strengthen his parents’ faith, open doors to share the gospel in the hospital, and minister to other families in the midst of pain.

“God allowed us to see His power in our weakness,” González said. “He sustained us with supernatural strength to continue serving, preaching, and pastoring [during our time at] Lamar [Baptist] Church in Arlington.”

González encouraged pastors and leaders to seek unity, to not remain silent when going through difficult times, and to support one another on the path to fulfilling their mission.

Five minutes with Eduardo Salazar

A licensed professional counselor and LPC supervisor, Eduardo Salazar founded a private counseling practice in Northwest Houston in 2005. Five years later, he began serving at Champion Forest Baptist Church as care and counseling pastor. Salazar and his wife, Ashley, have been married more than 26 years and are the parents of four daughters.

What’s one thing you have been able to celebrate through your ministry recently?

We launched Celebrate Recovery last fall under the leadership of our biblical counselor, Scott Riling. CR is a Christ-centered ministry helping people deal with life’s hurts, habits, and hangups. Through CR, we love our community, help people find hope through the gospel, and [facilitate] healing through the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in a support group setting.

What are some of the greatest needs that Christian counseling can help with?

Presence (Matthew 18:20) and prayer (James 5:13-16). In our technologically advanced world, we are increasingly connected online and disconnected in-person. The COVID shutdown brought more division and disunity. Artificial intelligence will bring more independence from others, less personal interaction, more isolation, and increased loneliness. Christian counseling provides one opportunity to meet with another person face to face in a confidential environment. Together we seek God’s truth through His Word (2 Timothy 3:16), prayerfully trusting our spiritual and mental health to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

What are you praying will happen over the next year through your church’s counseling ministry?

Because of the nature of our counseling ministry, much of what we do focuses on making—or more specifically, maturing—disciples and strengthening the church. I pray that over the next year God has His way with our counseling ministry—helps us grow disciples, strengthening our local church and the larger church (the greater kingdom)—as we meet people where they are in their brokenness. I pray we will speak truth in love as the people we counsel find God’s peace, comfort, and hope. I pray those who experience healing become disciple-makers, and in turn help others grow by sharing the life change and spiritual transformation they experience through the gospel.

What’s one thing you have learned to this point of your life and ministry you know you will never forget?

The simplicity and power of the ministry of fellowship and prayer. At Champion Forest we say, “If we know, we go.” As soon as we learn someone from our CF family is hospitalized, our care and counseling ministry leads the charge on visiting them in hospitals all over the Houston area. We remind them God loves and is with them. We pray with them for strength, perseverance, peace, and divine appointments to share their faith in Christ with others as we pray God uses modern medicine to heal them.

How can the churches of the SBTC be praying for you and your ministry?

Pray I would joyfully surrender daily to God’s call to seek Him, love my wife, lead our four daughters, and be made more into the image of Christ as a servant-leader. Pray our care and counseling team would … steward well the favor and influence God has given us to build and maintain relationships with people in our community. Pray that God makes us ready as we guard our hearts and minds against the attacks of the enemy and resist temptation from our flesh. Last, pray we would pick up our cross daily, live in freedom, and [claim] ultimate victory from sin to serve in Jesus’ name.

Through war and wandering, God continues to make us strong

I came to the United States in 2007. I was born in Congo and raised a family in that country. Throughout my life our country fought civil and tribal wars. We would take a break, a year, two years, and the war would start again. That’s my life.

I remember our village being attacked when I was a little boy. When I grew up and married and had my own family, we moved from our region, South Kivu in eastern Congo, to southern Congo, which is called Katanga. We lived there from 1983 until our people were attacked by the government in 1998 because they said we were Rwandese and not Congolese. Our tribe had moved from Rwanda in 1875, and now they said we could no longer live in Congo.

In 2004, we had to move to Burundi and lived in a United Nations refugee camp. Just two months later, rebels from Congo, along with those in Burundi, joined together to attack our transit camp because of our tribal identity [Tutsi]. In one hour, that attack killed 164 people in the camp, though my family was safe. From 2005 until 2007, we went through the process of gaining refugee status in the U.S.

My family was Christian, and my father was a deacon in our church. He was most influential in leading me to follow Jesus when I was 15. By the time I came to the U.S., I was a deacon as well. I was welcomed in an American church here. I couldn’t speak any English, so we had an interpreter for three years, using headphones to understand the sermons.

Within those three years many families from my part of Africa had arrived, and they were also listening to an interpreter at church. That’s when I felt I should do something to help these people, something so that everyone who was coming can fit in and can feel welcome and understand everything. From there, I talked to our pastor and said, “I feel a calling to do something so I can help these new people,” and he was OK with that. In 2010, we started meeting in my house. We started with 25 people that day. Thank God, right now we have about 250 people in the church [El Shaddai Rise Church, Austin].

But those first years were very hard. For the first 11 years of our church I was a volunteer pastor, driving for rideshare services and helping in nursing homes. And 100% of our church members were refugees, so they weren’t able to support the expenses of a church. Since I was the one who got here before them, I helped them with knowing how to buy a car, drive a car, find a job, and then to sometimes give them rides to their jobs. This was in addition to doing church stuff. Now we still have people coming into our church who are new to this country, but we also have a lot of people who are able to help them with their needs.

I am blessed with a wife, Antoinette, eight grown children, and 18 grandchildren. They are my right hands in the church. I have a son who is in charge of playing piano in the church, and my family does all the instruments and sound system. I have another two who are teaching Sunday school and two others who work the cameras. My daughter is the one leading the worship. It is a great blessing to have my family helping with our church.

Our church has multiplied as well. In 2018, I had a connection back in Nairobi, Kenya, and we were able to start another church there. Earlier this summer, in June, I went to visit that church and to evangelize in East Nairobi, East Kenya, which is at the border with Tanzania, in a community called Maasai. The Maasai are still really behind in [having opportunities to hear] the gospel, so when I was there, I sent people from the church in Nairobi. They went there twice to evangelize, and when I was there, we went there and started two churches in two areas. The church we started in Kenya has now started two additional churches among the Maasai.

I know how God is so, so powerful to make you strong in circumstances like I’ve faced. What I just told you about our tribe, the situation that we’ve been in since I was born until now, it’s a generation, but we are strong in God and God keeps making us strong. Our community, wherever we are, we serve the Lord, even if we just grow in that situation.