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SBTC networks offer safe havens where people from all walks of life connect around a common purpose
A couple of months ago, a group of about 10 pastors gathered to have lunch in North Texas. They shared a meal, laughed, and encouraged one another—not exactly front-page news for most.
But for this group, and pastors across Texas, the gathering was significant. Why? Because they came away refreshed, and in this calling, that can mean everything.
These men were all members of the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention’s Young Pastors Network, a collective of pastors age 40 or younger. YPN members are placed into cohorts and meet several times per year, including regionally, at the SBTC’s Empower Conference each winter, and during the SBTC Annual Meeting in the fall. The cohorts give young pastors an outlet to discuss current issues related to ministry, speak into one another’s lives, and hold each other accountable.
“What has made this network thrive is deep brotherhood and connections,” Spencer Plumlee, who serves as a consultant to the YPN, told the SBTC executive board last year.
Networks are so valuable to the SBTC, it has identified them as one of its three main strategic pathways by which its mission is accomplished. Its number of networks is growing and offers groups for student and collegiate ministers, women’s and children’s ministry leaders, ethnic pastors, pastor wives, executive pastors and administrators, and more.
“Over the past several years, I’ve developed some truly dear friendships. I’m never at a loss for brothers I can call when I need someone—and I have."
Caleb Fleming, senior pastor of Fairview Baptist Church in Sherman, said the YPN has introduced him to many meaningful ministry relationships. He said he got connected with the group several years ago after meeting with Plumlee, who cast a vision for the network prior to its formation.
Fleming said he was sold on the value of the network immediately and has served on its leadership team since it began.
“For me, it’s been the fellowship,” Fleming said. “Over the past several years, I’ve developed some truly dear friendships. I’m never at a loss for brothers I can call when I need someone—and I have.
“What’s beautiful is that it goes both ways,” he added. “I’ve also been on the receiving end of those calls from brothers who were hurting and struggling. I’ve had the opportunity to offer encouragement, counsel, and prayer to men who’ve become like a brother to me.”
