East Texas Cowboy Church leader finds clarity at Big Ministry in Small Towns Summit

TYLER — For Carl Thompkins, ministry has never been about titles; it has always been about people.

“I do [door-to-door evangelism],” Thompkins said. “That’s the kind of ministry I really like. Wherever the Lord sends me, wherever He brings people across my path, I always have something to say.”

But stepping into something more, possibly pastoring or helping start a church, was a different story. 

“What you’re asking, [for me to plant a cowboy church], is a whole different ball game,” he said. “I didn’t know what to expect because I haven’t even been in that mindset.”

That uncertainty is what made the Big Ministry in Small Towns Summit at The Cross Baptist Church in Tyler so significant for him. Thompkins, who serves at Northeast Texas Cowboy Church in Hawkins, was one of more than 70 pastors, leaders and church members who gathered for the East Texas Summit, a one-day event designed to encourage and equip those serving in small towns and rural communities.

The summit was hosted in partnership with the African American Fellowship of the Smith Baptist Association, an organization committed to equipping, encouraging and engaging pastors and churches throughout East Texas while providing holistic resources.

“I didn’t know how to move forward,” Thompkins said. “Being in church and functioning in church is one thing. But to lead, that’s different.” 

Through the sessions and conversations, something began to shift. 

“I learned a lot from this summit that will help push me forward,” Thompkins said. “[The information] was presented in a way that we can actually use. We got materials to work with, things we can take back and apply.” 

For Thompkins, it was not just information; it was direction. 

“This was a big help and a boost for me to go forward with what God is already trying to do,” he said.

Seeing communities through the eyes of Jesus, with compassion

During the opening session, Dr. Ira Antoine, director of Bivocational Ministry at Texas Baptists, challenged attendees to rethink how they view their communities, calling them to slow down and truly see people the way Jesus does.

“We need to be committed to seeing our community through the eyes of the Lord,” Antoine said. “Are we willing to slow down long enough to ask, ‘Lord, what do you see?’”  

He emphasized that true ministry requires looking beyond surface-level interactions.

“The idea of seeing is not just that I looked at them,” Antoine said. “It means to look beyond and intimately into someone.”  

For leaders like Thompkins, already active in relational, street-level ministry, this reinforced what he had been living out. 

“I’m not worried about a title,” he said. “I just want to be able to help people. If somebody’s hurting and I can help them, I’m going to do it.”

Antoine also made clear that awareness alone is not enough and that true compassion requires a response. 

“Compassion says, ‘I’m going to do something about it,’” he said.  

That message aligned closely with Thompkins’ approach to ministry. 

“I’m not worried about a plaque or a title,” he said. “I’m going to give what I’ve got. Like Paul said, I’ll give you what I have.” His words reflected a conviction that ministry is not about position, but about presence.

Listening to and engaging the next generation

Another key focus of the summit was engaging younger generations. In breakout sessions led by Al Curley, III, African American Evangelism specialists at Texas Baptists, students and young adults were invited into an open and honest conversation about their experiences in the church.

Curley emphasized that young people are not just observers, but active contributors to the life of the church. 

“Be who you are as a part of the church,” he said. “You make the church better.”  

Students and young adults shared their desire for greater involvement, clearer communication and opportunities to serve. Many expressed that while they feel comfortable attending church, they often lack pathways to engage in meaningful ways.

The discussion also highlighted the importance of intentional leadership development, consistent communication rhythms and creating space for younger voices to be heard in decision-making processes. Leaders were encouraged to move beyond passive participation models and create environments where the next generation can actively serve and grow.

Encouraging leaders where they are

Throughout the summit, leaders were reminded that ministry in small towns is not limited by size but shaped by intentionality. Using a practical analogy, Antoine explained that churches serve in different ways depending on their context.

“Walmart and Dollar General don’t compete; they complement each other,” he said.  

For rural and cowboy church leaders, that message brought clarity and encouragement, affirming that they do not have to mirror larger churches to be effective in their own communities.

A renewed sense of calling

As the summit concluded, Thompkins walked away not with all the answers, but with something more important: clarity, confidence and conviction.

“I don’t really know everything I’m going to be doing,” he said. “But I can do one thing. I can be honest. And I can have compassion for the people God puts in front of me.” He added, “The harvest is great, and I’m not going to turn away from the opportunity to do what God has called me to do.”

Events like the Big Ministry in Small Towns Summit create space for leaders like Thompkins to be encouraged, equipped and challenged. They provide practical tools for ministry, honest conversations about real challenges and support for leaders navigating their next step.

In small towns across East Texas, there are leaders faithfully serving, often without recognition, but with a deep desire to make an impact. Gatherings like this remind them they are not alone and help equip them to move forward with confidence and purpose.

For more information about Big Ministry in Small Towns Summit, contact Ira Antoine at ira.antoine[at]txb.org.