Tom Howe selected as new director of Church Health and Growth

The Texas Baptists Center for Church Health welcomed Tom Howe as its new director of Church Health and Growth. Howe transitioned from his prior position as director of Church Starting on Oct. 1. 

Howe said he’s “always been very interested in healthy churches,” and even though he’s new to the role, he’s been “doing this function since 2018.” 

“It really comes down to a moment in time for me, on March 24th, 2018, when I realized that 85% or more of our churches are plateaued, declining or dying. And I've since learned it was probably higher, and I thought, ‘Somebody's got to do something,’” said Howe. “Even though I'm new to this role, I've been doing this function since 2018 and helping. I've consulted with about 60 churches in this area on top of being the director of Church Starting over the last seven years, just because I know it's an incredible need.”

Prior to his time at Texas Baptists, Howe served as a pastor for the majority of his ministry, his most recent full-time pastorate being at Birdville Baptist Church in Haltom City from 2005 to 2018.

Howe has previously served as the director of Church Starting since 2018 and is serving as interim pastor for the third time at a Texas Baptists church. 

“I love preaching. I love pastoral ministry. I love administration, all aspects of being a pastor,” said Howe. 

Howe said his goal is to see more healthy churches in Texas. 

“What makes me excited is to hear that churches are thriving, they're growing, they're baptizing folks, people are coming to faith, there's an increased level of spirituality and energy at the church,” said Howe. “Every time I hear about a church that's experiencing that because of things that they've done and implemented directly that we've been a part of, that just makes me really excited to know that we're making a positive impact.” 

Howe earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematical Sciences & Religion from East Texas Baptist University and a Master of Divinity from Beeson Divinity School at Samford University in 1998. In 2008, he earned his Doctor of Ministry from Southwestern Seminary. 

“Dr. Tom Howe brings an exceptional depth of experience in church health, growth and revitalization to the Center for Church Health,” said Jonathan Smith, associate director of the Center for Church Health and Growth at Texas Baptists. “His proven expertise in both church revitalization and church restarting will make him an invaluable asset to our team.”

The Texas Baptists Center for Church Health exists primarily to serve the needs of Texas Baptists churches; to help the local church be healthy so that God’s people may succeed in his mission of connecting the world to Jesus.

To learn more about the Texas Baptists Center for Church Health and how it can be a resource to your church, visit txb.org/church.