Weekly Update

Generosity that honors the King

Jan 8, 2025

I am typing this update on January 6. In some church traditions, this day is called “Epiphany” or “Three Kings Day,” celebrating the arrival of the magi to the house where Jesus and his parents were (Matthew 2:11). In such traditions, the eve of January 6 is considered the twelfth day of Christmas, ending the Christmas season officially and festively. 

MAP and TXB Missionaries

Dec 11, 2024

The second week of Advent, we reflect on the peace that the Messiah brings. 

The state of the Great Commission today

Dec 4, 2024

December is here. We anticipate the arrival of Christmas. Many of us begin this month by observing Advent.

Giving thanks, joining arms and walking together

Nov 26, 2024

Thanksgiving is around the corner. The anticipation of time with family and friends, football and food seems to fill the air.

Clarifying the call and uniting around His mission

Nov 14, 2024

Luke records what took place after the Jerusalem council met. They sent letters to the churches and the churches were encouraged, resulting in the continued advancement of the gospel.

Partnership agreements at Annual Meeting

Nov 7, 2024

The countdown for presidential elections is finally behind us. We pray for those elected and our country in general as we move forward, trusting in God’s sovereignty and pursuing His kingdom.

How good it is to partner in kingdom fashion

Oct 31, 2024

At the onset of Jesus’ ministry, Luke records Jesus’ declaration of his agenda (Luke 4:18-19).

Four highlights of our upcoming Annual Meeting

Oct 24, 2024

It is hard to believe that we are approximately two weeks away from our Texas Baptists Annual Meeting taking place Nov. 10-12 in Waco. I am excited and ready to experience all that God has in store for us as we gather.

Partnering to serve those in need

Oct 16, 2024

If you follow me on social media, you may have noticed that over the last two to three weeks I have lifted up prayers, as I am sure you have too, for those affected by hurricanes Helene and Milton, for peace in the Middle East, and for relief efforts by Christian organizations and churches.

The priority of church starting in Texas and beyond

Oct 10, 2024

Monica and I had the privilege of attending the Texas Baptists Church Starter’s retreat in Galveston last week.

Telling the story all day long

Oct 3, 2024

This week, I’ve had the opportunity to preach at First Baptist Corpus Christi, attend our Church Starter’s retreat in Galveston and speak to young adults at First Baptist Edinburg. God is doing great things!

September Executive Board meeting: God’s hand at work

Sep 27, 2024

This week, your Texas Baptists executive board met. It was an encouraging time of hearing exciting ministry reports and making important decisions moving forward. 

Executive board, convention and leadership: three prayer points this week

Sep 19, 2024

Next week, our Executive Board will be meeting for its regular September meeting. It is sobering to remember that a year ago, during its September meeting, the board voted to hire me for the role of Executive Director/CEO.

How God is moving at Texas Baptists universities

Sep 11, 2024

This past week has been a busy week on the road for me, preaching in churches, preaching chapel at one of our universities, speaking to seminary students and speaking at a Hispanic Men’s Retreat.

Why our Pave ministry is so critical

Sep 5, 2024

Since Pave launched in May 2022, 125 pastors have joined cohorts. Eighty-five percent of Pave pastors reported "significant revitalization progress" after year one of Pave. Sixty-eight percent of Pave pastors are reporting an increase in baptisms in their first year of Pave.

Equipping and mobilizing church laity for God’s mission

Aug 28, 2024

This month, I have been conversing with our leadership team, partnering agency and ministry staff about our mission theme for the next couple of years or so.

He has done great things

Aug 22, 2024

This is staff week at the Texas Baptists offices in Dallas. Twice a year, we gather all of our staff from around the state, and we meet for three days to worship together, hear reports of what God is doing, encourage one another and plan as teams.

He is in control: Pastor’s Common and Lamar BSM updates

Aug 14, 2024

All of us are affected by the new school year. Change of routine for families. Morning traffic patterns. And ministry cycles beginning again.