Carlos Francis named new director of African American Ministries

The Texas Baptists Center for Cultural Engagement welcomed Carlos Francis as the new director of African American Ministries. Francis transitioned from his prior position as the director of Young Adult Ministries. He assumed the position on Oct. 7.

Francis said he looks forward to getting African American churches more connected and engaged with the Convention. 

“The goal is to get every last one of [our churches] engaged and connected to the fabric of Texas Baptists so we can serve them. That's what I'm most excited about; getting those churches that maybe have been hidden for whatever reason; changing of pastor, changing of location, changing of information, reconnecting with them so they can connect back with Texas Baptists,” said Francis. “I get to offer services, resources, tools and techniques to equip Texas Baptists churches to help build the kingdom and their respective churches.”

Prior to his time at Texas Baptists, Francis served as the youth and young adult pastor at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Mansfield from 2008 to 2021.

Francis previously served as the director of Camp Exalted for Texas Baptists, . He also previously served on the Evangelism team as an African American specialist. Most recently, he served as the director of Young Adult Ministries prior to his role as director of African American Ministries. 

Francis stepped into this role following Oza Jones, who transitioned to director of Evangelism in October. 

“I want to tell the [directors of African American Ministries] that were before me … I stand on tall and broad shoulders,” said Francis. “As I look forward to making God smile in this position, I also want to make them proud.”

Francis earned a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Sports Science from Texas Tech University and a Master of Arts in Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

“We are thrilled to welcome Carlos Francis as the new director of African American Ministries. His background in both convention life and church staff gives him the perfect blend of experience to lead the office of African American Ministries into the next chapter,” said Katie Frugé, director for the Center for Cultural Engagement. “He has a heart to serve, and I am confident his ministry will help empower churches to live out the Great Commandment and the Great Commission.”

African American Ministries at Texas Baptists strives to cooperate with other Baptist bodies to minister to African Americans and others in fulfilling the Great Commission of Jesus Christ by raising up and training leaders in the African American church body. 

To learn more about Texas Baptists African American Ministries and how it can resource your church, visit txb.org/aam.