Jerry Carlisle named President of Texas Baptist Missions Foundation

DALLAS—Jerry Carlisle has been named the new president of the Texas Baptist Missions Foundation (TBMF), following the retirement of founding president Bill Arnold. Carlisle has served as Vice President of TBMF since April 2015 and brings years of business, fundraising and ministry experience to his new role. 

“We are thankful for Jerry Carlisle’s willingness to lead this important fundraising endeavor for Texas Baptists,” said Executive Director David Hardage. “Jerry brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role and I know his servant-hearted leadership will cultivate strong relationships with donors to continue the generous, Kingdom-minded endeavors supported through the work of TBMF.” 

As TBMF President, Carlisle will oversee all fundraising efforts for the Foundation and work in conjunction with the TBMF Council to develop strategic initiatives to support Texas Baptist missions and ministries. 

During his time with TBMF, Carlisle has worked with donors around the state to connect them with ministry causes. From supporting capital campaigns, such as the fundraising efforts for the $3.9 million Texas Tech BSM building completed in the fall of 2019, to establishing legacy gifts and endowments, Carlisle is thankful for the generosity of donors who sacrificially give to extend the ministry of Texas Baptists. In 2019 alone, TBMF worked with 4,798 donors who contributed 23,103 gifts. 

“I am thrilled for the opportunity to share in shaping the work of the Texas Baptist Missions Foundation,” said Carlisle. “I am deeply appreciative of the historic bedrock already in place as the Missions Foundation continues to make a significant impact for the Kingdom of God in Texas and beyond. Connecting God's people with God's work through their financial resources brings me profound fulfillment.” 

He serves as the Finance Committee Chair for the board of Baylor Scott & White Medical Center of Plano and as a member of the Baptist World Alliance (BWA) Human Resource Committee, having just completed a five-year term as BWA Vice President representing North America. He also serves as the interim pastor of First Baptist Church of Saginaw and as an adjunct professor for the College of Christian Faith at Dallas Baptist University. Currently, Carlisle is pursuing the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential, and he holds the Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising (ECRF) as well as certification in Nonprofit Management. 

Carlisle has previously served on the Budget and Finance Committee of the BWA; chair of the Baptist Church Loan Corporation board; as chair of the Institutional Funding Study Committee for BGCT; and as chair of the Collin Association Finance Committee and chair of the Bell Association Missions Funding Committee. From 2002-2015, Carlisle served as senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Plano. He also held ministry positions in Temple, Coppell, Irving and Houston, TX; Cabool and Lebanon, MO; and as a church planter in Canada. 

“I have always gravitated toward the ‘business’ side of ministry, seeking to be strategic in ministry that is sustainable,” Carlisle said. “While Solomon wrote that ‘Where there is no vision, the people perish,’ it is just as true that ‘Where there is no margin, the mission dies.’ I love shepherding generous people and watching them experience the joy that comes with strategic generosity.”

Additional denominational work includes his service as President and First Vice President of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, as well as two terms on the Executive Board. He has also served on the board of trustees for Dallas Baptist University, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Baptist associations, BWA committees and several philanthropic community organizations.  

Carlisle earned a bachelor’s degree from Southwest Baptist College in Bolivar, MO; and Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He holds an Honorary Doctorate from Dallas Baptist University and is an Honorary Alumnus of Baylor University’s Truett Seminary. 

Carlisle and his wife, Dedi, have been married 39 years and have three adult children and six grandchildren. They are members of First Baptist Church of Garland.  

TBMF was founded in 1984 under the leadership of Arnold and then-Executive Director Bill Pinson. In its 36-year history, the foundation has raised more than $180 million to support mission and ministry causes of Texas Baptists. At the time of its formation, the Foundation was the first of its kind among Baptist state conventions.