Kevin Abbott welcomed by Center for Ministerial Health as new director of Pastoral Health Networks and Area 5 representative

The Texas Baptists Center for Ministerial Health welcomed Kevin Abbott as the new director of Pastoral Health Networks and Area 5 representative. Abbott transitioned to the role from his prior position as associate director at the Union Baptist Association (UBA) in Houston. He assumed the new position on May 28.

Abbott said he is excited about establishing networks across Texas to help pastors build habits and relationships that will help them minister well and improve the health of their churches.  

“[I am] excited to be with Texas Baptists,” said Abbott. “Being able to do what I love, what I’m most passionate about and being able to serve the people that I’m most passionate to serve, I’m very thankful.”

Prior to his time with Texas Baptists and UBA, Abbott served as spiritual formation pastor and, later, lead pastor at First Baptist Church in Red Oak, totaling about 12 years with the congregation. He also served in the U.S. Army from 2002 to 2011 as a logistics officer and chaplain. 

"Kevin is already a great asset to Texas Baptists,” said Tim Watson, director of the Area Representatives and Associational Relations. “His knowledge of the greater Houston area and our wonderful churches in this region will allow him to move quickly to serve the pastors, congregations and other Texas Baptists constituents."

Abbott earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies from Liberty University and a Master of Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary. During his service in the Army, he earned a Master of Business Administration from Jones International University. In 2023, he earned his Doctor of Ministry in Lifelong Leadership Development from Fuller Theological Seminary. 

“We are very excited to have Kevin Abbott join the Texas Baptists Center For Ministerial Health Team,” said Dowell Loftis, director of the Center for Ministerial Health. “Kevin's work as our area representative will be enhanced by the relationships he already has with pastors in the Houston area, and his experience with Resilient Pathway will speak into his work as the director of Pastoral Health Networks." 

"As the director of the Pastoral Health Network, Kevin will be responsible for creating small groups or cohorts of pastors throughout our state. These cohorts facilitate encouragement, prayer and the building of relationships with other pastors,” said Watson. “Many of our pastors feel isolated and detached because of the unique call of shepherding God's people. Kevin did an excellent job of creating cohorts in his previous ministry with the Union Baptist Association, and we are excited to see Kevin replicate his pastoral groups throughout our state."

The Center for Ministerial Health of Texas Baptists exists to invest in Texas Baptists ministers to encourage them towards excellence so they can be their best to serve the Lord and his people. Learn more about how the Center for Ministerial Health can be a resource to you at txb.org/minister.