Lowin named new director of the Missionary Adoption Program and Church Planting Centers

The Texas Baptists Center for Missional Engagement welcomed Clinton Lowin as the new director of its Missionary Adoption Program (MAP) and Church Planting Centers. Lowin transitioned from his prior position as the minister of missions at First Baptist Church Tyler. He assumed the position on Nov. 19.

Lowin said his goal is “awakening the missional imagination” of Texas Baptists churches to “invite them to participate in the active work of missions around the world.”

“I hope to inspire a renewed passion for missional engagement within the Texas Baptists family, inviting more churches to make commitments to adopt partner church planters and missionaries in cross-cultural settings,” said Lowin. “Jesus said in John 20:21, ‘As the father sent me, so shall I send you,’ and I find it important that there's a sending nature of the church.” 

Prior to his time at Texas Baptists and FBC Tyler, Lowin served as academic dean and professor of religion at Wayland Baptist University from 2011 to 2018 and as the executive director and campus dean at Wayland’s San Antonio campus from 2022 to 2023. He also served as the director of Religious Education for the U.S. Department of Defense Army Chaplain Corps from 2018 to 2022. 

Lowin said stepping into this role is a “call refining moment” for him, as he is “very passionate” about mobilizing the local church to fulfill the Great Commission. 

“I am deeply honored to serve the Texas Baptist family as director of the Missionary Adoption Program. I am excited to partner with our BGCT-related churches, institutions around Texas and global partnerships in advancing God’s kingdom mission and fulfilling the Great Commission,” said Lowin. 

Lowin earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Religion from Wayland Baptist University and a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. In 2009, he earned his Doctor of Education in leadership and higher education from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.  

“I’m excited Clinton is joining the Center for Missional Engagement as director of the Missionary Adoption Program (MAP) and Church Planting Centers (CPCs). Among Clinton’s many strengths and skills is the ability to develop systems and processes that allow for a more effective ministry,” said Noe Treviño, director of the Center for Missional Engagement. 

MAP connects Texas Baptists churches to adopt local missionaries serving in other countries who focus on evangelism, discipleship and church planting in their own context. Church Planting Centers is a residency of current and potential church planters that exists to assess, equip, mentor and resource them to start new Texas Baptists churches and ministries.

To learn more about the Missionary Adoption Program and Church Planting Centers and how they can be a resource for you or your church, visit txb.org/missions.