Ministerial Health

The Texas Baptists Center for Ministerial Health welcomed Olga Harris as the new director of Counseling Services. Harris transitioned to the role from her prior position as a private practice LPC. She assumed the new position on Aug. 19.

“We’re doing this to remind pastors how much their ministry matters and how important having fellowships, friendships, accountability and encouragement is. Ministry isn’t easy, but it’s not meant to be done alone; it’s meant to be done in community. And that’s what we want to be,” David Miranda, former director of Millennial/Gen Z Ministers Network, said at the Millennial/Gen Z Ministers Network (The Pastor’s Common) Rally.

“My heart is really to help churches to saturate their communities and their cities with Jesus Christ by teaching them to define, declare, defend and demonstrate the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

The Texas Baptists Center for Ministerial Health welcomed Kevin Abbott as the new director of Pastoral Health Networks and Area 5 representative. 

Hernandez, who is not eligible to receive Social Security, lives off of his pension from working more than 20 years at the local school. While it can be difficult for pastors like Hernandez to make ends meet, Texas Baptists’ Center for Ministerial Health is providing some much-needed support.

"The financial resources provided by GuideStone are geared specifically for the unique financial challenges and opportunities ministers face,"

"[It] started me on a journey toward a more balanced schedule in all of life."

The program was originally launched in 2022, when 95 recipients were awarded grants, and interest in the grant has continued to grow.

The award reflects cumulative service, as all these ministers have helped multiple churches through difficult interim periods, excelled in peer reviews of their Intentional Interim Ministries, and provided additional leadership for the Interim Ministry Network of the BGCT.

“We’re thankful to be connected with a convention that sees its pastors and the ministry we do, and offers these resources,”

Christian and Matia Messemer share how they manage their Christmas expenses and still find ways to honor their family’s Christmas traditions and celebrate while not overspending.

"Helping our pastors stay strong spiritually, emotionally, financially, and in all ways remains a high priority for Texas Baptists,”

“Our Texas Baptists family joins many others in praying for the families of those whose loved ones were senselessly killed in today’s Uvalde school shooting. We stand ready to help in any way that’s needed,”

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and I think this is a good reminder for us all to pause and do a quick systems check-in.

“Time is running out. Protest deadlines vary from county to county, but most deadlines are May 16^th,”