Intercultural Ministries
Through a variety of initiatives we seek to strengthen intercultural churches, by serving as an advocate and partner. We inform those working cross-culturally and are a valuable tool in ministering to cultures from across the globe.
A pastor’s role is to equip and be equipped. Their willingness to be sharpened allows them to build their congregation - not with numbers, but in fear and love of the Lord. When our shepherds are led well, they in turn will pour out well. This is faithfulness in action.
If you are engaged in ministry with an intercultural group – or feel called to such ministry – we welcome you to reach out to our director of Intercultural Ministries, Mark Heavener. We are always excited to connect with prospective, new, or well-established endeavors for Christ for all peoples!
Mark Heavener
Director, Intercultural Ministries
Linda Howell
Intercultural Ministries Specialist
Arianna Bailey
Ministry Assistant, Intercultural Ministries
Initiatives
We are involved in a number of different ministries catering to intercultural ministry. If you would like more information about the below initiatives, or would like to get involved, please Mark Heavener.
Bible Study Mentoring
A recent initiative that is designed to strengthen the children and youth Bible study efforts of intercultural churches.
Ethnic Events
Training and fellowship in a specific language and culture.
Intercultural Advisory Council
A group of intercultural leaders who meet once or twice a year to plan initiatives and to establish dialogue with Texas Baptist staff.
Cross Cultural Training
We provide training for congregations and groups who desire to improve their knowledge and skills working with other cultures.
Church Consultations and Conflict Resolution
As churches face challenges and request consultations and resources, Intercultural Ministries assists in culturally appropriate ways.
Intercultural Strategic Partners
A strategic outreach providing seed money for intercultural churches to engage their own people group with the gospel in their homeland or diaspora.
Cross Cultural Mobilization with Unreached People Groups
Through the Mary Hill Davis State Missions Offering we have begun a new initiative to mobilize volunteers to engage persons of other faiths with the gospel.
Ethnic Fellowships
There are seven intercultural fellowships in Texas Baptist Life. African (JAEBCOT), Cambodian, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Lao and Vietnamese are currently organized and several new refugee groups are in the process of forming their own fellowships.
Missions
Intercultural strategic partners know the language, culture and customs and how to connect with their own people. The Baptist General Convention of Texas is giving them a voice and an opportunity to use their knowledge to share the gospel with a culture they know inside and out.
This ministry is made possible by your gifts to the Mary Hill Davis Offering.