Equipping the Saints: February Training Strengthens BMAT Pastors and Church Leaders

By CHRIS DRIVER
Baptist Progress Writer

Dr. David Erickson speaks on behalf of Jacksonville College, host of first The Table: Ministry Leadership Gathering

Jared Heimer, pastor of First, Cross Roads speaks at the 2026 Pastor’s Conference

The last week of February was a busy and fruitful week for pastors and leaders of the BMA of Texas as the fifth annual Pastor’s Conference and the first ever Table Ministry Leadership Gathering each offered pastors and leaders from across the state a chance to be encouraged, equipped and refreshed.
 
The week began with the annual BMAT Pastor’s Conference at Round Prairie, Fairfield. The two-day preaching conference came together under the theme “More” based on the promise of God’s faithful provision found in Ephesians 3:20-21.  Ten BMAT pastors presented powerful challenges and much needed encouragement from God’s Word over the course of the two days, all echoing and emphasizing the promise that we serve a God who is able to do more. Pastors are continually giving of themselves and pouring themselves out in service to Christ and His church. These two days are meant to be a meaningful opportunity for those who attend to have a chance to be poured into.
 
“Often when people come to our churches and are served the Word, they don’t realize how hungry they are until they show up,” says Kyle Cheatham, pastor of Grace, Jarrell, “the Preaching Conference is like that for pastors. You get away for a couple of days and are led in the Word and refreshed and discover you needed it much more than you realized.”
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Jared Heimer, pastor of First, Cross Roads, has been deeply impacted by his experiences at the conference saying, “The Pastors’ Conference is something I always look forward to. The connections I’ve made with other pastors and ministry leaders has been such a help in my own ministry.”
 
First time attendee, Brett Gilpatrick, worship pastor at Union Hill, Brownsboro, led worship for one of the sessions and really enjoyed the experience saying, “The preaching was phenomenal and deeply encouraging, and it was great reminder that none of us are doing ministry alone.”

Session speaker Nick Kerry, pastor of Beacon, Bryan

​But preaching wasn’t the only blessing. Each year the people of Round Prairie overwhelm attendees with their generosity and kindness as they open their facilities to love on pastors and leaders. “It’s been such an honor to be a part of seeing pastors and church leaders come for encouragement and support over the past few years,” says Round Prairie pastor, Chris George.
 
Plans are already underway to make next year’s conference even better and you won’t want to miss it.
 
The first ever Table Ministry Leadership Gathering closed out the week in Jacksonville. Presented by Baptist Progress and hosted by Jacksonville College, The Table offered churches and their ministry teams and leaders a chance to gather and be poured into by ministry leaders from other BMAT churches. Teams and leaders from churches in Blooming Grove, Palmer, Waxahachie, Bryan, Cross Roads, Crockett and Jacksonville attended the gathering to learn skills and wisdom from experienced leaders in safety and security, greeting, deacons, student ministry, music and worship, media and tech, children’s ministry, finance and general leadership.
 
And of course, Jacksonville College was an amazing and gracious host offering attendees moving times of worship led by the JC Singers as well as an amazing meal prepared and served at the JC dining hall.
 
“The feedback we have gotten from those who attended has all been good,” reports Missions Director Heith Mitchell. “It was successful. Folks who attended really walked away with some good stuff.  Our intention is to really expand. This format really offers us the opportunity to offer so much more because all different parts of church can go and learn more specifically.”
 
Baptist Progress Team Lead Morgan Standifer says, “The Baptist Progress team is already looking forward to and working on next year and we hope to see you there.”

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