FUTURE CHURCH 2030 CONFERENCE

Highlights from the sessions

Director of Church Health Strategy Jonathan Smith reminded church leaders that “the gospel is unstoppable and will come out in unexpected ways at an unexpected time through unexpected people.”

Steve Bezner, pastor of Northwest Church

Over 300 church leaders attended the Future Church Conference, which focused on preparing church leaders for the year 2030 and the cultural, technological and demographic changes that will happen in the coming years.

A variety of nationally-recognized speakers, local pastors and Texas Baptists ministry leaders spoke on subjects such as leading through a crisis and incorporating technology into your church’s operations. Each session ended with a question and answer portion, where attendees could ask session leaders to speak more in-depth on certain topics.

Houston, explained that the future church needs to be a Kingdom-first church, focusing on creating a Kingdom community, not a community of consumers. “There’s something about each of us that comes alive when we decide to look beyond ourselves and wash the feet of our neighbors,” he said.

Beto Gonzalez and Oscar Perez, Global Compassion & Spanish Ministry pastor and campus pastor at Del Sol Church in El Paso, respectively, spoke about engaging the growing Hispanic demographic in Texas. They urged churches to make a space for Hispanic people in their church and to help raise up Hispanic church leaders.

Eric Mason, founder and pastor of Epiphany Fellowship, shared a powerful word about the future of the Black church, reaching millennials and Gen Z and the mission of the gospel. Young people are struggling to find places where they can lead in the church and asking questions about what the church is doing to better the community. Mason encouraged churches to reflect on those issues and be deliberate about making a space for young believers.

Director of the Center for Cultural Engagement ministries

Katie Frugé spoke on issues of identity, presence and purpose facing the future church. She explained there has been an increase in anonymity on the Internet. “If the future is pushing disconnectivity in real life, then where are we connecting?” Frugé asked conference attendees.

The Center for Ministerial Health exists to assist pastors in being as strong and healthy as possible. We take a holistic approach that includes Counseling, Financial Services, Area Representatives and specialized ministry consultants for areas such as Bivocational Pastors and Western Heritage Ministry. There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to ministry so we do all we can to support and care for each pastor in their unique ministry context.

Minister Connection

Area Representatives

Counseling Services

Financial Health

Western Heritage

Bivocational Pastors

Interim Church Services

Pastor Strong Initiative