Celebrating Churches is a new feature column to celebrate Texas Baptist church and minister anniversaries, baptisms, ministries of local churches, and other items and events of note for BGCT-affiliated churches. To learn more about this new column and/or to submit an entry for inclusion, email news@baptiststandard.com.

The First Baptist Church of Olney held a groundbreaking on Sunday, Jan. 18, for a new educational facility. The project involves the construction of a state-of-the-art facility designed to replace aging infrastructure. Chad Edgington is senior pastor.

DaySpring Baptist Church of Waco was selected as the Christians Caring for Creation Church of the Year for 2025. Christians Caring for Creation recognizes congregations that demonstrate exceptional leadership in caring for God’s creation through faithful action, creative stewardship, and community engagement. The church’s property is now designated a National Wildlife Federation Certified Wildlife Habitat. Eric Howell is pastor.

We celebrate those churches throughout Texas and elsewhere across the United States who will serve their communities amid the anticipated hazardous winter weather this weekend. Thank you for caring for people in need in Jesus’ name.

Part of celebrating churches is helping them grow and develop. The Baptist Standard’s Equip column is full of resources for the growth and development of the church.

Risk Theory announced the successful launch of a new church-focused insurance program—KingsCover—developed in cooperation with Texas Baptists and insured by Amherst Specialty Insurance Company. The program is initially available to Baptist churches throughout Texas, with plans to expand availability to additional denominations and select states in the future. KingsCover was created in response to increasing challenges facing churches nationwide, including rising premiums, reduced capacity, higher deductibles, and limited access to comprehensive coverage. The program offers full replacement cost property coverage, including wind and hail, supported by an innovative claims model designed to reduce friction, eliminate inefficiencies, and enable faster recovery following a loss. For more information on KingsCover, contact info@kingscover.com.

Wayland Baptist University plans a program expansion of the Ben & Bertha Mieth School of Nursing to the university’s Plainview campus to strengthen academic opportunities in the West Texas region. Upon completion of their pre-nursing requirements, students and others will be able to apply to the program. Wayland officials say the immediate focus of the program expansion is on academic offerings and instructional delivery rather than facilities, reflecting the university’s commitment to support students at the start of their academic journey.

Baylor University Provost Nancy Brickhouse announced James R. Brockmole, professor and chair of the Department of Psychology at the University of Notre Dame, has been selected as Dean of Baylor’s College of Arts & Sciences, effective July 1. Brockmole began his academic career at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland before joining the Notre Dame psychology faculty as an associate professor of psychology in 2009. He was promoted to full professor in 2017 and appointed department chair in 2023.

Houston Christian University President Robert Sloan announced a planned transition in leadership for the HCU athletic department with current Director of Athletics Steve Moniaci moving into the role of special advisor to the president for athletics. Current Deputy Athletic Director Stan Williamson is being promoted to director of athletics, effective March 1.

East Texas Baptist University welcomed students back to campus January 12 for the start of the spring 2026 semester. ETBU President J. Blair Blackburn addressed students, faculty, and staff during chapel, launching the spring chapel series “The Way of Wisdom,” centered on Scripture that shapes understanding, cultivates a love for what is good, and guides students to live wisely throughout life. Throughout the semester, the ETBU community will gather in chapel to seek this wisdom together.

Celebrating Churches is a new feature column to celebrate Texas Baptist church and minister anniversaries, baptisms, ministries of local churches, and other items and events of note for local churches. To learn more about this new column and/or to submit an entry for inclusion, email news@baptiststandard.com.

First Baptist Church of Midland is celebrating their 140th anniversary as a church. Darin Wood is the senior pastor. The celebration featured special recognition of previous ministry leaders, such as Todd Still; Jim Denison, pastor from 1988 to 1994; and Randel Everett, pastor from 2011 to 2014.

Alliance Church and One Accord Fellowship have joined their ministries to assist and grow English- and Spanish-speaking ministry in a “1 Mission, 2 Languages, 3 Campuses” campaign for kingdom collaboration. The goal is to serve the 47,000 people in Lubbock who need this type of ministry.

Part of celebrating churches is helping them grow and develop. The Baptist Standard’s Equip column is full of resources for the growth and development of the church.

Dallas Baptist University students, coaches, and friends were on campus to witness the baptism of Women’s Soccer goalkeeper, Sam Jones. This was a time when they watched a servant leader follow through in faith, leaving her old self behind, and resting in the knowledge God has control of her future. Looking back on her baptism, Sam describes how this was one of the most humbling and joyful experiences of her life. Being surrounded by her coaches, family, and teammates as she took this step in her faith made her feel deeply loved and supported. “I felt completely covered in love—God’s love and the love of the community he placed around me,” Jones said.

Baylor University announced the largest gift in the Baylor Baseball program’s history—a gift from Magnolia, the Waco-based and nationally recognized lifestyle company founded by Baylor alumni Chip and Joanna Gaines. The gift will name Magnolia Field at Baylor Ballpark and support the program’s anticipated capital projects. The Gaineses, who are also Baylor grads, rose to national prominence through their home-renovation projects, building Magnolia into a multi-platform, global brand, and launching Magnolia Network following the success of their HGTV series “Fixer Upper.”

Wayland Baptist University is launching a new digital and financial literacy initiative aimed at expanding educational and workforce opportunities for students in rural communities through collaboration with the NASDAQ Market Lab. The initiative, “Empowering Students with Digital and Financial Skills for Workforce and Community Advancement,” will be introduced during a public event at 5 p.m., Jan. 29, in the Nunn Business Building on Wayland’s Plainview campus. Guests are asked to RSVP by Jan. 22 by calling 806-291-1037 or emailing easterb@wbu.edu.

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor is excited to announce registration is now open for the spring 2026 semester at the UMHB Arts Academy. Participants of all ages and skill levels in music, theatre, and dance are invited. Classes include instrumental and vocal lessons, musical theatre, dance, and early childhood groups. With expert instructors, supportive programs, and a welcoming environment, the UMHB Arts Academy is a place to build confidence and learn new skills.

Paul T. Sloan, associate professor of early Christianity and chair of the Department of Theology in the School of Christian Thought at Houston Christian University, was named the 2025–26 winner in the biblical studies category of the Christianity Today Book Awards for his book Jesus and the Law of Moses: The Gospels and the Restoration of Israel within First-Century Judaism.

Wayland Baptist University has selected Ronald Angelo Johnson, associate professor of history and Ralph & Bessie Mae Lynn Endowed Chair of History at Baylor University, as the featured speaker for the 2026 Willson Lectures scheduled Feb. 10–12 at the university’s Plainview campus. The 2026 Willson Lectures mark the 75th anniversary of two pivotal moments in Wayland’s history. In 1951, Wayland became the first four-year liberal arts college in the former Confederacy to voluntarily integrate its student body. That same year, James M. and Mavis Willson established the endowment that would become the university’s most enduring lecture series. In addition to the scheduled lectures, Johnson will speak in select Wayland classes and participate in community-related events.

Houston Christian University art faculty and Master of Fine Arts students collaborated with The Heights Church in Houston to create the Jeanette D. and Howard D. Moon Gallery. The gallery’s grand opening and dedication, as well as the opening of its first exhibition, “A New Moon Rises,” took place at The Heights Church on Dec. 4. The Moon Gallery offers an opportunity for HCU faculty and students to share their creative work with a broader community audience as an extension of the ministry of a local church with which HCU partners closely. The gallery will serve as a space for visual arts, performing arts, fellowship and community events. To learn more about the Moon Gallery and the HCU artists who contributed, please visit themoongallery.org.

Howard Payne University student Alexandria Martinez has been awarded a scholarship by the Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas and the Council of Independent Colleges and United Parcel Service. Martinez is a senior nursing major from Lubbock. She is a member of Delta Chi Rho, a Christian sorority on campus.

B.H. Carroll Theological Seminary at East Texas Baptist University announced the establishment of its first endowed scholarship, made possible through an estate gift from longtime Texas Baptist pastor, educator and friend of the seminary, Jimmie Nelson. The Jimmie Nelson Endowed Scholarship will support students enrolled in Carroll’s Ph.D. program, continuing Nelson’s lifelong investment in ministerial education. Nelson, remembered widely for his decades of pastoral leadership, teaching ministry and dedication to theological preparation, served Texas Baptist churches more than 60 years. He pastored congregations across the state, taught future ministers, and devoted his life to strengthening the church through faithful preaching and mentoring.

Houston Christian University celebrated 325 graduates in three commencement ceremonies on Dec. 13. At the ceremonies, 181 bachelor’s, 132 master’s and 12 doctoral degrees were awarded, bringing HCU’s total degrees granted to 27,899 in its 65-year history. In addition to prayers, special music and Scripture readings led by graduates, HCU President Robert Sloan delivered a commencement sermon from Luke 2:4–14. He commissioned the graduates to remember the sense of joy and relief they experience in the celebration of their commencement and in their celebration of Christmas to prepare them for a life of joyful faithfulness in anticipating Christ’s return.

Houston Christian University hosted a ceremony Dec. 2 marking the completion of the structural phase of the Smith Engineering Science and Nursing Building. The multidisciplinary building will expand space and learning opportunities for the next generation of science, technology, engineering, mathematics and nursing professionals. Slated to open in fall 2026, the building will be home to innovative laboratory and learning spaces for the College of Science and Engineering and the Linda R. Dunham School of Nursing. Those in attendance were invited to take part in the traditional signing of a beam to commemorate the occasion.

Baylor University has named media and brand executive and former athletics administrator Doug McNamee as the Bears’ next vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics, Baylor President Linda A. Livingstone announced. McNamee returns to Baylor after serving as president of Waco-based Magnolia, the nationally recognized lifestyle and media company founded by Baylor alumni Chip and Joanna Gaines, and most recently as president of Field & Stream. A two-time Baylor graduate, McNamee spent nearly a decade at his alma mater, rising to senior associate athletics director for external affairs before departing in 2018 for the corporate sector.

Thomas Sanders, provost and vice president for academic affairs, announced East Texas Baptist University’s Level VI accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. ETBU now has authority to award four or more doctoral degrees. ETBU awarded its first Ph.D. to Arcadis Silvera and Doctor of Ministry to Jason Horine. “Level VI is the highest designation,” Sanders said. “We are educating and training the people who will be the next graduate and undergraduate students across Christendom. In a sense, it is a bigger kingdom impact. We are training future educators who will be educating other professionals.”

The Gary Cook School of Leadership at Dallas Baptist University will host a Zoom presentation on “Sabbath Rest for Leaders” on Thursday, Dec. 11, at noon. The candid conversation will include discussions on the biblical understanding of Sabbath rest and how it can be prioritized without diminishing work. Those interested can sign up online.

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Arts Academy is excited to present its Christmas Festival on Saturday, Dec. 13, at 2 p.m. The event is free and open to the public and will take place inside the Sue & Frank Mayborn Performing Arts Center on the UMHB campus.

Howard Payne University surpassed this year’s Giving Tuesday goals of raising $750,000 from 400 supporters. The total on Dec. 2 was $1.2 million from 425 supporters across 21 states. Donations during the one-day giving event were provided by alumni, friends, faculty, staff and community partners. Gifts will support a wide range of student-experience initiatives, including student scholarships, academic programming, campus improvements, athletics and the Howard Payne Fund.

Raúl Josué Valerio has been named the new director of Hispanic initiatives at Baylor University’s Truett Theological Seminary. As Valerio begins this new position, he will play a vital role in advancing Truett’s ongoing commitment to serving and partnering with Hispanic ministers and ministries across Texas and beyond.

Howard Payne University will soon begin construction on a new $6 million tennis center. The new facility will replace the current clubhouse located at 301 Second St. by the McCulloch Athletic Center. The facility will include a 3,300-square-foot clubhouse with locker rooms, a team room, a coaches’ office and a study room. Eight tennis courts are included, along with additional stands for visitors and expanded parking areas.

Faculty from Houston Christian University’s School of Christian Thought and Houston Theological Seminary provided leadership at a recent International Meeting of the Society of Biblical Literature and the Evangelical Theological Society in Boston. Paul Sloan received the Paul J. Achtemeier Award for New Testament Scholarship for his paper, “Lawful Lawlessness: The Torah and Paul’s Authorized Mission in 1 Corinthians 9.” An international book launch was held for Five Views of the Gospel, co-edited by Jason Maston of HCU and Michael Bird.

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor will honor its 169th graduating class during a commencement ceremony at 1 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5, in Crusader Stadium on the UMHB campus. An estimated 448 students will be awarded degrees for the fall 2025 ceremony, including 318 baccalaureate degrees, 94 master’s degrees and 36 doctoral degrees.

Anniversary

City Church Del Rio celebrates 10 years as a congregation. Larry Floyd, director of missions for El Paso Baptist Association, started the church in his living room in 2015.

Wayland Baptist University congratulates sophomore Kendal Tucker on being named the Plainview Chamber of Commerce Student of the Month for Nov. 2025. Tucker, a native of Billings, Mont., is majoring in elementary education with a specialization in special education. She is also minoring in English and American Sign Language. After graduating from Wayland, she plans to teach in the field of special education.

Mission Able announced it has received a $7,500 grant from the CenterPoint Energy Foundation to support its Microcredit Program—a sustainable solution designed to help homeowners afford urgent repairs without falling into high-interest debt or risking displacement. Repairs funded through the Microcredit Program often include roof replacements, plumbing overhauls and accessibility modifications—each one preventing health risks, code violations or displacement. These repairs also protect the value of the home, helping preserve affordable housing and long-term ownership in the community. The program launched in 2021 and is connected to First Baptist Church in San Marcos. Learn more at www.missionablesmtx.org.

Dallas Baptist University will be hosting a NEXUS Ministry Leadership Conference Monday, Feb. 2, 2026. The theme is “Leading from Rest: Caring for your soul while serving.” The program will feature keynote speaker Barry Jones, senior pastor of Irving Bible Church, breakout sessions and round-table discussions over leadership conflicts, deadlines, priorities and emotional health. Early bird registration is $8 per person, and regular registration is $15. Online registration is available.

Anniversary

Shining Star Fellowship in Abilene and founding pastor Richard Darden celebrate 25 years. The church began as a mission of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church.

Cockrell Hill Baptist Church in Dallas celebrated 110 years as a congregation on Sunday, Nov. 23.

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor welcomed Doug McMillon, president and CEO of Walmart, as the featured speaker for the 2025 McLane Lecture early November in the Frank and Sue Mayborn Campus Center arena. McMillon began his career with Walmart in 1984 and rose to the ranks of CEO in 2014. He spoke to the crowd of UMHB students, faculty, staff and special guests about his faith and life in the retail industry.

Wayland Baptist University invites the community to gather on campus for its annual “Lighting Up Wayland” celebration, taking place immediately after Plainview’s community Christmas parade on Dec. 4. Festivities will start at 7:30 p.m. at Gates Hall Circle, located in front of historic Gates Hall on Quincy Street.

Dallas Baptist University is celebrating 60 years in Dallas. The campus came together for Founders’ Day, honoring that vision with a special convocation and community festivities. The celebration continued in Pilgrim Chapel’s Ford Foyer as the campus community came together to enjoy activities such as the International Pepsi Break, T-shirt printing, face painting, specialty DBU Coffeehouse drinks and a cake-cutting ceremony to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Jim and Sally Nation Hall.

Claire Wilkerson, an honors college scholar and theological studies major at Houston Christian University, was selected to participate in the John Jay Institute’s Fellows Program this coming spring. The John Jay Fellows Program is a flagship program centered around America’s founding and provides intellectual, spiritual and professional training for young Christian leaders. Wilkerson is completing her HCU degree through participating in the Scholarship & Christianity in Oxford program this fall, and after graduation will participate in the semester-long, Philadelphia-based cohort of 24 Christian student leaders from across the country.

Albert Reyes, president and CEO of Buckner International, represented Buckner at the White House in mid-November. The event included the signing of an Executive Order for Fostering the Future, an initiative led by the First Lady to provide resources and job opportunities for youth who age out of foster care.