When Preston Dixon, senior pastor of Mt. Gilead Baptist Church in Italy, arrived at the church 19 years ago, the congregation numbered about 35 members, his office measured roughly 5 feet by 7 feet, and the church building could seat fewer than 100 people.
Today, the church has grown to approximately 350 members and worships in a facility valued at more than $2 million.
Despite the numerical growth, Dixon said what excites him most is spiritual maturity.
“We’ve grown spiritually. Maturely, more than anything, and that’s what shouts me,” Dixon said, using an expression for excitement.
“I’m not more impressed with numbers. I don’t want to present God with a glorified nursery. I don’t want a bunch of babies in Christ. … My main thing is to grow us and mature us in the word of God.”
Dixon credits growth not to programs or strategies, but to God’s faithfulness, biblical teaching, and genuine relationships.
“Preach truth, live it out, and love never fails,” Dixon said. “People don’t want to know how much you know until they know you care.”
Dixon’s own story is one of transformation. Raised in church, he said he never developed a personal relationship with Christ until after years of addiction and two prison sentences.
“I was strung out on crack cocaine,” he said. “But my mother prayed for me. I developed a real personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. It was then I discovered what God has given me … the gift of talking,” Dixon said.
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The rural church setting
Serving a rural church has presented unique challenges, Dixon said.
He said ministry in a rural setting requires patience, consistency, and trust in the work of the Holy Spirit.
“You have to be willing to allow the Holy Spirit to do what only he can do, and that is transform people,” Dixon said.
As North Texas continues to expand southward, Dixon believes rural communities are seeing an influx of new residents seeking peace, stability, and strong community ties.
“In a rural community, people are authentic. They want you to be honest, and they want you to be truthful,” Dixon said.
Education and understanding
Dixon believes rural churches must address educational challenges and continue investing in both academic and spiritual development.
Today, the pastor is pursuing a doctoral degree while continuing to lead the church. He previously earned degrees from seminary and Dallas Baptist University and is working toward completing a dissertation focused on 21st-century Christian ministry.
“Education and understanding are critical,” Dixon said. “You can only know what you’ve been taught. Our responsibility is to help people grow stronger academically and spiritually in the word of God.”
For pastors serving in small towns and rural communities, Dixon offered encouragement drawn from his own experience.
He urged ministers to seek wisdom from seasoned leaders, remain humble, and remember ministry is about exalting Christ rather than building personal platforms.
“So many people are trying to make a name,” Dixon said. “Our job is to lift up [Jesus’] name.”
He also warned against comparing rural ministry to large-church models.
“You don’t get into ministry to get rich,” he said. “Stay hungry for the word of God, stay honest with what God has entrusted to you, and trust him.”
After nearly two decades at Mount Gilead, Dixon remains grateful for the opportunity to serve.
“I’m grateful to God, because it reminds me of who I am and what I’m called to do,” he said. “That is to be faithful over a few things.”
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