Michael Evans Sr., Tony Evans, and Delvin Atchison will be the evening keynote speakers at the African American Ministries Leading Up Leadership Conference in Mansfield, Mar. 12-14.
Michael Evans Sr. is scheduled to speak during Thursday evening’s worship session, Tony Evans on Friday evening, and Atchison on Saturday morning.
Tony Evans is the founding pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship and president of The Urban Alternative.
The first African American to earn a doctorate in theology from Dallas Theological Seminary, Tony Evans was named one of the 12 most effective preachers in the English-speaking world by Baylor University.
Evans also wrote and published the first full-Bible commentary and study Bible by an African American.
Tony Evans stepped down from his role as pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in 2024. His son, Jonathan Evans, is now the senior pastor.
Michael Evans Sr. serves as senior pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Mansfield, where the conference will be held.
Michael Evans Sr. has held key leadership roles among Texas Baptists, including serving as president of the Baptist General Convention of Texas and as director of Texas Baptists’ African American Ministries. He is a graduate of Baylor University’s Truett Theological Seminary.
Delvin Atchison is the senior pastor of Westside Baptist Church in Lewisville. He previously served as director of Texas Baptists’ Great Commission Team.
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Atchison earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Divinity with honors from Baylor’s Truett Seminary.
Training and encouragement
Carlos Francis, director of Texas Baptists’ African American Ministries, encourages ministry leaders to attend the conference and participate in conversations and training.
The conference is planned around what pastors say their churches need, Francis explained.
This year’s conference will focus on AI and media, leadership styles, and the mission and ministry of Texas Baptists.
Sessions will address biblical leadership, preaching, evangelism, apologetics, church finances, media, online discipleship, and the role of women in church leadership.
The conference also will highlight ministry innovation through sessions on artificial intelligence, digital communication, community engagement, and WAVE training for summer camp leadership.
In addition, a Seasoned Saints track will provide encouragement and practical guidance for older adults, focusing on legacy building, mental health, caregiving, grief and loss, safety, navigating Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security, and developing a Seasoned Saints ministry.
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