Truett Seminary Names New Director of Truett in San Antonio
WACO, Texas (December 20, 2023) – Baylor University’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary announced today the appointment of Joe Rangel, PhD, as the director of Truett in San Antonio, effective January 2024. With over two decades of experience in multi-ethnic ministry and academic settings, Rangel is uniquely qualified to lead the extension campus, where courses are taught both at Trinity Baptist Church and online for students pursuing a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry, a Master of Theological Studies, a Master of Divinity, and a Doctorate of Ministry.
“When we launched Truett San Antonio in 2021, we were prayerful and hopeful that this needed initiative in theological education would gain traction over time,” said Todd D. Still, PhD, dean of Truett Seminary. “Through the good work and good will of so many, not least our Acting Director Dr. Keith Bruce and Trinity Baptist Church, our San Antonio campus has grown appreciably. So, we are now ready and eager to appoint and to welcome Dr. Joe Rangel as our first, full-time director for this extension site. After a protracted national search, we are convinced that Dr. Rangel is the person to lead Truett San Antonio energetically and effectively. A scholar-pastor-administrator, Dr. Rangel has both the expertise and the experience, the networks and the commitments to strengthen further this community of faith and learning where men and women are preparing for gospel ministry in and alongside Christ’s Church in San Antonio, South Texas, and beyond.”
As director of the extension site, Rangel is entrusted with the oversight of the campus encompassing responsibilities such as recruiting and resourcing students, fostering connections with local ministers and community leaders, and serving as a bridge between San Antonio and the Seminary’s flagship campus in Waco.
“I am very excited for the opportunity to join Truett Seminary, a quality institution on the cutting edge of theological education,” said Rangel. “It is indeed an honor for me to become the director of Truett in San Antonio, which is strategically positioned to offer quality ministry training to equip ministers and lay leaders in an area and demographic of Texas who might not otherwise be able to attend in-residence seminary training on the main campus. Our partnerships and support systems are strong, and I look forward to building collaborative relationships to ensure future success for our students and for Truett in San Antonio.”
Rangel currently serves as interim dean at Wayland Baptist University in Plainview, Texas, where he also teaches at the undergraduate and graduate levels, oversees the Ministry Guidance program, and directs the Assessment and Effectiveness of the School of Christian Studies. His multifaceted background includes teaching roles at Logsdon Seminary, Baptist University of the Americas, and Biola University, along with pastoral experience in Texas and California. Additionally, Rangel has served on committees for organizations such as Texas Baptist (BGCT) and Covencion Bautista Hispana de Texas. He received a BA in political science from Southern Methodist University, an MDiv in mission/evangelism from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a PhD from Biola University in intercultural education.
In response to the announcement, Julio Guarneri, PhD, executive director of the Baptist General Convention of Texas (BGCT), stated, “I am excited about the appointment of Dr. Joe Rangel as the director of Truett Seminary’s San Antonio campus. Dr. Rangel is one of ours. He has served faithfully among Texas Baptists for decades using his gifting and academic preparation to serve the kingdom. He is well respected across the state, understands San Antonio and South Texas, and is a cross-cultural leader. Dr. Rangel is committed to the local church and competent in the academy. He loves the Lord and the Scriptures. We are blessed to have him lead in this new role.”
Further endorsing Rangel’s appointment, Matt Homeyer, DMin, senior pastor of Trinity Baptist Church in San Antonio, noted, “Dr. Rangel’s background both in the academy and pastoral ministry uniquely qualifies him to succeed as director of Truett in San Antonio. His heart for the Church, winsome witness, along with his friendships among Texas Baptists, Covencion, and in South Texas churches will be a great asset. I think he is going to be a very good fit for both Truett as a whole and for the San Antonio community in particular.”
ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked Research 1 institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 20,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions.
ABOUT GEORGE W. TRUETT THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY AT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
Baylor University’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary is an orthodox, evangelical, multi-denominational school in the historic Baptist tradition that equips God-called people for gospel ministry in and alongside Christ’s Church by the power of the Holy Spirit. Accredited by the Association of Theological Schools, Truett Seminary provides theological education leading to the Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Christian Ministry, Master of Arts in Contextual Witness and Innovation, Master of Arts in Theology, Ecology and Food Justice, Master of Arts in Theology and Sports Studies (online), Master of Theological Studies, Doctor of Ministry, and Ph.D. in Preaching. Truett Seminary also offers joint degrees through Baylor University school/college partnerships in social work, business, law, music, and education. In addition to the flagship Baugh-Reynolds Campus in Waco, the Seminary also has additional instructional sites in Houston and San Antonio. Visit the Truett Seminary website to learn more.