Alumni Spotlight: Raul Balandrano
At Truett Seminary, the impact of theological education is often best seen in the lives of its graduates—men and women who carry what they have learned into the varied contexts of ministry. For Raul Balandrano, that journey has come full circle in South Texas, where his work now centers on forming the next generation of disciples and leaders. His story reflects not only the formative influence of Truett during a season marked by uncertainty, but also the enduring connection between theological training and the everyday work of the Church.
1. Tell us a little about yourself (including your family), when you graduated from Truett, and what degree you received.
Growing up in South Texas has been a big part of how I view the rest of the world and Texas for that matter. Nevertheless, something about Truett and Waco calls out to me as a place I like to see as a home away from home. The memories of my time in Truett beginning in the fall semester of 2019 are composed of great friends, amazing professors, and unforgettable moments at Truett Seminary.
My journey with Truett began at the end of my year as a Campus Missionary Intern for the Baptist Student Ministry at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. It was the last month of serving, when an opportunity to visit Truett came up. At that time, I was considering several options for my life, and I was also asking the question everyone asks themselves as one point of their post undergrad careers, “What’s next?”
I knew I wanted to eventually do seminary, but I just wasn’t sure when or how. Fast forward a few weeks after visiting Truett and then applying, I received a letter telling me I had been accepted into Truett Seminary and awarded a full ride scholarship. For the next three and a half years, I spent my time studying during the most uncertain times of the 21st century.
Even though COVID 19 was a huge bump in the road for us and the rest of the world we worked through it and eventually passed that time of our lives. That time led me to do my degree in a unique way that had never been at Truett before. I believe I was one of the few students that completed their degree in a hybrid format, nonetheless my girlfriend at the time and now wife, Claudia Abigail De Leon, supported me during the entire program where I received a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry at the end of spring 2023.
2. Can you share your journey from Truett Seminary to working at Valley Baptist Missions Education Center? What led you to working there?
During my time at Truett I first started working at the HEB Plus in Waco to pay for my apartment rent and groceries. But when COVID began, I transferred back to the Rio Grande Valley, where I finished the rest of my degree while working as a billing agent for an internet company and as a hotel manager. During this time, my old BSM director and Truett alum (’05), Robert Rueda, visited the church my wife and I were attending in San Juan, Texas to fill-in for our pastor.
When we spoke to Robert after the service, he said he would like to share my resume with the director of education for the Valley Baptist Missions Education Center, a non-profit Christian organization in the RGV. Pastor Robert Rodriguez, head of the education, and Mr. Othal Brand Jr., chairman of the board of the organization, reached out to me asking if I would be interested in developing and leading a youth department for them. From that moment I came on board in November 2023 as the youth director for the Valley Baptist Missions Education Center.
3. What are some responsibilities you have with Valley Baptist Missions Education Center and what is your favorite part about working with this organization?
As the youth coordinator, one of the main responsibilities I have is to oversee operations which consist of coordinating youth events, retreats, and leadership training throughout the RGV on a monthly basis. This can look very different depending on the time of the year, the area where we host the event, and of course the church we partner with and serve. But when it comes to training individuals, one of the main responsibilities and privileges I have is to work with local youth pastors or youth ministers at their church, where we have the opportunity to assess and strategize a plan that will help them focus on developing disciples and healthy leaders who will continue edifying their church and community. All in all, the objective behind serving different churches and pastors is to provide a healthy format for a youth group that will base their activities on a biblical foundation that emphasizes fellowship, discipleship, and an overall mindset to proclaim the Gospel.
4. How did your time at Truett Seminary prepare you for working at a non-profit organization/institution/center?
My time in Truett has prepared me as a Christian to approach any non-profit organization, church, or institution with the ability to provide an understanding of the Scriptures, Christian history, theology, and a firm biblical approach to diverse and unique ministries in their own settings.
5. What advice would you give to current Truett students or alumni considering youth ministry?
The advice I would give any student is to never jeopardize their time with the Lord, no matter how busy one may get. Instead, place your personal time with the Lord as priority as you would studying for an exam or writing a paper. While you are a student and if you know you are called to youth ministry, consider finding other students with the same calling and learn from each other during your time at Truett and also look into connecting yourself with local youth pastors and ministers during your time as a student. Nevertheless, make friends at Truett that will look out for you and keep you accountable at all times.
