Ministry for Life in Action: Strengthening Those Called to Ministry
Healthy churches depend on leaders who are equipped to serve, supported through the challenges of ministry, and sustained in their ministerial callings. At Baylor’s Truett Seminary, a commitment to “equip the equippers” (see Ephesians 4:12) begins before students arrive at Truett and extends well beyond their time at Truett. Through partnerships with churches, denominations, and educational institutions, Truett Seminary is committed to fostering and facilitating life-giving, long-lasting ministries and is working to support pastors and ministry leaders at every stage of their journey.
The Ministry for Life initiative is helping to expand this work not only in Texas but also across the United States, by creating opportunities for emerging leaders to discern their particular callings, by educating ministers-in-training, by expanding networks for faithful, fruitful gospel service, and by providing substantive support for those already working the Church. Together, these ongoing efforts reflect Truett’s commitment to walking alongside ministry leaders and the congregations they are privileged to serve throughout a lifetime of ministry.
Communities Exploring Their Call
Ministry for Life is creating space for emerging leaders to discern their callings and to build relationships with others pursuing congregational and Church-related ministries.
In partnership with the Revive Movement, this past summer Truett hosted a leadership conference that welcomed 40 participants ages 18-25 who sense a call to serve in local churches. Participants gathered for preparation as they discern their vocational callings.
Truett also hosted Follow the Call, a conference for women in ministry. More than 200 women and men gathered to encourage one another and support those serving in ministry. Undergraduate students discerning their own callings joined established ministers to hear keynote speakers, participate in small-group discussions, and build relationships with other female ministers.
Additionally, in mid-November, the Baptist General Convention of Texas (BGCT) will welcome students from Baptist universities across Texas who are discerning a call to ministry and who are receiving Ministry Financial Aid scholarships through the BGCT for a two-day retreat at Truett Seminary. Made possible through support from Ministry for Life, the gathering will include worship, spiritual formation, conversations with experienced ministry leaders, and opportunities to build relationships with peers before participants attend the Texas Baptist Annual Meeting in Waco.
Preparing and Placing the Next Generation
Much of the work of Ministry for Life focuses on expanding existing opportunities at Truett for seminarians to gain practical ministry experience. Through Truett’s residency program, 12 students are serving in churches that are investing in the development of emerging ministers.
At St. Andrew Methodist Church in Plano, Texas, Truett now supports a new pre-seminary residency program that offers recent college graduates a 15-month leadership immersive experience focused on personal spiritual formation and vocational discernment. Residents serve at St. Andrew in areas that align with their interests, developing leadership skills and exploring next steps in ministry.
Ministry for Life is also investing in pastoral education for Spanish-speakers. With the launch of Certificado de Ministerio en Español, Truett is expanding access to ministry education and support for Spanish-speaking ministers across Texas. More than 30 pastors and lay leaders from across the state have enrolled in the certificate’s first course.
Sustaining those who Serve
Through Ministry for Life and the Truett Church Network (TCN), the Seminary is also offering support to alumni and ministry leaders by providing continuing education and resources that strengthen the Church for the long haul. One ongoing effort of the TCN is leadership huddles, small-group gatherings that connect alumni and friends for mutual encouragement and support. This fall, Truett launched new huddles in English and Spanish across Texas.
Truett Seminary is also partnering with the BGCT to pilot new leadership huddles for Texas Baptist pastors. Throughout the year, participants will engage in practical ministry training, spiritual formation, and conversations about personal well-being. Assessments will provide individualized insights to help pastors and other ministry leaders recognize and address challenges that can contribute to burnout. The program will culminate in a retreat for pastors and their spouses focused on rest and connection.
Additionally, Truett is partnering with the Center for Healthy Churches to support interim pastors and coach ministers who are stepping into their first pastoral placements. Through this work, pastors receive guidance as they navigate leadership decisions and significant transitions in the life of a church.
Investing in the Future of the Church
The strength of the Church depends not only on preparing the next generation of ministry leaders but also on supporting those who serve faithfully today. Through Ministry for Life, Truett Seminary is deepening its partnerships with churches and church-adjacent ministries to help pastors prepare for life-long ministries, to navigate ministerial challenges, and flourish in their callings. This work reflects Truett’s ongoing commitment to serve and equip those who lead churches.