GBA Annual Meeting 2025 Recap

What a night of fellowship, worship, and unity across Grayson County churches!

The Host Church

This year’s meeting was graciously hosted by Calvary Baptist Church, a congregation with deep roots in Grayson County since 1905. Even as guests made their way through the packed vendor halls, the atmosphere was filled with laughter, conversation, and a true sense of fellowship.

Calvary’s story of revitalization under Pastor Steve Rice served as a living testimony of God’s renewing work. The serving team, donned in bright blue shirts, made sure everyone felt welcomed and cared for!

Pastors Dinner

The evening began at 5:00 PM with a free BBQ dinner for all pastors and ministers of our GBA churches, courtesy of the incredible volunteers at Calvary and our Ministry Vendors.

During dinner, a few of our ministry partners shared brief presentations highlighting the ongoing Kingdom work in Grayson County. Just a few of those presentations included:

• The Gideons – Mike & Laurie Wissinger shared about their continued Bible distribution efforts in Grayson County.

• B.H. Carroll Theological Seminary – Ray Wilkins highlighted the DMin program and opportunities for continued education for pastors.

• Texas Baptists – Steve Dominy gave insight into an upcoming insurance option for churches launching in November through Texas Baptist.

• Evangelism Shift – Jeffrey Reed gave a presentation on a local evangelism equipping network available to churches interested in revamping their outreach.

  
  

Tables for these vendors and others were visited by church members from 5:45-6:30pm. This was a great time of connection for local organizations!

Annual Meeting Highlights

At 6:30 PM, we gathered for a powerful time of worship led by Austin Estes, followed by encouraging ministry reports:

• Zach Ferrell, Interim BSM Director, highlighted new Life Groups and Discipleship Groups launched this semester.

• Brian Taylor, representing the GBA Campground, shared that over 30 baptisms have taken place since the property’s reopening! Recognition was given for our GBA camp hosts, Joel & Naomi Lightfoot, for their faithful service.

  
  

Business Session

Under the moderation of Zach Poling, Pastor of FBC Dorchester, the following actions were affirmed:

• New Leadership Team Approved

  
  

  • Moderator: Steve Rice (Calvary Baptist, Denison)

  • Vice Moderator: Jake Edwards (Georgetown Baptist, Pottsboro)

  • Church Planting: Mike Flannagan (FBC Whitesboro)

  • Church Revitalization: Caleb Fleming (Fairview Baptist, Sherman)

  • Church Care: Steve Suffron (FBC Denison)

  • Treasurer: Mike Lovely (FBC Van Alstyne)

  • Properties Team: Brian Taylor (Forest Avenue, Sherman)

  
  

Two new churches were officially welcomed into the association:

• The Bridge, Tioga – Pastor Trent Hodgkinson

• Iglesia Peniel, Sherman – Pastor Isedro Lara Sr.

Pastors gathered around to pray and lay hands on these leaders, led by Mike Lovely.

Looking Ahead

During the AMS report, Austin Lambert shared the following practical next steps for the association:

• Rebuild A Strong Communication Network — pastors or members can join today by completing the form below:

• Contribute to a GBA Strategic Remodel — The GBA will move forward into a new era of ministry as space is created for a biblical counseling and room is redesigned for ministry conferences.

  • The entire project is estimated at around $30,000, and we’re inviting our GBA churches to partner together to make this vision possible. To contribute or find out more click the button below or watch the video:

    
    

Future Strategic Ministry Center!

If just 100 people in 15 churches each gave $20, the project would be completely funded!

Closing Worship & Message

The evening concluded with a message from Austin Lambert on “The Necessity of Unity” from John 17, reminding us that an Association is the experimental expression of churches obeying Christ's command to be one and reach the world! Our Unity is the catalyst for World Revival.

We ended the night with a final word from Pastor Steve Rice and a closing song of praise, marking a beautiful close to an unforgettable evening.