Criswell College Chapel

Dr. Matt Henslee serves as the associational missionary of the Collin Baptist Association and as one of the pastors of First Baptist Church Farmersville. Matt earned his undergraduate degree at Dallas Baptist University and pursued graduate work at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he received an M.Div. and D.Min. in Church Revitalization. In addition to over two decades of ministry experience, Henslee has served Southern Baptists in several capacities. He previously led Mountain Valley Baptist Association’s church planting efforts and served the Baptist Convention of New Mexico as the 1st vice president from 2020–2021. More recently, Dr. Henslee served as the president of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Pastors’ Conference in 2022 and on the Leadership Council of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. Dr. Henslee aims to encourage pastors in the trenches of gospel ministry and serve well as a pastor, associational missionary, professor, church revitalization consultant, author, recording artist, and podcast co-host of "Not Another Baptist Podcast". He has eaten a waffle every day since February 28, 2013.

Ralph Emerson is a pastor, speaker, and author. With a dynamic voice and captivating delivery, he has been able to reach thousands of people with the message of the gospel of the Kingdom. Ralph’s ability to be biblical, practical, as well as culturally and generationally relevant has opened doors for him to speak across different platforms nationally.He graduated from Florida A&M University with a BS in Business Administration and is currently pursuing theological studies at George W. Truett Theological Seminary.He announced his call to preach on July 15, 2001, and began his preaching ministry on October 21, 2001, under the leadership of his father, Pastor Ralph W. Emerson Jr. of The Rising Star Baptist Church in Fort Worth, TX. There he served as youth and young adult pastor, Executive Pastor of Next Generation Ministries, and church Executive Pastor.In addition to serving at Rising Star Baptist Church, Ralph served at CityGate Church in Burlington, North Carolina as the Executive Pastor for 5 years and as the Senior Pastor of Impact City Church in Odessa, TX, for almost 2 years.He spearheaded the Community Relations Committee alongside the Burlington, NC, chief of police, implementing a new training module for the police department, and developed a youth violence task force.He is currently the Associate Director of the Cooperative Program for Texas Baptists and the Senior Pastor Elect at Rising Star Baptist Church.

For more than 20 years, Dr. Barry Creamer has pastored churches across Texas, and he continues to preach at conferences, teach lay audiences, and serve as interim pastor for churches in transition. Dr. Creamer has spent over a decade hosting his own podcast, Coffee with Creamer, a program covering relevant issues in ethics, ministry, and worldview, and has served on the Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. His writing has been featured on numerous print and electronic platforms.Dr. Creamer has served as president of Criswell College since 2014, after spending a combined 10 years as both a member of the faculty and as the Vice President of Academic Affairs. A trained philosopher and historian, Dr. Creamer holds a B.A. in English from Baylor University, an M.Div. from Criswell College, and a Ph.D. in Humanities from the University of Texas at Arlington.

This year’s recipient of the Criswell Preaching Award is Jeremy Williams. Jeremy will be graduating with his B.A. in Christian Ministry this spring. He is the Associate Pastor of Pastoral Care at Concord Church in Dallas, TX. Jeremy is an extreme foodie and enjoys playing racquetball, hunting, and just being with his family.One of his greatest passions is seeing God’s people reach their potential in Christ. He delights in taking an active part in God’s work in his life and others through leading, teaching, and preaching. He and his wife Marquie are the proud parents of three children, Kari, Niah, and Herman.

For more than 20 years, Dr. Barry Creamer has pastored churches across Texas, and he continues to preach at conferences, teach lay audiences, and serve as interim pastor for churches in transition. Dr. Creamer has spent over a decade hosting his own podcast, Coffee with Creamer, a program covering relevant issues in ethics, ministry, and worldview, and has served on the Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. His writing has been featured on numerous print and electronic platforms.Dr. Creamer has served as president of Criswell College since 2014, after spending a combined 10 years as both a member of the faculty and as the Vice President of Academic Affairs. A trained philosopher and historian, Dr. Creamer holds a B.A. in English from Baylor University, an M.Div. from Criswell College, and a Ph.D. in Humanities from the University of Texas at Arlington.

Dr. Kirk Spencer currently serves as the Senior Associate Professor of Science and History at Criswell College. He holds two degrees in the geological sciences as well as postgraduate work in science, history, the humanities, and theology. He has taught in various disciplines at Criswell College for over 36 years and at many other educational institutions, including Dallas Christian College, Arlington Baptist University, and SMU. Dr. Spencer has presented seminars in the areas of science and theology, biblical archeology, and modern culture.

Pastor Brad Patterson is the lead pastor at FBC Lavon. He has been married to Carissa for 12 years, and they have three sons: Judah, Knox, and Ezra. He graduated from Criswell College in 2012 with a BA in Biblical Studies.

Dr. David Lowrie, Jr. is the senior pastor at FBC Decatur. With more than forty-one years of pastoral experience, he hasserved churches in the Dallas area, Wisconsin, Canyon, and most recently, El Paso. Dr. Lowrie is the past president of the Baptist General Convention of Texas and is serving his third term on the Board of Trustees at Howard Payne University. He holds a B.A. from Baylor University, a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Divinity from Bethel University in St. Paul, MN.

Dr. Jared Wellman serves as the senior pastor of Tate Springs Baptist Church. He earned a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts from Criswell College in Dallas, Texas, and a Ph.D. on the subject of Heaven at the South African Theological Seminary. He is also a Ph.D. student at Southwestern Theological Seminary in the field of apologetics. In 2012, he published his first book, The Church Member. In his free time, Dr. Wellman enjoys writing, following the NBA, and spending time with family.

Sergio Ramos is the Church Engagement, Institution, and Denomination Initiatives Leader for Buckner International, developing and implementing engagement strategies for assigned churches, organizations, and institutions. He has worked for Buckner since 2008, and prior to his current position, he served as the Regional Director for International Operations in Russia, Albania, Peru, the Dominican Republic, and Honduras.Mr. Ramos holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biblical Studies from East Texas Baptist University and has obtained his Master of Arts in Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a second Master’s in Leadership from Dallas Baptist University.

Dr. Danny Akin is the sixth president of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and has been serving in the role since 2004. He is an advocate for international missions and expository preaching, as well as the author of numerous books. Dr. Akin received a BA in Biblical Studies at Criswell College, an MDiv from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Arlington. Dr. Akin served as a Professor of New Testament and Church History and Dean of Students at Criswell College. He also served as the Academic Dean at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Dr. Andrew Hébert is the lead pastor of Mobberly Baptist Church in Longview, Texas. He is the author of Shepherding Like Jesus: Returning to the Wild Idea That Character Matters in Ministry. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees from Criswell College and a Th.M. and Ph.D. from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. Hébert has served as a leader in Southern Baptist life in various roles, most recently as a member of the SBC Sex Abuse Task Force. Dr. Hébert and his wife, Amy, have four children: Jenna, Austin, Mackenzie, and Brooklyn. Among other interests, Dr. Hébert is an avid reader and enjoys hunting, traveling, SCUBA diving, and developing young men as a baseball coach.

Dr. Terri Moore holds a Bachelor of Science from Mississippi College as well as a Masters of Theology and Ph.D. in New Testament from Dallas Theological Seminary. She serves as Assistant Professor of Greek and New Testament at Criswell College, and her book, The Mysteries, Resurrection, and 1 Corinthians 15 is available from Lexington Press. In her free time, Dr. Moore enjoys traveling and other adventures with her family, spoiling her dogs, and reminding her students to read their syllabus and check their Canvas page.

Dr. Mark Jones is the State Director for Texas Baptist Student Ministry (BSM). He has served with BSM for 27 years, including 21 years in Tyler, working with Tyler Junior College and UT Tyler.Mark grew up in San Antonio and came to Christ through a campus-based high school ministry (Youth for Christ / Campus Life). He attended Baylor University (BA in English & Religion) and sensed a call to full-time ministry. Mark continued his education at both Southwestern Seminary (M.Div.) and Samford University/Beeson Divinity School (D.Min.).

Dr. Ellis Orozco joined First Baptist Church of Richardson in 2009. Born and raised in Houston, Dr. Orozco graduated from Texas A&M in engineering, holds a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Doctorate from Truett Theological Seminary. In addition to his pastoral work, Dr. Orozco has preached at events across the country and served on mission trips around the world.

Dr. Everett Berry is a native Texan born and raised in Fort Worth. He did his undergrad at Arlington Baptist College. He received his MDiv from Criswell College in 1998 and his PhD in theology from Southern Seminary in Louisville, KY, in 2003.He’s been married to Tabitha for 30 years. They have a daughter, Elaina, who graduated from ETBU, and a son, Brian, who works at Prestonwood Baptist Church.He started teaching at Criswell in 2004 and has served as the editor of the Criswell Theological Review since 2012.

Reverend Dr. Michael A. Evans, Sr. was elected Mayor of the City of Mansfield, Texas, in December 2020. He is the proud pastor of the Bethlehem Baptist Church in Mansfield where he has served for more than 30 years. Mayor Evans received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (Pre-Law) from the University of Texas at Arlington. He received his Master of Divinity degree from TCU. He received his Doctor of Ministry degree from Baylor University, where he has also served as a member of the board of regents for the university. Mayor Evans was elected to the Mansfield Independent School District Board of Trustees for three terms, serving from 2007 to 2016 including two years as board president. He also served as an administrator with the Tarrant County College District, with coordination and oversight responsibilities for the district’s ESL and Adult Basic Education Centers. He was a member of the TCC Board of Trustees from 2016 to 2020. Born the oldest of six children and a native of Houston, Mayor Evans has been married to Mrs. Lisa C. Evans, his high school sweetheart of more than 34 years. They have two adult children and a beautiful granddaughter.

Bill Watson serves as Senior Pastor of Lake Highlands Baptist Church in East Dallas. He is a two-time graduate of Criswell College and served on the college’s staff from 2008 to 2020. He and his wife have four children and live in Lake Highlands.

For more than 20 years, Dr. Barry Creamer has pastored churches across Texas, and he continues to preach at conferences, teach lay audiences, and serve as interim pastor for churches in transition. Dr. Creamer has spent over a decade hosting his own podcast, Coffee with Creamer, a program covering relevant issues in ethics, ministry, and worldview, and has served on the Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. His writing has been featured on numerous print and electronic platforms.Dr. Creamer has served as president of Criswell College since 2014, after spending a combined 10 years as both a member of the faculty and as the Vice President of Academic Affairs. A trained philosopher and historian, Dr. Creamer holds a B.A. in English from Baylor University, an M.Div. from Criswell College, and a Ph.D. in Humanities from the University of Texas at Arlington.

In May of 2017, Dr. Tony Wolfe joined the staff of the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention, where he is now the Associate Executive Director. Before working with the state convention, Dr. Wolfe served Southern Baptist churches in Texas and Louisiana for 18 years in the areas of Worship, Education, Christian Counseling, and the Pastorate. He holds degrees from Lamar University, Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary, and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.Dr. Wolfe has authored several books, including "Going Social," "Seven Things You Must Do to Be an Effective Small Group Leader," "Mile Markers: Stages of Growth Along the Journey Toward Spiritual Maturity," "Be Encouraged: For Pastors and Wives," "A Deacon On Purpose," and more. He is a regular contributor to Lifeway’s Deacon Magazine and several denominational media outlets.Dr. Wolfe and his wife, Vanessa, were married in 2001 and have two sons, Ethan and Aaron. They love to fish, golf, and cheer on their LSU Tigers every football season.

David Miranda serves as Director of Church Planting Centers for Texas Baptists. He is also the pastor of The Promise Church in Dallas. David is a former church planter of West End Church in Downtown Dallas, ministering to the homeless and those living on the streets of Dallas. He holds a Bachelor of Arts and an M.B.A. from Dallas Baptist University.

Nick Pitts serves as the Director of Communications at Atmos Energy, joining the team in November of 2019. He previously served as the executive director of the Institute on Global Engagement at Dallas Baptist University. In that role, he penned op-eds for publications such as the Philadelphia Inquirer and the Fort Worth Star Telegram. He also cohosted a weekly radio show and provided commentary on various cable news outlets concerning current issues. In 2021, the Dallas chapter of the Public Relations Society of America named him one of the Top 40 under 40. Originally from Tennessee, Nick graduated with a PhD from Dallas Baptist University in 2016. He is involved with various organizations here in Dallas, including serving on the boards of Traffick911, The Hope Center, and Dallas Christian Leadership Prayer Breakfast.

Today’s episode of the podcast will be a little different. This week, our president, Dr. Barry Creamer, hosts a Q&A with our students in which they get to ask him about anything they want. We hope you’ll enjoy this unique opportunity as you get a glimpse into a conversation between our students and their president, Dr. Creamer.

Pastor Gilberto Corredera has been part of the pastoral team of Prestonwood Baptist Church since 2010. He is the leader of Prestonwood en Español, which has developed to include two locations and a weekly television show on Telemundo Dallas.Pastor Gilberto has a great passion for reaching people who do not know the gospel and has dedicated the last twenty years of his life to preaching the gospel, planting churches, and training leaders. Before moving to the United States, he served as vice president of Evangelism Explosion International in Cuba.Under his leadership, the Great Commission has been taken beyond North Texas, Prestonwood en Español has led several mission trips both in the United States and in Latin America.

Dr. Ty Kieser is the Assistant Professor of Theology at Criswell College. Prior to coming to Criswell, he taught and studied theology at Wheaton College. He, his wife, and six kids live on campus and can frequently be found playing pickleball, hockey, card games, or watching a movie. As a result of living in Illinois for most of his life, he is a hopeless Bears, Bulls, Cubs, and Blackhawks fan. Yet, maybe it’s because of these experiences of athletic struggle that the Lord has formed him to view the Christian life as a long journey of faithfulness with, and toward, God. Academically, his research focuses on the doctrines of the Trinity and Christology (the study of who Jesus is), hoping that the church might focus on the wonder of the triune God and his beauty in the face of Jesus Christ.

Dr. David Hardage has served as Executive Director of Texas Baptists, the Baptist General Convention of Texas, for the past 10 years. He previously served as Director of Development for Truett Seminary. Dr. Hardage has also served as a pastor and interim pastor for a number of churches, most recently as interim pastor of First Baptist Church of Waxahachie, Texas. He earned a Doctor of Ministry from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Bachelor of Arts in religion from Baylor University. He is married to his wife, Kathleen, and they have two children, John and Rebecca.

Dr. Steven Sanders has been an adjunct professor of New Testament and Greek at Criswell since 2020 and has started full-time this semester. He is also an adjunct professor of New Testament Studies at Dallas Theological Seminary. He earned his master's degree in pastoral leadership and his doctorate in New Testament Studies from DTS. He grew up in Jackson, Mississippi but moved to Atlanta to go to college at Georgia Tech. Steven and his wife Danielle have been married for 19 years, and their daughter Kate is in fourth grade this year.

Dr. Brent Gentzel is the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Kaufman, TX, where he has served since August of 2000. He attended Hardin-Simmons University and majored in Bible and history, where he graduated as the Logsdon Scholar. He also received his Masters and PhD from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. After completing his Ph.D. course work in August of 2000, Dr. Gentzel came to the pastorate in Kaufman. In addition, he is the founder of Sodalis, a network of thriving churches across Texas that represents over 25,000 congregants. He has been married to his wife, Julie, for 32 years, and they have two sons, Stephen and Ryan.Footnote:The preliminary passage read comes from Mathew 16:13-8

Dr. Bobby Worthington is Associate Professor of Missions and Evangelism and the W.A. Criswell/Jack Pogue Chair of Evangelism. He is the pastor of Lake June Baptist Church in Dallas (Southeast Dallas in Pleasant Grove). He served as pastor of Inner City Chapel and Dallas Life, ministering to the homeless in Dallas for 27 years.

Dr. Graham is Vice President of Academic Affairs and professor of theology at Criswell College. His academic research is focused on early Christian theology and biblical interpretation, as well as evangelical and Southern Baptist theology. He and his family have been residents of southeast Dallas for over 20 years. He and his wife have been married for twenty-six years and have three adult children. FOOTNOTE:The preliminary passage read comes from Ezekiel 34:7-17.

For more than 20 years, Dr. Barry Creamer has pastored churches across Texas, and he continues to preach conferences, teach lay audiences, and serve as interim pastor for churches in transition. Dr. Creamer has spent over a decade hosting his own podcast, Coffee with Creamer, a program covering relevant issues in ethics, ministry, and worldview, and has served on the Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. His writing has been featured on numerous print and electronic platforms.Dr. Creamer has served as president of Criswell College since 2014, after spending a combined 10 years as both a member of the faculty and as the Vice President of Academic Affairs. A trained philosopher and historian, Dr. Creamer holds a B.A. in English from Baylor University, an M.Div. from Criswell College, and a Ph.D. in Humanities from the University of Texas at Arlington.