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Hometown upbringing, ministry background guide new St. Louis Metro associational leader

NEW By Scott Barkley, posted July 10, 2026

Michael T. Byrd, Sr.’s background in ministry began as a 19-year-old preacher before moving into the pastorate and associational work, all in his native St. Louis.

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‘We just pray about everything,’ Texas pastor says

Prayer is foundational to the ministries of Cielo Vista Church in El Paso.

By Gary Ledbetter, posted July 10, 2026 in Churches & Ministry, Prayer

EL PASO, Texas – Cielo Vista Church is in the middle of a summer season that is recognizable to most large Southern Baptist churches. The summer will include an evangelistic vacation Bible school, student camps and mission trips to Cambodia and the Philippines. The church’s weekly calendar is full of ministries including men’s and women’s Bible studies in Spanish and English, Celebrate Recovery and collegiate gatherings.

Following their time at Crossover, the Howard family visited the Exhibit Hall at SBC Orlando.

By Kayla Houchin, posted July 10, 2026 in Evangelism

ORLANDO – Why would an Illinois family of 10 make an almost 1,000-mile journey from their home in Casey, Ill., to Central Florida (or some other distant location) every year? For the Howards, the reason is simple: to share the Gospel.

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By Daniel Akin, posted July 10, 2026 in First Person

God intends for his people to make disciples of every nation including our own. His command to make disciples was not just for his first century disciples. It is for all his disciples, including you and me!

Journalist Lawrence Smith (left) interviews new Lifeway President Ryan Blackwell.

By Scott Barkley, posted July 10, 2026 in Lifeway, SBC Annual Meetings

"Looking back, I see God preparing me to have a heart that loves His church in all of its different forms, understands pastors who don’t have a staff and understands pastors who have a lot of staff."