ABOUT: FACULTY & STAFF

Steve Butler, B.M.E., B.E.B., M.A.R.,
Th.M., Th.D., D.Ed.Min., Ph.D.
PRESIDENT / CEO / FACULTY

EDUCATION:  Bachelor of Music Education from Quachita Baptist University, AR; Master of Theology and Doctor of Theology from Texas Baptist Institute & Seminary; Master of Arts Religion from Baptist Missionary Association Theological School, Jacksonville, TX; Doctor of Education Ministry from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, TX; PhD in Organizational Leadership from Columbia International University.

MINISTRY:  Associate Pastor, Calvary Baptist Church, Henderson, TX 1975-2018. Faculty member with Texas Baptist Institute & Seminary since 1975. Dr. Butler has served Texas Baptist as CEO and Academic Dean from 2014-2023. Dr. Butler is certified with the Biblical Counseling Institute and Center for Biblical Counseling.

PERSONAL:  He enjoys being with his family, hunting, fishing, and livestock.

Robert Wallace, B.S., Th.B., M.A.ML., Th.D.
CFO / VP OF ADVANCEMENT / FACULTY

EDUCATION: Bachelor of Science, Accounting, University of Arkansas, Monticello, AR; Bachelor of Theology and Doctor of Theology from Texas Baptist Institute & Seminary; Master of Arts in Ministry Leadership, Emphasis in Executive Leadership, Crown College, Minneapolis, MN. 

MINISTRY: Youth Pastor, Calvary Baptist Church, Henderson, TX 1989-1996; Founder/Chairman of the Board/Speaker/Leader Trainer, Youth Frameworks, Henderson, TX 1996-2017; Faculty member with Texas Baptist since 2001; Vice President of Advancement/CFO since 2003 for Texas Baptist.

PERSONAL: He enjoys hunting and other outdoor activities. He and his wife, Dee Ann, like to kayak and go for “Wind Therapy” (riding backroads in the Jeep without the top and doors). He always enjoys watching his beloved Razorbacks play. Win, lose, or draw.

Dwain P. Knight, Th.B., BS, M.E.B.
VP OF STUDENT LIFE / ACADEMIC ASSISTANT / FACULTY

EDUCATION: Bachelor of Science Degree from West Texas State University, Bachelor of Theology from Texas Baptist Institute & Seminary, Master of English Bible from Texas Baptist Institute & Seminary.

MINISTRY: Adjunct Faculty member with Texas Baptist Institute & Seminary. Licensed as a Minister of the Gospel by Quaker Avenue Baptist, Lubbock, TX in 1975. Set apart and ordained to the work of the Gospel Ministry by Calvary Baptist, Henderson, TX in 1979. Interim Pastor, Mission Springs Baptist Church, Henderson, TX since 2019. Serving as the National Chaplain for KAO since 2007. Taught in Texas schools for 27 year and in the Lord’s churches for over 40.

PERSONAL: He strives to be a lifetime learner who also enjoys traveling with his wife and friends. He is thrilled to be “Cat Daddy” to his granddaughters and hopes to have positive impact on their values by example and prayerful support.

Francisco Barros, B.A., Letters, Th.B., M.Classics, PhD.
BIBLE LANGUAGE DIVISION CHAIR / FACULTY

EDUCATION: Ph.D. in Classics, Greek Language and Literature, University of São Paulo, Brazil; Master in Classics, Greek Language and Literature, University of São Paulo, Brazil; Specialization in Classical Studies, Federal University of Ceará, Brazil; Bachelor in Letters, Federal University of Ceará, Brazil; Bachelor of Theology, Texas Baptist Institute & Seminary, Henderson, TX

MINISTRY: Faculty member at Texas Baptist since 2018. Instructor of Ancient Greek Language, Interdepartmental Language Center, Faculty of Philosophy, Letters, and Human Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2013-2014. Researcher in the Burnam Classical Library at the University of Cincinnati, Ohio in 2016.

Gib M. Allen, B.B.A., Th.B, M.Div., D.Min.
FACULTY

EDUCATION: Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Leadership and Master of Divinity with Biblical Languages, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Ft. Worth, TX. Bachelor of Theology, Texas Baptist Institute and Seminary, Henderson, TX. Bachelor of Business Administration, Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, TX.

MINISTRY: Pastoral Ministry since 1981, serving churches in Texas and Arkansas. Counselor-Family and Marriage, Conflict Resolution, Grief, and other services. Police Chaplain with the El Paso Police Department for 6 years and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department in Ozark, AR, for 9 years. Adjunct Professor at Howard Payne University Extension Campus in El Paso (2002-2007). I published The Moses Way: A Pastor-Directed Model to Address Conflict in 2020.

PERSONAL: Teaching is my passion. I love to teach at all levels and all settings: in the church, in small groups, in conferences and seminars, and in college and graduate programs. I have a wonderful Christian wife who is a great partner with me in the ministry. She and I have 4 beautiful children, one of whom died in a rock-climbing accident. I also have 3 grandchildren. They are active and supportive in the Lord’s work.

John B. Bryant, Th.B., Th.M., D.Min
FACULTY

EDUCATION: Bachelor of Theology 1977; Master of Theology 2015; Doctor of Ministry 2026 from Texas Baptist Institute and Seminary.

MINISTRY: Served in Pastoral Ministry since 1977, Serving Bacliff MBC, Bacliff, TX. 1977-78; Highway MBC, Huntington, TX, 1978-84; Gilmer Baptist Mission, Gilmer, TX, 1984-88; South Union MBC, Daingerfield, TX, 1988-92; Unity Baptist Church, Texarkana, TX. 1992-2018; and is currently pastor of the East Side Baptist Church of Jacksonville, Texas. Licensed to preach by Landmark MBC of Quanah, Tx in 1973 and ordained to the Gospel ministry by Calvary Baptist Church of Henderson, Tx in 1977.

He has served as an instructor at Texas Baptist since 2011, formerly served as Assistant Moderator and Moderator of the Missionary Baptist Association of Tx. Currently serves as an ABA Encampment Trustee since 2011. Longtime member of the Kiwanis Club of Texarkana, where he served as President of his local club and Lt. Governor of his Division and Board of Directors for the Texas Oklahoma District.

PERSONAL: He married Debbie Smith in 1976. They have one son, one daughter, a bonus son and 8 grandchildren. He enjoys spending time with his family, preaching, teaching, travel, camping, fishing, and woodworking.

Leigh Coffman, M.A., M.E.B.
FACULTY

FAVORITE VERSE: Isaiah 41:10 “Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

EDUCATION: Bachelor in Economics, MA in History, Arkansas Tech University; Master of the English Bible, Texas Baptist Institute & Seminary

PERSONAL: My husband, Doug, and I were married in 1997. We have three children, Emily, Wyatt, and Rhett. My husband and I serve at Lonoke Baptist Church in Morrilton, Arkansas. He is a deacon and the treasurer for the church, and I work in the ministry to women, teaching classes and in other areas of service.

Sean Collins, B.S., M.Div.
FACULTY

VERSE: Philippians 1:6 “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”

EDUCATION: Associate of Arts, University of Arkansas–Pulaski Technical College; Associate of Interdisciplinary Studies, Liberty University; Bachelor of Theology, Central Arkansas Baptist Bible Institute; Bachelor of Science, Liberty University; Master of Divinity, Covenant Theological Seminary

MINISTRY: Sean has served in various ministry and pastoral roles at Sharon Missionary Baptist Church (Benton, Arkansas) from 2000 to 2022. Since 2022, he has served as Senior Pastor of Johntown Missionary Baptist Church (Bogata, Texas). He has also served as a faculty member at Central Arkansas Baptist Bible Institute since 2024 and was appointed to the faculty of Texas Baptist Institute & Seminary in 2026.

PERSONAL: Sean has been married to his wife, Melissa, since 2008. They have two children and one granddaughter. In his free time, he enjoys reading, playing golf, traveling, following the financial markets, and occasionally taking a guided hunting or fishing trip.

Justin Gatlin, B.S., M.A.T.S.
FACULTY

EDUCATION: Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Liberty University; Graduate Certificate – Non –Profit Management from Texas A & M University – The Bush School of Government and Public Service; Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from University of Houston-Clear Lake

MINISTRY: Senior Pastor of Alvin Missionary Baptist Church, Alvin, TX since December 2017. Senior Pastor (2015-2017), Youth Pastor (2011-2015) of Unity Missionary Baptist Church, Richwood, TX

PERSONAL: Equipping people for self-sustaining ministry through teaching, preaching and counseling is my passion. Whether in youth ministry, teaching or now as a Senior Pastor, I am committed to making disciples who make disciples.

Tommy Estes, Th.B., Th.M., M.A.
FACULTY

FAVORITE VERSE: When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. John 17:1-3

EDUCATION: Associate of Bible, Bachelor of Theology, & Master of Theology from Texas Baptist Institute & Seminary. Master of Arts in Counseling- Licensure Track, B.H. Carroll 

MINISTRY: Youth Pastor – Bethel MBC Tatum Texas, 2002-2005. Pastor of Hughes Springs MBC, Hughes Springs TX, 2005-2012. Pastor of Faith MBC, Round Rock TX. 2012-current. Faculty of Texas Baptist Institute & Seminary since 2022. Vice President/Assistant Moderator MBA Texas 2020-21. President/Moderator MBA Texas 2021-23.

PERSONAL: Tommy enjoys family, friends and living life to the fullest. He also absolutely loves riding his motorcycle.

William (Bill) Johnson, B.A., B.B.L., M.Div., D.Min.
FACULTY

VERSE: Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might (Ephesians 6:10).

EDUCATION: Bachelor of Bible Languages, Missionary Baptist Seminary, Little Rock, Arkansas. Bachelor of Arts with additional postgraduate studies in Education, University of Arkansas at Monticello, Arkansas. Master of Divinity, Doctor of Ministry, Texas Baptist Institute and Seminary, Henderson, Texas. Doctor of Divinity (Honorary), Oklahoma Missionary Baptist College Institute and Seminary, Marlow, Oklahoma.

MINISTRY: Pastoral ministry in Arkansas and Texas (1966-2001), always emphasizing the value of Christian education. Director of Public Relations, American Baptist Association, (1979-1986). Editor of Christian Education Bulletin for six years. Editor in Chief of Publications, American Baptist Association, (1986-2003). Bill taught in public schools before becoming involved in curricula development for churches. He lectured widely among the churches of the American Baptist Association conducting Christian education training seminars. He established and served as President of International Christian Publishers (2003-Present), developing and publishing Christian education curricula in eight languages throughout the world.

PERSONAL: Bill and Rita have been married over sixty years. Their daughter, Lynn Johnson Hope, serves on the Board of trustees of ICP. He enjoys serving churches as interim pastor, traveling with Rita among the churches, archery hunting in the Pacific Northwest and Texas Rangers baseball.

Susan Magouirk, B.A., M.A.C.M.
FACULTY

FAVORITE VERSE: Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel for the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night. (Psalm 1:1-2 ESV)

EDUCATION: Master of Arts-Childhood Ministry – Dallas Baptist University; Bachelor of Arts-with a focus in Urban Missions – Southwestern Assemblies of God University

MINISTRY: Children’s Minister at Calvary Baptist Church, Henderson, TX, since 2017. Served as Family Minister for Tilden Baptist Church, Tilden, TX, from 2013 to 2017. Served as Children’s Pastor for London Baptist Church, New London, TX, from 2009 to 2013. Interim Children’s Minister for Glenview Baptist Church, Fort Worth, TX, the fall of 2006. From 1999-2006 Susan served at Wedgwood Baptist Church, Fort Worth, TX in various capacities including Mother’s Day Out teacher and Preschool Minister. Susan began serving in Children’s Ministry in 1996 at Fountain of Life Church, Watauga, TX.

PERSONAL: Married to my wonderful husband, Jason. We have three beautiful children: Daniel, Marissa, and David. We believe, as a family, that no matter where God calls us, we are called there to serve Him and those around us. I believe Children’s Ministry is a combined effort between parents and church to spiritually grow children in the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. It is critical that parents and church work together so that children are brought to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, encouraged to seek a lifelong walk with God, and discipled to tell others about the Gospel. Susan enjoys cooking, gardening, and a good mystery book.

Daniel M. Mendoza,  B.S.
FACULTY

FAVORITE VERSE: John 8:36: “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” In a world where so many people are in bondage and weighed under so many burdens, struggling to survive, it is a joy to know that, in Christ, I am not alone and He carries my burdens and strengthens me to persevere with joy!

EDUCATION: B.S. University of Houston-History/English; Associate’s Degree from Lee Jr. College-Baytown in English; Bible Diploma from Faith Bible Institute; Currently completing degree in English Bible from Texas Baptist Institute.

MINISTRY: Associate Pastor-Calvary MBC, Baytown, Texas 1996-2009; M.M.S. Short-term mission trip leader (Ukraine) 2006-2009; Pastor Hope MBC, Pasadena 1992-1995; Pastor-Creekmont B.C. 2009-2021; Secretary-Treasurer of Missions for the Missionary Baptist Association of Texas-2021 to present.

PERSONAL: I have been married for 40 years to my wife, Mary. We have two daughters and two wonderful grandkids. I love to travel across Texas and encourage our Texas churches, pastors, and missionaries. They are unsung heroes in how they hold the course and daily fill in the gap in their service for the Lord. I am a life-long learner and hope to convey that desire to grow and learn to my students. I love motorcycling, sailing, and coffee on the back porch!

Erica Moore, B.S., M.Ed., COMS, TSVI
FACULTY

EDUCATION: She holds a B.S. in Exercise and Sport Science from Oklahoma Baptist University (1998) and an M.Ed. in Special Education from Texas Tech University (2009). A special education teacher since 2002, she has more than twenty years of classroom experience serving diverse students and their families. This work has deepened her commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities and to providing compassionate, biblically grounded support and inclusive opportunities for students and their families. She also holds specialized credentials: Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist (since 2010), Certified Teacher for Students with Visual Impairments (since 2012), and a Graduate Certificate as a Teacher for the Deafblind from Texas Tech University (2023). 

MINISTRY: A committed member of Lifeway Baptist Church since 2002, she has served in the Praise & Worship Ministry since 2003, using her musical gifts to bring Scripture and the Spirit to the congregation through song and to offer praise and worship as ministry. She has led small-group Bible studies for women and mixed groups and served briefly in the Children’s Ministry before focusing on worship leadership. 

PERSONAL: She enjoys spending time with family and friends, especially her six granddaughters, and finds renewal in gardening, beach outings, fishing, and bowling. An animal rescuer, she has cared for several rescued dogs and cats. Her ministry and practice are guided by the Scriptures, particularly Psalm 139:13–16 and Ephesians 2:10.

Joe M Morell, Th.B., Th. M., Th.D., D.Min
FACULTY

EDUCATION: Bachelor of Theology, Master of Theology, Doctor of Theology from Louisiana Missionary Baptist Institute and Seminary. Doctor of Ministry from Texas Baptist Institute & Seminary.

MINISTRY: Assistant director of MTM (Missionary Training Ministry). Missions Pastor, Flatwoods Missionary BC, Mountain View, AR. Founder and former Director of the Lithuanian Missionary Baptist Institute in Kaunas, Lithuania. Missionary to Lithuania, Latvia, and Finland (1997-2009). Served as faculty member (1989-1997) and Dean (1993-1997) of the Louisiana Missionary Baptist Institute and Seminary. Served as President of the American Baptist Association (2014-2016). Pastored First Landmark MBC (1975-1976), Greenacres MBC (1976-1997), Flatwoods MBC (2009-2018). Chaplain, Shreveport Fire Department (1979-1989)

PERSONAL: He enjoys teaching, traveling internationally, training missionaries, mountain scenery, Jeep rides and deer hunting with his wife Jessie, and LSU football.

Chase Reynolds, B.A., M.A. Ling, M.Div.
FACULTY

EDUCATION: Master of Arts Linguistics, Graduate Institute of Applied Linguistics, Dallas, TX; Master of Divinity, Samford University, Birmingham, AL; Bachelor of Arts, Ouachita University, Arkadelphia, AR; Certificate, KPN Language Exchange, Bandung, Indonesia; Certificate, Summer Institute of Linguistics-TCDW, Sentani, Indonesia; Certificate, Church Consultation University.

MINISTRY: Translation Consultant with Wycliffe Bible Translators since 2020. Bible Translation Project Manager with YMP3 (Mission Organization) since 2009. OBS Consultant with YMP3 since 2018, OneStory Cluster Leader with YMP3 (2014-2018). A linguist with Wycliffe Bible Translators since 2007. Pastoral Ministry from 1998-2007. Director of MTM (Missionary Training Ministry). 

Jonathon D. Smith, Th.B., Th.M., D.Min.
FACULTY

VERSE: Micah 7:8 “Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me.

EDUCATION: Bachelor of Theology, Master of Theology and Doctor of Ministry, Texas Baptist Institute & Seminary

MINISTRY: Student Pastor 1992- 2019, Associate Pastor 2019-2023, Pastor of Sublett Road Baptist Church in Arlington, Texas 2023 – present. Co-Founder of CityReach International in 2004. Evangelist with The Outreach Bible Project since 1988. Former Speaker with Aim For Success Inc.

PERSONAL: He was raised a Missionary Kid in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He has a passion for missions and evangelism and has worked in several countries such as Albania, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, England, Greece, Italy, Russia, Japan, Indonesia, Mexico and the United States. He loves to preach Revivals, Youth Camps and Retreats. Jonathon and Jill met at youth camp when they were 11 years old and have been married since 1996. They have two children, Allison and Matthew.

Pete Thompson, Th.M.
FACULTY

VERSE: 1 Peter 2:17 “Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.”

EDUCATION: Master of Theology from Texas Baptist Institute & Seminary, Henderson, TX

MINISTRY: Pastor, Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church, Overton, TX since 2009. Faculty member of Texas Baptist Institute & Seminary since 2026. Served as Journey Teen Camp Director at Pine Springs Baptist Camp. Served as President of the School Board at Full Armor Christian Academy from 2021-2022. Served as Moderator of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Association Messenger Meeting and serves as the Clerk for Mt. Zion Association since 2023.

PERSONAL: He enjoys spending time with his family, running, reading, watching and loving the Dallas Cowboys, modeling n-scale trains, 3d printing, playing pickleball, and watching TV with his wife in the evenings.