Forty new church planters were recognized Monday, Oct. 26, during the 2026 SBTC Annual Meeting at First Baptist Church Forney. Each planter stood with their spouse and other family members.
James Hardy, a veteran machinist, planted The Way in Cade Lake Baptist Church just over a year ago. He said the work grew out of four years of music and food ministry in the area, where he grilled hot dogs and served hot meals once a month. The church is about five miles west of Caldwell and has about 50 members. First Baptist Caldwell is his sending church. Hardy said he has completed assessment and orientation through Send Network SBTC, the convention's church-planting partnership with the North American Mission Board. He encouraged fellow planters to love God and their neighbors, be bold in the faith and be obedient.
John Park, also recognized, said the call to plant came while he pastored in New York City. Park has 13 years of ministry experience, beginning as a youth pastor and later serving in young adult and adult ministries. He later moved to Texas to pursue a Ph.D.