DBU Report Winter 2020-2021 - Page 24

DBU REPORT 24 DBU ALUMNA JENNIFER HOWINGTON BGCT’s New Preschool and Children’s Ministry Specialist NEWS & NOTES “I believe that children’s ministry is the foundation of all other ministries of our churches. Teaching children about faith matters, and discipling them in the faith is vital to the health of a church, and the future depends on this.” DBU alumna Jennifer Howington recently stepped into the role of Preschool and Children’s Ministry Specialist on the Discipleship Team in the Center for Church Health at the Baptist General Convention of Texas. With her unique and well-rounded background and education, Jennifer is the perfect fit for her new position. Coming to know the Lord first through VBS, Jennifer answered God’s call to serve in vocational children’s ministry in 2011. At that time, she was working as a Credit Analyst for the First Financial Bank of Cleburne. Through her heart’s stirring and a church that offered her an opportunity, Jennifer began serving at Field Street Baptist Church as their Minister of Preschool and Children. “Over the years, I grew as a minister through mentors such as Chuck Gartman, Dr. Shelly Melia, and Dr. Diane Lane. They saw abilities in me that I did not see in myself,” explains Jennifer, who served faithfully at Field Street for nine years. While attending an annual BGCT Preschool and Children’s Ministers’ Retreat, Jennifer met the Director of DBU’s Master of Arts in Children’s Ministry who persuaded her to make University Hill her next stop for a degree. “DBU was very pivotal in my journey through ministry. Working on my education and serving in ministry were natural companions and gave me the tools I needed to be successful as a minister.” Now as Children’s Ministry Specialist at the BGCT, Jennifer serves as a resource for churches across the state of Texas and beyond. “The Children’s Ministry Specialist position is truly all my passions wrapped up into one,” she says. Through hosting events like the annual Preschool and Children’s Ministers’ Retreat and the annual Summit Conference, the BGCT aids churches to become better equipped in partnering with families to raise children to know and love the Lord. Now looking forward to everything her new position holds, Jennifer says: “There is much work to be done, and I am humbled to serve the Lord in this capacity.” Jennifer is continuing her education with a Doctorate in Christian Education from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary while teaching children’s ministry at Howard Payne University. She is celebrating 20 years of marriage this coming April with husband Lee and their two children, Kyle and Kaden. Jennifer Howington with husband, Lee, and their two children, Kyle and Kaden