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After seven years serving as lead pastor and elder at New Beginnings Baptist Church in Longview, Connor Bales has come home to Prestonwood.
“We have found God’s man to serve as our next North Campus Lead Pastor,” Senior Pastor Jack Graham told the North Campus family recently. “I’m absolutely thrilled.”
So, too, are members of the Bales family, whose roots are in the Dallas area.
“Our entire family is so excited to be back at Prestonwood,” said Connor, who served at Prestonwood from 2010 to 2012. “I am especially grateful for the opportunity to return and serve on staff at such a great church where I have so many wonderful relationships.
“Dr. Graham gave me an opportunity, and it allowed me to understand how our church serves, how a God-honoring ministry is done with excellence, and it gave me the best possible footing for the future calling the Lord had on my life.”
A graduate of Texas Tech University with a degree in landscape architecture, Connor started his own landscaping business in 2005. While serving as a teacher and student ministry leader at First Baptist Church, Coppell, he felt the call to ministry. He was ordained at First Baptist Church, Coppell and started attending Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He then joined Prestonwood, where he served as Minister to Young Marrieds and then Minister to Young Families. Connor received a Master of Arts and Theological Studies from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminar in 2011 and is currently working toward a Doctorate of Education Ministry degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
“Connor is no stranger at Prestonwood, after serving on our staff here for almost three years,” Senior Pastor Graham said in his announcement at the North Campus. “I’ve had the privilege to see Connor develop and grow in ministry. He’s an incredible leader and a dynamic communicator.
“You will love Connor Bales.”
Connor’s return to Prestonwood takes him to the burgeoning U.S. Highway 380 region, where countless people are making their home—transplants from other states and many looking to find great family environments.
“I believe God used all of this to prepare me for the role I’ve been called to fulfill now,” Connor said.
“Thankfully, the vision we had for our North Campus those many years ago, along with the sacrificial service of so many who have worked tirelessly along the way, have served to get us to where we are today—ready to share the love of Christ,” Connor said.
His wife, Mary, and their children—Kathryn, Coleman, Libby, Hannah and Campbell—have settled in quickly.
“We have already fallen in love with the town of Prosper and the surrounding communities,” Connor said. “We believe that with all of the growth we are experiencing, God is going to do great things!”
Connor is particularly passionate about personal evangelism as described by the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18–20, when the risen Lord appeared to His disciples:
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
Prosper, Celina and the neighboring towns provide a remarkable opportunity to share the love of God, Connor said.
“Honestly, the sky is the limit,” he said. “I’m burdened, but with a God-given excitement for the hundreds of thousands of people who are moving into our backyard and may not have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
“I believe with all my being that God has His hand on our church and that with the explosive growth we are witnessing here in the northern parts of the Metroplex, Prestonwood is more ready to serve others and share Jesus than we’ve ever been before.”
Published: July 24, 2019
Author: Michael Young
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