MAJOR TRANSITION FOR ME & BSM

After 20 years of leading UTA BSM, I'm transitioning in December 2023 to a new state-level role. For several years, the Lord has given me a growing desire & opportunities to encourage & equip young ministers. So, I'll become the new Director of Training for Texas BSM. In this role, I will oversee the assessment, appointment & training of our 60+ campus ministry interns - a role formerly filled by my good friend, Clayton Bullion. I'll also produce student discipleship & evangelism resources & guide the training of TX BSM's 200 staff members. I'm so grateful to Texas Baptists for this incredible opportunity. And at the same time, I will also serve as the Adjunct Professor of Collegiate Ministry at Southwestern Seminary. The two roles will fit hand-in-hand & help me fulfill my calling: equipping leaders to reach the next generation for Christ. Let's go!

TRANSITION PLAN: This summer, I'm taking a six-week study leave to travel & learn from some of the best college ministry leaders in the country before launching into the new role. During the fall, I'll do double duty - serving in this new role while still serving at UTA to transition to new leadership. Which brings me to the question, "Who will lead UTA BSM?"

BEN MUIR: Ben will serve as the interim director of UTA BSM alongside me next fall and solo next spring with the intention of him becoming the permanent director in the Summer of 2024. Ben is a godly man, a strong husband & father, a high-capacity leader, a gifted communicator & an effective missionary. He loves Jesus and loves BSM. Ben has served UTA BSM in some capacity for almost fifteen years since he was a high school senior. After marrying Shauna, a former BSM staffer, he worked in business while continuing to lead worship at BSM. Seven years ago, Ben joined the UTA BSM staff to be my Associate Director. BSM will be in GREAT hands in the future. I couldn't be more proud and eager to hand over leadership to a friend and proven minister. Pray for BSM next year as several tenured staff transition away (all for great reasons) and several young, talented staff take their place.

PERSONAL: The thought of leaving UTA BSM is extremely bittersweet, but we'll still be involved. Teresa and I will continue to live in Arlington & serve at FBC Arlington. I'll office from home and travel around the state. We'll be empty nesters in August when our youngest son, Ben, goes away to college. For now, Teresa will remain in her role as the financial administrator at UTA BSM as we consider what the "new normal" looks like. Please pray that we'd be as useful as possible in God's mission to reach the next generation for Christ!

FINALLY: I'll be building a new prayer & support team. If you'd like to be included in the updates & FB group, message me your email: gary.stidham@gmail.com Thanks!