Our pastors and lay leaders give so much of themselves to their churches and communities. They need ministry allies who know them, understand the challenges they face, and have time to help. That is the heart behind the Trinity Conference’s decision to move our Equipping Elder positions from part-time to full-time, as approved by our Annual Conference at Christ Church in College Station, Texas, this past June.
Rev. Clark Atkins, Rev. Enid Henderson, and Rev. Brad McKenzie officially began their full-time roles on September 1. Each brings a deep love for the local church and a desire to help clergy and laity grow in the ministry God has entrusted to them.
Their work begins with relationships: listening to a pastor, praying with a leadership team, understanding a congregation’s needs, and helping people put their calling into practice. Moving these roles to full-time means more time for those conversations, more opportunities to work alongside churches, and more consistent support as leaders put new ideas into action.
“The full-time Equipping Elder role extends our conference staff into every Area and every local church of the Trinity Conference, where the ministry actually happens,” said Rev. Heather Sims, Chair of the Conference Staff and Superintendency Relations Committee. “Equipping the saints for ministry strengthens our pastors and lay leaders and grows the witness of the local congregation in its own community. This role is one key component in our strategy of disciples multiplying disciples and churches multiplying churches.”
Rev. Brad McKenzie
Equipping Elder for the following Areas:
Brazos | Lakes
Piney Woods | Bayou
Rev. Enid Henderson
Equipping Elder for the following Areas:
Sam Houston | Sabine
Coastal Plains | Pelican
Rev. Brad McKenzie
Equipping Elder for the following Areas:
Arkansas East | Arkansas West
Red River
This investment in our equipping our local churches is central to Equipping for the Harvest, our new strategic plan.
“With the adoption of our new strategic plan, Equipping for the Harvest, this is an exciting season in the life of the Trinity Conference as we work together to equip every leader to grow and raise up leaders, equip every disciple to make disciples, and equip every church to partner in planting,” said Rev. Clark Atkins. “It is a profound privilege to serve alongside the more than 400 local churches that make up this family of churches across eastern Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas.”
For the Equipping Elders, the joy of this work is deeply personal.
“Serving as an Equipping Elder has been both a joy and deeply gratifying,” said Rev. Enid Henderson. “I look forward to this next season of ministry, building relationships and connecting with churches, clergy, and laity as we discover new ways to strengthen our churches, reach our communities, and more deeply engage in the work the Lord has called us to do together.”
Rev. Brad McKenzie shares that anticipation, with a particular hope for how God will work through His people.
“What excites me most about serving as an Equipping Elder is the opportunity to come alongside pastors and churches helping them discover what God can do through disciples who are fully surrendered to Jesus Christ and living in the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Our Equipping Elders look forward to worshiping with you across the Conference, and are available to preach in your church upon request. They are also ready to help local pastors and lay leaders find resources, receive coaching, and connect with people who bring experience in six areas:
A vetted list of ministry experts is available through your Equipping Elder, giving churches a place to turn when they need help with a particular question or challenge. Equipping Elders also provide coaching, support for strategic planning, practical tools churches can adapt, and training that responds to local needs.
These resources address the everyday work of ministry. For example, More Than Bible Stories: Discipling Children in the Local Church helps congregations connect children’s ministry with the life of the whole church, supporting families and volunteers as children grow in worship, prayer, Scripture, and service. Practical tools include a children’s ministry volunteer onboarding checklist, a volunteer covenant and commissioning prayer, and “Grow at Home” activities organized around four simple practices: Read, Pray, Talk, and Live. The resource also points churches to MinistrySafe child-protection training and tools.
Your church may need help preparing volunteers, developing new leaders, strengthening its approach to discipleship, or discerning opportunities to reach its community. Your Equipping Elder can help you identify where to begin and connect you with support suited to your congregation.
If you have a question, a challenge, or an idea you have been praying about, reach out to your Equipping Elder. You do not need a finished plan to begin the conversation. Pastors Clark, Enid, and Brad are here to listen, pray with you, and help your congregation respond to what God is calling you to do in your local church ministry.
