RUSS BARKSDALE
Russ has been active in ministry for over 50 years, first as a layman at FBC Houston and then on staff at churches in Albuquerque, NM and Jackson, MS. He pastored FBC Carthage, MS for 5 years and retired in 2019 after 25 years as Lead Pastor of the five-campus Rush Creek Church in Arlington. Russ has been an adjunct professor at Southwestern Seminary, Liberty Seminary, and Dallas Baptist University. He is the founder of Next Level Leadership, a coaching and consulting ministry to pastors, planters, and churches for over a decade. He brings a wealth of experience and encouragement to church leaders and is a consultant for the SBTC and NAMB.
GARY SMITH
Gary has successfully led Fielder Church to a seamless transition of pastoral leadership after a tenure of 25 years. His exhaustive research in this area gives guidance and support to pastors as they find God’s plan for their ministry transition. This smooth process is designed to bless the church, the incoming pastor and the transitioning pastor. Gary utilizes 40 years of pastoral leadership experience to guide pastors as they navigate the myriad of issues facing pastors in today’s culture. With his expertise, he helps leaders discover solutions that nurture a healthy growing church, including staff recruitment and development and effective team dynamics.
REGGIE SCOTT
Reggie has 30 years in leadership and a decade as a certified leadership coach, Reggie brings a wealth of experience to guide you through your leadership journey. His unique perspective as a pastor, coach, an entrepreneur allows him to understand your challenges and provide practical, faith-centered solutions. As the lead worship pastor at a growing multisite, multicultural church in Arlington, TX, Reggie provides leadership over worship, audio, visual, and creative arts across multiple campuses, coordinating with over 100 volunteers. Through Reggie Scott's coaching, he has empowered countless leaders to build healthier teams and organizations.
DALE BRASWELL
Dale is passionate about helping individuals become more effective and healthy Leaders. Dale seeks to help leaders develop an understanding of leadership based on time-proven biblical principles, a better understanding of their strengths and giftings, and a leadership pace that allows for the care of their souls. Dale's 25 years in ministry leadership and academic study of leadership help him assist leaders in their journey toward improvement. Dale currently serves at Dallas Baptist University and does interim work in churches in the D/FW area.
MIKE WEIRICK
Mike has 46 years of experience serving some of the largest churches in Texas and Louisiana. He brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to church leadership. He recently retired after 25 years as the Executive Pastor of Fielder Church in Arlington, Texas, where he played a pivotal role in staff leadership, strategic planning, and operational efficiency. Michael’s deep understanding of church operations, staff management, and financial stewardship makes him a trusted consultant for church leaders seeking practical solutions for growth and sustainability.
MATT KENDRICK
Matt is the Lead Pastor of Redemption City Church, a church plant that launched in 2021 and is thriving in a building with multiple staff and services. Matt has served in pastoral ministry for over 20 years at Prestonwood Church here in Texas and Biltmore Church in North Carolina. He completed his undergraduate degree at Mississippi State University, and he completed his M.Div and D.Min at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
MICHAEL CLAYTON
Michael provides 55 years of experience as a lead and administrative pastor, institutional vice-president of advancement, and consultant to multiple not-for-profit organizations across the country. He has served churches and other ministries large and small, raising millions of dollars for world-wide kingdom work and ministry facilities. Michael received his formal education from Dallas Baptist University and Southwestern Seminary.
CURT HALE
Curt is a family ministry and minor safety specialist with over twenty years of experience in family ministry. During that time, he has served in small, large, and multi-site churches in a variety of roles. Currently he serves a number of churches and camps across the country as a coach and consultant, providing services such as staff coaching, ministry evaluation, crafting minor prevention policies and procedures, facilitating engaging training sessions, and strategic planning.
JOSH CARTER
Josh Carter, a seasoned leader with over 20 years of ministry experience, serves as a consultant helping churches navigate growth, mission, and ministry strategies. Throughout his journey, Josh has held a variety of roles in churches, including church planter and lead pastor, to name a few. He has served in diverse cultural contexts and churches of various sizes across the U.S., shaping his passion for equipping leaders and strengthening churches. Josh loves to help churches be faithful and effective in all their ministry endeavors. With a heart for collaboration and leadership development, he partners with churches to provide the tools and strategies they need to thrive in their unique contexts.