I write this farewell message with a heart filled with mixed emotions. I want to express my deep gratitude and affection to the Union Baptist Association (UBA) as I prepare to embark on a new chapter in my ministry journey and join the Baptist General Convention of Texas (BGCT) team. Starting in June 2024, I will move into a role as the Area 5 Representative in Southeast Texas and the Director of Pastoral Health Networks. 

My transition to the UBA on January 1, 2020, was all part of God's plan as he used this season at the UBA to re-tool and prepare me for the next phase of the journey of working with Kingdom leaders. It also came at a crucial time of leadership change at the UBA. Josh was just a couple of years in the executive director seat; I was following the previous associate director, Dian Kidd, who had been there for 30 years. And little did we know, there would be a total worldwide shutdown because of the pandemic.  

In this season of unknowns, God was kindling in me a growing passion to care for the souls of our pastors and church leaders. Out of this desert time was birthed the Resilient Pathway, which has given UBA leaders the tools they need to be resilient in ministry and finish life and ministry well. It has been an honor and blessing to walk this journey alongside each of these pastors and church leaders here in Houston these past four and a half years. 

As the new Area 5 Representative, I’m delighted to remain based in Houston. So you will still see plenty of me—perhaps more than you may desire. My role as the Director of Pastoral Health Networks charges me to develop a strategy to take many of the elements that have made the Resilient Pathway so effective amongst our pastors here in Houston and deliver them to leaders throughout Texas.  

The Resilient Pathway and Cohort will remain at the UBA after I transition to the BGCT, but I will continue to lead the two 2024 Resilient Cohorts and the 2024 Resilient Retreat until they are complete in August of 2024. 

So, this is not really a farewell. Houston will still be our family's home, and our kids will remain in the CYFAIR school district until they graduate. We will continue to be members of our church, Houston's First Cypress. My new role with the BGCT will allow me to continue to serve many of the churches connected to the UBA and continue to partner with the UBA. It will also make it possible to bring what's worked well in Houston to other associations and churches throughout Texas. 

I would covet your prayers for me as I transition to this new role. Pray for wisdom for me and the BGCT team as we begin to develop a strategy for caring for our pastors statewide. 

My prayer for each of you: 

He gives strength to those who are tired; 
to the ones who lack power, he gives renewed energy. 
Even youths get tired and weary; even strong young men clumsily stumble.  
But those who wait for the Lord’s help find renewed strength; 
they rise up as if they had eagles’ wings,  
they run without growing weary, 
they walk without getting tired. 

(Is 40:29-31, NET) 

Finally, to the UBA Team, thank you for allowing me to be in the trenches alongside you as we serve our churches and pastors! I have never worked in a culture so team-minded and supportive! You are not only my co-laborers, but you have become my friends. 

Better Together, 

Kevin Abbott 

Kevin Abbott has served as the Associate Director/Chief of Staff for the Union Baptist Association.