Bryan pastor nominee for second term as BGCT 2nd VP

Jim Heiligman, pastor of First Baptist Church in Bryan, will be nominated for a second term as second vice president of the Baptist General Convention of Texas.

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BRYAN—Jim Heiligman, pastor of First Baptist Church in Bryan, will be nominated for a second one-year term as second vice president of the Baptist General Convention of Texas at Texas Baptists’ annual meeting, Nov. 12-14 in Waco.

Heiligman brings to the elected position a deep love for local-church ministry, said René Maciel, BGCT past president and community life pastor at First Woodway Baptist Church in Waco, who announced his intention to nominate Heiligman.

‘A good shepherd’

“Jim is a great friend who loves the church,” said Maciel, who served on staff with Heiligman at First Baptist Church in Castroville. Heiligman was pastor, and Maciel—then president of Baptist University of the Américas—was worship leader.

“He loves the people of his church,” Maciel said. “He is the kind of person who can meet you one time, and the next time he sees you, he will ask about all your family by name. He is a good shepherd.”

Jim Heiligman, 38, hopes to continue to use the second vice president’s office as a platform to urge other young ministers to take a more active role in the BGCT.

Heiligman characterized the last year as “a wonderful learning experience” that provided him a close look at the breadth and scope of Texas Baptist ministries.

“It has allowed me to see what we as Texas Baptists are doing in advancing the kingdom of God,” he said. “I have been able to witness firsthand the difference Texas Baptists are making in the world.”

Encourage young ministers

Heiligman, 38, hopes to continue to use the second vice president’s office as a platform to urge other young ministers to take a more active role in the BGCT. He also wants them to lead their churches to support the Cooperative Program unified budget and the ministries it makes possible.

“I want to challenge and encourage young pastors to be more involved in Texas Baptist life,” he said. “I want to see them recognize the kingdom influence of Texas Baptists.

“Too many ministers in my generation don’t see the value and relevance of Texas Baptists, and that breaks my heart.”


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Heiligman has been pastor of First Baptist Church in Bryan since June 2014. Previously, he served nearly six years as pastor of First Baptist in Castroville.

He also was youth pastor at First Baptist Church in Moody, Central Baptist Church in Jacksonville and First Baptist Church in Charlotte, and he was a summer youth intern at First Baptist Church in Holdenville, Okla.

Heiligman earned his undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University in 2004 and his Master of Divinity degree from Baylor University’s Truett Theological Seminary in 2009.

He and his wife, Courtney, have two children, Clarke and Camille.


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