Bobby Contreras has been the lead pastor of Alamo Heights Baptist Church in San Antonio since 2018 and is vice chair of the Baptist General Convention of Texas Executive Board. From deep in the heart of one Texan, he shares his background and thoughts on the church and ministry. To suggest a BGCT-affiliated minister to be featured in this column, or to apply to be featured yourself, click here.
Background
Where else have you served in ministry, and what were your positions there?
We came to San Antonio to serve as the campus life director with Youth For Christ in the Alamo Heights area. I also served as the program director for Blueprint Ministries.
I serve as the chaplain for Alamo Heights Fire and Police Departments.
Where did you grow up?
El Chuco Town, The Sun City. I was born and spent my formative years “down in the West Texas town of El Paso.” We moved to San Antonio 14 years ago. I feel I am still “growing up” every day.
How did you come to faith in Christ?
My parents made the best decision for my younger brother and me when they attended a home Bible study where, for the first time, they heard about Jesus and the life found in him. As a family, we began going to a church community where, while in the fourth grade, Ms. Doris walked me through the good news of Jesus, and I said, “Yes,” to following Christ.
Where were you educated, and what degrees did you receive?
I currently am taking online classes through Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
About ministry life
Why do you feel called into ministry?
James Robertson was my youth pastor from sixth grade to 12th grade. James was super intentional about not just teaching the gospel at youth group, but lived it out. He taught, discipled and empowered us as young people to do the same.
I knew in high school I wanted to do that as a vocation one day. I didn’t know what that would look like or where it would take me, but felt called to continually go.
What is your favorite aspect of ministry? Why?
People. “Give me a job teaching rebels your ways so the lost can find their way home” (Psalm 51:13 MSG).
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I love connecting with folks and hearing their stories. I love the intersection of our stories and Jesus. Listening, sharing and teaching about Jesus drives me daily.
What one aspect of ministry gives you the greatest joy?
Serving alongside Hannah and our daughters. We seek to move as a family that reflects Jesus in all we do—at the church campus, in our neighborhood and all throughout our city.
What one aspect of ministry would you like to change?
Change is happening when it comes to the way we view our Sunday mornings together. I would like to commit to playing a part in the push.
Tim Timmons puts it this way: “The church is not a place you go to, it’s who we are. We spend 10,080 minutes in a week, and 80 of those are spent gathered in a room, which is awesome … but there are 10,000 other minutes in a week. … The church gets to be the church all the time—gathered and then scattered—all in the name, power and authority of Jesus.”
This has changed my approach to ministry—the way we teach, set up programs and move as the church body.
How has your ministry or your perspective on ministry changed?
The need for local pastors to rally around each other for encouragement and prayer. I have seen and experienced the benefits when pastors of different churches constantly meet together with no agenda other than to drink good coffee, have great conversation and pray for one another.
We must continue to do this, intentionally looking forward into the future as we seek health for pastors, their families and the communities we serve.
I write more about this at thewholepastor.org.
About Baptists
Why are you Baptist?
I like to say I didn’t choose to be Baptist, but Baptists chose me. It has been my experience, the Baptist tradition has been passionate about reflecting the love of Christ to others. I can get behind that.
Texas Baptists today point to the “GC2 Movement.” Jesus calls us to love God and love others. At our Baptist church, we articulate it this way: We seek to connect people to people while connecting people to Jesus.
What are the key issues facing Baptists—denominationally and/or congregationally?
As we inch toward 2022, my prayer and hope is Baptists would stand as leaders whose marks are repentance, grace, forgiveness, peace, kindness and hospitality. There are enough issues in this world. May we as the body of Christ seek to bring healing through Christ’s leading.
About Bobby
What did you learn on the job you wish you learned in seminary?
Actually, I did learn something at seminary all seminaries should emphasize.
One of the first classes I took at Southern was called “Personal Spiritual Disciplines” with Don Whitney. Dr. Whitney stressed the importance of pastors spending time in God’s word for personal benefit before preparing for sermons and teachings. I learned so much during that term. I now continually participate in Bible reading, prayer, fasting, silence and journaling daily.
What is the impact of ministry on your family?
My family is everything. The ministry has humbled me to realize my first priority is Hannah and our daughters. I echo Paul in saying, “I have yet to have figured it out … but one thing I do is press on.”
Hannah and our daughters fuel me to be a better man, follower of Jesus, husband, father and pastor.
Name something about you that would surprise people who know you.
February 3, 2019: Early detection of testicular cancer saved my life! I am an advocate for everyone to know the health of their bodies and love to cheer folks on to live spiritually and physically healthy lives. Don’t wait. Get checked out.
Running clears my heart and mind. I am seeking to become an avid ultramarathon runner.
EDITOR’S NOTE: A correction was made to show Contreras is the vice chair of the Baptist General Convention of Texas Executive Board.
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