For the last five years, Eron Green has served as president and CEO of STCH Ministries in Pettus, Texas. From deep in the heart of one Texan, he shares his background and thoughts on church and ministry. To suggest a Baptist General Convention of Texas-affiliated leader to be featured in this column, or to apply to be featured yourself, click here.
Background
Where else have you worked, and what were your positions?
I’ve served as the recreation director at the Lee and Beulah Moor Children’s Home, the assistant administrator at the New Mexico Baptist Children’s Home, and the Central Florida administrator for the Florida Baptist Children’s Home.
Where did you grow up?
Tibbie, Ala., north of Mobile.
How did you come to faith in Christ?
I grew up in a Christian home and was raised in church. However, I accepted Christ when I was in college.
Where were you educated, and what degrees did you receive?
I received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Troy State University and a master’s degree in communication from Eastern New Mexico University.
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Ministry/Profession
Why do you feel called to your particular vocation?
My goal is to be in the center of God’s will. As the Lord has opened doors, I have walked through them. There have also been doors that I have not walked through due to my belief that it wasn’t God’s will. Through the open doors, I have been given great opportunities to learn and also to teach. My background has equipped me well to serve in my role as President/CEO of STCH Ministries.
Please tell us about your BGCT institution—the breadth and nature of its work, including its mission, measures of scope, etc.
STCH Ministries (originally The South Texas Children’s Home) is a faith-based, nonprofit organization that has been caring for children and families since 1952. We provide:
- homes for children who need care while their family is in crisis
- homes for families for single moms and their children
- family counseling services for individuals, couples and families sorting through the challenges of life
- international ministry to children and families in the Dominican Republic
- jobs for life to enhance job skills and spiritual growth
- faith and finances to teach biblical principles of money management
- family support to connect needs of families with resources
- pastor care to serve those who are always serving others
- ministry consulting to share expertise and resources with other ministries
OUR MISSION
Honoring God
Reaching hurting children and families with his love and truth
Enabling others to join us in this ministry
OUR VISION
Our vision is to show the love of Christ to each and every child and family to whom we minister. We do this by creating a culture where the needs of families are seen and met in creative and innovative ways. Efficiency and accountability are strategic priorities with effectiveness and excellence the resulting evidence. We desire God to use STCH Ministries in mighty ways to do his work.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
EXCELLENCE Whether providing a safe home for a child in need, counseling a couple, assisting single moms, leading a mission team, or working behind the scenes in the business office, we desire to do all that we do in love and with excellence.
ACCOUNTABILITY To serve others to the best of our ability, we will hold one another accountable by setting program and employee specific goals and working together in a spirit of unity.
INTEGRITY Trust is the key to any relationship and we will build this trust each day by choosing to walk in truth, understanding and wisdom.
VISION We believe in seeking God individually and corporately to develop a vision for the future as we grow in effectiveness and excellence.
GLORY As we trust God to guide and direct us we will give all that we are to him – our strengths and our weaknesses; the challenges and the glory – for all good things come from his hand.
OUR CORE VALUES
Through God’s leadership and power, we will press on to become all that God has in store for STCH Ministries. As an organization we will strive to:
Ensure that all phases of this ministry will be completed in a manner that will ultimately bring honor and glory to Jesus Christ.
Ensure that all children in our care will be provided a safe haven of love and refuge and the opportunities to realize the fulfillment of their hopes and dreams.
Ensure that the ministry provided to families and individuals is Christ-based and of the highest professional standard.
Ensure that every child and adult reached by this ministry will ultimately know Jesus Christ as Savior.
Nurture and grow our children spiritually to have an active, deep, and growing relationship with Jesus Christ.
Seek as individuals to have a personal, active, deep, and growing relationship with Jesus Christ.
Wisely use the financial gifts we receive; this will include remaining debt free.
Remaining completely funded by charitable gifts and not take state or federal funds.
OTHER THINGS TO KNOW:
STCH Ministries provides all of our services regardless of an individual or family’s ability to pay for them.
We are 100% supported by private donations and do not accept any state or federal funding.
STCH Ministries Homes for Children is licensed by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services and accepts both private and State placements of children.
What aspect(s) of your institution and/or its mission do you wish more people understood?
I wish more people understand how far-reaching our ministry has come to be. I wish people understood the “heavyweight” impact that we see in the lives of those we serve. I wish more people understood the commitment of our staff to those we serve. I wish more people understood the depth of ministry that we are involved in.
How has your institution and its mission changed since you began your career?
Dramatic changes have taken place at STCH Ministries. Growth and refinement is how I would describe the changes. Not only are we serving more children and families in need with a variety of new programing, we are also serving them more effectively.
How do you expect your institution and/or its mission to change in the next 10 to 20 years?
Simply put, we will continue to focus more on keeping families together. We will also continue to focus on the “weight of the impact.” Investing in children and families on a deep level, not “hit and run” mission work. We will also focus on partnerships, specifically with churches, to help make our churches/communities stronger.
What is one aspect of your job gives you the greatest joy or fulfillment?
Knowing and seeing the big picture of what God’s people can do when we work together. The joy of being able to use my God-given talents, abilities and experiences to impact the kingdom.
About Eron
Other than the Bible, name some of your favorite books or authors, and explain why.
Two books I am currently reading are “Lead Like Jesus” by Ken Blanchard and “When the Game is Over, It All Goes Back in the Box” by John Ortberg. I see both books focusing on helping readers remember what is most important in life.
What is your favorite Bible verse or passage? Why?
Recently, I have been focusing on Psalm 27 and John 3:30. Psalm 27 is packed with great words from David about living life and God’s provision/protection. John 3:30 is a simple reminder that God must increase in his importance and what we want must decrease.
Who is your favorite Bible character, other than Jesus? Why?
David is one my favorite Bible characters and the one I have studied most. David was a man after God’s own heart, but David was also a flawed man who struggled greatly. We can learn much from the life of David.
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