PROSPECTIVE SENIOR PASTOR
Dr. Jacob Conner
Greetings to you all at First Baptist Church Bolivar!
I want to share with you how thankful, excited, and blessed we are to be graciously considered to come in view of a call as the prospective next Senior Pastor at FBC. I also want to share that this decision has been made only after a great amount of prayer, diligence, discussion, visiting, research, and affirmation by your very dedicated search team, as well as by my family and me. We all realize the importance of this being a decision that is completely led by God’s Spirit and in accordance with His will in Christ. In light of the Lord’s clear guidance and the unity of the Spirit among all involved, I am enthusiastically anticipating the opportunity to meet, worship with, and fellowship with the believers of FBC Bolivar. While I know we will not be able to meet everyone, we are looking forward to meeting as many people as possible. Most importantly, I am praying for the Lord to move in mighty ways and to be glorified by all that is included in the weekend we will be together. Ultimately, I believe we all desire that God’s will in Christ, as led by the Holy Spirit, be done for the glory of His name and the furtherance of His Kingdom in the building of His church. I want you all to know that I am thankful for the past, present, and future ministry of First Baptist Church Bolivar, and I consider it a privilege to be considered for the opportunity to be a part of that ministry. May we all continue together in prayer for God’s clear guidance.
Blessings in Christ!
Dr. Jacob Conner
Resume Highlights
“I desire to follow the Lord Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit to pastor, preach the Gospel, and make disciples wherever He may lead. I desire to pastor churches for God’s glory and lead the church to be healthy in evangelism, discipleship, worship, and fellowship.”
Ministry — Over 24 years as a Senior Pastor
Grover Park Baptist Church, Warrensburg, Missouri— 2024–present
First Baptist Church Canyon Lake, Canyon Lake, Texas— 2017-2024
Holly Brook Baptist Church, Hawkins, Texas— 2014-2017
Tanglewood Baptist Church, Jasper, Texas— 2008-2014
West End Baptist Church, Saratoga, Texas— 2005-2008
First Baptist Church, Barnum, Texas— 2002-2003
Education — A lifelong learner
Doctor of Philosophy, Biblical Studies, 2019, Louisiana Baptist University
Master Theological Studies, 2021, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
Master of Arts, Theological Studies, 2014, Louisiana Baptist University
Bachelor of Arts, Biblical Studies with minor in Christian Counseling, 2011, Louisiana Baptist University
Certification in Biblical Counseling, 2025, Light University, American Association of Biblical Counselors
Family — Forged and blessed by marriage and adoption
Married to Melissa for over 29 years
Two adult sons, Austin and Caden, and teenage daughter, Emma
References Say...
Loves the Lord and Scripture
- Jacob is “a man deeply in love with Christ.
- ”He is “a man of integrity, maturity, and sincere devotion to the Lord.”
- He “loves and enjoys God’s word... the authority in his preaching”
- “He knows Scripture.”
Prayerfully Follows the Holy Spirit
- Jacob “prays about everything.”
- He has a very “pray as you go” approach.
- He “follows the Holy Spirit in both life and ministry.”
- “He is a man of great faith and character.”
- He is “even tempered, levelheaded and has a calm demeanor.”
- In moving from a church, “he was never running, but just following the Spirit”
Preaches Jesus
- Jacob’s ministry emphasis is “preaching about Jesus.”
- He “has memorized amazing amounts of Scripture and preaches with love and care.”
- “He has an innate gift for articulating complex theological concepts in a way that is accessible and relevant to everyday life.”
- “A creative thinker who delivers Bible-based sermons well.”
- “He’s firm on the truth.”
Shepherds the Congregation
- “Jacob’s a wonderful person and a great pastor.”
- He has demonstrated an “unwavering commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive community, addressing the needs of our congregation with a blend of humility and grace.”
- “He believes in intergenerational churches.”
- “He has a genuine concern and care for people.”
- “He has a keen understanding of what church wellness is like and sees things to improve upon.”
- He “knows about all church ministries.”
- “He is very sharp in administration and finances.”
- “He makes hard, but good, solid decisions.”
Mentors Others
- “Jacob is a gifted and natural mentor.”
- “He has been a source of encouragement and wisdom.”
- “He is evangelistic and mentors disciples to make disciples.”
- “His heart is to see people come to Christ and disciple making.”
Relates Well to People
- “Jacob is at his core, a servant hearted man.”
- “The people he comes into contact with know he cares.”
- “He relates well to all ages and is easily approachable—someone who takes the Lord seriously, but not himself.”
- In his care for people, he is “relational and personable.”
- He “possesses a genuine and profound sense of empathy.”
A Team Player
- Jacob “gave good counsel and was always a team player.”
- “He creates a team feel among the staff.”
- “He is a team player who can direct the development and application of practical mission,vision, and values.”
Dr. Conner Speaks...
Get to know Dr. Conner and hear him speak briefly on the topics below!
In View of a Call Weekend Schedule
Friday, July 17
6:00 PM- 7:00PM -Music Camp Progam | Worship Center
7:00 PM- 8:00PM -Church-Wide Meet & Greet Reception | Fellowship Hall
Saturday, July 18
7:00AM - 9:00AM -Breakfast with Fellowship of Deacons | Fellowship Hall
9:00AM - 10:00AM -Meet with all staff & spouses | Rose Bldg.
10:00AM - 10:30AM -Meet with staff leadership & spouses | Rose Bldg.
10:30AM - 11:30AM -Meet with students & student ministry leaders | Rose Bldg.
NOON - 1:00PM -Lunch with Church Leadership Council | Rose Bldg.
1:00PM - 2:00PM -Meet with core group leaders and ministry team leaders | Rose Bldg.
2:00PM - 3:00PM -Meet with Men’s & Women’s Ministry Teams (all adults welcome) | Rose Bldg.
Sunday, July 19
8:00AM - 12:15PM -Preaching with all three services | Worship Center (Meet & Greet after each service in the West Lobby)
3:00PM - 4:00 PM -Church-wide Question & Answer Session | Fellowship Hall
Dr. Jacob Conner will be coming in view of a call July 17-19. We will vote on calling him as our Senior Pastor in a special business meeting during all morning services on Sunday, July 26. Absentee ballots will be available in the church office from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., July 20-24.
Copyright First Baptist Church of Bolivar 2026