Senior Pastor

Dr. Jacob Conner

Hello First Baptist Bolivar!

I want to share how thankful and excited I am to have the privilege of being the next Senior Pastor of this strong church. I have great anticipation for what the Lord has planned. I intend to be with you on Sundays starting August 23rd and be in the office around that time as well. There are some things still to be worked through but God is blessing every step. We hope to see you all real soon and we look forward to serving our Lord Jesus and His Church together!

Submitted Resume

Questionnaire Responses

Dr. Conner Speaks

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

First Baptist Church, Bolivar, Missouri —2026-present

Grover Park Baptist Church, Warrensburg, Missouri— 2024–2026

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.”