Brownwood, Texas – Coggin Avenue Baptist Church is excited to welcome Chris Whitson, who is coming in view of a call as the potential new Missions Pastor. With nearly two decades of leadership experience and a heart for ministry, Chris brings a distinguished background in church operations and a deep commitment to missions. Should he be selected, Chris will help guide our congregation’s vision for global outreach and local service.
About Chris Whitson
For the past 18 years, Chris has served at Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas, where he made a significant impact as the Church’s Business Administrator. At Stonebriar, Chris demonstrated exceptional leadership in developing the church’s annual budget and overseeing support operations, including facilities, security, IT, and more. Among his many accomplishments, Chris was instrumental in designing a plan to pay off Stonebriar’s $21 million debt, which, with God’s faithfulness, was completed six years ahead of schedule in a note-burning celebration on July 4, 2021.
Chris’s career in ministry began at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas, where he served as Director of Facilities. He first felt the call to ministry during his college years at Howard Payne University, serving as the Minister to Students at Midtown Baptist Church in Brownwood, Texas. His faith journey has led him to a profound love for missions, a passion he now brings to Coggin’s outreach ministry.
Family and Faith
Chris’s wife, Jennifer, is an integral part of his ministry. The two met while attending Howard Payne University, and together, they have raised four children: Caleb, Katie, Abi, and Lilly. Currently, Jennifer serves as the Ministry Leader of Global Missions at Stonebriar, and both Chris and Jennifer have invested their lives in outreach, marriage ministry, and community involvement. They have led mission trips to Honduras, Poland, Mexico, Missouri, and Ireland, and together, they have a powerful testimony of God’s call to serve.
Education and Interests
Chris holds a bachelor’s degree in Practical Theology and a Master’s degree in Theology and Ministry, both from Howard Payne University. Known for his love of the outdoors, Chris finds peace in hunting, fishing, and spending time in God’s creation, often accompanied by his Brittany Spaniel, Tikka. He also enjoys life’s simple pleasures, including a good cup of coffee and a taste for Tex-Mex cuisine, especially anything with green chiles or brisket.
Looking Ahead
If selected as Missions Pastor, Chris Whitson would focus on expanding Coggin’s reach, encouraging congregants to serve both locally and globally. His experience and dedication would be instrumental in fostering partnerships and empowering our community to share God’s love beyond our walls. Join us in prayer and anticipation as we welcome Chris and his family to Coggin during this important time of discernment for our mission-focused ministry.