PAUL BIXLER 10609 Keathley Dr. Frisco Texas 75035. phone 214-537-8005. E-mail bixlerdad@yahoo.com Paul and Karen, Clayton, Madison
Ministry Perspective God has given the individual members of the church to each other. He has done so in order not only for them to love and encourage each other but to reconcile the world to Himself through them. God has gifted us individually to prepare His people for works of service in order that the body of Christ might be built up. (Ephesians 4:11-12) Without the teaching and preaching of God s word, the church will not grow to maturity. This is essential in leading God s people to see their gifts implemented for His glory. I believe in strong servant leadership and connecting with people in love to accomplish the goal of biblical discipleship and growth. My passion is preaching and caring for people through dependence upon God to bring the fruit of ministry. (2 Tim. 4:2) I believe in doing all of these things as an honest, authentic, and real person. PERSONAL BACKGROUND Childhood: I was born and raised in St. Charles, Missouri; I enjoyed my childhood with my three sisters. It was in my childhood that I developed a love for the outdoors as I would explore the pasturelands and lakes and creeks near my home. Conversion: I was raised as a Roman Catholic but our family was at best nominally religious. In my young life I experienced the struggles of living as a person without Christ. When I reached the age of 21, I obtained employment as a construction worker for a home builder. My foreman would soon come to faith in Christ and begin to share his faith with me. I recall being struck by his transparency and the message of the gospel, and in time under a tree in my back yard, I placed my faith in Christ and experienced a miraculous conversion that changed me significantly.
Calling: While sitting in church one Sunday evening as the minister quoted Hebrews 12:1-2, I sensed an inner call to preach God s word. That God would want me to preach his word bothered me so that I felt like running from the church. Although I held my seat that night, I ran from God and His calling. Yet, every time I turned around it seemed people were telling me, I should be a pastor. In time, through the church, His word and the circumstances in life, His calling became apparent. I submitted to that call and shortly after through God s providential moving, I became the Pastor of a church within miles of my family home. Still somewhat reluctant, God showed His care and made that ministry the greatest blessing. Marital Commitment: Karen and I met at a Singles Bible study at First Baptist Church of O Fallon, Missouri. We married in 1992 and have been blessed with two children. We love laughing and being together. It is safe to say if we had the choice to do anything on a given afternoon we would choose to do something together. Karen is such a great wife and shares my passion for others. She respects me and always honors me and she still laughs at my jokes. I love her deeply and do not know what I would do without her. Interests: I love the outdoors. I have hunted and fished my entire life. I do more fly fishing than anything now. I am also an avid gardener and enjoy wood carving, especially wildlife. I love most sports especially NFL football and Major League Baseball. I am a coach on my son s baseball team and would rather watch him than Albert Pujols.
FORMAL EDUCATION Graduate: DALLAS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY Master of Theology May 2011 Undergraduate: MISSOURI BAPTIST UNIVERSITY January 2003- June 2006 Leadership in Ministry Certificate Paul Bixler MINISTRY EXPERIENCE Orchard Farm Baptist Church St. Charles, Missouri 12 years Senior Pastor August 1994-July 2006 Preaching two Sunday services Leading Wednesday evening Bible study Conducted funerals and weddings Counseled church members Discipled, cared for and loved the congregation Directed and led church staff meetings Trained congregation in evangelism Led outreach Stonebriar Community Church Frisco, Texas 5 years Internship Dec 2006 May 2011 I worked as an intern during my time at Dallas Theological Seminary learning from Pastor Chuck Swindoll and his staff. During this time, I refined my passion to teach and was able to focus on my love for people and my desire to spread the gospel. Additional Education Experience and Honors Received the Harry A. Ironside Award in Expository Preaching as the top preacher in the senior class at Dallas Theological Seminary 2011 Graduated with Academic Honors Dallas Theological Seminary 2011
Certified in Prepare and Enrich Marriage Counseling Evangelism Explosion Teacher Certification Various Workshops/ Seminars / Classes St. Louis Metro Baptist Association during my 12 years of ministry SPIRITUAL GIFTEDNESS Preaching, Teaching, Encouragement, Discernment, Counseling LEADERSHIP STYLE I realized years ago that people will not follow a leader unless they know he cares for them. I believe in showing people my love for them and presenting the truth of God s word creatively and praying for God to work in their lives. PREACHING PHILOSOPHY I desire to present God s word creatively in an expository way. Every message should be text centered and audience focused. God s word should be presented prayerfully and in such a way that people will be encouraged to do what it says. I do not preach as one who hypocritically pretends he has his life in perfect order, but one who struggles like everyone, and genuinely desires to be better. Senior Award sermon and other samples may be seen at www.paulbixler.com PERSONAL CONSTITUTION 1. I am committed to being authentic. 2. I am committed to time in God s word and prayer. 3. I am committed to regular, consistent worship with the body of Christ in a local church. REFERENCES Pastor Michael Herrington 80 Goldfinch Ln. Murphy, NC 28906 828-644-0026 herrmd318@gmail.com Pastor Joe Harms Stonebriar Community Church Frisco, Texas 75035 972-837-5109 joeh@stonebriar.org Robert J. Garippa ThM, DMin Vice President for Student Services Dean of Students Dallas Theological Seminary 3909 Swiss Avenue Dallas, TX 75089 rgarippa@dts.edu Work: 214-841-3791 Pastor Tony Morris Orchard Farm Baptist Church 2809 Country Club Road St. Charles, Missouri 63303 Cell: 636-627-9902 morris2809@charter.net