Specialists

Connie Fowler

I am Connie Fowler. I am a Life-Long Methodist. My husband, Steve and I have been married for 55yrs. and raised two grown children. I am a Breast Cancer survivor, have a Music background and “will talk to anyone” according to my family & friends!

I was certified in Christian Education at Perkins School of Theology in 1998. I have loved serving as Christian Education Director for all ages, in two (2) local United Methodist Churches here in the Houston area for over 30 years until retirement, December 2020. I am an active member of the Texas Conference Christian Educators Fellowship. I continue to lead Adult Bible Study Classes at Mission Bend UMC, am a Substitute Children’s Sunday School Teacher, work the weekly distribution of food at The Mission Bells Food Pantry, continue support of The West Houston Emmaus Community by “working” walks, and find ways constantly to use the skills and training provided by Stephen Ministry with individuals in the church and community.

Through my experience of leading Christian Education – Sunday School, Nursery, Senior Travel Groups & Small Groups with over 350 participants of All Ages to the decline in church attendance, especially in the Christian Education area (35 loyal participants); I can offer encouragement and hope to churches to “stay the course”. With Prayer and Mentoring of faithful church members, I believe Jesus will revive His church and make it Again a “Beacon of Love” for the community.

Some of the strategies I will use to accomplish this task may include: Discover individual members’ Spiritual Gifts through workshop process, Start Weekly Back to Basics Bible Studies (Disciple, Daily Devotionals, Planned Bible Reading Programs), Challenge the congregation outside of own needs into an attitude of Mission, locally and/or beyond. (UMCOR, UMARMY, Red Cross, Local Food Pantry, etc.)

Rev. Jennifer Gros

Jennifer Gros is an Associate Pastor at Faith United Methodist Church in Spring, Texas, and has been there for two and a half years. Previously she was in ministry at Lakewood UMC for over six years. She will be a graduate of SMU Perkins with her Master of Divinity this spring and is up for commissioning as a provisional elder this year. Her strengths are in communications, spiritual gifts assessments, missions, adult discipleship and more. Jennifer has over twenty-five years’ experience in communications, having worked in public relations, marketing, and advertising for a diverse array of clients.

Helping members of your congregation discover their Spiritual Gifts is a wonderful way to get more people engaged in ministry! Individuals can discover what their spiritual gifts are, and how they can be influenced by their heart (passions), abilities, personality, and experiences. When all these things are put together, a person can find where they can plug into a church ministry and utilize all of their gifts and talents! The hope is that many people may discover where God is calling them to serve.

Rev. Leo Tyler, Sr.

Rev. Leo Marshall Tyler has served God for forty-two years and is gifted as a preacher, teacher, pastor, evangelist, and leader. His experience includes a Christian radio broadcaster, creator and presenter of The Healthy Soul Seminars, trainer of over 300 Stephen Ministers, and establishing one of the largest Celebrate Recovery programs in Texas. Leo received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mass Communication from McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana and a Master of Divinity from Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas. Leo is a Birkman Method Consultant, Birkman International, Inc., a Certified Behavioral Consultant, The Institute for Motivational Living, Inc. delivered by People Keys the official DISC provider. Leo is author of the “21-Day Adventure: Experience more freedom, joy, and purpose than you ever dreamed possible.” Rev. Leo Tyler currently serves Bear Creek United Methodist Church, Houston, TX as Senior Pastor. Leo is married to Lupe Tyler and together they have one son, Leo II and two grandsons.

Leo offers a Spiritual Gifts Workshop that uses a DISC assessment provided by People Keys. Your Gifting Report will give you an understanding of the role best for your service in church or ministerial environments. The Spiritual Gifts Inventory also includes a DISC overview and DISC assessment so you can discover your DISC Style and the characterizes of your task vs. relationships dynamic. You’ll learn even more about your personal preferences and how to maximize the positive as well as areas of personal growth. This is perfect for church and ministerial areas, church volunteer placement, small church groups, personal development, family development, etc.

Rev. Dr. Tommy Williams

Rev. Dr. Tommy Williams is Senior Pastor of Trinity UMC in Beaumont Texas. Tommy has served growing congregations in rural, county seat, multi-cultural, and large urban contexts throughout the Texas Annual Conference for over 25 years. His experience includes leading an 11-million-dollar capital campaign, growing children ministries, outreach with refugees and at-risk youth, sports ministries, health ministry, and supporting the creation of non-profits birthed out of the congregation. Tommy’s doctoral work centered on the intersection of faith and public life exploring how a church becomes active in the welfare of the communities where they are serving. The Williams family have enjoyed being foster parents and other community involvement wherever they serve. In their off time they enjoy time at their family land in the woods of East Texas.

I believe in gifts-based ministry. Through facilitating a process of conversations with lay people we uncover the gifts God has already given every church and leverage those for kingdom ministry and growth. Rather than wishing we had certain things we focus on what God has given the church and get creative with how we offer those unique gifts in ministry. This process takes ideas to action.