Kyle & cindy Henderson

Kyle Henderson

Joined the Baptist World Alliance in 2024 as the Director of the ACTS2Movement, the BWA’s response to the Global 2033 initiative. He also serves on the Executive Team of Finishing the Task. FTT is a Global hub of 2033 engagement under the leadership of Rick Warren.

Kyle is a seasoned pastor and visionary leader with decades of experience at First Baptist Church in Athens, Texas, where he served for 27 years. His leadership is marked by innovation in worship, expansive community outreach, and deep integration of the arts in church life. Under his guidance, the church has enjoyed consistent financial stability, growing from under $1 million to over $1.5 million in annual budget, and has completed five major capital campaigns totaling over $7 million. He founded the Youngblood Institute for Encouraging the Arts, initiated long-form multimedia psalm-based worship projects, and led strategic visual and digital adaptations of worship.

Henderson’s influence stretches broadly into civic, denominational, and global arenas. He has led the Athens Race Taskforce, co-founded ACT (Athens Churches Together), and organized community events such as “Christmas in the Park” and Lent Lunches. He has served on local education, leadership, and justice boards, helping lead a successful $60 million school bond campaign. In denominational life, he has held advisory and board roles in Baptist organizations including the BGCT, Truett Seminary, and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. He has also hosted the Global Leadership Summit for over a decade in Athens and served on the International Team of the Global Leadership Network for a decade, helping to lead the expansion of the GLS to Ethiopia. He has preached across multiple denominations, demonstrating a deep commitment to unity and civic renewal.

Globally, Henderson has led holistic mission initiatives, most notably in Ethiopia, including education, medical, and leadership development work. He has mentored over 100 interns, helped sponsor new churches, and launched numerous local ministries. Academically, he holds a Ph.D. in Pastoral Ministry writing his dissertation on Henri Nouwen. He has done post-doctoral studies in Israel, Kenya, Oxford, Prague, and San Francisco. A published writer and frequent lecturer, his ministry combines scholarship, strategic leadership, and pastoral care.

Churches Served:

  • First Baptist Church, Athens, TX (1997–present)

  • First Baptist Church, Spearman, TX (1992–1997)

  • New Hope Baptist Church, Mansfield, TX (1989–1992)

  • Royal Lane Baptist Church, Dallas, TX – Minister to Students (1984–1989)

Cindy Henderson

Completed 25 years on the staff of First Baptist Church, Athens in June 2025.

Cindy Henderson began her ministry at First Baptist Church Athens in December 2000 under urgent and challenging circumstances. Initially asked to serve as Interim Director of Children’s Ministry during a leadership crisis, she brought peace, order, and quiet strength to a chaotic season. Although church bylaws initially prevented her from being considered for the permanent role, widespread support from the church family and a carefully led bylaw amendment process led to her formal appointment. Her pastoral presence, professionalism, and servant-hearted leadership quickly became foundational to the church’s ministry with children and families.

Over two decades, Cindy’s influence grew remarkably. She transformed the children’s ministry into a vibrant, spiritually rich environment through initiatives like The Lodge, Base Camp, and imaginative, large-scale Vacation Bible Schools. Her creative vision and hands-on approach shaped the faith journeys of hundreds of children. She also played a critical role in mentoring over 100 young adult interns and led global ministry efforts including trips to Ethiopia. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Cindy’s resilience and leadership were on full display as she kept the Treehouse Learning Center open, launched family worship initiatives, and provided vital pastoral support during a time of widespread disruption.

In 2021, after major staff transitions and ongoing challenges from the pandemic, Cindy was asked to step into a new role as Pastor of Administration. With characteristic humility, she transitioned from her beloved children’s ministry to meet the church’s broader administrative needs. She managed day-to-day operations, supported grieving families, coordinated groups and communication, and continued to advocate for the church’s preschool. In 2024, with Pastor Kyle’s transition into a global ministry role, church leadership discerned that Cindy should step aside to make space for the incoming pastor. Her ministry is marked by sacrificial obedience, pastoral care, and enduring faithfulness—serving not for position, but always for the good of the church and the glory of God.

Cindy holds a BA in Education from Baylor University and a MA in Elementary Education with an Emphasis upon computers and education.

Churches Served:

  • First Baptist Church, Athens, TX (2000–present)