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Church Ambassador Network of Texas
The mission of the Church Ambassador Network is to inspire the Church to engage government for the advance of God’s Kingdom.
We accomplish this by connecting the shepherds of God’s Church (pastors) to God’s shepherds of government (the “king,” or today’s elected officials).
Our Core Values
Christ-Centered
Jesus is the sole means of redemption, reconciliation, and restoration through His work on the Cross and resurrection. We believe transformation happens as people see Christ accurately and rightly value Him. That is why Christ must be at the center of everything that we do. It is God’s Word that gives us the most clear and concrete picture of Jesus. Because of that, we aim to lift up God’s Word in everything we do.
Relationally-Built
We move at the speed of relationship through the Holy Spirit’s leading. We move at the speed of intentional relationships with both the church and the government. It is in relationship that people share their lives with one another. It is the heart of the Church Ambassador Network to move beyond the surface level and to engage in deeper Christ-centered relationships that lead to changed lives.
Non-Partisan
Christ does not fit into any political ideology. His Kingdom is an eternal kingdom not of this world. As His ambassadors, it is important that we keep that independent voice. We are not bipartisan, which is allegiance to both sides. Neither are we partisan, which is allegiant to one. We are non-partisan, which is allegiant to no political party.
Partnership-Minded
Christ created the Church as a diverse body, and He designed both the institution of God’s Church and government. Just as every part of the body is needed, so is each institution. It is the heart of the Church Ambassador Network to build partnerships between churches and between the church and government to serve people and bring Christ glory.
Grace-Driven
God’s grace through Jesus Christ changes everything and is the basis and power of our personal lives and ministry. In a place where political battles make grace all the rarer, we aim to be motivated by grace and to joyfully give grace away to one another.
Prayer-Focused
Our mission is dependent on prayer, knowing God moves through and changes lives through prayer. We pray collectively as the Church that God would move in the heart of “kings,” bring revival to His Church and re-ignite its flame for the gospel and Great Commission.
Statement of Faith
We believe the Bible to be the inspired, the only infallible, authoritative Word of God.
We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His personal return in power and glory.
We believe that for the salvation of lost and sinful people, regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential.
We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life.
We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; they that are saved unto the resurrection of life and they that are lost unto the resurrection of damnation.
We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ.
(As adapted by the Association of Evangelicals)
Bryan English
State Director
Bryan English brings a diverse ministry background to his role as Executive Director of the Church Ambassador Network of Texas that includes pastoral ministry, non-profit work, and campaign experience. In addition to serving as a pastor, Bryan was previously on staff with the Iowa Family Policy Center (now the Family Leader,) worked as a Congressional staffer, and has led or worked on local, state, and federal campaigns. Bryan and his wife live in Sugar Land, TX. They are the parents of three adult sons and a daughter-in-law.
Nino Gonzalez
Director of Church Engagement
Regional Director, Southern Region
Nino Gonzalez is a native Texan with over thirteen years of experience in church ministry and community outreach. Prior to joining the Church Ambassador Network, Nino served on staff at Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, TX from 2009-2022, serving as a Discipleship Coordinator, Youth Pastor, Campus Pastor, and Community Outreach Pastor. Nino and his wife have two children, two dogs and reside in San Antonio, TX.
Ed Upton
Regional Director, North Texas
Ed Upton brings a broad foundation of ministry experience which includes having served as the Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Southwestern Seminary, Assistant to the President of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee, as Campus Pastor and President of the School of Ministry at Cross Church in Northwest Arkansas, and as the Minister to Adults and Singles at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano.
Clay Bowers
Regional Coordinator, Gulf Coast
Clay Bowers, a graduate of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, served as a pastor in the Houston/Galveston area for 30 years before joining the Church Ambassador Network of Texas. In addition to his pastoral ministry, Clay served for 15 years with Kairos Prison Ministry. Clay and his wife live in Texas City, and in their spare time enjoy camping, spending time with their 2 children, their spouses, and their 4 grandchildren.
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