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TESTIMONIES
THE FRUIT OF FAITHFUL LABOR
Bryan English
Executive Director
​If I were to pick a word that highlights the amazing work of God in the Texas Capitol through the Church Ambassador Network in 2025, that word would be “favor.” We enjoyed God’s favor as He brought together an amazing team of ministry professionals to serve on the team.
We walked in God’s continued favor as we partnered with pastors from around the state to engage government. It is no small ask to invite a pastor to make the time to spend a day at the Texas Capitol, but because the Church Ambassador Network ministry paradigm is so in alignment with a pastor’s call to ministry, over 260 pastors joined us for a day (or more) of ministry during the session.
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Our Team was humbled by His favor as doors opened for so many impactful ministry opportunities with governing officials in and around the Texas Capitol. In addition to our work with Representatives and Senators, God opened the door for us to build relationships with governing officials ranging from the Chief Justice of the Texas Supreme Court, to our Land Commissioner, the Education Commissioner, the HHS Commissioner, our Railroad Commissioners, and so many more.
God is on the move in Texas! I’m grateful for God’s hand of favor on the Church Ambassador Network of Texas, the way he built such a strong team of dedicated ministers, how has enabled us to come alongside pastors, and His willingness to open doors for us to build relationships with governing officials. We are celebrating the fruits of faithful labor that were evident in the recent legislative session, and looking forward with great anticipation to see what God has in store for us as we head into the interim between sessions!
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Bryan English - Executive Director
A clear theme throughout this session was the level of spiritual warfare present—efforts to sow disunity, divisiveness, and discouragement among our leaders were evident. Many expressed how difficult it has been facing not only political pressure but personal attacks and threats against themselves and their families. That made it all the more powerful to witness the impact of pastors showing up with encouragement, prayer, and personally embossed copies of the Tony Evans Study Bible, reminding these leaders of God’s promises and how to navigate conflict in a Christ-like way.
Doug James
Sr. Director - Central TX
I was also moved to see how some officials who had been deeply hurt by the Church in the past found restoration, began to open their hearts to forgiveness, and were visibly touched by receiving prayer and seeing how God’s Church is stepping up to impact communities for good all across Texas. It’s been an honor to play a small part in building these bridges between the Church and our state leaders, and I look forward to seeing how God continues to use these relationships for His glory in the days ahead.
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Doug James - Sr. Director, Central TX
Ryan Johnson
Sr. Director - Southeast TX
Perhaps the most enjoyable things I’ve done, and of course continue to do, in my role is to cultivate genuine relationships with pastors, legislators, and statewide governing officials. With our ministerial approach, we act as a bridge between the shepherds of the church and the shepherds of government by bringing them together.​​
​​What I’ve seen with this type of approach is that before long the walls begin to come down, and shepherds in government see the shepherds of the church as a resource of encouragement, prayer, and support. In other words, through this unique approach, relationships are cultivated, because prayers move from surface to substance and friendships are formed. That is fruit bearing fruit for the kingdom. We witnessed that during the legislative session through very personal conversations that led into deep prayer that touched the hearts of both officials and pastors in the room.
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Ryan Johnson - Sr. Director, Southeast TX
Walking halls filled with so much history is an awe-inspiring experience in and of itself, but getting to walk them with pastors from all over the state to do ministry in such an incredible mission field was one of the most amazing experiences I’ve had in ministry.​​
Matt Henslee
Regional Coordinator - East TX
Praying for or sharing the gospel with elected leaders or members of their staff is not something I ever figured I would get to do, but not only did I get to multiple times, I got to take faithful pastors from churches big and small to experience that with me—and those are some memories I’ll cherish for a lifetime.
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Matt Henslee - Regional Coordinator, East Texas
Ed Upton
Sr. Director - North TX
My time ministering in Austin, Texas during the legislative session was a deeply moving and unforgettable experience. As this was my first opportunity to witness a legislative session firsthand, I was struck by the fast-paced atmosphere and the weighty decisions being made each day. In the midst of the political activity, I found myself invited into meaningful moments of ministry, where faith and public service intersected in powerful ways.
One of the most profound moments came when I had the chance to sit with a state representative who was walking through the unimaginable grief of losing a child. As we talked, I listened to his heartache and had the privilege of praying with him, asking God to surround him with peace, comfort, and strength in this season of sorrow. The openness and vulnerability of that moment reminded me once again of the incredible opportunities God gives us to bring hope and encouragement, even in the halls of government.
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Ed Upton - Sr. Director, North TX
I first met one of the San Antonio area Representatives when he was running for a county level office and I was pastoring a local church in San Antonio. Three years later, we found ourselves in new roles, reunited at the State Capitol. In a moment of transparency, he admitted he never would have imagined serving as a state representative, and felt overwhelmed by the responsibility.
Nino Gonzalez
Sr. Director - South TX
Church Engagement Director
I shared a passage of Scripture and reminded him that if God called him to this role, He is also committed to walking with him in that role. That commitment includes surrounding him with people to encourage him. After a group of San Antonio pastors and I prayed for him, he looked up and said, “I feel like a heavy weight was just lifted off my shoulders. Thank you for driving up to encourage me. I needed it more than you know.”
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Nino Gonzalez - Sr. Director, South TX