MEET THE TEAM
Bryan English
Executive 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;
Senior Director, San Antonio
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
Senior Director, Fort Worth
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.
Ryan Johnson
Senior Director, Houston
Ryan Johnson comes to the Church Ambassador Network following five years of ministry with Alliance Defending Freedom, serving as the Vice President of Ambassador and Alliance Relations. In that role, he oversaw a nationwide strategy to build an alliance of ambassadors and contacts to serve and support the mission of ADF through advocacy, alliance building, philanthropy, and special campaigns. Prior to his work in ministry, Ryan served as a Special Agent with the U.S Department of Justice working organized crime for the DEA. Ryan and his wife have lived in the Houston area for over 30 years, and are the parents of two sons and a daughter.
Matt Henslee
Regional Coordinator, Dallas
Matt Henslee is a pastor to pastors, and an energetic networker both in person and on social media. A graduate of Dallas Baptist University and Southwestern Seminary, Matt’s ministry experience spans more than two decades, and includes experience as a student, children, education, or worship pastor in churches in various contexts (rural, suburban, urban/city center) and sizes (large or small). Matt has led church revitalizations, served as the Executive Director of the Collin County Baptist Association, and is currently the Senior Pastor at Plymouth Park Baptist Church in Irving.
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.