Anthony Svajda has a Master of Divinity and a Ph.D. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has served in many different ministry roles in churches of all sizes. Currently, he is serving on the Pastoral Ministry Team at the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention. His main work is in church revitalization, helping pastors create healthy cultures in their churches. He is married to Kristen and they have two children.
Ministry Calling
I was raised in the Catholic Church, attending Catholic school until the second grade. While I knew of God, I did not know Him personally. As I grew older, I left the church to pursue my desires. When I was nineteen, I began to date my wife, who invited me to church. At FBC Watauga, I learned what it means to be a Christian, and I professed Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. After I baptism, the Lord began to transform my life. Within a short time, God led me to plant a collegiate ministry and work with high school students. Just two years later, God called me to a life of ministry at Falls Creek Baptist encampment. From then until now, I have dedicated myself to that calling and equipped myself to be a more effective minister of the Gospel.
Ministry Vision
As a minister of the Gospel, I desire is for all people to know the saving power of Jesus Christ. I desire for those who already know Christ as Savior to become daily transformed by the Holy Spirit through the study of God’s Word. I desire to serve in ministry with people who are hungry to grow in their faith, who are passionate about reaching the lost, and who are ready to see God move in a mighty way.
Education
- 2018 – Ph.D. in Evangelism and Church Vitalization, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
- 2013 – Master of Divinity in Evangelism, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
- 2010 – Bachelor’s of Science in Business Studies, Dallas Baptist University
Ministry Experience
- 2022 to Current – Pastoral Ministries Associate for the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention, Grapevine, TX
- 2015 to 2022 – Lead Pastor of Harvey Baptist Church, Stephenville, TX
- 2013 to 2015 – Lead Pastor of First Baptist Church, Jewett, TX
- 2012 to 2013 – Student Pastor of Bear Valley Community Church, Colleyville, TX
- 2010 to 2012 – Associate Pastor of The Met Church, Keller, TX – Outreach Ministry, Small Groups, & Men’s Ministry
- 2004 to 2010 – Collegiate Pastor of First Baptist Church, Watauga, TX
Awards & Certifications
- 2019 – W. Fred Swank Evangelism Award, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
- 2013 – Malcolm R. McDow Evangelism Award, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
- 2013 – Church Growth Consultation Certification, Society For Church Growth Consulting
Important Dates
- Ordained To The Gospel Ministry: April 28, 2013, Bear Valley Community Church, Colleyville, TX
- Licensed To The Gospel Ministry: May 6, 2007 – FBC Watauga, TX
- Deacon Ordination: December 17, 2006 – FBC Watauga, TX
- Married: December 18, 2005
- Baptism: March 22, 2004 – FBC Watauga, TX
Anthony is available for preaching opportunities, conferences, camps, and other speaking venues. Visit the speaking calendar page to check availability.