
Dr. Josh Jordan (03’) completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Religion here at ETBU, and would then go on to earn his Master of Divinity as well as Doctor of Ministry degrees from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. Jordan currently serves as the Family Life Pastor at First Baptist Church of Covington, Louisiana. He is married to his wife Leslie, and they are the proud parents of four children: Kate, Judah, John Luke, and Jonas. In addition, they are also the co-owners of Category 5 Indoor Pickleball in Mandeville, LA.
Follow along as we hear from Josh on how the Lord shaped his journey to East Texas Baptist University and beyond.
I grew up with Godly parents who pointed me to Jesus in every stage of my life. They pastored churches and bought the Christian Bookstore in my hometown of Sulphur Springs, TX when I was 8 years old. In my junior year of high school, I began to feel called to ministry but was afraid to be obedient. During my senior year, I finally surrendered to God's call of vocational ministry at a disciple-now event. My leader that weekend worked in admissions at ETBU, and my older brother, Jeremy, was also attending ETBU and was having a great experience. After much prayer and trusting God would use ETBU to prepare me, I was ready to move to The Hill.
All of my professors and ministry leaders had massive roles in my personal and spiritual development. Dr. Bob Utley's hermeneutics class shaped how I interpret the Bible, and Old Testament (I can still draw the maps and the timeline). Dr. Bruce Tankersley shared his passion for the New Testament (so many notebooks filled with notes). Dr. John Harris offered mentorship inside and outside the classroom. Dane Fowlkes, chaplain, encouraged me through his love for missions and reaching the lost. Allan Thompson, BSM Director, invested in me and gave me ministry opportunities.
I love seeing how God is using my friends and fellow alumni, men and women who have a Kingdom impact literally around the world! I get to speak about them often to others and proudly say "We went to ETBU together.” The early 2000s at ETBU produced some incredibly gifted folks- you know who you are!
When I think back on my days at ETBU, my mind is filled with memories and moments all over campus. Dorm life, working with my fellow RA's; chapel and Timeout worship times; laughter and pranks; cafeteria and coffee house conversations; late-night paper writing and cramming for tests; football games and sand volleyball. I think about praying for revival with friends. I think about discipleship, learning from upperclassmen what it meant to have a relationship with Jesus and to lead.
ETBU gave me my first opportunities in ministry. It’s the place where I found the confidence that God could use my life for His glory. I saw incredible victories and also missed the mark. Through it all, I thank God for using East Texas Baptist University to help shape me so I could shepherd those God would entrust to me.