Ministry in New and Creative Ways

July 20, 2022

Meet Bonnie L. Bevers (G-ETS 2022)

Degree Programs

Master of Divinity with a concentration in child advocacy

What is your hometown and educational background?

My hometown is Nocona, Texas. I graduated from Nocona High School in 2000, McMurry University in Abilene, Texas, with a bachelor of arts in psychology in 2004, and the University of Texas at Arlington with double master of arts degrees in criminology and criminal justice in 2008.

How has your time at Garrett-Evangelical shaped your ministry and calling?

My time at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary has allowed me space to further explore my call to work with youth and families in a ministry setting. I have been able to learn more about ways to help families, particularly teens in crisis and facing trauma. While here, I have also been able to deepen my understanding of inter-cultural interactions that will allow me to be a better advocate for youth and families crossing the Texas/Mexico border seeking safety.

What is your most transformative experience at Garrett-Evangelical?

It probably sounds staged or insincere but facing a global pandemic during my seminary career has allowed me the opportunity to learn to do ministry in new and creative ways. I had been working in youth ministry for several years when I came to Garrett-Evangelical, but after the last two years of COVID, I have been able to grow my creative ministry, as well as grow in my own faith and finding ways to minister both to others and myself.

What’s next? What are your plans or your hopes for your future?

I begin my new position as the associate pastor of youth and family ministries at First United Methodist Church in San Marcos, Texas on June 1, 2022. I am also serving as the Rio Texas Conference Youth Delegate Coordinator in San Antonio, Texas. My hope is to continue helping students find their voices and make their mark on the world and the church.