MS bivo pastor Poe recognized at 2025 SBC Pastors’ Conference

By Megan Young
Associate Editor

Mississippi pastor Jonathan Poe was chosen to represent bivocational pastors statewide on stage during the 2025 SBC Pastors’ Conference in Dallas on June 9.

Pastors’ Conference president D.J. Horton, pastor of Church at the Mill in Spartanburg, S.C., asked every state convention to provide the name of one bivocational pastor from their state to be recognized. 

“It’s an honor, a true honor,” said Poe, pastor of Bolton Church, Bolton. “There’s a lot of good guys serving as bivocational pastors across Mississippi. I really feel unworthy to be the one to stand and represent compared to some of the guys I know. So it is a true honor.” 

Poe, who also works full-time running a tree removal company and farm, recognizes that the work of bivocational pastors historically has been undervalued. He notes that bivocational-led churches are commonly perceived as “just not there yet,” but chooses to draw inspiration and encouragement from biblical examples such as Paul, who also served in bivocational roles.

Far from viewing his bivocational ministry as a challenge, Poe believes that his full-time job outside the church actually bolsters his connection to his congregation.

“When I speak on Wednesday night and I look out over my people, they’re tired from working all day and I’m tired from working all day. And so they can relate to that and I really enjoy it.” 

As part of the recognition service, each state convention director joined the men on stage and prayed for them and the other bivocational pastors they represented back home.

“I’m glad Jonathan Poe was among those honored for his service at Bolton Baptist Church,” said Shawn Parker, Mississippi Baptist Convention Board executive director-treasurer. “His recognition is well-deserved and highlights the wonderful slate of bivocational leaders among Mississippi Baptists.

“These men are often overlooked and under appreciated, but they truly are the backbone of Southern Baptist life.”

After the time of prayer, each bivocational pastor was honored with a surprise trip to Israel, courtesy of Signature Tours.

“I wasn’t expecting the gift,” said Poe. “I know it’s amazing to be able to get to go to Israel. I tried to go when I was in college and just wasn’t able to. So it’s really a blessing.” 

When asked about his church community, Poe emphasized their efforts to pour into the next generation by ministering to children in the Bolton area. 

“I just want to make sure if they’re in my community, that when they leave as an adult, they are prepared biblically to go out into the world,” said Poe.