I’m Dr. Michael Criner, Senior Pastor at First Baptist Church in Bellville, TX, a church that has had a presence in Austin County for almost 160 years. I grew up in Texas and have spent the past 14 years in full-time ministry, and the past few years living and pastoring in the Austin County area.

I'm married to a woman beyond my dreams, Abigail, for over 14 years. We are raising three little girls - Adele, Ruth, and Talitha. One of my favorite verses is Acts 20:24 in which Paul says “I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” If I had to have a verse to describe me, I think it’d be that one.

I write about Theology, Culture, and Leadership from my vantage point here in Austin County at MICHAELCRINER.com. You can follow me on twitter @michaelcriner or on Facebook.

My preaching is featured at First Bellville on any given Sunday, but you can also request me to speak at your disciple now, conference, or church gathering by clicking here. I enjoy exercise, eating ribeye steak, dating my wife, dancing with my little girls, preaching the gospel, discipling men, and reading books from dead men.