The Twelve: Taking up the Mantle of Christ

Twelve men were chosen to fulfill Christ's legacy on the earth.

Eleven became a strength that forged a path to salvation for much of the known world.

One stumbled and fell away.

What lessons can we learn from these men? They were as varied as the members of our modern church, at times at odds with one another, but forged by Jesus into a single unit that overcame everything the devil could throw at them.

Here's the takeaway: Jesus!

Each of the eleven looked to Jesus and Jesus alone for the answers to life's questions.

One chose the world and the world failed him.

Our only option is to choose Christ.

A Message from the Desk of Tim Barker:

As the District Superintendent for the South Texas District of the Assemblies of God, my ministry to win souls for Jesus begins with loving others.

The lessons we learn from the lives of the twelve disciples of Jesus teach us how. Eleven chose Jesus and became a unified force for good. One chose a different way that led to his destruction.

I wish to choose Christ. My goal is to prepare in faithfulness and thankfulness to let my life spread the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world and lead the lost to Him.

Tim R. Barker, D. Min.

About Tim:

Reverend Tim R. Barker is the Superintendent of the South Texas District of the Assemblies of God which is headquartered in Houston, Texas.

He is a graduate of Southwestern Assemblies of God University, with a Bachelor of Science degree in General Ministries/Biblical Studies, with a minor in music. He also received a Master of Arts in Practical Theology from SAGU and received his Doctorate of Ministry Degree from West Coast Seminary.

Reverend Barker was ordained by the Assemblies of God in 1989. He began his ministry in the South Texas District in 1984 as youth & music minister and continued his ministry as Pastor, Executive Presbyter (2006 - 2009) and Executive Secretary-Treasurer (2009 - 2011) in the South Texas District, where he served until his election as the South Texas District Superintendent in 2011.

By virtue of his district office, Reverend Barker is a member of the District's Executive Presbytery and the General Presbytery of the General Council of the Assemblies of God, Springfield, Missouri. He is a member of the Executive Board of Regents for Southwestern Assemblies of God University, Waxahachie, Texas, and SAGU-American Indian College, Phoenix, Arizona. He is a member of the Board of Directors of Pleasant Hills Children's Home, Fairfield, Texas, as well as numerous other boards and committees.

Reverend Barker and his wife, Jill, married in 1983, have been blessed with two daughters. Jordin and her husband, Stancle Williams, who serves as the South Texas District Youth Director. Abrielle and her husband, Nolan McLaughlin, are church planters of Motion Church in San Antonio. The Barkers have four grandchildren, Braylen, Emory and Landon Williams and Kingston and London McLaughlin.

His unique style of pulpit ministry and musical background challenges the body of Christ, with an appeal that reaches the generations.