Michael Evans is the senior pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Mansfield, Texas, where he has served for more than 28 years. He has been married to his high school sweetheart, Lisa Evans, for more than 32 years. They have two adult sons and one granddaughter.

 

Michael earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from Baylor University's Truett Theological Seminary and a Master of Divinity Degree from Texas Christian University's Brite Divinity School. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (pre-law) from the University of Texas at Arlington.

 

Michael is a passionate community advocate noted for his civic and social service. He is the founder of several organizations to assist individuals from all walks of life, including: Historic West Mansfield Texas Community Development Corporation, which encourages quality economic development and was instrumental in the construction of Bethlehem’s Pioneer Place – a $19,000,000.00 senior adult independent living complex that returns more than $100,000.00 a year in local/state property taxes; Hope House Community Service Network, that assisted indigent individuals in Southeast Tarrant County with addiction recovery, medical services, and transportation needs; and Bethlehem Baptist Church Educational Enrichment Corporation, which has helped more than 1,000 young people throughout the Southeast Arlington-Mansfield-Kennedale area with tutoring services, career exploration, and summer job placement.

 

Michael served honorably in the United States Navy as a commissioned officer; Reserve Chaplain. He is in his final term as president of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, which serves more than 5,300 churches in the state; his term ends in 2020. He has been the President of the board of trustees for Mansfield ISD that serves more than 35,000 students. He is a newly appointed regent for Baylor University and presently a member of the Board of Trustees for Tarrant County College District; a position he intends to transition from if elected Mayor of Mansfield. Michael has served as an administrator for Tarrant County College District, with coordination and oversight responsibilities for the district’s ESL and Adult Basic Education centers. He has also served as the City of Arlington’s Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. speaker on three occasions and he often serves as a consultant on race relations for faith-based, county, and state officials in both the Democratic and Republican parties in Texas.

 

Michael continues to serve on numerous boards and lead many community initiatives locally and state-wide. Noted as fiscally conservative, he has served on a local bank board. He currently serves on the Methodist Mansfield Medical Center Advisory Board. He also serves on the Advisory Council of Tarrant County Habitat for Humanity. He was appointed by former Tarrant County Commissioner Andy H. Nguyen to serve as co-chair of the Tarrant County Commissioners Court Citizens Blue Ribbon Committee on healthcare services. As a vocal and visible supporter of law enforcement and fire fighters, he serves as a member of Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Advisory Board for the City of Mansfield Police Department. He is also noted for his efforts in raising funds for local fire fighters’ equipment needs.

 

Michael was inducted into the City of Mansfield’s “Wall of Honor,” an award reserved for outstanding service for the city, its people, and the surrounding communities.  In all that he has accomplished and continues to strive for, Michael is most noted by many for his humble service and commitment to faith, family, and community.