Who We Are

Dogwood Trails Baptist Association exists to advance the Gospel by equipping and uniting local churches to fulfill the Great Commission—together. We do that by DEVELOPING LEADERS, STRENGTHENING CHURCHES, and SERVING TOGETHER.

Developing Leaders

At DTBA, we partner with local churches, state conventions, and the Send Network of the Southern Baptist Convention to plant new churches throughout East Texas.

If you have the heart of a church planter and the spirit of an entrepreneur, we’d love to connect with you. Let’s talk and pray together about the opportunities God is opening in our region.

Interested in church planting?
Schedule a conversation with our Associational Strategist, Dr. Alan Small.

Strengthening Churches

At DTBA, we believe every church brings unique value to our shared mission and to the communities we serve. Our goal is to strengthen and support local churches—whether through leadership development, revitalization efforts, resource connection, or guidance during times of transition.

We’re here to walk alongside you, partnering together for greater Kingdom impact.

DTBA pastors are united by a deep love for East Texas and a shared commitment to the Good News. We understand the unique challenges church leaders face today, and we believe no one should lead alone.

Through fellowships and leadership cohorts, we create spaces for connection, encouragement, and growth—fostering healthy leadership across our churches. Because we believe this: an isolated leader is an endangered leader. Connections matter.

Serving Together

At DTBA, we recognize that every church plays a vital role in our shared mission and in the life of our communities. Each one brings unique strengths and gifts that enrich the body of Christ.

Our mission is to come alongside churches—offering support during times of transition, guiding revitalization efforts, connecting leaders to valuable resources, and investing in leadership development.

We’re here to serve, support, and strengthen churches as we advance the Gospel together.

Our Churches

With nearly 100 churches across three counties, we are united by a shared love for our communities and a passion to reach the 100,000 people within our mission field. Together, we serve, worship, and grow as one body in Christ.

If you're looking for a church family, we invite you to connect with one of our local congregations. If you're looking for a place to serve, click below and let us know.

Our Team

Associational Director

and Lead Strategist

Dr. Alan Small

Dr. Alan Small stepped into the role of Executive Director for Dogwood Trails Baptist Association in August 2021. He and his wife, Rachelle—both West Texas natives—have served in Oklahoma and Colorado before following God’s call to East Texas.

With a background as a long-tenured pastor, church planter, and church revitalizer, Alan brings a deep passion for helping churches thrive. He also spent time coaching track and cross country at his local high school, where his love for leadership and discipleship often intersected. It was in that blend of coaching and ministry that he clearly sensed God leading him into associational work.

Alan and Rachelle are proud parents of two grown, married daughters. Rachelle serves as Assistant to the President at Jacksonville College.

Alan holds degrees from Wayland Baptist University, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He also brings specialized training with certifications in church consultation and revitalization.

In addition to his ministry work, Alan co-hosts the Enduring Churches Podcast alongside his longtime friend, Trent Young, where they encourage and equip church leaders across the country.

“I am passionate about the long-term health and vitality of our churches and ministry leaders. I have experienced an attempt to build that health on my own, but I came to recognize that God’s best plan is for churches to work together for God’s Kingdom.”

DTBA Executive Team

Moderator: Tony Watson

Vice-moderator: Jerry Horine

Clerk: Matthew Timmons, Norwood Heights Baptist Church, Palestine

Treasurer: Kevin Wilmott, Dogwood Hills Baptist Church, Palestine

Denominee and Parlimentarian Advisor: David Dixon

DTBA Ministry Team

Teaching Team: Matthew Timmons, Norwood Heights Baptist Church, Palestine

Evangelism Team: Jerry Horine, Friendship Baptist Church, Montalba

Adoration Team: Tony Watson, First Baptist Church, Palestine

Missions Team: Brian Givens, First Baptist Church, Rusk

Disaster Relief: Rick Dees, Westwood Baptist Church, Palestine

Collegiate Ministry: Chris Williams

Directors of East Texas Prison Ministry: Kenneth & Goldie Young

Hospitality House leaders: Kenneth & Goldie Young

Dogwood Trails Baptist Association

PO BOX 949

Jacksonville, TX

(303) 748-2823

UP-COMING SPECIAL EVENTS

“Desperate For Jesus Woman’s conference, July 22nd & 23rd.