Celebrating 55 Years of Faithful Ministry

Baptist Temple's desire to meet the needs of our community set the tone for what became the longest-running community ministry in San Antonio’s South Side: the Baptist Temple Early Learning Center. In 1970, it was not yet evident that the program would endure decades of change. The first day, just three children arrived. But founding director Bea McEntire saw something much larger taking shape. “It was a chance to teach the children about the love Jesus has for them and to teach them to get along with each other,” she said.

Teachers like Billie Anderson, who would later serve as assistant director for two decades, remembered the spiritual atmosphere. “I loved sharing Bible stories, verses, and songs about Jesus with the children,” she said. “Hearing them sing... I was blessed.” 

By 1975, enrollment expanded, kindergarten and summer programs were launched, and the center’s license grew to serve 110 children. Children who attended sometimes came back years later as parents.

Serving families quickly became more than childcare—it evolved into a broader community ministry. It marked an era when Baptist Temple began to focus on ministering to a neighborhood that was rapidly transitioning, in keeping with the words of Jeremiah 29:7: “Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you.”

When McEntire retired in 1988 after 18 years of service, her successor, Audrey Good, continued the Christian-centered model of care. Good ensured that faith remain the thread running through everything. “We are a Christian program that provides songs, prayers and other activities that acknowledge God’s love for children,” she said.

The Early Learning Center (ELC) adapted across generations: remodeled facilities, expanded age groups, after-school programs, accessible playground construction, and the acceptance of CCS vouchers for working families.

But no challenge was greater than COVID-19. Kathleen Lanzalotto, became the center's director just as shutdowns began. With medical workers and first responders needing childcare to perform essential tasks, closing wasn’t an option. She re-trained staff, created safety protocols, and reopened after a two week break. Under her leadership, the center grew, bought a new van, expanded after-school care, and earned a dramatic jump in its online ratings.

The program has reached the highest distinction available from the Texas Rising Star program: a Four-Star rating, recognizing excellence above state standards. “We are aiming for best practices,” said Baptist Temple Executive Pastor Jonathan Clark. 

For many parents, the difference is obvious the moment they arrive. “It looks and smells clean,” said Assistant Director Cindy Mendez.

One parent, Eric Estrada, said he once planned to keep his baby at home. But after enrolling, he changed his mind. “It feels like she’s with adults who care about her as much as we do,” he said.

Staff say their philosophy is simple: you can teach skills, but you can’t teach a heart for children. “If you love kids, you’re paying attention to them,” said a staff member.

What sets the ELC apart isn’t only the curriculum or the professional standards. It’s the consistency of mission. Faith remains central, with chapel services every Wednesday to honor the Proverbs 22:6  imperative to “Train up a child in the way he should go...”

After more than 25 years of service to ELC, Pat Mejia became director in 2025.She started at ELC as a teacher in 1999 and became an office assistant in 2020. After completing the required courses, she was promoted to assistant director in 2023. 

Through neighborhood transformation, economic hurdles, changing family needs, and even a global pandemic, the Early Learning Center’s 55-year story is not just a timeline—it’s a testament to endurance, faith, and the generations who shaped it.

Baptist Temple Year in Review: 2021

The Year in Pictures

 

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, 

let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. 

And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
Hebrews 12:1

 

A GREAT CROWD OF WITNESSES

The author of Hebrews encourages us to remember the Old Testament saints, a great cloud of witnesses who remind us of God's faithfulness. They overcame challenges, discovered opportunities and carried out God's plan for their time. In our fellowship hall there is a painting called “A Great Crowd of Witnesses.” Painted in 1980, it's a montage of Baptist Temple's past leaders and a further reminder of God's faithfulness.

As I look back on the 110th year of Baptist Temple, I am amazed by the fact that this church has ministered through two world wars (and five smaller ones), two global pandemics, a world's fair and the Great Depression. Buildings were built, remodeled and repurposed. There have been thousands of baptisms and generations of people learning and practicing biblical truth. The hungry were fed, the naked were clothed, and the afflicted were comforted. Through it all the congregations of Baptist Temple overcame challenges, discovered opportunities and carried out God's plan for their time.

The year 2021 began with a backward glance as we celebrated Jonathan Clark's 20th year at Baptist Temple. Beginning as Minister of Music, he was promoted, first, to Associate Pastor and, then, to Executive Pastor. Jonathan has proven to be a man for all seasons as he has grown and adapted to the changing needs of Baptist Temple.

In February, we continued our long-standing tradition of helping in the development of ministers. To that end, we licensed Nathan and Alison Clark, Mateo Beltran and Anna Cortinas to the gospel ministry. The Clarks are part of the No Place Left evangelism network and are missionaries in residence, Mateo has been named an outreach minister, and Anna served as a pastoral ministries intern as she finished the Master of Theology degree at Dallas Baptist University.

Disciple making was enhanced this year as doors opened at the Crosspointe rehab centers, which allowed us to hold Bible study at both the men's and the women's facilities. Furthermore, Sunday school returned to the BT Campus. This created a learning environment that builds community and accelerates spiritual formation.

February was, also, the month of the big freeze that caused damage throughout the BT campus; especially in the Fritz building. Repairs and improvements continued throughout the year thanks to grants, gifts and skilled workers who gave their time and talents. We replaced some of our windows and covered others up, we replaced the Brunnemann Building access ramp, freshened up some spaces, restored the Fritz building and repaired parts of the air conditioning system.

Although many non-profit organizations and churches downsized or shut down in the wake of COVID-19, Family Deaf Church, Sunny Slope Baptist Church, New Direction, and Rise Above continue to meet on campus. The Message and Life Change Church adapted to off campus models. Jubilee Academy and Funeral Caring are still here and the Early Learning Center is stronger than ever. The Ceramics ministry was the only one to return to the Fritz in 2021.

A new addition to the BT Campus family is Care Warriors. This non-profit group helps teens and young adults with developmental disabilities to develop life skills that lead to greater Independence.

Our hunger fighting efforts were enhanced by large and timely food drives from Woodland Baptist Church, Fellowship of San Antonio and Jubilee Academy, as well as grants from the Texas Baptists and the San Antonio Baptist Association. We were able to provide groceries for 1001 families, representing 3626 individuals. Our free community meals are also back, creating more opportunities for connection and relationship building.

The COVID situation limited the number of church mission teams traveling this summer. Only two came. In the Spring, the Crusader Choir from Christian Heritage Academy performed three concerts and did some yard work in the community. In June, First Baptist Church of Tulsa brought a team to conduct VBS in the park and for the early learning center. They also did a lot of light construction work.

VBS returned this year after it was canceled in 2020. Although the numbers were smaller than in the past, it was still a great victory. First, we did it. Second, the children learned biblical truth while having fun. Third, we had a great number of volunteers. We were hampered by our inability to do children's outreach this year but I expect next year to be better.

Outreach efforts included an outdoor concert sponsored by Rise Above Ministries and featuring the bands Filthy Rags and Becoming Sons and worship concerts featuring Westward Road and Simply Blessed. Our worship attendance has remained steady for the year at 30% below our pre-COVID average. The worship concerts provided opportunities to invite new people and present the gospel through music and testimony.

Our biggest event was the Trek or Treat jointly sponsored by the BT Early Learning Center and Jubilee Academy. It was a highly attended event designed to introduce new families to the services we offer. Many new families learned about our services.

The year 2021 was a year of rehabilitation. We moved forward with an abundance of faith, trusting God for the results. I am confident for the future. We must heed the words of the passage we are focused on this morning.

• We must throw off everything that hinders. Our ministry focus must be on those events that have the biggest impact for making disciples. 

• We must run the race marked out for us. We are not running the race that other churches are running. We are not running yesterday's race. We must be like the people of Issachar who understood the times and knew what to do.

• We must keep our eyes upon Jesus. Not on the news, not on the politicians, certainly not on social media. We need to see where God is at work and join him.

Kathleen Lanzalotto leads the BTELC through challenging times

Born and raised in New Jersey, Kathleen Lanzalotto became the Director of the Baptist Temple Early Learning Center last year, just as the pandemic hit. At first, the decision was made to shut down the ELC, but the child-care needs of medical personnel and other essential workers led us to reopen.

Leading the training and creation of new protocols, Kathleen created a safer environment for teachers and children. In two weeks, we were back in business. By the end of the year, we acquired a new van and expanded our after school program by providing services to other area schools.

Kathleen always wanted to be a teacher but had been told she was not smart enough. Kathleen has dyslexia, a disorder that makes learning difficult. Refusing to accept limitations, she attended school part-time and earned a Bachelor’s degree in child development and business.

Her personal struggles with traditional learning systems helped her to raise two children with dyslexia. Both achieved academic success. The oldest received an Associate’s degree in cosmetology, the youngest is in college studying to be a doctor and has a 4.0 Grade Point Average.

Following her husband’s death in 2010, Kathleen moved to San Antonio to be closer to family. Having previously operated a Montessori Academy in New Jersey, Kathleen opened an early learning center in San Antonio, applying her academic training and her sensitivity to children who learn differently.

She sold her successful business but soon returned to the field of early childhood learning. Feeling there was more for her to do, Kathleen accepted the position at Baptist Temple. Kathleen wants to take BTELC to the next level, so it becomes the standard for other schools to follow. Our Google rating went from half a star to 4.3 stars in her first year.

Kathleen's leadership has enabled the BTELC to excel through challenging times.  We recently passed all our inspections with no negative observations. Parents are saying, “I’m calling you because you have a five star rating.”

How did we get here?

Just about every church, denomination and business wrote a 2020 vision statement at the turn of the century. What could be more poetic? I'm sure the plans included growth, efficiency and technology upgrades but no one planned for a future that included the COVID-19 plague, rioting and a nation divided politically.

God created the world and on the sixth day. He looked around and said it was good. He'd created humanity in His own image and told them. “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.” (Genesis 1:27-28)

He had one rule and the first humans broke it. As a result a curse fell on them and all creation. War, disease, pestilence, violence and exploitation would become the way of the land. (Genesis 3)

Later we are reminded that humanity was created in the image of God but Adam “had a son in his own likeness, in his own image.” (Genesis 5:3)

Evil multiplied and filled the earth. God regretted creating humanity and destroyed it in a flood but Noah found favor and was saved with his family along with a remnant of all creation. (Genesis 6:11-14)

Thoughts of the end of the world proliferate at times like this. The world seems to be ripe for Christ's return. We hear of wars and rumors of wars, hunger, natural disasters, immorality... It sure feels like the end is near.

After Jesus' resurrection, the disciples gathered around the risen, triumphant savior and asked, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6)

He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:7-8)

God's plan has always involved blessing humanity. Following the flood, he declared again that humans were made in God's image and issued a new order to multiply. (Genesis 9:6-7) When called Abraham, God said, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” (Genesis 12:1-3)

When the time was right (Galatians 4:4), God sent His Son into the world. God did not send his Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it. (John 3:16-17)

When become followers of Christ we become new creations (born again.) God reconciles us to Himself through Jesus Christ and turns over to us this ministry of reconciling the world to Him. We are Christ's ambassadors. (2 Corinthians 5:17-20)

In times like these we a-re called to continue to be Jesus' witnesses, obeying his call to “make disciples.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

Experiencing God during the COVID-19 Pandemic

In the year that King Uzziah died,

I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted,

and the train of his robe filled the temple.

Isaiah 6:1

Isaiah saw a vision of God during a time of political change. There was always an air of uncertainty during theses times and Isaiah is reminded that God is still there; still on His throne.

We need to remember that God is still on His throne today as we face an election year marked by a global pandemic, economic uncertainty, and violence in our cities. Some are paralyzed by fear, others are in denial but most are taking it one day at a time, putting life on hold until 2021.

Like Isaiah, we must focus on God's holiness and His faithfulness during past times of turmoil and fear. Paul, while in prison, wrote, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21.)

To the Romans (8:28), Paul wrote “...all things work together for good to those who love God.”

If we live for Christ, our time on earth is dedicated to His service. Isaiah answered God's call. “Here am I. Send me,” he said (Isaiah 6:8)

We, too, need to boldly answer Christ's call on our lives in these troubled times. The world needs Jesus now. This is not the time for the church to wait.

How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed?

And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard?

And how are they to hear without someone preaching?

And how are they to preach unless they are sent?

As it is written, “How beautiful

are the feet of those who preach the good news!”

Romans 10:14-15

BAPTIST TEMPLE COVID-19 UPDATE 2

After taking the month of April to learn and prepare, we returned to public worship on May 3. Forty-eight gathered (about half our pre-COVID-19 attendance) for our thirty minute service. We followed health official guidelines. Family groups sat together (six feet apart from the others), every other row of pews was closed, and we all wore masks.

We are taking special care with cleaning but that only lasts as long as it takes for the next person to touch a surface. The best way to ensure personal safety is to wear masks (to prevent the transfer of vapors that carry viruses), don't touch your face (to prevent transfer of viruses you might have picked up from a surface), wash your hands (or sanitize) every time you touch a surface (in case you forget not to touch your face.) Gloves are a good idea, too.

Some people are not yet ready to return to church. The people who returned first tended to be essential workers and those who are OK going to Walmart, etc. It's OK not to be ready. People will return when they feel comfortable. That may take a while for some.

The church has over 2000 years of experience with pandemics, most much worse than this. The church returned to the assembly each time. Baptist Temple will survive this, again.

A more recent experience is 9/11. Remember what flying was like before? We came to accept the new restrictions as part of our lives. I don't know how things will look next May but I know we will adapt. Remember when we didn't wear seat belts?

In the meantime, we are still a church that is functioning effectively in the face of this great challenge. Our phone angels are making sure our people are not forgotten. We are becoming more focused on outreach as our visiting angels are reaching out to folks in our community who are in need. Our admin staff is busier than ever navigating the new spiritual and legal challenges. Our early learning center staff have become heroic in their efforts to care for the children of other essential workers.

Bible study is still being conducted via conference calls but we are prayerfully waiting to discern the best scenario for regathering in person. Perhaps, in the future, we will do both.

Another change is that VBS will not happen in the traditional summer way. We are considering making it part of a fall relaunch of Sunday school. There are better days ahead.

Join us, when you're ready, at 10:55 on Sundays.

BAPTIST TEMPLE COVID-19 UPDATE

God has had His hand on Baptist Temple from its beginning. He has protected us and enabled us to do ministry through numerous global, national and local emergencies. Through each one Baptist Temple has listened to God and adapted to the new opportunities revealed within the challenges.

Prior to the COVID-19 emergency, Baptist Temple was strongly positioned for ministry to our community. We had turned our most visible asset, our buildings, into a hub of important services for our community. In doing this, we multiplied our ministry capacity while dividing our expenses. We efficiently and effectively served the spiritual and physical needs of our community. During this time of social distancing, we still operate essential services through our early learning center and funeral office. Meanwhile, our solar panels quietly provide energy for our community, our cell tower keeps folks connected, and our radio antennas keep security alarms on line.

We are ahead of several trends that church consultants have identified for the 21^st Century.

1. Moving from an attractional church model to a missional one. This is a part of Baptist Temple's history and so much a part of who we are that we are surprised and disappointed when a church is not missional.
2. Today churches are built to accommodate 300 worshipers at a time. Large arenas are a Baby Boomer phenomenon whose passing is being accelerated by COVID-19. It seems our sanctuary size fits the new ideal.
3. Multiple worship times are the new expectation. We have offered as many as seven services from seven different churches in multiple languages and styles.
4. A rule of thumb for worship spaces was that filling to 80% of capacity was comfortable. The new post COVID-19 capacity is expected to be 60%. People want more space.

Another of our strengths that, while not a trending, is still God-pleasing, is focusing outreach on the people that other churches overlook: older adults, the poor, the mentally ill and the disabled. While our efforts have been delayed for a season, we have nearly completed our inclusive playground and we will bounce back stronger than ever.

Robert Newman came on staff shortly before the pandemic. This is a clear example of God's hand. His many skills and talents include those that have expanded our internet media communications just when they were most needed. COVID-19 has pushed many churches into the 21^st Century and this will become a growing part of our communications process. We are on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and Pinterest. We also communicate regularly though our email newsletter, blog, video conference, telephone and mail.

Paths to the future include close contact and small groups. Our phone angels call each of our people on a weekly basis, maintaining close communication while we are apart. When we return, small groups will be a core discipleship strategy. This is not new for us. Sunday school has been at the heart of the explosive growth of Baptist churches for nearly a century. At the same time, parachurch groups such as Campus Crusade and the Navigators used small groups to disciple young people on college campuses and military bases. AA and other 12 step programs use them to help people cope with their pain. Almost all of our members have had experience with one or more of these groups.

I envision a combination of church-based groups, home groups, lunch-time Bible studies, etc. They will be integrated by a support system of training and coaching. The goal will be to help people grow to be more like Jesus, wherever they are on their walk.

Another path for the future is Stephen Ministry. Our highly trained Stephen Ministers will meet one on one with folks who need a little extra grace for a time. The path to the future is a continued focus on the Great Commission:

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age”

Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)

Thank God for Fleas

Corrie Ten Boom

One of my favorite stories in The Hiding Place features Corrie Ten Boom learning to be thankful is all things from her sister, Betsie. They were in a prison camp without much to be thankful but the Bible says, “ in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NKJ)

They were thankful for being together, for having a Bible and, even, for the crowded conditions that created an environment where more women would hear the nightly Bible studies. Many women gave their heart to Jesus as a result. When Betsie gave thanks for the fleas, Corrie objected, “Betsie, there’s no way even God can make me grateful for a flea.”

“‘Give thanks in all circumstances,” Betsie corrected. “It doesn’t say, ‘in pleasant circumstances.’ Fleas are part of this place where God has put us.”

Weeks would pass before Corrie would learn the reason why they were so free to witness, without interruption, in the barracks. The guards were avoiding the terrible flea infestation. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28, NIV)

It can be hard to see God's hand in difficult circumstances but we know that revivals have come in the midst of troubled times. The Reformation came when the church had strayed from Biblical teaching. A prayer revival exploded in New York City following the 1857 stock market crash. Good Friday led to Easter Sunday.

How will God use the bleak circumstances of our current situation? Paul used arrest and imprisonment as an opportunity to witness to jailers and judges. He wrote letters to encourage the churches while way.

God is still at work. Let's look for ways to join him.

Responding to a disruptive pandemic

By the rivers of Babylon we sat and 

wept when we remembered Zion 

Psalm 137:1

To better understand and respond to the disruption to society that the Coronavirus has created we can turn to the Bible and study the Babylonian Captivity.

It was the end of worship as they knew it. The Temple was destroyed and the Jews were exiled to Babylon. No more sacrifices at the Temple; the Priests and Levites were left without jobs. It was no longer business as usual but God's people adapted.

Synagogues were organized for prayer and teaching of the Scriptures. The Scriptures became the authoritative and central to worship. They were transcribed using the Hebrew alphabet we know today and men were taught to read it. Scribes and scholars (teacher of the Law) emerged as leaders. When a remnant returned to Jerusalem and rebuilt the Temple, the majority remained scattered around the world.

God used these events to shape the world into Jesus which was born. Jews who were able to read the Scriptures were scattered throughout the known world and gathered in synagogues. In Luke 4:16 we read, “He [Jesus] went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read.”

Paul would go from synagogue to synagogue preaching the gospel. In Acts 17:11 we learn, “Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.

This terrible disruption in the nation of Israel prepared a people who were living in darkness to see a great light. Is the disruption we are experiencing now preparing us for a great movement of God. Is this the beginning or a warning to prepare.

The church has made use of new technologies as they have arrived including printing, radio, telephone, TV, cable, computers and the internet. Technology is moving faster than ever but churches are adapting unevenly. This month churches are using a variety of methods to hold worship services. While the quick action is remarkable, it is possible that the answer goes beyond moving our worship online.

One of the Seven Trends for Churches in 2020 reported by church consultant and author, Thom Rainer, is that worship service size preference is shrinking, Gone are the days of large worship venues. The preferred number is 300 and existing large venues may experience financial strain in the next few decades.

Also, it seems that many people prefer to worship at a time other than Sunday at 11 o'clock. People want options. In the near future, large churches will offer multiple services in smaller sanctuaries.

Baptist Temple has been ahead of the curve with these trends, offering seven worship opportunities on Sunday for groups ranging in size from 150 to 15. During the week an elementary/middle school and an early learning center use our facilities along with numerous service organizations. We have become a vital hub to our community by ministering to both spiritual and physical needs and, by sharing our facilities, we have multiplied ministry while dividing costs.

The world has changed and we need to be prayerfully preparing our next steps. Even if things were to return to they way we were before, we cannot ignore what God has revealed.

BAPTIST TEMPLE STATEMENT ON COVID-19

Archangel Michael slays Satan

For God has not given us a spirit of fear,
but of power and of love 
and of a sound mind. 
2 Timothy 1:7 

We face a serious crisis. This is a time for the church to step up to take the lead in caring and fighting fear. We are either an important part of society or we are irrelevant.

Last week, many churches canceled public worship. Some moved to a video model. Yet, people still crowded into restaurants, bars, stores and theaters.

This week, many more churches are canceling events and public worship indefinitely. We have been told that this emergency will last until August. The CDC recommended bans on all groups over ten. San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg has declared a state of emergency and prohibits gatherings over 50. Churches are exempt from this prohibition; as are restaurants, stores, the airport, hospitals, shelters and the jail. These are considered necessary gatherings.

There are some churches who don't consider public worship necessary in this emergency. Baptist Temple is not one of them. I received a call last week from a friend who attended a megachurch that had opted for online worship only. He is not comfortable with that and asked if we were having public worship. We were. He came with his family. He is in an at-risk category but he was going to worship somewhere.

We decided to close our early learning center out an “abundance of caution.” It was a mistake. I received an email from a colleague the day we closed asking about open child-care centers. There was a looming crisis in our hospitals due to the absence of essential staff who had to stay home to care for their children. We decided to reopen after a few days of training, cleaning and new protocols. We are accepting new children and will be at full capacity. Our early learning center decided to step up and serve in this time of need.

Baptist Temple will step up and serve in this time of need. We will gather together for worship this Sunday as will many other churches. If you are sick, please stay home. If you are at risk do as you feel appropriate. You will not be judged either way. Invite people without a place of worship. They can visit with us until their churches reopen.

We will be serving a free community meal on Wednesday nights at five. The thrift store and food pantry will remain open. There will be ceramics on Monday. Sunday School will also continue.

Baptist Temple has weathered the Spanish Flu and the Great Depression. We laid the cornerstone of our sanctuary days after the attack on Pearl Harbor. God put us here for a time like this. 

No evil shall befall you,

Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling. 
Psalm 91:10