Juan Carlos joined the staff of Lakeland as Minister of Administration and Discipleship in July of 2026. He was born in Nicaragua, Central America, and has called the great State of Texas home since age 16. Juan Carlos came to Christ on his 16th birthday; in a conversion experience he will cherish into eternity. He is a graduate of East Texas Baptist University, Texas A&M University-Commerce, and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, respectively. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration, a Master of Education in Teaching & Bilingual Education, a Master of Science in School Administration, a Master of Theology, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership.
Juan Carlos is married to Michelle, a school counselor, and they have three wonderful daughters, Ana, Daniela, and Gabriela, who bring them joy and are a true blessing to their lives. Juan Carlos is also a lifelong educator. He has served as a teacher, school counselor, campus administrator, and central office administrator in multiple roles, ultimately serving as Deputy Superintendent. He also serves as Associate Professor of Leadership & Discipleship with SBTS. He loves Jesus and sharing the gospel, reading about theology, leadership, history, and education. He also intensely enjoys baseball, and everything related to it and truly appreciates the lessons of teamwork, hard work, and sacrifice found in sports.
His desire and prayer for Lakeland is for it to continue the work entrusted to her by Christ and those who envisioned and founded it, as a congregation that makes mature disciples, plants and supports congregations that go on to flourish, while also faithfully advancing the gospel in our community and throughout the world.