Preorder your copy of Getting the Church Inside You: Balancing Faith and Action today!
Steven K. Parker is Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church Weslaco in South Texas, with more than 30 years of ministry experience in small-town and multicultural congregations. He holds a B.B.S. in Applied Theology and a Master of Divinity from Hardin-Simmons University and a Doctor of Ministry from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. An adjunct professor at Stark College and Seminary, he teaches Bible, pastoral ministry, theology, and spiritual formation, while mentoring young pastors, leading teaching cohorts, and developing discipleship resources for churches.
Steven and his wife, Lisa, his high school sweetheart, live on a small homestead in Edcouch, Texas, where they have raised their four children: Morgan, Nathan, Casey, and Micah. The Parkers raise show quality meat rabbits and dairy goats. Steven and Lisa often say their marriage and family have taught them more about God’s grace and mercy than any sermon or study. His ministry blends deep theological grounding, connection to place and land, and the warmth of a shepherd’s heart, helping churches live out the gospel in real time.
The Parkers
Getting the Church Inside You: Balancing Faith and Action is coming 02/27/2026.
Featured in Technologies for Worship Magazine: (2026) https://tfwm.com/pastor-releases-award-winning-book-calling-christians-to-live-a-balanced-faith/
What others are saying about the book:
“This book is a pastoral and practical guide for anyone longing to see the gospel shape everyday life in the body of Christ.”
-Steve Bezner, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Pastoral Ministry and Theology
“Steven Parker calls the church back to a balanced life where faith and action, belief and behavior, are held together in Christ.”
-Jonathan L. Smith Director of Church Health & Growth, Baptist General Convention of Texas
“Fresh and powerful insight from Ephesians that meets the reader at the intersection of incorporating biblical truth into daily living during uncertain times.”
-Dr. Joe Rangel, Director of Truett Seminary in San Antonio
“Steven Parker has accomplished a rare feat with his accessible, practical study of Ephesians…combining contemporary biblical scholarship with real-life ministry in a way that serves the church well.”
“Steven Parker provides a path leading to the intersection of God’s purpose, plan, and practice for believers.”
-Dr. Gus Reyes, Director, Hispanic Partnerships, Dallas Baptist University
-David H. Jensen, Professor in the Clarence N. and Betty B. Frierson Distinguished Chair of Reformed Theology, Austin Seminary
“In a consistently changing church culture, it’s refreshing to be reminded of what it biblically means to be ‘the church.’ We are the church, and this book reminds us of that very fact.”
-Sammy Lopez, national speaker, content writer, and Teaching Pastor in Orlando, Florida
Exciting News!
I’m thrilled to share that my new book, Getting the Church Inside You: Balancing Faith and Action, will be launching on February 27, 2026 with Kharis Publishing. https://kharispublishing.com/kp/product/getting-the-church-inside-you/
I’m also thankful for the early encouragement the book has received, including being named a 2026 ChristLit Book Award winner and Book of the Year nominee, a humbling affirmation as this work prepares for release.
After years of walking with churches through seasons of uncertainty, I’ve discovered that what we need most isn’t another program. What’s needed is for Christians and congregations to internalize the gospel so deeply that it transforms how we love our families, serve our communities, and live out our calling. Getting the Church Inside You is a practical guide through Ephesians that helps believers align their faith with their daily walk.
ChristLit Book Award Winner
Getting the Church Inside You: Balancing Faith and Action has been named a Winner of the ChristLit Book Award and a Nominee for Book of the Year (2026), recognizing its pastoral clarity, biblical depth, and contribution to the life of the church.
As part of this recognition, the book received the following endorsement from Louise Jane, CEO of the ChristLit Book Awards:
Getting the Church Inside You: Balancing Faith and Action by Steven K. Parker is nothing short of a transformative experience, clearly steered by the holy spirit. A work that opens your eyes to different perspectives, evokes lasting change, and invites ongoing reflection. It is the best expository teaching of scripture I've ever come across!
As a whole, this book presents a meaningful exploration of the book of Ephesians, shedding light on verses that I thought I knew, but now see with much greater understanding. The author skillfully unveils the layers that can hide deeper insights, allowing you to view the scripture in a deeper way. Parker’s gift for leading his audience through the timeless lessons woven into the text is extraordinary, making the teachings not only easy to grasp but also significantly impactful.
The spiritual practices detailed within its pages are indeed life-changing, and I feel blessed to have been guided by this spirit-filled author. This book offers all readers the wonderful chance to experience him as their pastor and shepherd for a short while, navigating them through such an enlightening journey.
Delving into each segment of scripture, Parker emphasizes the practical application of faith in our contemporary lives. He adeptly illustrates how to embody our beliefs in tangible ways, making the message feel both relevant and essential for everyday existence. The core theme that resonated most powerfully for me, is the call to see others through God’s eyes, a perspective that fosters compassion and understanding. This insight is something I find myself reflecting on daily, grateful for the profound shift in my worldview that this book has inspired.
The conclusion of each chapter, which includes a prayer and prompts for further reflection, adds immense value, allowing the messages to sink in more deeply. Parker encapsulates the heart of what it means to truly integrate the church into our lives: to live with love and faith as our guiding lights, striving to reflect Christ in all that we do. Altogether, I fully recommend this outstanding work to anyone wishing to deepen their spiritual path and embrace a life renewed by faith and scripture.
- Louise Jane, CEO The Christlit Book Awards
Updates
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