29 Sep Faith & Leadership

BY DAWN BLUEMEL OLDFIELD

Faith sees the invisible, believes the unbelievable, and receives the impossible. — Corrie Ten Boom

Prestonwood Baptist Church has long been recognized as one of the largest, fastest-growing, and most influential megachurches in the United States. The North Campus, located in Prosper just east of the Dallas North Tollway on Prosper Trail, continues the church doctrine of strengthening families and communities through the love of Christ.

Pastor Kouba explains, “Jack Graham is the Pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church which has three campuses in North Texas, (Plano Campus, Dallas Campus, and the North Campus). My role is the Lead Pastor of the North Campus which means I give oversight to this campus, both to the staff and the congregation. I, my family, and the congregation are excited about connecting, and plugging into the community.”

Pastor Kouba has been with Prestonwood Baptist Church for 12 years, and has been Lead Pastor of the North Campus since February 2014, ministering to the 2,000-plus people who worship there. Pastor Kouba, his wife Hillary, and their children Katelyn, Mackenzie, Hudson, and Griffin now call Prosper home, too, since settling into their new house this fall.

Born and raised in Deer Park near Houston, Pastor Kouba felt his calling to Christ at a very young age. Pastor Kouba shares, “I grew up in a strong Christian family. I remember having a conversation with my mom about who Jesus was when I was about six years old, and ever since that day Christ has been a part of my life. On another occasion I recall driving home with my dad one day and asking him what a pastor was. After our conversation I prayed and asked God how I could serve Him, and I knew then that it was my calling.”

“I don’t have a ‘made for TV movie’ testimony about how I found Christ,” Pastor Kouba says with a laugh. “My mother was an English teacher, and my dad worked in sales. They loved each other, and they loved the church. We had a solid, faithful family. That’s my testimony, and the testimony I want to pass on to my children. I want them to know we love the church, we love our family, and we love our community. That’s what we do.”

Pastor Kouba attended Baylor University to pursue a ministry degree,   graduated   from   Dallas   Theological  Seminary,  and obtained his Doctorate of Ministry at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Pastor Kouba accredits the City of Prosper and Prosper Independent School District for their strong leadership, and commitment to Prosper residents. “North Campus has a great relationship with the city and the schools, participating in council events, football games, and other student activities. We want the community to know if they ever need anything, we are here for them.”

“As a church we hope to expand our outreach at both local and global levels, to grow and reach more people. I believe with the resources and commitment of the people, the North Campus can have a worldwide impact, becoming a leader among churches. We’re very excited about being here! My desire and goal would be would be to see all the people moving here from all over the country, that everyone understands and knows a relationship with Jesus Christ. That is the hope for the future,” Pastor Kouba says.

Pastor Kouba concludes, “We have been so welcomed, so loved by the community. That is what drives me every day. I truly believe the best days of Prosper are ahead! We, as a church, and me as an individual, want to support that – both economically and spiritually. Prestonwood is committed to being an advocate for Prosper, now and going forward.”