A young family has stepped into leadership at Edna’s First Baptist Mission, new Lead Pastor Adrian Rodas, his wife Cassidy, and their 14-month old daughter Lov, short for Lily of the Valley.
Rodas, 23, stepped into the position at the beginning of the year, and he will be officially ordained this Sunday, February 15, at 11 a.m. by Dr. Walter Jackson, Director of the Guadalupe Baptist Association.
Although born in Victoria, he was raised in the church at First Baptist Mission, and he can remember exactly how the calling happened for him. It was the summer of his junior year and he was at a youth summer camp in Florida.
“I remember it vividly and at the same time it still feels so surreal. During a moment of worship and prayer the camp leader had everyone bow their heads, close their eyes, and he asked if anyone who felt called into the ministry to raise our hand,” he said. “In the midst of it I remember getting chills, though I was crammed into a hot room full of teenagers.”
Rodas said time stopped for him. He spoke to God in his spirit and asked Him for His will to be done. Before he knew it, his hand was raised and he didn’t remember doing it.
“It was like the spirit of God raised it for me…it’s an experience I will never forget.”
Rodas returned home, was baptized, and then he dedicated his life to the Lord. But then he was stumped with his sense of direction because it was the first time he’d ever thought about becoming a pastor.
In 2023, everything began to fall into place when First Baptist Mission’s previous lead pastor, Ruben Mesa, approached Rodas about taking his place when he decided to retire. He decided, after praying and fasting, that he needed some formal education if he was to go forward. His previously served as
From left, Adrian, Lov, and Cassidy Rodas. Adrian will be ordained as Lead Pastor this Sunday, February 15, at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Mission in Edna.
FCA President his senior year at Edna High School, led Bible study groups, and served as an associate pastor for six months in 2025.
“Ruben and his wife, Eunice, planted the seed in my mind, but Brother David, he came to help us with our Vacation Bible School and introduced me to Stark College and Seminary,” Rodas said.
“I’ve now graduated with my Certificate in Ministry from Stark and am currently pursuing my Bachelor’s, with the hopes of a Master’s one day.”
Brother David also planted a seed: he got Rodas to focus on the local needs of the community, rather than foreign missions. As a result, Rodas has been working on a year-long series about discipleship and deepening a relationship with God.
“Then next year we’ll be mature and ready to go out and do mission work in our community and evangelize,” he said.
Adrian’s wife, Cassidy, came from Tidehaven and also grew up in the church. She currently teaches youth classes at First Baptist Mission. Rodas mentioned that Cassidy was the one God put in his life and gave him direction when he was feeling lost before they married.
“A pastor is nothing without his wife by his side, so the calling has been for both of us, I’m grateful for her to be in my corner whenever I need her. She helped mold me into the God-fearing man I am today,” he said. “My family, grandparents, my in-laws, they’ve supported me the whole way. I’d also like to thank Henry Mesa, JP Strickland, David Rodriguez and Jordan Weaver to help me get to where I am.
“Most importantly, I’d love to thank my Church family for taking a chance on me. Not many churches would allow an inexperienced 23-year old to step in the pulpit, but they believed in me, and I thank them for that confidence,” he added.
Rodas made a New Year’s resolution when 2026 began: he wants to get in touch with every pastor in Jackson County and the surrounding areas, because he’s humbly trying to seek guidance.
“I don’t have much experience, but I have a lot of heart.
Lead me, guide me, counsel me, pray for me,” he said. “I’d love for them to contact me and I’ll more than likely be reaching out to them soon.”
First Baptist Mission was established in 1939 and is located at 411 N. Pumphrey Street. Call them at 782-3040 or visit their website to learn more, https://www.firstbaptistmissionedna.
org/
