In the News
Keep up to date with important information happening within the church.
NEWS RELEASE - September 13, 2026
A Breath of Praise Church Celebrates the Appointment of Dr. Pepper Dill as Elder
Brownwood, Texas — A Breath of Praise Church of Brownwood proudly announces the appointment of Dr. Pepper Dill as an Elder within the ministry, recognizing his years of faithful service, spiritual leadership, ministry experience, and dedication to serving both the church and the local community.
Pastor Dill holds a Ph.D. in Speech Communication and is known affectionately throughout the community as “Dr. Pepper.” He brings a broad range of ministry, educational, and professional experience to his leadership role at A Breath of Praise. Prior to focusing primarily on ministry work in Brown County, he served in Christian Higher Education as both a professor and executive administrator at Howard Payne University and Greenville University in Greenville, Illinois.
In 2010, Dill was called to serve as Senior Pastor at First Baptist Church of Bangs. Since that time, he has continued investing in ministry, outreach, leadership development, and community engagement.
In addition to ministry leadership, Pastor Dill is also a licensed real estate agent with Texas Goldstar Real Estate, where he serves Brown County and surrounding communities. ABOP Senior Pastor, Eric Jordan noted that his strong community relationships and servant-minded approach have helped him connect with people from many different backgrounds and walks of life.
Pastor Dill is married to Debby Dill, Library Director at Howard Payne University and published author. Together, they have remained actively involved in ministry, education, encouragement, and service within the community.
Pastor Jordan described the appointment as both a recognition of faithful service and an affirmation of spiritual leadership.
“‘Elder’ is not simply a title,” Jordan shared. “It is a recognition of dedication, spiritual maturity, character, leadership, and a calling to serve God’s people. Dr. Dill has consistently demonstrated those qualities through his ministry, leadership, and heart for people.”
Throughout his ministry journey, Pastor Dill has been known for:
Passionate and engaging preaching
Gifted teaching
Community-focused ministry
Mentorship and discipleship
Encouraging spiritual growth and unity
Dedication to serving others with humility and compassion
Pastor Dill expressed gratitude and humility regarding the appointment.
“It is truly an honor to continue serving God’s people in this capacity,” Pastor Dill shared. “My desire and prayer is to continue helping people grow closer to God, strengthen families, encourage the community, and support the vision God has placed before this ministry.”
The appointment was celebrated among church leadership, members, friends, and supporters as a meaningful milestone in the continued growth and development of A Breath of Praise Church.
A Breath of Praise Church remains committed to serving the Brownwood community through worship, outreach, revival services, teaching, discipleship, and ministry development.
NEWS RELEASE - September 13, 2026
A Breath of Praise Church Celebrates the Ordination of Mike Hardwick as Elder
Brownwood, Texas — A Breath of Praise Church of Brownwood proudly announces the ordination of Mike Hardwick as an Elder within the ministry, recognizing his faithful service, spiritual leadership, dedication to ministry, and commitment to serving both the church and the Brownwood and Early communities.
Mike Hardwick has long been recognized within the church and surrounding community as a dependable, servant-minded leader who consistently demonstrates humility, integrity, faithfulness, and a heart for helping others. Through years of ministry involvement, encouragement, support, and leadership, he has played an important role in strengthening relationships within the church and supporting the continued growth of the ministry.
Hardwick is widely known throughout Brown County as the owner and operator of Hardwick’s Farmer’s Market & Nursery, a longtime family-oriented business serving the region with nursery products, produce, home décor, furniture, gardening supplies, seasonal items, and local goods. The business was originally established in 1995 and has continued growing into a well-known destination within the area.
Through his business leadership and community involvement, Hardwick has become known for his strong work ethic, customer relationships, support of local families, and commitment to serving the surrounding communities. Church leadership noted that many people throughout Brownwood, Early, and surrounding areas know Hardwick not only through ministry, but also through decades of interaction, service, and community engagement connected to his business and local involvement.
In addition to overseeing day-to-day operations at Hardwick’s Farmer’s Market & Nursery, Hardwick has built a reputation for:
Community-focused leadership
Supporting local families and customers
Long-term business commitment within Brown County
Strong work ethic and servant leadership
Encouraging fellowship and relationships within the community
Faithful and consistent support of church and ministry initiatives
Church leadership stated that the ordination reflects both recognition of faithful service and affirmation of spiritual leadership.
“Ordination is more than a title,” leadership shared. “It represents spiritual maturity, consistency, integrity, leadership, and a willingness to serve God’s people. Mike Hardwick has continually demonstrated those qualities through his actions, commitment, and dedication to ministry.”
Leadership also emphasized the importance of developing strong spiritual leadership to help support the church’s continued outreach, discipleship, ministry growth, and community impact.
Hardwick expressed gratitude and humility regarding the ordination.
“It is an honor and privilege to continue serving in this capacity,” Hardwick shared. “My desire is to continue supporting the ministry, encouraging others, and serving wherever God leads.”
The ordination service was celebrated among church leadership, members, family, friends, and supporters as a meaningful milestone in the continued growth and development of A Breath of Praise Church.
A Breath of Praise Church remains committed to serving the Brownwood community through worship, outreach, revival services, teaching, discipleship, and ministry development.