The Backstory
Over the past two decades, I’ve had the privilege of serving Christ and His Church through The Austin Stone Community Church, most recently as Executive Pastor of Ministry Strategies. In 2024, after a long season of both fruitful ministry and some personal suffering, the Lord led our family into a year of transition and trust. It was a wilderness season that exposed my self-reliance and reminded me that “the steps of a man are established by the Lord … and He upholds his hand” (Psalm 37:23-24).
Through that time, God clarified a fresh calling: to help strengthen what He is already doing across our city and to build new bridges of collaboration among churches, ministries, and leaders. Rather than leaving Austin, our family sensed the Spirit asking us to stay rooted in the local church and available to serve the broader body of Christ.
The Birth of the Greater Austin Mission Society
Out of that discernment came the Greater Austin Mission Society, a simple, collaborative network of churches, ministries, and disciples who long to see all of Austin reached with the good news of the gospel. The Society exists to serve, connect, and support the people and organizations God is already using in our region so that together we might:
Advance the gospel through evangelism and disciple-making that leads to church planting.
Care for the poor, the orphan, and the widow through justice and mercy.
Equip and encourage leaders for effective service locally and globally.
Our core values shape everything we do. We operate from a conviction that partnership begins with relationships of trust, grows through shared prayer and communication, and flourishes when believers labor side-by-side for the sake of the city and the nations.
What We’re Building
In this first chapter of the society, our focus is simple:
Research & Discernment: Mapping Austin’s churches, ministries, and demographics to understand where gospel presence is strong and where gaps remain.
Prayer & Evangelism: Hosting gatherings that unite believers to seek God’s heart and share His good news.
Partnership & Leadership: Fostering relationships between pastors, nonprofits, and lay leaders who desire collaboration instead of competition.
These efforts are still taking shape, but the goal is clear: to help the Church in Austin see what God is already doing and join Him.
Our Family’s Part in the Story
Olivia and I now serve with Reliant Mission, which provides the infrastructure to raise financial support so we can dedicate our time to strengthening gospel work across Greater Austin and beyond. Our provision no longer comes from one local church but from the generosity of many who believe in the vision of a unified, kingdom-minded city. If you’d like to learn more, partner with us in prayer, or join our support team, visit reliant.org/todd.engstrom or reach me at todd@missionatx.org.
Looking Ahead
Austin is changing fast - demographically, culturally, and spiritually. Yet I believe God is writing a new story here, one marked by unity, humility, and Spirit-led collaboration. The Greater Austin Mission Society is simply an attempt to listen, gather, and serve in that direction. Thank you for taking the time to read, pray, and journey with us. May God make His name great in this city and among the nations!
Grace and peace,
Dr. Todd Engstrom
Founder, Greater Austin Mission Society