Nathan Lino is one of the sharpest and godliest young pastors we have.  If I had a son sensing the call of God to the pastorate, I would send him to Pastor Lino for this internship, knowing that he would learn morality, integrity, doctrine, evangelism, statesmanship, family priorities, and the posture of a servant. Paige Patterson, President, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

Nathan Lino has earned my respect as a ministry leader on the local and national scene. Old is a relative term but by most standards, Nathan is a young pastor who serves a young church. Yet, the phenomenal growth of that church, nurtured by Nathan's steady hand and wise judgment, bears the mark of a seasoned veteran. As the youngest trustee in the history of the International Mission Board, Nathan's distinguished service has risen him to our senior ranks. He currently serves as the Chairman of the Personnel Committee and as a member of the Presidential Search Committee. I have complete confidence in Nathan and would trust him to mentor my own son in the ministry. Paul Chitwood, Ph.D.; Senior Pastor of FBC Mt. Washington, Kentucky; former president of the Kentucky Baptist Convention; Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the International Mission Board (IMB).

Pastor Nathan Lino is the real deal! He did not simply dream of leading a great church in northeast Houston, he put feet to his faith and watched the dream become reality from the ground up. Today, he is recognized as a cutting-edge leader in Southern Baptist life, as one who possesses an acute theological mind and wisdom far beyond his years. He is a gifted speaker and a man of great courage and conviction. In short, Nathan is a leader. I have a 17 year old son and should he one day request permission to spend a year under Nathan’s guidance and mentoring I would give my immediate approval. I trust Nathan and know he would train him like the Apostle Paul taught young Timothy. I also know that even with time being of the essence when trying to complete college, this one year of training would pay decades of dividends in helping my son achieve his full potential as a ministry leader. I strongly recommend Nathan Lino as a mentor to those desiring to learn ministry from an insider’s perspective. Byron McWilliams, D.Min.; Senior Pastor of FBC Odessa, Texas; President of Southern Baptists of Texas Convention, 2009-2011.

Nathan loves Jesus, his wife and family, and the local church. He is a young pastor who preaches verse by verse through the bible and is building his church right. The best thing I can say about Nathan is that if my son or daughter lived in Houston, I would want them to be members of his church.  Chris Osborne, Senior Pastor of Central Baptist Church, College Station, TX; former president of the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention, Trustee of the SBC’s Executive Committee 2003-2005.

“If I were a young man interested in ministry with an emphasis on expository biblical preaching I would excitedly take a year off and become an intern under Nathan Lino! Nathan is one of the finest young minds we have today, with a heart for ministry and a creative and keen mind and approach. You would do well to spend a year with him!” Steve Swofford, Senior Pastor of FBC Rockwall, Texas; former president of the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention 2005-2007, former Chair of Board of Trustees of North American Mission Board (NAMB); trustee of International Mission Board (IMB).

Nathan Lino is an outstanding young pastor and leader in our state and national denominations. I can whole-heartedly commend him to mentor and train young pastors. Bob Pearle, D.Min.; Senior Pastor of Birchman Baptist Church, Fort Worth, TX; former president of the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention 2007-2009.

The 2009-2010 apprentice pastor was Blayne Owens and he is currently finishing his formal education at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas.

The 2010-2011 apprentice pastor was Adam Carrigan and he is currently finishing his formal education at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas.