Who

Waco Baptist Academy principal Jody Flowers holds his favorite Bible, “The Literary Study Bible,” which he says helps make the Bible’s “contextual meaning become deeper to me.”
Duane A. Laverty / Waco-Tribune Herald

Jody Flowers, 34, is the new principal of Waco Baptist Academy, 6125 Bosque Blvd., which has about 140 students enrolled in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade.

Background

Flowers grew up in Garland and received a bachelor’s degree in education from Baylor University in 1999 and a master’s degree from Dallas Baptist University in 2007. He taught English at schools in Mesquite and Wylie, and served as an assistant principal in the Garland and Prosper independent school districts.

He and his wife, Jamie, have two sons: Walt and Wyatt, ages 6 and 2, respectively.

Bible

“My favorite Bible is ‘The Literary Study Bible’ (English Standard Version). This study Bible examines the literary elements to God’s word so that its contextual meaning becomes deeper to me. I was an English minor at Baylor, and this Bible combines my love for language and God’s word as I study it. My wife gave it to me as a surprise after she heard me mention it in a conversation at church.”

Flowers said he also enjoys reading “The MacArthur Study Bible” (New King James Version). He said it offers in-depth commentary on passages and cross-references other verses that pertain to them.

Flowers said God’s word is his source for understanding God’s will.

“I read it in the evenings, usually with my wife reading hers, so I can reflect on what the day has brought me and how I can be better prepared to handle the next day’s activities. The Bible renews me daily, and the Holy Spirit continuously keeps it relevant in my life. To have God’s inspired word with me is the comfort I have until Jesus returns.”

Favorite verse

John 15:5, which says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”

Flowers said the verse incorporates his spiritual and educational model he seeks to live daily.

Future

Flowers said he moved to Waco three weeks ago to serve as principal of Waco Baptist AcademyWaco Baptist Academy. He said he had been trying to return to Waco for nearly 10 years “because it’s just a great place to live, work and raise a family.”

“I plan to make a long career at WBA. It offers the best world of learning and growth for both the spirit and mind, and I am glad to be a part of its growth for years to come.”

Flowers said he is searching for a church home in Waco.