Exciting Future Plans!

On March 20, 2011, Agape Baptist Church voted to purchase 10 acres of land near 6800 Harris Parkway in southwest Fort Worth. These are exciting times! Recently, many church members participated in a special “clean-up” day on this property, and on July 18, 2011, the church conducted an evening worship service and fellowship on the land. Even in 102 degree heat, nearly 100 people came out to celebrate the momentous event. Drivers and pedestrians along Harris Parkway will notice a sign now on the property about the church. Also, the church will soon be conducting a special capital campaign with Cargill Associates, Inc. in order to raise funds for the land purchase. Our Church Facilities Vision Team has worked tirelessly on this project, and the future is bright.

Continue to follow our website about our progress. We will provide updates concerning future events on the property and concerning the vision of the church to be a regional missional lighthouse in Fort Worth. Pictures are coming soon, and these will be uploaded to our Photo Gallery page.

To give you a flavor of our vision, here are some remarks from Pastor James at the July 18 evening worship service:

Friends, we must rejoice in the purchase of this land. But the responsibility now is upon us to make sure that we utilize this land not for building bigger barns (see Luke 12:16-21) but to house a people who respond—who worship—God and take into consideration God’s leadership as God calls. You know, one of the biggest criticisms I’ve heard about Baptists over the years has been that we are too concerned about buildings, budgets, and baptisms. Now, these things are fine in and of themselves. But these things are not the end all. In other words, we’re not going to utilize this land just to suit our needs. We are not going to utilize this land in order to become some sort of religious restaurant where people can just order off the menu. We’re not the religious Burger King. Do you remember their old slogan—“My way, right away?” Herschel Hobbs said, “Depending on the use made of it, a building may be filled with hay or hosannas.” Either this becomes a place synonymous with religious consumption, or this becomes a place of true Agape love.

You are invited to help us reach out with the gospel story to Fort Worth and beyond. Please continue to explore our website and contact us with any questions.