First Baptist Church Arlington occupies a corner of South Center Street in downtown Arlington, Texas, and has done so for more than a century and a half. The congregation is multi-generational, deeply rooted in the city, and unusually large while still feeling like a small church to those who walk through its doors. Two Sunday morning services fill the Sanctuary with music from a full choir and orchestra or with a contemporary worship band, the same Senior Pastor preaches in both, and a network of ministries stretches from infants in the First Friends Preschool Building to senior adults, college students at the nearby University of Texas at Arlington, and church planters in West Africa, Central Europe, and Western Europe.
150 Years on the Corner of Center Street
The church was organized on February 25, 1871 in what was then known as Johnson Station, Texas. The nation was still climbing out of the Civil War, and North Texas remained a frontier where only the hardy could survive. Seventeen people joined with the first pastor, Elder John Burnett, to launch the first Baptist church in the lower timbers area of the region.
From that small beginning the congregation has grown into a downtown campus that now spans six and a half blocks. The Sanctuary, the Preschool and Children's Building, the Charles R. Wade Office Building, the FBCA Student Center, and a four-story parking garage make up the heart of the ministry. The parking garage came about through negotiations between the church, the City of Arlington, and the University of Texas at Arlington, and the same agreements helped bring the Levitt Pavilion to the surrounding neighborhood.
The most recent major building project, completed in 2025, was the $25 million Blessing the Generations Capital Campaign. The campaign funded a renovation of the Sanctuary, the construction of a new state-of-the-art Preschool and Children's Building, and renovation of the main buildings on campus. The current strategic plan, Flourish 2025 to 2030, builds on the same trajectory.
Two Sunday Mornings, One Sermon
Sunday morning at First Baptist Arlington begins twice. The Classic Worship service starts at 8:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary, with music led by the Sanctuary Choir, a full orchestra, the grand piano, and the organ. The repertoire mixes traditional hymns and anthems of the faith with newer selections, drawing singers and instrumentalists from high school students to longtime members. Choir and orchestra rehearse on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., and singers arrive for call time at 7:45 a.m. on Sundays.
The Contemporary Worship service begins at 11:00 a.m. and is led by a worship band and singers. The service moves through song, prayer, giving, scripture reading, and preaching, with a more modern musical style. Dr. Dennis R. Wiles preaches the same sermon in both services, so the differences are musical and stylistic rather than doctrinal.
At 9:45 a.m., between the two services, the campus fills with Bible study groups for every age, from preschoolers through senior adults. Children in grades 1 through 6 meet in the Children's Building, junior high and high school students gather in the Student Center, and adults find their own grade-level or interest-based classes across the rest of the campus.
Both worship services are livestreamed, and multi-language translation is available during the online broadcast for those who want to follow along in another language.
Twenty-Five Years with Dr. Dennis Wiles
Dr. Dennis R. Wiles has served as Senior Pastor since August 2001, following a pastoral search that the church describes as having lasted almost two years. He and his wife Cindy moved to Arlington from Huntsville, Alabama, and the partnership has now stretched across more than 25 years.
Wiles holds a PhD in church history and teaches regularly at Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco. His preaching style is conversational and warm, mixing humor, personal stories, and careful Bible teaching. Each Sunday he preaches the same sermon in both services, so members who attend either gathering hear the same message. His library at home, full of Eugene Peterson, N.T. Wright, and John Stott, is where he prepares his sermons in a reading chair surrounded by the books and objects of his life.
Since his arrival, the church has launched a Counseling Center in partnership with the Center for Integrative Counseling and Psychology, established the Christian Women's Job Corps of Greater Arlington, started the international church planting network Restore Hope, planted three Global Centers abroad, completed major capital improvements, and grown into a digital presence with apps, livestreaming, and a TV channel on Roku, Apple TV, and Fire TV.
Katy Reed-Hodges, Minister of Congregational Life, hosts a weekly podcast called Tell Me More, recorded with Dr. Wiles after each Sunday sermon. In the podcast, she asks him about the things he did not get to say from the pulpit, and the conversations often run deeper than the sermon itself.
Gone Fishing: The Fall Sermon Series
The current teaching season at First Baptist Arlington is built around the theme Flourishing Together: Transformed on the Jesus Way. The fall emphasis is called Gone Fishing, a metaphor drawn from Jesus' words in Matthew 4:19, Come, follow me, and I will send you out as fishers of people.
The image is simple. Every member is encouraged to imagine hanging a sign on their front door that says Gone Fishing each time they leave the house, since the Lord has placed them where they are to share the good news of Jesus with the people around them. The series is structured around practical evangelism, including the SHARE acrostic: See lost people, develop a Heart for them, Ask God to bring them into your life, be Ready, and then Evangelize.
Guest preachers rotate through the series. Raphael Anzenberger, general secretary of the French Canadian Baptist Union, has preached on evangelism from his work in Montreal. Oza Jones, Director of Evangelism for Texas Baptists and a favorite among the church's youth from camp speaking, has also preached in the series. Dr. Todd Still, formerly of First Baptist Arlington and now a Baylor professor, preached a sermon on the gospel as the tie that binds the church together.
Each week the church prays a corporate prayer together about evangelism, and adult Bible study groups work through the book of Jonah as a counterpoint story. Daily Bible readings lead the congregation through Isaiah over the same season.
What We Believe
First Baptist Arlington subscribes to the Baptist Faith and Message, and the church has summarized its doctrinal convictions in twelve statements, each tied to specific Bible passages.
The church affirms that everything starts with God, who is the eternal, personal creator, sustainer, and ruler of the universe, one in essence and revealed as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ is the Son of God, crucified for the sins of humanity, resurrected, ascended, and seated at the right hand of the Father, offering the only true hope for all people. The Holy Spirit convicts of sin, draws people to himself, indwells each believer, guides into truth, and gifts every follower for service to the church and the world.
The Bible is regarded as the uniquely inspired, authoritative Word of God, providing counsel for everyday life. Salvation is God's gift of eternal life, received through accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. The church is the body of Christ on earth today. Baptism by immersion is an ordinance observed by believers and is required for membership. The Lord's Supper symbolizes the sacrifice of Jesus and is celebrated as a renewal of the new covenant.
The church teaches that evangelism is the responsibility of every follower of Jesus, that each believer is on a lifelong path of spiritual formation, that stewardship of earthly goods is a God-given responsibility, and that Jesus Christ will return to the earth as Lord in God's perfect timing.
First Friends: Birth Through Kindergarten
The First Friends Preschool Ministry cares for children from six weeks old through kindergarten. The stated goal is for preschoolers to know that God made them, loves them, made them special, has plans for them, and wants them to share the love of Jesus with others.
Sunday mornings offer three rhythms for preschoolers. Worship care is provided at 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. for infants through three-year-olds, while children four and older join their families in the Sanctuary for worship. Bible study for all preschool ages meets at 9:45 a.m. in the Preschool Building, with age-appropriate classes, Bible stories, songs, art, nature activities, and play experiences.
Safety is taken seriously. Every volunteer completes annual abuse prevention training and a background check. Every classroom has at least two leaders present with children. Snack is provided during class (animal crackers, fish crackers, or Cheerios), and wipes are available for diaper changes. Parents are asked to label all personal items, including diaper bags, bottles, cups, and special blankets.
Kasey Fagan serves as Preschool Minister, supported by Preschool Associate Tiffany Ward and Ministry Assistant Angela Hicks. The Preschool Building has its own covered drop-off area and parking lot on the northwest side of the campus, convenient for families with young children.
Psalm 1 Kids: First Through Sixth Grade
The Psalm 1 Kids Children's Ministry serves children in first through sixth grades with the motto: Following Jesus, Making Friends, Having Fun. Each Sunday at 9:45 a.m., the children meet in the Children's Building for grade-level Bible study that includes crafts, games, and other activities.
On Sunday afternoons during the school semester, J.A.M. (Jesus and Music) meets from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. for grades 1 through 6. The program combines music, scripture rap, creative activities, and Bible study, with lunch provided. The children's choir sings two or three times a semester in both the 8:30 and 11:00 worship services.
Sixth graders are celebrated at a special milestone as they move into the Youth Ministry, and the ministry walks alongside parents through the Faith Journey program, providing free kits with training and resources at key faith milestones from birth through the teenage years.
The Children's Ministry is currently in an interim season. Kasey Fagan, who leads the Preschool Ministry, is also serving as Interim Children's Minister. Susanna Tate serves as Children's Ministry Assistant, and David Butts has been associated with the children's ministry through the Faith Journey program.
The Student Center: Junior High, High School, and College
The FBCA Student Center, located at 401 Spaniolo Drive just steps from the UTA campus, is home to both the Youth Ministry and the College Ministry. Free Sunday parking is available in the adjacent UTA parking garage.
The Youth Ministry welcomes students in grades 7 through 12. Sunday Bible study meets at 9:45 a.m., beginning with time for coffee and fellowship downstairs before moving upstairs for grade-level announcements and small groups. After Bible study, most students walk over to the 11:00 a.m. Contemporary Worship service and sit together in the front right section of the Sanctuary.
Wednesday nights from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. belong to The Break, the youth ministry's signature gathering. The evening opens with games, moves into student-led worship and Bible study, and closes with a free dinner and small-group conversation. Chelsea Judkins serves as Interim Youth Minister.
The College Ministry is built around the rhythms of college life. Sunday Bible study meets at 9:30 a.m. in room 150 of the Student Center, with free coffee and donuts and small groups led by church mentors. Thursday nights at 6:30 p.m. bring the larger college fellowship and worship gathering. Throughout the year, the calendar fills with game nights, hikes, nerf wars, and watch parties. The ministry is open to students from UTA, DBU, TCC, and other schools, including those who are not currently in school or who are exploring faith questions.
Connor Torrealba serves as College Minister, with Tatum Sculley as College Associate and Amanda Lumpkin as Ministry Assistant.
Adults at Every Season of Life
First Baptist Arlington organizes its adult ministry by life stage rather than by age alone, with the goal of helping people navigate the spiritual challenges of each season.
The Young Adult Ministry includes Grad and Career for singles navigating early career and workplace faith, and Young Families for engaged couples and those starting to raise children. The Median Adult Ministry covers ages 35 to 55 and includes Prime Time for singles and Median Families for those raising teenagers or living as empty nesters. The Established Adult Ministry covers ages 55 and up, with Lone Star for singles, Boomer Families for those preparing for retirement or grandparenting, and Traditionals for ages 75 and up.
Brad Echols serves as Associate Pastor overseeing these adult ministries, supported by Ministry Assistants Lori Allen and Angela Hicks. Brian Sepulveda serves as Care Minister to Senior Adults, with a focus on the Boomer and Traditionals groups. An Adult Bible Study Guide is available each season to help newcomers find a class that fits.
Worship Ministries: Choir, Orchestra, and Band
The Classic Worship Ministry is a year-round opportunity for musicians to use their gifts in service to the church. The Sanctuary Choir is joined by an orchestra, grand piano, and organ, with the combined musical forces creating what the ministry describes as a genuine expression of praise to God.
The Classic Worship ensembles include several named groups. The Master's Singers, the Youth Choir, the Orchestra, and the accompanying pianist and organist all serve under the direction of Aaron Tomes, Minister of Classic Worship. Brock Snow serves as Ministry Associate, with Beth Goetz leading The Master's Singers, Emily Klophaus directing the Orchestra, Christi Jones leading the Youth Choir, Kathryn O'Neal serving as Pianist, and Kay Owens as Organist.
The Contemporary Worship Ministry is led by Michael Glenn, Discipleship Minister for Worship, with Christi Jones serving as Worship Associate. The ministry operates with a vision to be a Psalm 1 church, committed to becoming fruitful believers who influence the world for Christ. Volunteer positions on the contemporary worship team are open to those who want to serve.
Crossing Cultures: Local and Global Mission
The Cross-Cultural Ministries carry out the church's commitment to be informed Kingdom citizens who pray, give, and go. The work happens both locally and internationally.
Locally, the church partners with Mission Arlington and serves students and families who have immigrated to Arlington. International work happens through three Global Centers in Sierra Leone in West Africa, in Central Europe, and in Western Europe. Members who live cross-culturally are engaged in church planting, evangelism, discipleship, and humanitarian efforts.
Restore Hope, a church-based network launched under Dr. Wiles's leadership, serves churches that send workers around the world to share the good news of Jesus. The network currently has more than 400 church planters in West Africa alone. Short-term mission trips and a Global Intern program for college students provide ways for members to participate.
Ashley Berryhill serves as Discipleship Minister for Engagement, with Sarah Pursley as Engagement Associate. Luke Stehr serves as Local Engagement Minister. The Orphans Care initiative, the International Neighbors ministry, and the World Mission Offering are all coordinated through this team.
Care, Counseling, and Prayer
The Care Ministries exist to support church members and the wider community in times of deeper need. Hospital visits, homebound ministry, grief support, divorce recovery, cancer journeys, and other pastoral needs all fall under this umbrella.
The Prayer Room is staffed by volunteers throughout the week and can be reached directly at (817) 276-6493. Prayer requests can also be submitted online, and the prayer team receives those requests and prays over them.
The Counseling Center is a partnership between the church and the Center for Integrative Counseling and Psychology. Weddings, funerals, hospital visits, and support groups are coordinated through the Pastor's Office under Pastoral Ministries Minister Ricky Chelette, with Associate Pastor Katy Reed Hodges overseeing the ministry and Brian Sepulveda serving as Care Minister to Senior Adults. Cheryl Murray serves as Ministry Assistant.
The Generosity Ministry complements care by offering financial classes, free seminars, and individual coaching on budgeting, saving, debt, investing, giving, estate planning, and relating about money. The ministry exists to help people grow as stewards of what God has given them.
Family Life Experience and Activities
The Activities Ministry coordinates fellowship, game days and nights, sports leagues, and exercise classes for all ages, from preschoolers to senior adults. Through Pickleball, racquetball, basketball, and exercise classes, the ministry creates a place where newcomers can meet Christ-following friends who share similar interests.
The Family Life Experience is a fully equipped gym on the church campus, featuring a full basketball court, two racquetball courts, weight machines, an aerobics room, free weights, and a walking track. Open gym hours run Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. The gym offers memberships for Pickleball, Open Play Basketball, and General Membership, all open to non-members. The South Entrance off UTA Boulevard is unlocked during gym hours.
The Forged Men's Ministry hosts programs, social events, and Bible study opportunities for men. The Women's Ministry nurtures relationships between women of all ages, engages them in God's Word, and involves them in God's mission, with Summer Clusters as a flagship seasonal Bible study program.
Wednesday Evenings at the Table
On Wednesday evenings the church gathers for a worship and prayer service called The Table, held in the fellowship hall at 6:30 p.m. A brief snack is offered to tide attendees over before dinner later in the evening. The Table is designed for the whole church family and runs alongside Wednesday evening rehearsals of the choir and orchestra.
The service is structured as a guided time of worship and prayer, drawing on the church's seasonal teaching rhythm. It complements the existing Wednesday programming and provides a regular midweek touchpoint for members who want to gather beyond Sunday morning.
Online, On Screen, and On the Air
Both Sunday services are livestreamed, with notification emails available for those who want an alert when the broadcast begins. Multi-language translation is available during online services.
For viewers without a computer, FBCA TV is available as an app for Apple TV, Roku, and Amazon Fire TV, as well as through a web player for laptops, desktops, and mobile devices. The Church Center mobile app for iOS and Android provides giving, event registration, directories, and more.
Members have free access to RightNow Media, a digital library of more than 10,000 Bible study videos, children's content, and teaching resources. The Tell Me More podcast and the Small Steps parenting podcast are produced by the church, alongside a sermon archive and hundreds of free children's ministry videos on YouTube.
Generosity and the Heart of Arlington Foundation
First Baptist Arlington offers many ways to give. Online giving and recurring gifts are available through the Church Center platform, and giving is also possible in person on Sundays, through bank bill pay, by stocks and securities, by IRA qualified charitable distributions, by real estate, and through planned estate giving. Car donations are being arranged as well.
The FBCA Heart of Arlington Foundation allows members to leave lasting legacy gifts to support the long-term work of the church. Free estate planning consultation is available through Highground Advisors for members who want to include a gift to the church in their will. Amazon Smile supports the church automatically when members designate First Baptist Church Arlington as their charity.
For more than 150 years, the church has been gathering in the same part of Arlington, week after week, following the Jesus Way together. The story that began with seventeen settlers and Elder John Burnett in Johnson Station continues today with two Sunday services, ministries for every age, three Global Centers on three continents, and a gospel-shaped mission in the heart of one of the fastest-growing cities in North Texas.