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First Baptist Church Dallas
First Baptist Church Dallas
First Baptist Church Dallas
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First Baptist Dallas is a Baptist megachurch located in Dallas, Texas. The church was established in 1868; it is affiliated with the SBC (Southern Baptist Convention). The Downtown Dallas Church is historically considered influential as a denominational leader among Protestant Churches in the United States, serving as a successful model through its involvement of several legacy community missions.[2]

Key Information

The First Baptist Church of Dallas founded many former affiliating and existing ministries—from Silent Friends to First Baptist Academy to Criswell College, KCBI to Dallas Life, amongst other legacy ministries.[citation needed]

The current pastor is Dr. Robert Jeffress (2007), appointed after Pastor Mac Brunson (1999), who succeeded Pastor O.S. Hawkins (1993), who then succeeded Pastor Joel C. Gregory (1990). The preceding pastors before Dr. Joel C. Gregory were Dr. W. A. Criswell (1944) and Dr. George Washington Truett (1897).[citation needed]

History

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Historic building

The First Baptist Church of Dallas was established on July 30, 1868, with eleven founding members. They convened in the Masonic Hall, located on Lamar Street near Ross Avenue.[3] In 1872, the congregation pooled their funds to purchase the first building, on Akard, in downtown Dallas. The cornerstone of the sanctuary that the congregation worships in today was laid in 1891.

Since the 1970s, the church has established a number of ministries that are affiliated with the church. First Baptist Academy of Dallas and Criswell College (formerly Criswell Bible Institute) were formed to champion Christian education. In the mid-1970s, Criswell College purchased KCBI to be used as a Christian radio station. The station has resided on the lower frequencies of FM. Now at 90.9 FM, KCBI broadcasts as part of the Criswell Radio Network, and includes KCCE and KSAO of San Angelo, Texas, and KCBK of Frederick, Oklahoma.

In 2013, Ted Cruz, invited by Robert Jeffress, attended the church and gave a speech to the congregation on faith and the Constitution of the United States. Jeffress praised Cruz as "a strong leader and a committed Christian".[4]

In 2013, a 3,000-seat Worship Center and expansion was built close to the historic building at a cost of $130 million. The center has 178,000 square feet (16,500 m2) of space, and the older facilities were renovated.[5]

In 2018, the church claimed 13,000 members.[2]

Facilities

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In 2013, by virtue of the Truett and Criswell Pastorships, First Baptist Dallas completed a major renovation and expansion of their facilities, including construction of a new worship center. At a cost of $130,000,000 it is the most expensive Protestant building project in modern history.[6][7] In 2019 they announced another $35,000,000 expansion to the Horner Family Center and the addition of a new parking garage, growing the Family Center to 179,000 square feet from an original 98,500 square footage.[8]

FBC Dallas has a 3,000-seat worship center and a large skywalk.[9] It contains computer-synchronized water fountain playing music.[10] Despite demolition of a large portion of their six-block campus, First Baptist retains the original worship center as an ancillary venue for worship services, weddings and other events.[11][12]

On July 19, 2024, the historic sanctuary partially collapsed after catching on fire.[13] The cause of the fire has yet to be determined. Officials have said no one was injured in the fire.[14]

Senior pastors

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W. W. Harris was the first pastor. In 1897, George Washington Truett accepted the position of Pastor and remained there until his death in July 1944. In 1944, Dr. W. A. Criswell became the pastor. During his pastorate, the church expanded to multiple buildings covering five blocks in Downtown Dallas, eventually becoming the largest Southern Baptist church in the world. Dr. Criswell became Pastor Emeritus from 1995 until his death in 2002. In 1990, Joel C. Gregory became pastor, followed by O. S. Hawkins in 1993, Mac Brunson in 1999, and Robert Jeffress in 2007.

W. A. Criswell

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Pastor W. A. Criswell never spoke in support of racial segregation in his sermons but was critical of the Supreme Court's decision in Brown v. Board of Education and of federal intervention against de jure southern segregation.[15] In 1956 he made an address denouncing forced integration to a South Carolina evangelism conference. A day later, he addressed the South Carolina legislature remarking that he "strongly favored racial segregation" and charged that those who were attempting to integrate the white church were "infidels, dying from the neck up."[15][16] He was particularly critical of the National Council of Churches and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). After his 1968 election as president of the Southern Baptist Convention, he said that his church already had many non-white members and was open to all regardless of race. In 1970, he remarked that he had "come to the profound conclusion that to separate by coercion the body of Christ on the basis of skin pigmentation was unthinkable, unchristian and unacceptable to God".[17] He asserted publicly, "I don't think that segregation could have been or was at any time intelligently, seriously supported by the Bible.[18]

In September 1992, after two years of pastoring, senior pastor Joel C. Gregory resigned, saying it was due to the refusal of Pastor W. A. Criswell to relinquish control of the church, despite Gregory being the senior pastor de jure.[19] In 1994, Gregory published his book "Too Great a Temptation: The Seductive Power of America's Super Church", detailing his reasons for leaving.[20][21][22][23]

Robert Jeffress

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Since 2008, Pastor Robert Jeffress has been involved in numerous controversies, including hate speech against homosexuals, Muslims, Catholics, Mormons and president Barack Obama.[24]

In November 2008, Jeffress, in his sermon "Gay Is Not OK", stated that "What they [homosexuals] do is filthy. It is so degrading that it is beyond description. And it is their filthy behavior that explains why they are so much more prone to disease."[25][26]

In September 2010, Pastor Jeffress branded Islam as an "evil, evil religion", claiming that it "promoted pedophilia".[27] In December 2010, Jeffress established a "Naughty and Nice List", identifying businesses based on whether or not they openly celebrated Christmas, saying "I wanted to do something positive to encourage businesses to acknowledge Christmas and not bow to the strident voices of a minority who object to the holiday."[28][29]

Also in 2010, he referred to Roman Catholicism as a "Satanic" result of "Babylonian mystery religion".[30]

In October 2011 at the Values Voter Summit, Jeffress branded the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) "a cult". He received widespread criticism but he has not retracted, despite then U.S. presidential candidate and LDS church member Mitt Romney requesting that he do so.[31]

On November 4, 2012, the Sunday before the 2012 election, Jeffress said that Barack Obama was "paving the way for the future reign of the Antichrist."[32]

In June 2015, he compared the "marginalization" of Christians in the United States with Jews under Nazi Germany. Rabbi Jack Moline of the Interfaith Alliance accused him of being disrespectful to victims of the Holocaust.[33]

Notable members

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American evangelist Rev. Billy Graham became a member of the First Baptist Church of Dallas in 1953 while visiting Dallas during his crusade to the area and remained a church member for over fifty years, despite not residing within the Dallas area and only very infrequently visiting the Dallas church. In December 2008, the 90-year-old Graham switched his church membership to First Baptist Church of Spartanburg, South Carolina, closer to his residence in North Carolina.[34][35]

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

First Baptist Church Dallas

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First Baptist Church Dallas is a Southern Baptist located in , , founded on July 30, 1868, by a small group of eleven charter members committed to establishing a Baptist presence in the growing city, and currently serving a congregation of approximately 16,000 members under the leadership of Senior Pastor . The church has experienced significant growth over its history, particularly during the pastorates of George W. Truett (1897–1944), who expanded membership from 797 to 7,804, and (1944–1994), under whom it became one of the largest churches in the with over 11,000 members by the early 1990s. Its defining characteristics include a strong emphasis on from the , missions outreach, and media ministries such as Pathway to Victory, hosted by Jeffress, which broadcasts sermons nationally. Notable achievements encompass its role in training leaders like Truett, who influenced broader Baptist circles, and its sustained influence in conservative through doctrinal adherence to traditional Baptist principles on salvation by faith alone and the inerrancy of Scripture. A major recent event was the July 2024 that destroyed its historic , built in 1890 and expanded over decades to accommodate thousands, prompting ongoing rebuilding efforts amid disputes. The church's unapologetic stance on biblical teachings regarding social issues has drawn both acclaim from traditionalists and criticism from progressive outlets, reflecting its commitment to undiluted scriptural authority over contemporary cultural accommodations.

Historical Foundations

Founding and Early Years (1868–1900)

The First Baptist Church of Dallas was organized on July 30, 1868, marking the fourth attempt to establish a permanent Baptist congregation in the city after previous efforts had disbanded or relocated. The founding group consisted of eleven charter members—eight women and three men—including E. G. Mays, W. L. Williams, John Hanna, Mrs. Lou B. Williams, Mrs. M. L. Bowman, Mrs. C. E. Mayo, Mrs. A. C. Mays, Mrs. N. E. Collins, Mrs. Martha Seegar, Mrs. A. C. Daniels, and Mrs. M. E. Kerfoot—who met initially on the first floor of the Masonic Hall on Lamar Street near Ross Avenue in downtown Dallas. W. W. Harris was elected as the first pastor on the same day and served for approximately six months before resigning in early 1869. Early pastoral leadership saw frequent changes amid modest growth, with C. A. Stanton serving part-time from October 1871 to May 1872, followed by Abraham Weaver from May 1872 to September 1875 at an annual salary of $1,000. Subsequent pastors included G. W. Rogers (–1877), J. H. (1878–1882), and R. T. Hanks (1883–1889), under whom membership exceeded 600 by the end of his tenure. A was established soon after founding to support education and outreach. In 1871 or 1872, the congregation acquired its first dedicated building, a one-room frame structure on Akard purchased for $6,000 and financed through members' efforts such as weaving rugs, producing , and making preserves. By the late 1880s, expansion needs prompted construction of a larger facility completed between 1889 and 1890, described as handsome and costly for the era, which accommodated growing attendance. Pastors A. M. Sims (1890–1892) and C. T. Seasholes (1892–1897) oversaw this period, during which membership reached 643 by 1892. The church navigated internal controversies, including disputes involving A. Hayden in the late 1890s, which were resolved by 1900 when he departed to help form the Baptist Missionary Association. George W. Truett began his influential tenure as pastor on September 1, 1897, introducing initiatives like the first known teacher training class.

Expansion Amid Urban Growth (1900–1940s)

Under the leadership of pastor George W. Truett, who assumed the role in 1897 and served until 1944, First Baptist Church Dallas experienced substantial numerical expansion that aligned with the city's rapid urbanization. Membership increased from 797 in 1897 to 1,020 by 1901 and reached 7,804 by 1944, making it the largest congregation in the during that period. This growth paralleled Dallas's transformation from a regional trading hub into a burgeoning metropolis, driven by railroad expansions, commerce, and the East Texas oil boom starting in 1930; the city's population surged from 42,638 in 1900 to 92,104 in 1910, 158,976 in 1920, 260,475 in 1930, and 294,734 in 1940. Truett's evangelistic preaching and emphasis on personal conversion contributed to the influx of new members from the expanding urban population, including migrants drawn to economic opportunities in banking, , and energy sectors. The church pioneered institutional innovations, such as the first known training class for teachers in 1897, which supported educational outreach amid rising attendance. In the early , First Baptist sponsored missionary efforts that evolved into independent congregations, extending its influence into growing neighborhoods like and Vickery Boulevard, reflecting the spatial demands of suburbanizing development. Programmatic expansions addressed diverse community needs during the interwar years and . By 1919, the church initiated one of Texas's earliest ministries to the deaf, providing sign-language interpreted services that accommodated the urban influx of varied demographics. These initiatives, housed in the Victorian red-brick that remained the primary facility, sustained momentum despite economic hardships, as Dallas's relative resilience—bolstered by diversified industry—mirrored the church's adaptive growth without necessitating major physical reconstruction until later decades.

Mid-20th Century Leadership and Influence

George W. Truett's Tenure

George Washington Truett assumed the pastorate of First Baptist Church Dallas on September 1, 1897, following a congregational vote of 74 to 3 on August 4, with an initial annual salary of $1,800. At age 30, Truett, originally from and recently graduated from , brought youthful energy and doctrinal conviction to a church of approximately 715-797 members. His 47-year tenure until his death on July 7, 1944, transformed the congregation into a major Southern Baptist powerhouse, emphasizing evangelism, biblical preaching, and church planting. Under Truett's leadership, membership surged from 797 to 7,804, with 19,531 new members received through baptisms and transfers, reflecting sustained evangelistic efforts amid Dallas's urban expansion. Total contributions reached $6,027,741.52, funding ministry initiatives and supporting the church's growth into what was once the world's largest Baptist congregation by the . Truett prioritized planting daughter churches, including Gaston Avenue Baptist Church and Baptist Church, both of which later developed into megachurches, extending the church's influence across Dallas. Truett's outreach extended beyond the city through annual "cowboy camp meetings" begun in 1902, conducted for 37 summers in remote ranchlands and later , drawing crowds that grew from hundreds to thousands and yielding numerous conversions among frontier workers. His wife, Josephine, assisted by ministering to ranch wives, underscoring a commitment to holistic . These efforts exemplified Truett's focus on reaching underserved populations with straightforward preaching on Christ's lordship and personal surrender. Key events marked Truett's ministry, including a six-month preaching tour to Allied Forces in during in 1919, where he ministered in camps and trenches. On May 16, 1920, he delivered the seminal address "Baptists and Religious Liberty" from the U.S. to 15,000 listeners, advocating church-state separation rooted in Christ's supreme authority—a message that resonated back in his . Late in his tenure, from 1941 to 1943, Truett's sermons were broadcast and later digitized, preserving his expository style for wider audiences. His death prompted Dallas's largest to date, attended by thousands, affirming his enduring congregational impact.

W.A. Criswell's Era and

Wallie Amos Criswell assumed the role of senior pastor at First Baptist Church Dallas on October 1, 1944, succeeding George W. Truett and initiating a 46-year tenure marked by aggressive and doctrinal . Under his leadership, the church's membership expanded from approximately 7,800 in 1944 to over 26,000 by the early 1990s, driven by weekly preaching to thousands, establishment of media ministries like radio station KCBI in 1959, and programs emphasizing personal conversion and biblical authority. Criswell's era solidified the church's alignment with Baptist fundamentalism, characterized by unwavering commitment to the inerrancy and literal interpretation of Scripture as the foundation for all and practice. He publicly defended this position in sermons and writings, such as his advocacy for premillennial and rejection of theological , viewing liberal trends in seminaries and conventions as erosions of biblical . This stance positioned the church as a bulwark against perceived dilutions of orthodoxy, with Criswell preaching over 4,000 sermons that reinforced fundamentalist tenets like the virgin birth, , and bodily of Christ. Criswell's influence extended to the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), where he served as president from 1968 to 1970 and became a pivotal figure in the Conservative Resurgence of the late 1970s onward, mentoring leaders to reclaim control from moderate factions advocating interpretive flexibility on issues like biblical inspiration. His 1985 Pastors' Conference sermon "Whether We Live or Die" galvanized conservatives by framing the conflict as existential for SBC orthodoxy, contributing to the election of inerrancy-affirming trustees and a doctrinal realignment that prioritized fundamentalist principles. At First Baptist Dallas, this translated to rigorous adherence to the Baptist Faith and Message, emphasizing salvation by faith alone and opposition to ecumenism or social gospel emphases that subordinated evangelism to cultural accommodation. By the time Criswell transitioned to pastor emeritus in 1990, the church exemplified fundamentalist vitality through its scale—hosting one of the largest Sunday schools in the U.S.—and unyielding scripturalism, influencing evangelical networks while resisting broader Protestant shifts toward experiential or progressive theologies.

Contemporary Development and Facilities

Major Campus Expansions (1980s–2010s)

In November 2009, First Baptist Church Dallas announced plans for a $130 million campus redevelopment project, described as the largest Protestant church building initiative in modern history. The effort, led under Senior Pastor Robert Jeffress, aimed to transform the existing downtown facilities into a cohesive "urban oasis" amid economic challenges following the 2008 financial crisis. This project addressed longstanding needs for updated worship, educational, and parking spaces while preserving the historic 1890 sanctuary. Demolition of seven aging structures commenced on October 30, 2010, utilizing controlled implosions to clear space for new construction across five city blocks. Groundbreaking occurred on July 11, 2011, with the project encompassing approximately 500,000 square feet of new facilities, including a 3,000-seat worship center equipped with advanced high-tech features such as a 150-foot video screen. Additional components featured a five-story education center, a 500-car parking garage, themed children's areas, a gymnasium, theaters, and enhanced nursery spaces within the expanded Horner Family Center. The redeveloped campus opened on March 31, 2013, spanning six city blocks and integrating with the retained historic elements to support the church's growing congregation. This expansion enabled expanded ministries, including state-of-the-art educational and environments, positioning the facility as a central hub for community and religious activities in . Prior to this period, the campus comprised mismatched older buildings, with no equivalently scaled expansions documented in the or , though membership growth under previous leadership had necessitated ongoing maintenance and minor adaptations.

2024 Sanctuary Fire and Rebuilding Initiatives

On July 19, 2024, a four-alarm engulfed the 134-year-old historic of First Baptist Church , originating possibly in the and rapidly destroying the structure while sending smoke across the city skyline. No injuries occurred, and the cause was later ruled undetermined by Dallas Fire-Rescue investigators after extensive examination. Among the surviving artifacts was the historic used by pastors George W. Truett and , which emerged intact amid the ruins. In the immediate aftermath, church services relocated to the starting July 21, 2024, allowing continuity of worship amid debris removal and site stabilization. The fire prompted a multifaceted rebuilding effort focused on preserving historical elements such as the west and south exterior walls, windows, brick, and stone materials, while integrating the more fully into the modern campus built in 2013. Reconstruction designs, unveiled in late October 2024, envision a structure modeled after the original configuration, featuring a larger illuminated , triple the previous community space, an elevated entrance linking to adjacent facilities, additional , a redesigned area, and a new 500-seat multipurpose venue for fellowship. These plans blend traditional with contemporary functionality, including restored pipe organs and baptistry, to honor the church's legacy while enhancing usability. Senior Executive Pastor Ben Lovvorn described the design as transforming "beauty from ashes," emphasizing divine purpose in the restoration. To finance the project, estimated to exceed $100 million with covering only the directly damaged portions, the church launched the $95 million "Mission 1:8 One Desire" capital campaign in October 2024—the largest in its history—seeking two-year pledges to fund both reconstruction and ongoing ministries, with a Commitment Sunday scheduled for December 15, 2024. As of 2025, progress included permanent power restoration to the adjacent Criswell (set to reopen floors 4-6 in fall 2025) and preparatory site work, though full insurance payouts remained pending and groundbreaking was targeted for 2026. Despite these challenges, church leadership reported sustained congregational strength and no interruption in core operations.

Senior Pastoral Leadership

W.A. Criswell: Legacy and Contributions

Wallie Amos Criswell Jr. (1909–2002) served as senior pastor of First Baptist Church in from October 1944 until March 1994, a tenure spanning 50 years that transformed the congregation into one of the largest in the (SBC). Under his leadership, church membership grew from 7,800 in 1944 to 26,000 by the 1980s, with weekly attendance exceeding 5,000, reflecting his emphasis on and biblical exposition. Criswell pioneered elements of the model through innovative programs, media outreach, and facilities expansion, while maintaining a commitment to fundamentalist theology that prioritized scriptural inerrancy. Criswell's preaching contributions were extensive, with over 5,000 sermons delivered, many focused on verse-by-verse biblical exposition and premillennial , influencing generations of pastors and congregants. He authored 54 books, including works on pastoral ministry such as Criswell's Guidebook for Pastors and expository series on and Romans, which reinforced conservative doctrines like the Bible's literal truth and the necessity of personal conversion. These writings and sermons, preserved in archives and online, continue to serve as resources for theological education, underscoring his role in combating perceived liberal drifts within broader . Institutionally, Criswell founded Criswell College in 1970 (initially as Criswell Bible Institute) to provide affordable biblical training for preachers and laypeople unable to attend traditional seminaries, emphasizing practical ministry preparation rooted in inerrancy. He also established First Baptist Academy for Christian education and KCBI radio for broadcasting, extending the church's reach domestically and internationally. Elected SBC president in 1968 and 1969, Criswell advocated for doctrinal purity, becoming a pivotal figure in the conservative resurgence that sought to realign the convention with fundamentalist principles against modernist influences in seminaries and agencies. Criswell's legacy endures through these institutions and his mentorship of successors, including current pastor , as well as his broader impact on SBC conservatism, where his sermons and leadership helped prioritize biblical authority over progressive theological shifts. Attributed by contemporaries as potentially the greatest American pastor of the for his longevity, productivity, and doctrinal steadfastness, his work fostered a model of church growth integrated with unyielding .

Robert Jeffress: Current Leadership and Media Role

Dr. has served as senior pastor of First Baptist Church Dallas since August 12, 2007, succeeding a series of shorter-term leaders following W.A. Criswell's retirement in 1995. In this role, he oversees the 16,000-member congregation, a Southern Baptist situated in , emphasizing biblical preaching, community outreach, and doctrinal conservatism rooted in evangelical traditions. Jeffress's leadership includes guiding the church through expansions and ministries, including worship services, global missions, and educational programs, while maintaining a focus on drawn from Scripture. His tenure has coincided with the church's adaptation to contemporary challenges, such as urban development and of services, sustaining its influence in Texas Baptist circles. Beyond pastoral duties, Jeffress maintains a prominent media presence as a contributor, offering frequent commentary on programs including , , and , often addressing intersections of faith, culture, and public policy from a conservative Christian viewpoint. He hosts the syndicated radio and television broadcast Pathway to Victory, which airs his sermons and teachings nationwide, reaching audiences through over 1,000 outlets as of recent programming schedules. Jeffress has authored more than 30 books on , , and , including titles like The 10: How to Live and Love in a World That Has Lost Its Way, contributing to his role as a public voice for evangelical perspectives. His media engagements total over 4,000 guest appearances across radio, television, and other platforms, amplifying the church's doctrinal stances on issues such as and .

Doctrinal Positions and Theological Stance

Core Baptist Doctrines and Conservatism

First Baptist Church Dallas adheres to the core doctrines of historic Baptist theology, as articulated in its Articles of Faith, which were adopted from the Southern Baptist Convention's of 2000. Central to these is the doctrine of Scripture, affirming the Holy Bible as divinely inspired, inerrant, and infallible in its original manuscripts, serving as the supreme standard for faith, doctrine, and Christian conduct without error or contradiction. This emphasis on underpins the church's rejection of higher criticism or relativistic interpretations, positioning it firmly within conservative . The church affirms the doctrine of God as one eternal, triune being—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—perfect in holiness, power, knowledge, and love, who sovereignly created and sustains the universe. Regarding humanity, it teaches that man was created in God's image as male and female, endowed with moral responsibility, but fell into sin through voluntary rebellion, inheriting a corrupt nature that renders all guilty before God and incapable of self-redemption. Salvation is presented as God's gracious provision through the atoning death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, received solely by repentance and faith, encompassing regeneration, justification by faith alone, progressive sanctification, and ultimate glorification, with no merit accruing from works. God's purpose of grace includes unconditional election of individuals to salvation, ensuring the perseverance of true believers. Ecclesiologically, the church upholds the autonomy of the local congregation composed of baptized believers, with ordinances limited to by immersion as a public testimony of and the Lord's Supper as a symbolic memorial of Christ's sacrifice. is restricted to qualified men as pastors and deacons, reflecting a complementarian view of roles derived from Scripture. On the family, it defines exclusively as the lifelong union of one man and one woman, with the husband as loving head and the wife in submissive role, while children are to honor parents. Eschatologically, it anticipates Christ's premillennial return, bodily of the dead, final judgment, eternal conscious punishment for the unrighteous in hell, and eternal life for the righteous in heaven. This doctrinal framework embodies the church's conservatism by prioritizing literal interpretation of Scripture over cultural accommodation, as evidenced in its historical alignment with the Southern Baptist Conservative Resurgence, which reaffirmed against perceived liberal theological drifts in the denomination. Under leaders like and , the church has consistently taught these tenets through preaching and education, including Jeffress's series on ten core Christian beliefs—encompassing the , Christ's deity, by grace, and the church's mission—aimed at equipping members against doctrinal compromise. Such conservatism manifests in unequivocal affirmations of Christ's exclusive path to and biblical prohibitions on sexual immorality, including , which the church views as requiring rather than affirmation. This stance prioritizes fidelity to scriptural mandates over societal pressures, fostering a of personal accountability, , and missions as duties of every believer.

Biblical Views on Social Issues

First Baptist Church Dallas interprets social issues through the lens of , asserting that Scripture provides unchanging moral guidance on human life, sexuality, and family structure. Senior Pastor , in sermons and writings affiliated with the church, maintains that God's Word defines right and wrong independently of cultural shifts, applying passages like :13-16 to affirm the sanctity of life from conception and Ephesians 5:22-33 to outline marital roles. Regarding abortion, the church teaches that human life begins at conception, as "formed my inward parts" and "wove me in my mother's womb," rendering the procedure a violation of divine creation and equivalent to murder under . Jeffress has described as an "all-out attack" on innocent life that must oppose, aligning with the church's support for post-abortion healing ministries like "Surrendering the Secret," which frame the act as a source of spiritual regret requiring biblical . On and , the church upholds heterosexual as the biblical norm, prohibiting , , and homosexual acts as covenant-breaking sins that degrade human dignity and defy God's design in Genesis 2:24 and :22. Jeffress has preached that homosexual behavior is "filthy" and "beyond description," citing both Old and prohibitions, including ' affirmation of male-female union in Matthew 19:4-6, while rejecting claims that such teachings are outdated or culturally limited. The Seventh Commandment thus extends to safeguarding 's holiness against except in cases of , with emphasis on as essential to stability. In family and gender roles, the church advocates , where husbands lead lovingly as heads of wives, who submit in mutual respect per Ephesians 5:21-33 and Colossians 3:18-19, fostering harmony through ordered submission rather than equality of function. This stance reflects the church's alignment with Southern Baptist conservatism, prohibiting women from pastoral authority while affirming their value in supportive ministries, as modeled historically under leaders like . Such views prioritize scriptural complementarity over egalitarian interpretations, viewing role distinctions as divinely ordained for societal order.

Controversies and Public Debates

Historical Positions on Race and Integration

During W. A. Criswell's early pastorate at First Baptist Church Dallas (1944–1994), the congregation maintained a segregated membership policy consistent with prevailing Southern norms, excluding Black members and opposing federal mandates for in schools and public spaces. In a February 21, 1956, address to the Baptist evangelism conference, Criswell defended segregation as biblically grounded and democratically preferable, decrying court-ordered desegregation as "the destruction of the institutions of our forefathers" and asserting that separate worship preserved social harmony. The following day, February 22, 1956, he reiterated these views before the legislature, introduced by Senator , framing integration as a threat to and claiming many African Americans favored separation. These positions reflected the church's alignment with broader Southern Baptist resistance to the 1954 ruling, though Criswell emphasized over explicit racial superiority. By 1968, amid evolving Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) dynamics and Criswell's election as SBC president on June 5—where he endorsed a statement affirming racial equality—Criswell publicly reversed his stance on integration. On May 28, 1968, the church's deacons unanimously approved an open-door policy following an emergency meeting, leading to Criswell's June 9 sermon "The Church of the Open Door," which declared membership open to all races without regard to color. In a June 1968 press conference, he stated, "I've changed," attributing the shift to "enlarged sympathies," and later confessed in a September 17 sermon, "Never had I been so blind," likening his prior views to a personal spiritual awakening. This policy change integrated the church formally, though attendance remained predominantly white due to demographic patterns in Dallas. Criswell's repentance extended into practical outreach; post-1968, First Baptist Dallas initiated ministries targeting underserved communities, including chapels in and services for the homeless irrespective of race. In his 1990 Standing on the Promises, he expressed regret for his 1956 remarks, deeming segregation "unthinkable" and "un-Christian" in retrospect. The SBC's 1971 repudiation of its segregationist past, influenced by figures like Criswell, further contextualized the church's transition, though critics noted the change occurred after key civil rights legislation like the 1964 . Under successor , the church has acknowledged this history, with Jeffress addressing Criswell's segregationist support in a 2022 while emphasizing doctrinal continuity.

Modern Criticisms of Sermons and Political Endorsements

In November 2015, following the terrorist attacks in , Pastor delivered a at First Baptist Church Dallas labeling a "false " that promotes violence, prompting criticism from interfaith advocates who accused him of fostering division and Islamophobia. Jeffress defended the remarks as biblically grounded, asserting that hold irreconcilable views on salvation and ethics, and that silence on doctrinal differences equates to theological compromise. Similar backlash arose from a series titled "Why Gay is Not OK," where Jeffress outlined biblical prohibitions on , drawing objections from LGBTQ advocacy groups for promoting , though supporters viewed it as adherence to scriptural authority on sexual morality. Jeffress' public endorsements of political figures, particularly since 2016, have fueled debates over church-state separation, with detractors arguing they violate IRS rules on tax-exempt organizations by implying electoral support from the pulpit. In 2020, the filed a complaint alleging Jeffress' praise of Trump as God's chosen leader constituted an illegal endorsement, leading to an IRS investigation of the church that concluded without of its 501(c)(3) status. Jeffress maintained that such statements reflect personal conviction rather than official church action, and he has advocated repealing the to allow pastors freer expression on moral issues influencing policy. Critics, including some within evangelical circles, contended that his 2017 invocation of to justify potential U.S. military action against blurred prophetic warning with partisan hawkishness, potentially endorsing unchecked executive power. Accusations of have intensified scrutiny of Jeffress' sermons linking America's founding to biblical principles, with outlets like Baptist News Global labeling his views as promoting a theocratic agenda despite his explicit denials and emphasis on voluntary over . In a 2022 , Jeffress rejected the "Christian nationalist" tag while affirming that the U.S. presupposes a Christian framework, a position echoed in his preaching but contested by secular commentators as eroding pluralism. These criticisms often emanate from progressive media and groups, which Jeffress and defenders counter by highlighting selective outrage compared to historical politicking, such as W.A. Criswell's past endorsements. Despite the controversies, congregational attendance and media reach have sustained, with Jeffress framing political engagement as a to apply unchanging biblical to contemporary governance.

Ministries, Outreach, and Influence

Domestic and Global Missions

First Baptist Dallas conducts domestic missions through local partnerships and national church planting initiatives, emphasizing and in alignment with its Mission 1:8 derived from Acts 1:8. Locally, the church collaborates monthly with organizations such as Operation Care, Dallas Life, Involved for Life, and Buckner, often coordinated through groups to address spiritual and physical needs in the area. Nationally, it supports church plants including Epic Life Church in Seattle, Washington, led by Pastor Keith Carpenter to reach diverse communities; Sent Church in , under Pastors Josh and Sarah Lilly focusing on missional living; and Laredo Cross Church in , pastored by Guillermo Cardona to establish an English-speaking congregation near the border. These efforts are funded in part by the Mission 1:8 WIN NOW campaign, a 2023–2024 initiative with a $70 million goal, allocating resources to local ministry enhancements and national via media expansions like Pathway to Victory broadcasts. Global missions involve short-term teams dispatched annually to share the and provide practical aid, transforming lives through direct engagement. In 2025, planned trips include from June 19–30 for evangelization, (VBS), and pastor training; Guatemala (July 12–20) and medical/VBS clinics (July 19–27) to build homes, treat patients (50–150 daily), and minister spiritually, plus a college-focused trip (August 6–12) for and proclamation, each costing $2,000 covering travel and lodging; and from August 17–23 partnering with World Link for and visits with local pastors. Partnerships such as Mission House in Guatemala facilitate these activities, which prioritize proclamation alongside physical service, as evidenced by recent summer teams reporting significant evangelistic impacts in and Guatemala. The Mission 1:8 framework integrates these with broader international media outreach to extend reach beyond physical trips.

Media and Cultural Impact

Pathway to Victory, established in 1996, functions as the primary broadcast ministry of First Baptist Church Dallas and its senior pastor , disseminating sermons, teachings, and devotional content via radio, television, podcasts, and online platforms to a national and international audience. The program airs on over 900 radio stations and various TV networks, including the Victory Television Network, emphasizing uncompromised biblical exposition on topics such as and cultural engagement. Complementing this, FirstDallas TV provides on-demand streaming of worship services, special events, and related programming like the podcast Unapologetic hosted by Jeffress's daughter Julia Jeffress Sadler, extending the church's doctrinal messages digitally. The church maintains an active online presence through its YouTube channel, which features live Sunday services viewed by thousands, archived sermons exceeding 196,000 subscribers, and collaborations with guest speakers, thereby amplifying evangelical content amid broader media fragmentation. Social media accounts on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram further disseminate clips and testimonies, with reports of global listener feedback indicating reach beyond the U.S. congregation of approximately 14,000 members. Robert Jeffress's role as a Fox News religious commentator has positioned the church as a voice in mainstream conservative media, with frequent appearances discussing intersections of , politics, and culture—such as defenses of border security policies framed biblically or analyses of national leadership—which have drawn millions of viewers and shaped public discourse on evangelical priorities. This visibility, coupled with Jeffress's authorship of best-selling books on and end-times prophecy, has elevated the church's influence in evangelical circles, fostering alliances with political figures while reinforcing its commitment to applying scriptural principles to contemporary societal challenges.

Notable Members and Broader Legacy

Prominent Affiliates

The First Baptist Church of Dallas has been led by several influential pastors who shaped its growth and theological direction. George W. Truett served as pastor from September 1897 until his death on July 7, 1944, during which the church's membership expanded from 797 to over 7,000, establishing it as a major Southern Baptist institution. succeeded Truett in 1944 and led the church for nearly five decades until transitioning to pastor emeritus in 1995, growing membership to around 27,000 and emphasizing expository preaching and conservative Baptist doctrines. Robert Jeffress has been senior pastor since his election on August 12, 2007, and full-time start on September 16, 2007, continuing the church's tradition of media outreach as a Fox News contributor and author of over 30 books on biblical topics. Under his leadership, the church maintains a membership of approximately 16,000 and broadcasts sermons globally. Evangelist Billy Graham, despite never residing in Texas, joined the church in 1953 during a Dallas crusade and retained membership for over 54 years until transferring it in 2008, reflecting his alignment with its fundamentalist stance. Graham's association underscored the church's role in broader evangelical networks, though no other widely documented prominent lay members beyond these figures appear in historical records.

Enduring Contributions to Evangelicalism

The First Baptist Church of Dallas has significantly shaped evangelical theology through its emphasis on biblical inerrancy and expository preaching, particularly under the long tenures of pastors George W. Truett and W.A. Criswell. Truett, serving from 1897 to 1944, advanced Baptist commitments to religious liberty in his landmark 1920 address at the Baptist World Alliance, arguing that true freedom stems from the lordship of Christ and the soul's direct accountability to God, influencing broader evangelical advocacy for church-state separation grounded in scriptural authority. Criswell, pastor from 1944 to 1994, further entrenched these principles by championing the literal truth of Scripture, as articulated in his writings and sermons that rejected modernist interpretations, thereby modeling a defense of evangelical fundamentals amid mid-20th-century theological challenges. The church played a pivotal role in the Southern Baptist Convention's conservative resurgence of the late and , a movement that reaffirmed evangelical orthodoxy in America's largest Protestant denomination by prioritizing inerrancy and opposing liberal theological drifts in seminaries and agencies. Criswell's leadership, including his 1968–1970 SBC presidency and vocal support for doctrinal purity, positioned First Baptist Dallas as a for this effort, which elected conservative presidents starting in 1979 and reshaped SBC institutions to align with historic Baptist . This resurgence, viewed by participants as essential for preserving the denomination's evangelistic mission, extended the church's influence by training leaders through Criswell College, founded in 1970 to provide rigorous biblical education for laypeople and ministers. Enduringly, First Baptist Dallas has contributed to evangelical global outreach via sustained media ministries and missions, broadcasting sermons and teachings to over 193 countries through programs like Pathway to Victory, which reach millions via radio and television, reinforcing scriptural and discipleship. Its model of large-scale, Bible-centered congregations has inspired similar structures in , emphasizing personal conversion, family discipleship, and cultural engagement without compromise on core doctrines.

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