A Tale of 2 Churches & a School - An Uncommon Collaboration

Sept. 27, 2010 - PRLog -- In a unique collaboration, the historic, 128 year old First Baptist Church of Joshua is moving - and handing over their central Joshua worship center to the 15 year old Open Door Ministries.  As proof that God moves in mysterious ways, even the local school system became involved to help smooth out some bumps in the road. The community as well as each of the organizations will benefit greatly from this extraordinary cooperation.

This year, on its 128th anniversary, First Baptist Church of Joshua committed to a course of renewal that would challenge even a younger organization. Years back, under the leadership of Brother David Hampton, now retired, the church purchased some land on the hill at 2450 Wilshire Blvd. For years, the church considered and planned a move to this growing area. Finally, it was decided.  In 2010, the old church would become brand new again – a church on the move.

Coincidentally, Open Door Ministries, serving from its smaller location on FM 1902, was looking for space, lots of it, to operate their worship and food ministries - as the demand has grown exponentially during the current downturn. A deal was struck between the old, established church and the new, less traditional ministry. Open Door Ministries agreed to buy the worship center from First Baptist Church of Joshua, but the deal came with one challenging aspect. Open Door needed to move well before First Baptist’s new building would be done.  The old church would become, essentially, homeless, for months. In an act of faith, the 2 organizations struck the deal.

And, now, the deal plays out. First Baptist Church celebrated its final service at 301 S. Main on Sunday, September 26, attended by hundreds including guest speakers Andy Dally, Outreach Pastor of Open Door Ministries, and Brother David Hampton, former minister of First Baptist. Open Door Ministries is preparing to occupy its new building in November.  Although First Baptist’s new building is far from complete, another remarkable deal resolved First Baptist’s “homeless” dilemma. The Joshua Independent School District and First Baptist struck a fee-based deal allowing the church to worship from North Joshua Elementary School on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights until the new building is complete.

In the end, the community and all the organizations benefit. Open Door Ministries gets lots of space to serve from a central location. First Baptist freshens up its legacy brand from a spot near the high growth area of the future worship center. The school is compensated for sharing their facilities. The community benefits from Open Door Ministries’ continuation of the legacy of Christian service from central Joshua as and  from First Baptist’s bold move toward establishing a new legacy from a brand new worship center between Joshua and Burleson. It's a win for everyone.

“All of this comes from an intentional purpose on Behalf of First Baptist and Open Door to make a greater difference and impact our community,” says Pastor Troy Brewer of Open Door. “It's a move from good to great for all of us and these kinds of moves are never comfortable or convenient. I always say ‘better is never easier’  but the Spirit of cooperation from Pastor Gary Jordan and his team, has set a tone that makes you want to step up to every challenge. We are really excited for both our congregations and for the lives we are reaching out to. It's a big change and the right move forward. We are excited to start services at 301 S. Main in Joshua this November! “

"This move has been a slow process but the time has finally come,” says Pastor Garry Jordan of First Baptist Church Joshua. “We are ready. The cooperation from Open Door Church and the Joshua ISD has been wonderful. God has worked in all the details. It is a testimony of how I see God's love moving in churches and communities working together for the good of all. I know Pastor Troy and I want to lead our churches to be a blessing to this community and beyond. Yes it is a new day, a new brand, with a new vision for FBC Joshua, but it is sharing the same ol' blessed story of Jesus and His Love. And both churches embrace this move and new day to expand our capacities to share that story."

Beginning this week, 2 churches and a local school are making some unique history. The smooth and speedy cooperation among these very different organizations, often known more for bureaucracy than speedy resolution, is living proof that with God all things are possible.

Contact information:
First Baptist Church celebrated 128 years of ministry this year, as a Bible-believing church in the Southern Baptist tradition.  Now rebranding as North Pointe Church, First Baptist Joshua will continue to serve one of the fastest growing areas in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex from its new location under construction at 2450 Wilshire Blvd. Until completion of the new worship center in Summer/Fall 2011, the church will meet at North Joshua Elementary, 100 Ranchway Dr. and Hwy. 174.  The family friendly membership seeks to encourage one another in spiritual growth and to spread the good news of God’s love.
Contact: Pastor Garry Jordan, 817-558-8585; garry.jordan@fbcjoshua.org

Open Door Ministries was founded by Pastor Troy & Leanna Brewer as an extension of their reaching out to their local community. The food outreach program is a bi-weekly event for ODM as they freely give away over 10,000 1bs of food to an average of 165 families, some 500+ people!  Not only does Open Door help the 'working poor' of Tarrant & Johnson County but they reach out to points all across the globe such as Mexico, Africa, India, Columbia, Brazil and England.  Open Door is currently located at 10401 FM 1902, Crowley.  
Contact: Pastor Troy Brewer, 817-297-6911; troy@opendoorministries.org

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First Baptist Church of Joshua has served Joshua and the surrounding communities for over 125 years. The church is meeting at North Joshua Elementary School until the completion of its new worship center on Highway 174.