How it all started...
Rockwall Friendship Baptist Church was organized through a mission effort started by the Mesquite Friendship Baptist Church in cooperation with the Southern Baptist Convention of Texas and the Dallas Baptist Association.
In June 2003, Terry M. Turner, Senior Pastor of Mesquite Friendship approached one of his associate ministers, Rev. Shanon Thomas, about planting a church in the Rockwall community. After much prayer and consideration, Rev. Thomas and Pastor Turner embarked on a journey to begin this new ministry. In October of 2003, Rev. Thomas and Pastor Turner approached the Southern Baptist Convention of Texas and requested their financial and consultative assistance.
The convention agreed to provide assistance for the first three years of the ministry beginning January 2004. Pastor Turner and Rev. Thomas began to make plans for a launch date for the new ministry. Pastor Turner and the Mesquite Friendship Baptist Church would serve as the sponsor church and Rev. Thomas would serve as the first Pastor of Rockwall Friendship Baptist Church.
On February 29, 2004, our inaugural services were held at the Dorothy Pullen Elementary School in Heath, TX. The following Sunday, eight members joined the ministry as the church’s charter members. The school served as the site for worship services from February through July of 2004. In June of 2004, the church began looking for a permanent location to hold services and conduct ministry activities. By the grace and favor of God, a location was found and renovated to accommodate the ministry’s needs. In August 2004, the church moved into its former location at 1950 Alpha Dr. Suite 350.
In June 2003, Terry M. Turner, Senior Pastor of Mesquite Friendship approached one of his associate ministers, Rev. Shanon Thomas, about planting a church in the Rockwall community. After much prayer and consideration, Rev. Thomas and Pastor Turner embarked on a journey to begin this new ministry. In October of 2003, Rev. Thomas and Pastor Turner approached the Southern Baptist Convention of Texas and requested their financial and consultative assistance.
The convention agreed to provide assistance for the first three years of the ministry beginning January 2004. Pastor Turner and Rev. Thomas began to make plans for a launch date for the new ministry. Pastor Turner and the Mesquite Friendship Baptist Church would serve as the sponsor church and Rev. Thomas would serve as the first Pastor of Rockwall Friendship Baptist Church.
On February 29, 2004, our inaugural services were held at the Dorothy Pullen Elementary School in Heath, TX. The following Sunday, eight members joined the ministry as the church’s charter members. The school served as the site for worship services from February through July of 2004. In June of 2004, the church began looking for a permanent location to hold services and conduct ministry activities. By the grace and favor of God, a location was found and renovated to accommodate the ministry’s needs. In August 2004, the church moved into its former location at 1950 Alpha Dr. Suite 350.
Expanding the vision...
In February of 2010, the church leadership embarked upon finding a larger and more centrally located worship facility. By God’s divine hand, they were led to an existing worship facility at 5651 State Highway 276. The church and its leadership went into prayer and God confirmed the move to the new facility. Taking the model used by Moses in Exodus, the church rolled up its sleeves and went to work renovating the new facility. In May of 2010, the church moved into the newly renovated 10,000-square-foot worship center in Rockwall. Rockwall Friendship has continued to enjoy the favor and presence of God at work in this ministry.
Where we are headed...
In October of 2021, we officially broke ground on Phase I of our building renovations. It’s been an incredible journey filled with growth and excitement as our new building comes to life. Phase I included a new building that seats 415 people, The Center–a place where small groups or new members can connect– and a new cafe, with plenty of seating for conversation, connection, and growth.
Phase II construction was completed in summer of 2023 and included an expansion of our kids & students wing, designed to drive connection and growth for both parents and youth.
Rockwall Friendship began a plan in 2022 to launch a strategic vision for 2029. Learn more about that 2029 Strategic Vision here.
Phase II construction was completed in summer of 2023 and included an expansion of our kids & students wing, designed to drive connection and growth for both parents and youth.
Rockwall Friendship began a plan in 2022 to launch a strategic vision for 2029. Learn more about that 2029 Strategic Vision here.
