What We Believe
Real Faith. Real Family. Real God.
At FaithSprings Baptist Church, what we believe matters because what we believe shapes how we live.
We are a Bible-believing Southern Baptist church committed to the authority of God's Word, the Lordship of Jesus Christ, the transforming power of the Gospel, and the mission Christ has given His Church.
While no brief statement can express everything we believe, the following represents the foundational biblical truths upon which our church stands.
1. WE BELIEVE THE BIBLE IS THE WORD OF GOD
We believe the Bible is God's inspired Word and His revelation of Himself to humanity. Scripture is true, trustworthy, authoritative, and sufficient for knowing God and understanding His plan of salvation.
The Bible is not merely a book we study—it is the standard by which we seek to live.
Biblical Standard:
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.”
2 Timothy 3:16
Additional Scripture: Psalm 119:105; Isaiah 40:8; John 17:17; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Peter 1:20–21
2. WE BELIEVE IN ONE TRUE GOD
We believe there is one living and true God—the Creator, Sustainer, Redeemer, and Ruler of all things.
God eternally exists as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—three Persons, yet one God.
Biblical Standard:
“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.”
Deuteronomy 6:4
Additional Scripture: Genesis 1:1; Matthew 28:19; John 1:1–3; 2 Corinthians 13:14
3. WE BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST
We believe Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God.
He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, lived a sinless life, performed mighty works, died on the cross for our sins, was physically raised from the dead, ascended into heaven, and will one day return personally and visibly.
Jesus is not simply one way to God. Jesus is the Way.
Biblical Standard:
“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”
John 14:6
Additional Scripture: Matthew 1:18–23; John 1:1–14; Romans 5:8; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4; Colossians 1:15–20; Hebrews 4:15; Acts 1:9–11
4. WE BELIEVE IN THE HOLY SPIRIT
We believe the Holy Spirit is fully God and actively works in the world and in the lives of believers.
The Holy Spirit convicts people of sin, draws people toward Christ, brings about spiritual new birth, lives within every believer, guides us into truth, equips us for service, produces spiritual fruit, and empowers us to live lives that honor Christ.
Biblical Standard:
“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth.”
John 16:13
Additional Scripture: John 14:16–17; John 16:7–14; Acts 1:8; Romans 8:9–14; Galatians 5:22–25; 1 Corinthians 12:4–11
5. WE BELIEVE EVERY PERSON IS CREATED IN THE IMAGE OF GOD
Every human life has dignity, worth, and value because every person is created in the image of God.
At the same time, Scripture teaches that humanity has been separated from God through sin and that every person needs God's forgiveness and salvation.
Biblical Standard:
“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them.”
Genesis 1:27
Additional Scripture: Genesis 1:26–28; Psalm 139:13–16; Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23
6. WE BELIEVE SALVATION IS FOUND IN JESUS CHRIST ALONE
We believe salvation is God's gift of grace and cannot be earned through good works, religious activity, church membership, baptism, or human effort.
A person receives salvation by turning from sin and placing personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
We are saved by grace, through faith, in Christ alone.
Biblical Standard:
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”
Ephesians 2:8
Additional Scripture: John 3:16; Acts 4:12; Romans 3:23–24; Romans 5:1; Romans 6:23; Romans 10:9–13; Titus 3:5
7. WE BELIEVE IN THE SECURITY OF THE BELIEVER
We believe those who have genuinely placed their faith in Jesus Christ are kept by the power and grace of God.
Our security rests not in our ability to hold onto God, but in God's faithfulness to hold onto us.
Biblical Standard:
“I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.”
John 10:28
Additional Scripture: Romans 8:38–39; Philippians 1:6; 2 Timothy 1:12; 1 Peter 1:3–5; 1 John 5:11–13
8. WE BELIEVE IN THE CHURCH
We believe the Church is the body of Christ and that every believer should be connected to a local congregation.
The local church is a fellowship of baptized believers who gather for worship, biblical teaching, prayer, fellowship, ministry, discipleship, and carrying the Gospel into the world.
Biblical Standard:
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”
Acts 2:42
Additional Scripture: Matthew 16:18; Acts 2:41–47; 1 Corinthians 12:12–27; Ephesians 1:22–23; Hebrews 10:24–25
9. WE BELIEVE IN BELIEVER'S BAPTISM
We believe baptism is an act of obedience for a person who has placed his or her faith in Jesus Christ.
Following the New Testament pattern, we practice baptism by immersion. Baptism beautifully symbolizes the believer's identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the beginning of a new life in Him.
Baptism does not save us. It publicly declares the salvation we have already received through Christ.
Biblical Standard:
“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that...we too may live a new life.”
Romans 6:4
Additional Scripture: Matthew 3:13–17; Matthew 28:19–20; Acts 2:38–41; Acts 8:35–39; Romans 6:3–5; Colossians 2:12
10. WE BELIEVE IN THE LORD'S SUPPER
We believe the Lord's Supper is a symbolic act of obedience through which believers remember Christ's sacrificial death and anticipate His return.
The bread reminds us of His body given for us, and the cup reminds us of His blood shed for the forgiveness of sins.
Biblical Standard:
“For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”
1 Corinthians 11:26
Additional Scripture: Matthew 26:26–29; Luke 22:19–20; 1 Corinthians 10:16; 1 Corinthians 11:23–29
11. WE BELIEVE CHRISTIANS ARE CALLED TO GROW
Following Jesus is more than making a decision—it is entering a lifelong relationship of discipleship.
We believe Christians should continually grow in their knowledge of God's Word, prayer, worship, obedience, generosity, service, love for others, and Christlike character.
Biblical Standard:
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
2 Peter 3:18
Additional Scripture: Romans 12:1–2; Galatians 5:22–23; Ephesians 4:11–16; Philippians 1:6; Colossians 2:6–7
12. WE BELIEVE IN SHARING THE GOSPEL
Jesus gave His Church a mission: make disciples.
We believe every Christian is called to share the Good News of Jesus Christ, demonstrate His love, serve others, and help people become fully devoted followers of Christ.
Missions begin across the street and extend around the world.
Biblical Standard:
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations.”
Matthew 28:19
Additional Scripture: Matthew 28:18–20; Acts 1:8; Romans 10:13–15; 2 Corinthians 5:18–20
13. WE BELIEVE IN PRAYER
We believe prayer is a privilege made possible through our relationship with God. Through prayer, we worship God, confess our sins, express gratitude, bring our needs before Him, intercede for others, and seek His will.
We believe God hears and answers prayer according to His perfect wisdom and will.
Biblical Standard:
“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
James 5:16
Additional Scripture: Matthew 6:6–13; Philippians 4:6–7; 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18; Hebrews 4:16; 1 John 5:14–15
14. WE BELIEVE IN THE CHRISTIAN FAMILY
We believe God created the family and that Christian homes should be places where Christ is honored, Scripture is taught, love is demonstrated, forgiveness is practiced, and children are nurtured in the knowledge of the Lord.
We believe biblical marriage is a covenant relationship between one man and one woman for life, reflecting the relationship between Christ and His Church.
Biblical Standard:
“But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”
Joshua 24:15
Additional Scripture: Genesis 2:18–24; Deuteronomy 6:4–9; Psalm 127:3–5; Matthew 19:4–6; Ephesians 5:21–33; Ephesians 6:1–4
15. WE BELIEVE EVERY CHRISTIAN IS CALLED TO SERVE
God has given every believer gifts, abilities, experiences, and opportunities that can be used for His glory and the good of others.
At FaithSprings, ministry is not something reserved for pastors and church leaders. Every believer has a place to serve.
Biblical Standard:
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others.”
1 Peter 4:10
Additional Scripture: Mark 10:43–45; Romans 12:4–8; 1 Corinthians 12:4–7; Ephesians 2:10; Ephesians 4:11–13
16. WE BELIEVE IN STEWARDSHIP AND GENEROSITY
Everything we have ultimately belongs to God. We believe Christians are called to faithfully steward their time, talents, resources, possessions, and opportunities for God's purposes.
Christian giving should flow from gratitude, worship, generosity, and love.
Biblical Standard:
“God loves a cheerful giver.”
2 Corinthians 9:7
Additional Scripture: Malachi 3:10; Matthew 6:19–21; Luke 6:38; 1 Corinthians 16:1–2; 2 Corinthians 9:6–8
17. WE BELIEVE CHRIST WILL RETURN
We believe Jesus Christ will personally and visibly return.
There will be a resurrection of the dead and final judgment. Those who belong to Christ will live eternally in the presence of God.
For the Christian, the return of Christ is not a reason for fear—it is our blessed hope.
Biblical Standard:
“We wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.”
Titus 2:13
Additional Scripture: Matthew 24:30–31; John 14:1–3; Acts 1:11; 1 Corinthians 15:51–58; 1 Thessalonians 4:16–18; Revelation 21:1–5
OUR FOUNDATION
At FaithSprings Baptist Church, our beliefs are not simply statements hanging on a wall.
They are truths we seek to live.
- We believe the Bible is God's Word.
- We believe Jesus saves.
- We believe grace changes lives.
- We believe prayer matters.
- We believe every person matters to God.
- We believe the Church should be a place of truth, grace, love, healing, discipleship, service, and hope.
And above everything else—
WE BELIEVE JESUS CHANGES EVERYTHING.
“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.”
1 Corinthians 3:11
We Welcome YOU to FaithSprings Baptist Church
Real Faith. Real Family. Real God.
FaithSprings Baptist Church identifies with the Southern Baptist Convention and affirms the historic biblical convictions expressed in the Baptist Faith and Message.
Our Legacy
A Church Is Born
. Sixteen people from six families gathered in the home of Mr. and Mrs. W.K. Baker, founding Park Place Baptist Church in Park Place, Texas (annexed into the city of Houston in 1927).
- Mr. and Mrs. W.K. Baker, with children Ethel and Edward
- Mr. and Mrs. F.P. Davis, with children Jennie Marie, James Carl, and Kenneth
- Mrs. W.E. Rowland, with children Orison, Marvin, and Adderinne
- Mrs. C.M. Foreman
- Mrs. E.E. Thompson
- Mrs. Hendrix
The Founding Families of Park Place Baptist Church
Meeting Where We Could
. With no building of its own, the young congregation met in members' homes and later at the Park Place schoolhouse. The school hosted the church's first revival in the spring of 1919, which brought thirteen new members.
Our First Building
. The congregation held its first service in its own building, designed by W.L. Robertson, the church's first full-time pastor, on land donated by the Park Place Development Co. It cost $4,500 and looked so much like a dance hall down the road that visitors sometimes confused the two.
“Dedicatory services for the pretty new Baptist church in Park Place … were held yesterday afternoon at 3 o’clock.”
Houston Post, March 20, 1922
Building in Hard Times
. By July 1930, the growing congregation had pledged $6,000, more than half of what it needed for a larger building. That October, the church committed to build, but the Great Depression delayed construction for nearly a decade.
“On the motion of Brother Tullis, the church definitely committed itself to the immediate procedure of erecting the educational unit of our proposed building.”
Church special meeting minutes, October 1930
A Larger Church Home
. After saving since 1930 and waiting out the Great Depression, the church held its first services in a larger building on the same corner. The education wing had been finished in the spring of 1939, with the auditorium following in late 1940. This property would later be sold to the Park Place Methodist Church.
A New Campus on Broadway
. Under Pastor Joseph Stiles, the church moved further down Broadway to a new campus on 9 acres purchased from the Houston Independent School District. At the time, Broadway was still a dead end at Sims Bayou, but Pastor Stiles had faith that the road would soon be extended.
A 2,500-Seat Sanctuary
. During the post-war boom, attendance averaged 1,700, making the church one of the largest in Houston. To make room for the growth, the church built a new sanctuary, dedicated on this day. A large gym followed a few years later, and by 1970, property left to the church by generous members had grown the campus to 11 acres.
A Home for Many
. As families moved to the suburbs and the neighborhood changed, the campus also began hosting Romanian, Hispanic, Korean, and Cambodian congregations.
A Gift to the Seminary
. With an aging campus and a smaller congregation, the church voted to deed its property to a seminary in need of classroom space and lease it back for 20 years at $1 per year. The arrangement allowed the church to keep meeting in its long-time home while giving the seminary a place for its classes.
Facing Change
. Pastor James Clark concluded his 16-year ministry. The following week, the seminary informed the church that it needed to sell the campus and that the congregation would need to find a new home.
A New Pastor
. After nearly 3 years of searching, with seminary students and an interim preacher filling the pulpit, Dr. Gregory Williams found his way to the church in 2011. Out of ministry for several years, he took some time to be sure of the call, and on this day the congregation unanimously called him as Senior Pastor.
A New Vision
. The 22-member Vision Team was formed and charged with searching for a new home ahead of the Houston campus being sold. The team looked across the area, from Pasadena and South Houston to Alvin and Pearland. One of the first properties they looked at was an old putt putt golf course property in Pearland, but they didn't feel that it was a fit at the time.
A New Thing
. In January 2015, the family that owned the putt putt golf course told Pastor Greg they felt the property hadn't sold because the church was meant to be there. The congregation visited the site and voted to buy it. Following a farewell dinner at the Houston campus in May, the congregation met for the first time in Pearland as FaithSprings Baptist Church - a name derived from Isaiah 43:19 which symbolizes doing a new thing, and having faith in God that it was the correct decision.
In His Steps Academy
. The congregation voted to adopt In His Steps Academy as a ministry, fulfilling a longtime vision for a weekday education program as well as providing more opportunity for community outreach.
Room to Grow
. After reading through the entire Bible from the stage, the first services were held in a new building on the Pearland campus, which provided a larger sanctuary, more classrooms, and a dedicated fellowship hall. This marked the church's seventh building.
Still Telling His Story, One Century Later!
. The congregation celebrated 105 years since its founding.
Pastors Through the Years
- Rev. W.R. Brown (1919)
- Rev. R.J. Brown (1919). His tenure included the church's first revival at the Park Place schoolhouse, held May 29 to June 12, 1919, as well as the church's election to the Union Baptist Association on September 20, 1919.
- Rev. Frank A. Godsoe (1919–20)
- Rev. William Ruether (1920–21)
- Rev. T.A. Hall (1921)
- Rev. W. Lucius Robertson (1921–22). Our first full-time pastor. When he arrived the church had seven active families and thirty members, and he designed its first building himself.
- Rev. Forest N. Pack (1922–23). Both he and his wife were musicians. He led the music program, and she trained on the violin at the Cincinnati Conservatory. He stayed less than a year before leaving for further study at Baylor.
- Rev. Fred J. Newland (1923–25). In 1925 he became superintendent of Harris County's new Bayland Orphan Home for Boys.
- Rev. Glen E. Wiley (1925). He was called as the church's ninth pastor on March 1, 1925, and resigned in August of the same year.
- Rev. Vernon G. Garrett (1925–31). The church grew so much under him that the original facilities had become overcrowded. This prompted the church to vote, in 1930, to commit to build. Unknown to them, the Great Depression was just around the corner.
- Dr. William T. Turner (1932–41). He came from the Baptist Church in Eastland and preached his first sermon on January 3, 1932. He led the church through most of the Great Depression.
- Rev. Jones W. Weathers (1941–42). He was called as pastor in July 1941, five months before Pearl Harbor. On February 15, 1942, he was called into the Army Chaplains Corps "for the duration of the war," and the church granted him a leave of absence.
- Dr. Joseph Stiles (1942–56). He came in August 1942, fresh from earning his doctorate, to lead the church while Weathers was at war. When Weathers's resignation arrived by mail in March 1944, the congregation called Stiles as its pastor.
- Dr. Brooks H. Wester (1956–67). He was an Air Force chaplain from 1942 to 1946 and rose to the rank of Major. Years later he led the church in building the 2,500-seat sanctuary.
- Dr. Presnall H. Wood (1967–77). In 1977 he left to edit the Baptist Standard, a paper whose history he had written his doctoral thesis on and whose board he had chaired.
- Rev. Frank D. Minton (1977–81). He came from Far Hills Baptist Church in Dayton, OH. His first sermon was January 22, 1978.
- Rev. Robert A. Parker (1982–91). His first sermon was on Easter Sunday, April 11, 1982. The congregation called him "Brother Bob," and he left in 1991 to lead a church in Dallas.
- Rev. James W. Clark (1993–2009). His 16-year pastorate, the longest in the church's history to that point, included thriving youth ministries and the 2001 vote to deed the Houston campus to the seminary.
- Dr. Gregory A. Williams (2011–Present). His tenure has included the church's move to Pearland as FaithSprings Baptist Church, the adoption of In His Steps Academy as a ministry, and the opening of a new building.