URGENT UPDATE: First Baptist Church of Dallas is bravely navigating the aftermath of a catastrophic fire that decimated its historic sanctuary last year. The church, a cornerstone of the Dallas community, is set to undergo extensive reconstruction, with completion anticipated by Easter 2028.
In the wake of the fire, which occurred in 2022, church officials report that the crisis has united their team in unexpected ways. Permanent power to the church offices remains unrepaired as of August 2023, yet the leadership at First Baptist is focused on maintaining morale among staff and congregation.
Senior Executive Pastor Ben Lovvorn stated, “We’ve been very purposeful about communicating with our staff — and our congregation — so that they know and understand what’s going on, and that they are a part of the process.” This proactive approach has been vital in retaining the church’s dedicated team, as Lovvorn noted, “At other organizations, this situation would lead to tremendous turnover, but our entire team has stayed intact.”
The church serves a thriving community of 16,000 members, and Lovvorn emphasized that the shared mission has fostered a resilient culture. “Another lesson we’ve learned is making sure you have the right people in place to handle a crisis like this,” he said. “Finding those right people — and getting them in the right seats on the bus — is key to tackling whatever obstacles you’re presented with along the way.”
First Baptist’s staff embodies a “shared faith and shared calling,” a sentiment Lovvorn believes is critical to their mission. Whether they serve as ministers or in administrative roles, every team member is committed to a greater purpose. Regular gatherings, such as monthly leadership luncheons featuring local favorites like Babe’s Chicken and “staff chapel” sessions that focus on prayer and unity, reinforce this sense of community.
Throughout its storied history of over 155 years in downtown Dallas, First Baptist has faced various challenges. Lovvorn reflected, “There have been good times and difficult times, but God has always been faithful in providing for us and seeing us through every season.”
As reconstruction efforts progress, the church is committed to keeping its community informed and engaged. The team’s resilience and unity serve as a testament to their commitment to overcoming adversity while maintaining their mission and values.
Stay tuned for further updates on First Baptist Church’s rebuilding journey as they continue to support their congregation and adapt in the face of adversity.
