About Elm Grove

We are a church committed to bringing good news to those living in our city and its surrounding communities. We endeavor to equip and enable each individual for this purpose through the provision of opportunities of worship, education, service and fellowship as described in Ephesians 4:11-16
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Our Mission & Vision

At Elm Grove our vision and mission is to build the Kingdom of God through faith in Jesus Christ

We are a church committed to bringing good news to those living in our city and its surrounding communities.  We confirm that our primary purpose is the communication of God’s word and the building of His kingdom through faith in Jesus Christ with as many people as possible in our church, community and throughout the world, which is our ultimate mission. Our proclamation is to be a dynamic spiritual organism empowered by the Holy Spirit to worship Him, experience the awareness of God, recognize His person and respond in obedience to His leadership. We endeavor to equip and enable each individual for this purpose through the provision of opportunities of worship, education, service and fellowship as described in Ephesians 4:11-16

Who We Are

The Grove (Elm Grove Missionary Baptist Church) was organized more than 50 years ago. Today, “The Grove”, located at 1344 East Harvey Avenue, Fort Worth, TX is ministering to generations under the leadership of Pastor/Teacher T.J. Patterson, Jr. At “The Grove”, we welcome those in the DFW Metroplex and beyond to join us as we worship God, share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others and execute the business of the Kingdom with excellence.

The Elm Grove Missionary Baptist Church was organized in January, 1957, by the late Reverend L.J. Jenkins. He and his family were in a small building located at 800 Bryant Street. The church was known as Bryant Street Baptist Church.

Our History

In 1958 the church moved to a larger building on Yuma and Richmond Street. The name was changed to the Elm Grove Missionary Baptist Church. In 1960, the church moved to its present location, 1344 E. Harvey Avenue. Rev Jenkins along with the entire congregation did a great job in erecting the building in which is now the fellowship hall.

In May of 1995, we dedicated our new sanctuary under the leadership of Rev. Carl P. Small.  Present for the services were Pastor Small’s father, and his church from Cleveland, Ohio. Also, under the administration of Rev, Small the Elm Grove Baptist Church became incorporated by the state of Texas as a non-profit organization in 1995.

The following ministers accepted the call to serve as pastor of Elm Grove M.B.C.  Under each minister’s leadership, Elm Grove continued to shine its light for the Lord.

  • January, 1957 to 1966 – Rev. Jenkins
  • 1966 to June, 1968 – Rev. Benson
  • June, 1971 to August, 1976 – Rev. L. W. Watkins
  • November, 1976 to July, 1982 – Rev. Joe E. Tubbs
  • November, 1982 to March, 1989 – Rev. F. D. Lawson, Sr.
  • August, 1989 to May 1996 – Rev. Carl P. Small
  • January, 1997 to December, 2006 – Rev. Paul Lawson

 

During the transition phase; Elm Grove was led by the Deacons in collaboration with the Advisory Committee.  This Advisory Committee was created to assist the Deacons with the transition process. Advisory members consisted of Deacons and three representatives from the membership: Deacon William Brown, Chairman of Deacons; Deacon Norris Donnell, Vice-Chairman of Deacons and Chairman of Advisory Committee; Deacon James Griffin; Deacon Hercules Neighbors; Sister Gwendolyn Hymond Weathered; Sister Patricia Johnson; and Sister Benita Whitaker Cleveland, Church Clerk.

The Advisory Committee was instrumental in re-establishing Elm Grove as a non-profit organization with the State of Texas and revising the By-laws and Constitution. Under the joint leadership of the Deacons and Advisory Committee; the Ushers and Choir were reorganized. Through fasting and prayer, Elm Grove continued to operate during this stressful time in our history.

Rev. Kenneth Mitchell served as Interim Pastor under the leadership of Rev. Michael Evans; Moderator of the Elm Grove District Association and Pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church.

Under the direction of the Pulpit Search Committee and Deacons, the church met on Sunday, January 30, 2011, to call a Pastor.  By an overwhelming margin, the members of Elm Grove MBC chose to call the Reverend T. J. Patterson, Jr. of Bethlehem Baptist Church where the Reverend Dr. Michael Evans is the Pastor. Reverend Patterson accepted the call and was installed by Reverend Evans and the Bethlehem Church Family on Sunday, March 20, 2011.

Under his leadership, several members have been baptized; new ministries have added to the church and are continuing to successfully grow. Please continue to keep the Elm Grove Church Family in your prayers as we continue the journey that has been set before us.  We thank the Lord for the opportunity to serve as a House of Worship for His children. We are determined to finish reaching our goal: Heaven!

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Our Beliefs & Values

 

The Scriptures

We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction; that it has God for it’s matter; that it reveals the principles by which God will judge us; and therefore, is and shall remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds and opinions should be tried.

The True God

We believe that there is one and only living and true God, and intelligent, spiritual and personal Being, the Creator, Preserver and Ruler of the universe, infinite in Holiness and all other perfection to whom we owe the highest love, reverence and obedience.  He is revealed to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, each with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence or being.

The Fall of Man

We believe that man was created by the special act of God, as recorded in Genesis.  “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them” (Genesis 1:27).  “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul” (Genesis 2:17).

 

The Way of Salvation

We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace, through the mediatorial office of the Son of God, who by the Holy Spirit was born of the Virgin Mary and took upon Him our nature, yet without sins; honored the divine law by his personal obedience and made atonement of our sins by His death.  Being raised from the dead, he is now enthroned in Heaven, and uniting in His person the tender sympathies with divine perfection, He is in every way qualified to be a compassionate and all sufficient Savior.

Justification

We believe that justification is God’s gracious and full acquittal upon principles of righteousness of all sinners who believe in Christ.  This blessing is bestowed, not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done, but through the redemption that is in and through Jesus Christ.  It brings us into a state of most blessed peace and favor with God, and secures every other needed blessing.

The Freeness Of Salvation

We believe that the Scriptures teach the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the Gospel; that it is the immediate duty of all to accept them by cordial, penitent and obedient faith; and that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth, but his own determined depravity and voluntary rejection of the gospel; which rejection involves him in and aggravated condemnation.

Regeneration

We believe that the Scriptures teach that in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated, or born again; that regeneration consists in giving a holy disposition to the mind that it is effected in a manner above our comprehension by the power of the Holy Spirit in connection with divine truth, so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the Gospel; and that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance and faith, and newness of life.

Repentance and Faith

We believe that repentance and faith are sacred duties, and also inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the regenerating Spirit of God; whereby, being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger, and helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ, we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy; at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as our Prophet, Priest, and King, and relying on Him alone as the only and all-sufficient Savior.

God’s Purpose of Grace

We believe that election is the gracious purpose of God, according to which He regenerates, sanctifies and saves sinners.  It is perfectly consistent with the free agency of man and in no way interferes with the salvation of any individual.

Sanctification

We believe that sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of his holiness; that it is a progressive work; that it is begun in regeneration; and that it is carried on in the hearts of believers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, the Healer and the Comforter, in the continual use of the appointed means, especially the Word of God, self-examination, self-denial, watchfulness, and prayer.

The Perserverance of Saints

We believe that only real believers endure unto the end; that their preserving attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professors; that a special providence watches over their welfare; and that they are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.

The Harmony of the Law and the Gospel

We believe that the law of God is the eternal and unchangeable rule His moral government; that it is holy, just, and good; and that the inability which the Scriptures ascribe to fallen men to fulfill its precepts arises entirely from their love of sin; to deliver them from which, and to restore them through a mediator to unfeigned obedience to the Holy law, is one great end of the gospel, and of the means of grace connected with the establishment of the visible church.

The Gospel Church

We believe that a visible church of Christ is a congregation of baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel; observing the ordinances of Christ; governed by his laws; and exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His word; that it’s only scriptural officers are bishops, or pastors, and deacons, whose qualifications, claims and duties are defined in the epistles of Timothy and Titus.

Baptism and the Lord’s Supper

We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion in water of a believer, in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy ghost; to show forth, in a solemn and beautiful emblem, our faith in the crucified, buried and risen Savior with its effect in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life; that it is prerequisite to the privileges of a church relation; and to the Lord’s Supper, in which the members of the church, by the sacred use of bread the wine are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ…preceded always by solemn self-examination.

The Christian Sabbath

We believe that the first day of the week is the Lord’s Day, or Christian Sabbath; and is to be kept sacred to religious purposes, by abstaining from all secular labor and sinful recreation; by the devout observances of all the means of grace, both private and public; and by preparations of the rest that remaineth for the people of God.

Civil Government

We believe that civil government is of divine appointment for the interest and good order of human society; and that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored, and obeyed’ except only in thins opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the only Lord of the conscience, and the Prince of the Kings of the earth.

The Righteous and the Wicked

We believe that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked.  Those only who are justified by the Holy Spirit are truly righteous in His sight. Those who continue in impenitence and unbelief are in His sight wicked and are under condemnation.  This distinction between the righteous and the wicked holds here and after death, and will be made manifest at the judgment when final and everlasting awards are made to all men.

Christian Education

We believe that Christianity is the religion of enlightenment and intelligence.  In Jesus Christ are hidden all other treasures of wisdom and knowledge. All sound learning is, therefore, a part of our Christian heritage.  The new birth opens all human faculties and creates a thirst for knowledge. An adequate system of schools is necessary for a complete spiritual program for Christ’s people.  The cause of education in the Kingdom of Christ is coordinate with the causes of missions and general benevolence and should receive along with these the liberal support of the churches

Social Service

We believe that every Christian is under obligation to seek to make the will of Christ present in his own life and in human society; to oppose in the Spirit of Christ every form of greed, selfishness, and vice; to provide for the orphaned, the aged, the helpless, and the sock; to seek to bring industry, government, and society as a whole under the sway of the principles of righteousness, truth, and brotherly love; to promote these ends Christians should be ready to work with all men of goodwill in any good cause, always being careful to act in the spirit of love without compromising their loyalty to Christ and His truth.  All means and methods used in social service for the amelioration of society and the establishment of righteousness among men must finally depend on the regeneration of the individual by the saving grace of God in Christ Jesus.

Stewardship

We believe that God is the source of all blessings, temporal and spiritual; all that we have and are, we owe to Him.  We have a spiritual debtor-ship to the whole world, a Holy trusteeship in the gospel, and a binding stewardship in our possessions.  WE are therefore under obligation to serve Him with our time, talents and material possessions; and should recognize all these as entrusted to use to use for the glory of God and helping others.  Christians should cheerfully, regularly, systematically, proportionately and liberally contribute their means to advancing the Redeemer’s cause on earth.

Evangelism and Missions

We believe that it is the duty of every Christian man and woman, and the duty of every church of Christ to seek to extend the gospel to the ends of the earth, the new birth of man’s spirit by God’s Holy Spirit means the birth of love for others.  Missionary effort on the part of all rests thus upon a spiritual necessity of the regenerate life. It is also expressly and repeatedly commanded in the teachings of Christ. It is the duty of every child of God to seek constantly to win the lost to Christ by personal effort and by all others methods sanctioned by the gospel of Christ.

Church Covenant

Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, and on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, we do now in the presence of God, angels, and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body in Christ.

 We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church, in knowledge, holiness, and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, disciple, and doctrines; to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, and the relief of the poor, and the spread of the gospel through all nations.

We also engage to maintain family and secret devotion; to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagement, and exemplary in our deportment; to avoid all tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger; to abstain from the sale and use of intoxicating drinks as a beverage, and to be zealous in our efforts to advance The Kingdom of our Savior.

 We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember each other in prayer, to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy and speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, and mindful of the rules of our Savior to secure it without delay.

 We moreover engage that when we remove from this place, we will as soon as possible unite with some other church, where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s Word.

“Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. “

– Ephesians 4:11-12

Who We Are

Elm Grove Leadership Team

    Our Pastor: Rev T.J. Patterson, Jr.

    Our Pastor: Rev T.J. Patterson, Jr.

    Pastor

    Under the direction of the Pulpit Search Committee and Deacons, the church met on Sunday, January 30, 2011, to call a Pastor.  By an overwhelming margin, the members of Elm Grove MBC chose to call the Reverend T. J. Patterson, Jr. of Bethlehem Baptist Church where the Reverend Dr. Michael Evans is the Pastor. Reverend Patterson accepted the call and was installed by Reverend Evans and the Bethlehem Church Family on Sunday, March 20, 2011.

    Under his leadership, several members have been baptized; new ministries have added to the church and are continuing to successfully grow.

    Deacons

    William Brown

    William Brown

    Chairman of Deacons

    Norris Donnell

    Norris Donnell

    Vice-Chairman of Deacons

    James Griffin

    James Griffin

    Darrell Dixson

    Darrell Dixson

    Deaconess

    Emma Neighbors

    Emma Neighbors

    President

    Juanita Whitaker

    Juanita Whitaker

    Jackie Griffin

    Jackie Griffin

    Onjel Dixson

    Onjel Dixson

    Trustees

    James Griffin

    James Griffin

    Chairman of Trustees

    Napoleon Johnson

    Napoleon Johnson

    Darrell Dixson

    Darrell Dixson

    Travis Dixson

    Travis Dixson

    Ricky Jackson

    Ricky Jackson

    Finance Committee

    James Griffin

    James Griffin

    Chairman

    Norris Donnell

    Norris Donnell

    Assistant Chairman

    Gwendolyn Weathered

    Gwendolyn Weathered

    Secretary

    Patricia Johnson

    Patricia Johnson

    Treasurer

    William Brown

    William Brown

    Helper

    Sunday School

    William Brown

    William Brown

    Superintendent

    Darrell Dixson

    Darrell Dixson

    Assistant Superintendent

    Patricia Brown

    Patricia Brown

    Secretary

    James Griffin

    James Griffin

    Assistant Adult Teacher

    Jackie Griffin

    Jackie Griffin

    Youth Teacher

    Rev. Patterson

    Rev. Patterson

    Assistant Youth Teacher

    Church Officers 2025

    Edie Dixson

    Edie Dixson

    Church Clerk, Young Ladies of Destiny

    Edith Middleton

    Edith Middleton

    Assistant Clerk, Announcing Clerk, Co/Chair Young Ladies of Destiny, Food Pantry Coordinator, Choir Director

    Norris Donnell

    Norris Donnell

    Brotherhood President, Benevolence Committee, Sound Ministry, Jarrett Brown Committee

    Ursula Patterson

    Ursula Patterson

    Women's Ministry and Mission President

    Jackie Griffin

    Jackie Griffin

    Youth Director

    Wanda Harris

    Wanda Harris

    Usher President

    Onjel Dixson

    Onjel Dixson

    Choir President

    William Brown

    William Brown

    Male Chorus President, Pastor's Aide President

    Marie Brown

    Marie Brown

    Building Fund President

    Velvet Wilson

    Velvet Wilson

    Helping Hands Coordinator

    Linda Buchanan

    Linda Buchanan

    Boots on the Ground Coordinator

    Ar'Lishia Dotie

    Ar'Lishia Dotie

    Praise Dance Coordinator

    Shekethia Benjamin

    Shekethia Benjamin

    Youth Mime Ministry Coordinator

    Patricia Johnson

    Patricia Johnson

    Transportation Coordinator

    Gwendolyn Weathered

    Gwendolyn Weathered

    Culinary Committee

    Jerome Deed

    Jerome Deed

    Sound Ministry

    Napoleon Johnson

    Napoleon Johnson

    Sound Ministry, Jarrett Brown Committee

    Adrianne Harville

    Adrianne Harville

    Youth Choir Director

    Our response to COVID-19

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