Welcome Home.
We're so glad you're here.Whether you walked through our doors for the first time last Sunday or you've been visiting for a few weeks, this page is for you. Here you'll find everything you need to understand who we are, how we work, and most importantly — how you can belong and make a difference here.
Gordon, TX 76453
254.693.5586
A church rooted in the Word,
sent into the world
First Baptist Church of Gordon is a Southern Baptist congregation in Gordon, Texas. We are a church that takes the Bible seriously as the inspired, authoritative Word of God, and we exist for two purposes above all: Knowing Jesus and Making Jesus Known.
We are affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention and the Baptist General Convention of Texas (BGCT) — meaning your giving and participation here connects you to Gospel work around the world.
Our doctrine is summarized in the Baptist Faith & Message 2000. We believe in the authority of Scripture, salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone, believer's baptism by immersion, and the priesthood of all believers.
We are governed by our church bylaws, which you can review on our Downloads page. Every major decision is made by the congregation as a whole, not by a board or a single leader — this is a church of the people, led by the Spirit.
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The people serving you
Our staff and deacons are here to shepherd, serve, and support you. Don't hesitate to reach out to any of them.
small groups & spiritual growth.
For teens & their families.
Safe, fun, Gospel-centered.
Sunday worship. Interested in singing
or playing? Reach out to Wayne.
or supporting global partners?
Caroline is your contact.
Our deacons — Kimmy Watters (Chairman), Mike Ahern, Les Mills, Glen Brammer, and James Boggus — are servant-leaders called by the church to care for its members, support the pastor, and minister to practical and spiritual needs in our congregation and community. If you or your family is going through a hard time, the deacons are here for you. Reach out to Pastor Oliveira or any deacon to connect. Learn more about the deacons →
How our church works
FBC Gordon is a congregationally governed Baptist church. That means you have a voice. Here's how decisions get made.
Our church holds business meetings every 4th Sunday of the month. These meetings are open to all members. Committees present their recommendations, and the members present vote on decisions. This is how we govern ourselves as a congregation — transparently and together.
The pastor leads the church spiritually — through preaching, teaching, counseling, and vision. His role is to teach the Bible and lead the church to worship Jesus; he works alongside the deacons and congregation to shepherd the body together.
Deacons are elected by the church to serve the congregation. They help carry the pastoral load by visiting members, caring for families in need, assisting with the ordinances, and ensuring no one is overlooked. They do not govern — they serve.
FBC Gordon operates through a committee structure. Each committee has a specific area of responsibility (finance, personnel, facilities, etc.) and makes recommendations to the church body. Members are welcome — and encouraged — to serve on committees.
Our bylaws govern how we operate — membership, meetings, elections, and more. They were last revised in 2018. You can download a copy on our Downloads page and are encouraged to read them as a new member.
As a member of FBC Gordon, you have the right and the responsibility to participate in business meetings. Show up. Vote. Bring ideas. This church belongs to God and to His people gathered here — that includes you.
Joining us on Sunday
Every Sunday is an opportunity to gather with the family of God, hear from His Word, and worship together. Here's what your Sunday looks like:
Sunday School classes are available for all ages — children, students, women, men, and mixed adults. It's one of the best ways to go deeper and build real relationships here.
A table for believers
"For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread..." — 1 Corinthians 11:23At FBC Gordon, the Lord's Supper (Communion) is observed as an ordinance of the church. It is open to all born-again believers who have been baptized as a public declaration of their faith in Christ.
If you have trusted Christ but have not yet been baptized, we warmly invite you to take that step. Baptism is not a requirement for salvation — it is an act of obedience and public confession of what God has already done in you.
Talk to Pastor About Baptism
Ready to be baptized?
Baptism in our church is believer's baptism by immersion — the outward declaration of an inward transformation. It says to the world: "I have died with Christ, been buried with Him, and risen to new life." It is one of the most meaningful moments in your walk of faith.
If you have placed your faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, we want to celebrate that with you. Whether you were saved last Sunday or years ago, it's never too late to take this step.
Just contact Pastor Oliveira — by email, after a service, or by phone — and he will walk you through everything. There is no pressure, no timeline, just a conversation.
Find your place to belong
The best way to grow and feel at home in a church is to plug into a ministry. Here's where you can connect:
There's a role for everyone
You don't have to be on staff to make a difference. Here are practical ways to serve at FBC Gordon:
To get plugged in to any of these, simply contact the church office or speak to the relevant ministry leader on a Sunday. We'll find the right fit for your gifts.
Help lead the church through service
Committees are how the practical work of the church gets done. They research, recommend, and report to the congregation at business meetings. Serving on a committee is one of the best ways to have a meaningful voice.
Want to serve on a committee or start a new ministry? Bring it up at a business meeting (4th Sunday), talk to the pastor, or reach out to the church office. New ideas and willing hands are always welcome here.
Express Your InterestJoin a Mission Trip
FBC Gordon has active partnerships around the world. You don't need to be a seasoned missionary — just a willing heart.
To learn about upcoming trips or express interest in going, contact Caroline Oliveira or visit our Missions page.
Submit a Prayer Request
We believe prayer changes things. If you or someone you love is walking through a difficult season, you don't have to carry it alone. Our church family wants to pray with you and for you.
Submit a request below and our pastoral team and prayer partners will lift you up before the Lord. Requests can be shared with the congregation or kept confidential — just let us know.
Submit a Prayer RequestYou are welcome to attend worship, join a ministry, and participate in most activities as a guest or regular attender. However, only members may vote in business meetings or serve in certain leadership roles. Membership involves a brief conversation with the pastor, a profession of faith, and baptism. Speak with Pastor Oliveira to learn more.
Membership at FBC Gordon begins with a conversation with Pastor Oliveira. You can approach him after a Sunday service, email, or call the church at 254.693.5586. Membership is extended to born-again believers who have been baptized by immersion. If you are coming from another Baptist church, you may transfer your letter of membership.
Business meetings are held every 4th Sunday of the month, typically following the morning worship service. All members are encouraged to attend. This is where committees present recommendations and the congregation votes on church decisions. It's an important part of how we do church together.
We love it when members bring vision! Start by talking to Pastor Oliveira about your idea. If it aligns with our mission, you can bring a formal proposal to a business meeting for the congregation to discuss and vote on. New ministries need a leader, a purpose, and a plan — the pastor and deacons will help you think it through.
You can give during the Sunday offering (the offering plate is passed during worship), by mail to P.O. Box 16, Gordon TX 76453, or online through our Give page powered by Zeffy with 0% fees. Giving is an act of worship and an investment in the Kingdom. The Finance Committee oversees all giving and presents the budget to the congregation annually.
Pastor Oliveira is always available for pastoral care and counseling. You can also reach out to any of the deacons — they exist specifically to care for the congregation. If you're a woman who would feel more comfortable speaking with another woman, Liz Burnett is a wonderful first contact. No need is too small. We are a family.
Still have questions?
Don't hesitate to reach out. Whether you have a question about the church, want to get plugged in, or just need someone to talk to — we're here. There are no dumb questions and no strangers here.