History | Worth Baptist Church of Fort Worth, Texas

History

See the heritage of Worth Baptist Church.

Our Beginning

On the first Sunday of March, 1954, a small group of believers met in a rented storefront on Wichita Street in Fort Worth, Texas, with a shared desire to establish a church that would stand firmly on the Word of God. That day, Worth Baptist Temple was born. The congregation called Rev. R.J. Barber, Jr. to be their first pastor. Under his faithful leadership, the young church began to grow both spiritually and numerically. Soon, they were able to purchase a parcel of land at 3309 Wilbarger Street, which included a white frame building that served as their new home for Sunday School classes and worship services. From those humble beginnings, God began to build a church committed to biblical preaching, missions, and reaching Fort Worth with the gospel.

Our Growth

In January of 1962, the church called its second pastor, Dr. Raymond W. Barber, brother to the founding pastor. With a heart for souls and a vision for expansion, Pastor Raymond Barber led the church through a significant season of growth. In 1977, Worth Baptist Church purchased 14 acres on Campus Drive and constructed the main auditorium and facilities that serve as our current location. For 35 years, Dr. Barber faithfully preached the Word, championed global missions, and shepherded the growing congregation through multiple building projects. Under his leadership, the church gained a reputation in the city and around the world for its unwavering stand on truth, its soulwinning efforts, and its commitment to Christian education and training.

Our Growth

In April of 1997, the church called Dr. Willie W. Weaver to be its next pastor. Pastor Weaver brought with him a pastor’s heart, a passion for people, and a vision to reach the next generation. His leadership ushered in a renewed focus on community outreach, facility improvements, and the development of new ministries. The church continued to thrive under his care as he led Worth Baptist to modernize and remodel much of the campus while launching ministries that continue to bear fruit today. His burden for people and love for the church left a lasting impact.

Our Future

In January of 2016, Worth Baptist Church called Pastor Tyler Gillit to serve as its next pastor. Pastor Gillit had already served on staff in various roles for eight years and was well loved by the church family. He is known for bold, expository preaching and a heart to make disciples both locally and globally. His leadership has brought continued growth, an emphasis on intentional outreach, and a renewed commitment to training the next generation of leaders. Under his direction, Worth Baptist continues to build upon its legacy while preparing for the future.

Worth Baptist Church has a rich heritage built on the foundation of God’s Word and a bright future led by faith in His promises. The story of our church is still being written—seen every week as people come to Christ, lives are transformed, families are restored, and new ministries are launched. As we look ahead, our mission remains the same: to glorify God by making disciples in Fort Worth and around the world.

We are committed to ministering to every age and stage of life. Our nursery and WBC Kids ministry provide a nurturing foundation for children to learn about Jesus. Our teen and young adult ministries encourage the next generation to stand strong in their faith and follow Christ. Through Embrace Grace and Embrace Life, we extend hope to mothers and single moms facing unplanned pregnancies. Bridge to Recovery offers biblical help and accountability for those overcoming stubborn habits and addictions. We also provide vibrant family Bible study groups, men's and ladies' classes, and dedicated ministries for young professionals. Our senior citizens enjoy monthly fellowship, encouragement, and activities through our 29ers group, a beloved part of our church family.

Worth Baptist Church also reaches into the community with compassion ministries like our food pantry and clothes closet, which serve those facing physical and financial challenges. Opportunities for service abound—whether through our choir and orchestra, nursing home outreach, or behind‒the‒scenes ministry teams that support the church each week.

Looking to the future, Worth Baptist is actively planning growth projects to further our ministry in Fort Worth and beyond. Building improvements and ministry expansions are already underway to increase our capacity to serve and reach more people with the gospel. With God’s help, we are pressing forward—faithful to our heritage, focused on our mission, and filled with expectation for what He will do next.