About Us
Learn more about our mission, our people, and our history
Our Mission, Vision & Values
The foundation of who we are and where we're going
Our Mission is...
to share with ALL people
the unconditional love of God
that we experience in Jesus Christ our Lord.
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Our Vision is...
to be a church that helps people COME ALIVE IN CHRIST by inviting them to reimagine church with us:
- Not pride and judgment, but a sanctuary for restoring the soul – humble people sharing radical hospitality, and loving each other beyond our differences.
- Not easy answers, but growing together through shared engagement with the scriptures and the hard questions of life and faith.
- Not a self-serving institution, but a community in the community that truly sees our neighbor and that responds with the relational love of Christ.
Our Core Values
Relationship
All are welcome as we seek genuine connection with God and one another. We care for and respect each other more than we worry about our differences.
Discipleship
We seek to be remade in the image of Jesus as revealed through Holy Scripture and prayer, and to lead by example as we dedicate ourselves to his work of bringing wholeness to a fragmented world.
Humility
Only God is God. We are imperfect people motivated by the sacrificial love of Jesus. It's not about us, but about working together to lift up hungry and hurting people.
Dignity
Everyone is made in God's image, loved unconditionally by their Creator. Everyone. We seek to serve our community and world in ways that reveal the infinite value of each person.
Our Staff
Meet the people who help make our church community thrive
Lay Leadership
A Congregationally Led Church
Our Governance
First Christian Church is a congregationally led church, meaning our members play a vital role in the governance and direction of our community. We believe that the Holy Spirit works through all members of our congregation to guide our church's mission and ministry.
Our leadership structure includes dedicated members who serve on our General Board, as Elders and Deacons, and on our Mission-Vision Team. Each September, we seek nominations from our congregation for leadership positions for the coming year, ensuring fresh perspectives and continued growth in our church family.
General Board
The General Board provides overall governance and strategic direction for our congregation, ensuring our church operates effectively and fulfills its mission.
Elders
Elders provide spiritual leadership and pastoral care, offering guidance, prayer, and support to our church family and helping maintain our spiritual foundation.
Deacons
Deacons serve our congregation through practical ministry, supporting worship services, and helping those in need within our community.
Mission-Vision Team
The Mission-Vision Team helps shape our church's direction and priorities, ensuring we stay focused on our calling to serve God and our community effectively.
Leadership Nominations
Each September, we invite our congregation to nominate members for leadership positions for the coming year. We seek individuals who are committed to our church's mission, demonstrate spiritual maturity, and have a heart for serving others. If you feel called to leadership or know someone who would be a good fit, we encourage you to participate in our nomination process.
Our History
Over 150 years of faith, fellowship, and service in Granbury
Pioneers Arrive
Rachel DeSpain and her family arrive in Texas at Pecan Point, bringing their faith on horseback from Alabama to establish a foundation for Christian community in the region.
Clark Family Begins
JA Clark and Hetty DeSpain marry, and their sons Addison and Randolph Clark are born. This family would become instrumental in establishing Christian education and ministry in the area.
Settlement Grows
Pioneers are attracted to the fertile land near the Brazos River, establishing the foundation for what would become the Granbury community.
Spiritual Education
The Clark brothers study under Campbellite Charles Carlton, deepening their understanding of Christian faith and preparing them for future ministry work.
Civil War Years
The Civil War largely affects the area, bringing challenges and changes that would shape the community's character and resilience.
Granbury Established
The City of Granbury and Hood County are established and named for Confederate Generals Hiram B. Granbury and John Bell Hood, marking the official founding of our community.
First Christian Church Founded
JA Clark & Sons start First Christian Church and AddRan male and female college in Thorp Spring, establishing our church's rich educational and spiritual heritage.
Original Chapel Built
The original small chapel is built at the southeast corner of Houston & Bluff Streets, providing our first dedicated worship space in Granbury.
Historical Recognition
A historical marker is dedicated for the original chapel, recognizing its significance in the community's religious heritage.
Present Building Completed
Our present day church building is completed, providing a modern worship space while honoring our historical roots and community mission.
Chapel Preserved
The original chapel is moved to its current location as the Langdon Center, preserving this important piece of our church's history for future generations.
150th Anniversary
First Christian Church celebrates its 150th anniversary, marking a century and a half of faithful service, spiritual growth, and community impact in Granbury.
Our Legacy
For over 150 years, First Christian Church has been a cornerstone of faith and community in Granbury. From the pioneering DeSpain family who brought their faith on horseback from Alabama in 1836, to the Clark family who founded our church and AddRan College in 1873, our rich history is woven into the very fabric of this community. AddRan College, established by our founding family, eventually became Texas Christian University (TCU), one of the nation's leading universities. We've weathered storms, celebrated joys, and grown together as a diverse family of believers. Our legacy is not just about the past—it's the foundation that continues to inspire our mission today as we welcome all people and work for justice, peace, and community in Granbury and beyond.