First United Methodist Church of Fort Worth

First United Methodist Church of Fort Worth is a welcoming and inclusive congregation located at 800 W. 5th St, Fort Worth, TX 76102. As a United Methodist Church, they embrace the Wesleyan tradition and are committed to Loving God, Serving People, and Transforming Lives. With a rich history dating back to 1874, the church offers a variety of worship styles, including traditional services, The Gathering, and eleven:eleven, which caters to diverse spiritual needs and preferences.

First United Methodist Church of Fort Worth is a vibrant and welcoming congregation rooted in the United Methodist tradition. Founded in 1874, the church has a long-standing commitment to Loving God, Serving People, and Transforming Lives. The church is located at 800 W. 5thth St, Fort Worth, TX 76102, and offers a range of worship experiences to meet the spiritual needs of its diverse community.

Worship Services

The church offers multiple worship services each Sunday:

• The Gathering: A casual and relevant service at 9:30 am in the Sanctuary, led by Rev. Lance Marshall. This service emphasizes in-depth Biblical teachings and is designed to be a warm and welcoming community for all. Learn more.
• Traditional Worship: A traditional service at 11:00 am in the Sanctuary, also led by Rev. Lance Marshall. This service includes hymns, liturgy, and monthly Communion, with a focus on the traditional elements of worship. Learn more.
• eleven:eleven: A contemporary service at 11:11 am at the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens, led by Kagan Parker. This service is known for its inclusive and non-traditional approach, featuring storytelling, music, and meaningful conversations. Learn more.

Community and Outreach

First United Methodist Church is deeply committed to community service and outreach. The church is involved in various ministries, including First Street Methodist Mission, Methodist Justice Ministry, and Dementia Friendly Fort Worth. These initiatives reflect the church's dedication to serving the broader Fort Worth community and addressing social justice issues.

Facilities and Amenities

The church campus includes a Sanctuary, a Justin Youth Building, and the Dorothea Leonhardt Lecture Hall at the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens for the eleven:eleven service. Additional facilities include a Children’s Building, a Foundation Building, and Lyle Lodge on Eagle Mountain Lake. The church also offers a Nursery and Parents’ Night Out for families with young children.

Ministries and Programs

The church provides a wide range of ministries and programs for all age groups:

• Children’s Ministries: Includes Sunday School, Baptisms, and Faith Like a Child during the Traditional Worship Service.
• Youth Ministries: Offers Youth Sunday School and Confirmation, with a focus on engaging young people in faith and community.
• Adult Ministries: Features Sunday School, Bible Studies, and Grace Groups.
• Care Ministries: Provides Prayer Request and Daily Bread Devotional for spiritual support and guidance.

How to Join

Membership in the church is open to all who believe in Jesus Christ and are willing to uphold the church with their prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. The church encourages new members to join and participate in its vibrant community.

Contact and Visit

For more information or to get in touch, visitors can contact the church or visit the website for details on upcoming events and services.

First United Methodist Church of Fort Worth offers a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere with diverse worship styles to suit varying spiritual preferences. First-time visitors may notice a strong emphasis on community connection, with services ranging from traditional hymns to contemporary gatherings, alongside family-friendly facilities and outreach initiatives that reflect a commitment to serving the Fort Worth area.

Pros

• Welcoming and inclusive environment emphasized in United Methodist tradition
• Multiple Sunday worship options including traditional, casual, and contemporary services
• Family-friendly facilities with nursery care and youth/children’s ministries
• Active community outreach through justice ministries and local partnerships
• Clear, publicly listed service times and detailed program descriptions
• Historic yet modern campus with accessible parking and diverse spaces

Cons

• Contemporary 11:11 service may diverge from traditional worship expectations with storytelling and thematic content
• Some services emphasize political or social themes which may not align with all visitors’ preferences