Met Church: Our Story
The Met began in my heart in 1987 when I felt God was calling me to minister to people who, in the past, would have never entered a church. I wanted to reach people through an energetic service with contemporary music and practical messages that people could apply to their everyday lives. At that time, I was the Senior Pastor at First Baptist Church of Fort Worth, and I knew God was calling me to a new vision and adventure.
The Met Launching
So, on August 11, 1996, I launched Metroport Cities Fellowship (The Met) in the auditorium of Carroll High School in Southlake. Our vision was to reach people living in the Alliance corridor, which developers called the Metroport area.
Starting a non-denominational church can be challenging, but during those first months, I was overwhelmed and inspired by the dedication and sacrifice of a core group of leaders. I cannot remember a week passing without hearing from someone whose life had been transformed by the power of God through The Met, and we were so excited to see the vision God had for us take shape.
In the Fall of 1999, we lost our temporary location at Carroll High School, but God had been so faithful through this journey that we knew He would provide. I was informed that The Metro Food Outlet in Keller was closing, but the asking price was more than we could afford. We stepped out on faith, submitted a lower offer, prayed, and left the outcome in God’s hands.
Of course, He provided. The owner of the building was a Christian, and when he found out we were a church, he accepted our offer. It took a vast amount of renovation to transform a grocery store into a church, but on March 12, 2000, we held our first service in our new home. The building that once provided food for the body now provides food for the soul.
Watching God at work was amazing, changing lives and increasing our numbers. It wasn’t long before the food store could not hold all the people God was bringing. In June of 2004, God provided money for us to purchase the land for our present location, and in 2006 we were able to sell 23 of our 52 acres to pay off the entire debt on the land.
We moved into our building in September of 2008 and are continually astounded by all God has done through the Met. We continue to witness record numbers of people giving their lives to Christ and going public with their faith through baptism. Families continue to be healed and strengthened as they grow in their relationship with God, and our children and youth are being taught to stand for Christ and be our next generation of leaders. The Met ministers to over 3,000 people each week, and over 6,000 people call The Met their church home.
We are so excited about the next phase of our story and the opportunity to be a part of the work God is doing through The Met, a thriving non-denominational church in Texas. However, these years of ministry have not come without trial.
In 2015, my wife Cindy was diagnosed with a terminal, incurable, genetic brain disease – Huntington’s Chorea. In May 2019, Cindy transitioned from her earthly body to her heavenly home. Cindy’s legacy continues to live on through our vibrant ministries, community outreach, and emphasis on the next generation, and my commitment and determination to fulfill the vision at The Met that God imparted Cindy and me is as strong as it has ever been, fully believing our best days are yet to come.
Our Beliefs & Values
What We Believe
GOD
He has eternally existed in three persons — the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God.
(Genesis 1:1,26-27; 3:22, Psalm 90:2, Matthew 28:19, 1 Peter 1:2, 2 Corinthians 13:14)
MAN
We are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although humans have tremendous potential for good, they are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin.” This attitude separates man from God.
(Genesis 1:27, Psalm 8:3-6, Isaiah 53:6a, Romans 3:23, Isaiah 59:1-2)
ETERNITY
We will either exist eternally in hell, separated from God by sin, or eternally in heaven with God through forgiveness and salvation in Christ. Heaven and hell are places of eternal existence.
(John 3:16, 1 John 2:25, 1 John 5:11–13, Romans 6:23, Revelation 20:15, Matthew 25:31–46)
JESUS
He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all men by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate his power over sin and death. He ascended to heaven and will return again to earth to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords.
(Matthew 1:22, 23; Isaiah 9:6, John 1:1–5,14:10–30, Hebrews 4:14-15, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, Romans 1:3,4, Acts 1:9–11, 1 Timothy 6:14,15, Titus 2:13)
SALVATION
Man can never make up for his sin by self-improvement or good works — only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can man be saved from sin’s penalty. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his or her life by faith.
(Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:8-9, John 14:6,1:12, Titus 3:5, Galatians 3:26, Romans 5:1)
ETERNAL SECURITY
Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the believer is secure in salvation for eternity. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian.
(John 10:29, 2 Timothy 1:12, Hebrews 7:25; 10:10,14, 1 Peter 1:3-5)
THE HOLY SPIRIT
He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with the power to live, understand spiritual truth, and guide in doing what is right. The Christian seeks to live under his control daily.
(2 Corinthians 3:17, John 16:7-14:16-17, Acts 1:8, 1 Corinthians 2:12,3:16, Ephesians 1:13, Galatians 5:25, Ephesians 5:1)
THE BIBLE
It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is truth without any mixture of error.
(2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:20-21, 2 Timothy 1:13, Psalm 119:105,160,12:6, Proverbs 30:5)
BAPTISM
It is your public declaration that you have accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. Baptism does not save you, but shows the world that you have already been saved. And while baptism is not required for salvation, it is a biblical command and demonstrates your love and obedience to Christ.
(Colossians 2:12, Acts 2:41, Ephesians 2: 8-9, Matthew 28:19-20)
COMMUNION
Also known as the Lord’s Supper, or Eucharist, communion is an ordinance given to all believers by Jesus Christ that symbolizes our new covenant. The elements of bread and wine (or juice) are symbols of Christ’s broken body and shed blood. Communion is not a means of salvation. Rather, it is a testament of a believer’s faith in the atoning work of the cross.
(Matthew 26:26-30, Mark 14:22-26, Luke 22:19-20, 1 Corinthians 11:23-29)
What We Value
FAITH
We actively seek God’s best through calculated and courageous risk-taking.
AUTHENTICITY
We are committed to being real with God and others.
INTEGRITY
We believe in doing the right thing even when no one is watching.
EXCELLENCE
We will do our best and trust God with the rest.
COMMUNITY
We cultivate an atmosphere where people may strengthen and support each other.
GENEROSITY
We take great pleasure in giving our time, talent, and treasure to build lives.
PERSEVERANCE
We embrace obstacles as opportunities to become more like Christ and fulfill His purpose for our lives.