How it all started...
Men and women with vision, a heart for South Tulsa and a desire to see their neighbors hear the Good News led the drive to establish South Tulsa Baptist Church more than forty years ago. The growth of South Tulsa Baptist Church has been nothing but dynamic since the mission-minded people of First Baptist Church, Tulsa, answered the call to establish a body of believers in south Tulsa in the 1970s.
In August 1978, FBC approved the purchase of the land at 10310 S. Sheridan Road. First Baptist wanted to establish a “satellite” church to be called First Baptist Church South. Sunday School and worship services started on Nov. 5, 1978, in Thoreau Junior High School near 71st Street and Memorial Drive. Dr. Jerry Hopkins became the interim pastor and led the inaugural service that was attended by 75 people.
Ten acres of land at 103rd and Sheridan Road was purchased, followerd by groundbreaking for the new church building in January 1979. The church body launched two worship services on their second Sunday in the new building. Within five months, in March 1980, two separate Sunday School sessions were necessary. Three years and four months after being organized, First Baptist Church South became an autonomous church on Valentine’s Day 1982. Expansion of the sanctuary from 275 to 400 seats and the addition of a two-story education building were completed in January 1983.
In August 1978, FBC approved the purchase of the land at 10310 S. Sheridan Road. First Baptist wanted to establish a “satellite” church to be called First Baptist Church South. Sunday School and worship services started on Nov. 5, 1978, in Thoreau Junior High School near 71st Street and Memorial Drive. Dr. Jerry Hopkins became the interim pastor and led the inaugural service that was attended by 75 people.
Ten acres of land at 103rd and Sheridan Road was purchased, followerd by groundbreaking for the new church building in January 1979. The church body launched two worship services on their second Sunday in the new building. Within five months, in March 1980, two separate Sunday School sessions were necessary. Three years and four months after being organized, First Baptist Church South became an autonomous church on Valentine’s Day 1982. Expansion of the sanctuary from 275 to 400 seats and the addition of a two-story education building were completed in January 1983.
Expanding the vision...
February 1984, Larry Wileman was called as pastor. In 1987, 6.2 additional acres of land was acquired. The church ministry grew over the following 15 years. The church also acquired 8.8 additional acres of land.
In 2006, Dr. Ted Kersh was called as senior pastor in November, and 4.3 acres were sold to pay for the increase parking lot and drainage for our new worship center. Ground was broken in 2007 for the new Worship Center, Music Suite and Office Suite with actual construction starting in February 2008. On Sunday, November 8, 2009, the new facilities were dedicated to the Glory of the Lord. In January 2015, Dr. Ted Kersh retired as our Senior Pastor and was awarded the title of honorary Pastor Emeritus to dedicate his ministry to Equipped by His Word.
In 2006, Dr. Ted Kersh was called as senior pastor in November, and 4.3 acres were sold to pay for the increase parking lot and drainage for our new worship center. Ground was broken in 2007 for the new Worship Center, Music Suite and Office Suite with actual construction starting in February 2008. On Sunday, November 8, 2009, the new facilities were dedicated to the Glory of the Lord. In January 2015, Dr. Ted Kersh retired as our Senior Pastor and was awarded the title of honorary Pastor Emeritus to dedicate his ministry to Equipped by His Word.
Where we are headed...
In May of 2016, Dr. Eric Costanzo became our senior pastor. Since then, we have seen many wonderful church staff members come and others retire. We have seen particular growth in the areas of local and international missions, young families, and community outreach—especially through The Ministry Center and Jenks CarePoint. We continue to seek God’s leadership as we share the Good News of Jesus with our community and around the world.
