Harmony Baptist Church at 1814 W. Arkansas Lane in Arlington, Texas, is known for its Build and Pursue vision: making disciples who BUILD their lives on Jesus and PURSUE the good of their community for the glory of God. Founded in 1973, it holds Sunday Bible study at 9:00 a.m. and gathers everyone for worship at 10:30 a.m., with ministry for babies through sixth graders.
From Oddfellows Hall to Arkansas Lane
Harmony began in August 1973 when Pastor Lee Ingram and a few families started gathering in Arlington. Their first meeting place was Oddfellows Hall. A bond program of $65,000, together with the hard work of the people, made it possible to purchase the property on Arkansas Lane. A sanctuary was built and occupied for the first time on Easter Sunday in 1975.
Leon Sanders was called as the next pastor in the latter part of 1975. Continued growth prompted a 1979 expansion through an adjacent building with classrooms and offices, and the present sanctuary was built in 1985. Frank Liedkie was called in 1987 and served almost 20 years; spiritual growth and stronger resources during his ministry helped Harmony pay off its mortgage and become debt free. Brian Grey was called in summer 2006, and later years brought major interior and exterior renovations. Bradley Johnson was called as senior pastor in August 2024 to lead the church's Build and Pursue direction. Through each chapter, Harmony has continued to center its strength on Christ-honoring families whose lives and service point others toward Christ.
A Sunday of Study, Singing and Scripture
Adult Bible Fellowship begins at 9:00 a.m. and is led by Ed Urrutia. The weekly class offers adults an in-depth, structured study of Scripture with clear biblical teaching, discussion and questions. Everyone is welcome, whether new to Bible study or attending church for many years, and no prior knowledge of the Bible is required. Its aim is to deepen understanding of God's Word and prepare participants for worship.
At 10:30 a.m., the congregation gathers for worship centered on singing, prayer and the preaching of Scripture. The service also includes a Bible message that connects faith with everyday life. Visitors can expect friendly people ready to welcome them, worship music that honors God, practical and encouraging teaching, and a relaxed environment. People wear everything from casual clothes to more traditional Sunday attire, with the simple guidance to wear what feels comfortable.
Harmony streams messages live through YouTube and Facebook. Recordings are available to listen to or download for listening on a portable device. Join the live stream and listen to previous messages.
Nursery and Children's Ministry During Worship
Harmony Kids is for children ages three through sixth grade and meets during the 10:30 service. Children participate in worship, Bible teaching and small-group conversations focused on learning and living God's Word. Activities, games and discussions are thoughtfully tailored to age-based classes. Consistent volunteers help children build trusted relationships, and the church describes its children's volunteers as caring and background checked. The ministry provides a safe, joyful and Christ-centered environment where families can guide children in following Jesus.
The separate Harmony Nursery welcomes children from six weeks through 36 months during worship. Its team uses gentle play and nurturing interactions, including cuddling infants and encouraging curious toddlers, to begin laying a foundation of God's love. Parents and guardians can attend the service while little ones are cared for in a peaceful, joyful space with a consistent volunteer team.
Wednesday Nights at The Bridge
Harmony Students, also called The Bridge, gathers students in grades seven through twelve on Wednesdays from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. in the Student Ministry Building. The evening combines games, teaching and small-group connection. Students study and discuss Scripture, ask questions, build meaningful friendships and consider how they can influence others through service. Harmony's aim is to partner with parents, help students pursue a life-changing relationship with Jesus and equip the next generation of Christ followers.
A consistent volunteer schedule gives students the opportunity to build familiar, trusted relationships with the adults who serve them.
Adult Fellowship That Continues Through the Week
Adult Bible Fellowship is followed by LifeGroups that meet on different nights throughout the week. Harmony describes these groups as spiritual families where people are cared for, supported and equipped to live out their faith beyond a Sunday class. The church's model of biblical community includes discipleship opportunities, understanding and using spiritual gifts, and Gospel-centered fellowship and accountability.
The Gospel at the Center
Harmony calls itself Gospel-centered and Kingdom-focused. Its essential teachings begin with God as Creator and the eternal Trinity of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Men and women are created in God's image as equal and complementary partners in his mission.
- Salvation and the gospel: Sin has kept people from knowing and worshiping God. Harmony teaches that Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty for sin, was physically resurrected and now offers a restored relationship with God as a free gift to all who believe. The gospel is the good news that Jesus lived a perfect life on humanity's behalf, died a substitutionary death, rose again from the grave and offers new life in the Holy Spirit.
- Scripture: The Bible is God's Word and a true and fully accurate account of his love, given to teach people to have a relationship with him, worship him and bring him glory.
- The church: The church is the body of Christ on earth and a movement of disciple-making disciples. Believers are to be identified with a local church for mutual encouragement, spiritual growth and accountability.
- Baptism: Baptism by immersion is a church ordinance representing a person's first public act of confession, repentance and faith in Jesus Christ as Lord.
- Discipleship: Salvation begins a lifelong process in which the Holy Spirit shapes a person's heart, mind and actions through Scripture, prayer, church life and everyday obedience. Growth is seen in love for God, committed fellowship, humble service, faithful use of spiritual gifts and sharing the gospel.
Harmony holds that deacons are qualified men who serve in practical ways, including caring for church members with physical needs. Elders, also called pastors or overseers, are qualified men with special responsibility to preach the Word and protect the church from false teaching. Every member is understood to be sent as a minister of the gospel, declaring Christ's love and demonstrating it in community and throughout the world.
BUILD: Biblical Worship and Community
BUILD | Biblical Worship
The Build and Pursue vision begins with Jeremiah 29:7 and its instruction to seek the welfare of the city and pray for it. Under Biblical Worship, Harmony emphasizes Gospel-centered preaching and teaching, growing in knowledge of God and his Word, seeking God's face in prayer, participating through music and giving sacrificially. Individuals and the church as a whole are encouraged to deepen their relationship with God through each of these practices.
BUILD | Biblical Community
Biblical Community is about connection with other believers. Harmony encourages active discipleship, understanding and using spiritual gifts, and Gospel-centered fellowship and accountability. LifeGroups seek to become more than a weekly meeting by becoming spiritual families where people are cared for, supported and equipped to practice their faith throughout the week.
PURSUE: Mission From Arlington to the World
For Harmony, biblical mission means becoming aware of everyday opportunities to share the Gospel, joining church-wide outreach throughout the year and taking part in local, national and international mission opportunities. The church understands Christians as ambassadors for Christ and connects proclamation with reconciliation. This movement begins close to home but is never limited to Arlington.
Jerusalem: Faith Close to Home
In this missions model, Jerusalem represents family, friends and the church community, the people whose faith is most visible. Harmony begins its mission in Arlington by modeling the Gospel in homes, speaking truth with love, having meaningful spiritual conversations, and serving, discipling and investing in people already connected to the church.
Judea and Samaria: Crossing Familiar Boundaries
Judea represents workplaces, neighborhoods and acquaintances who may share a person's background but may not believe. Samaria represents people who are unfamiliar or avoided, including those separated by social class, politics, race or personal dislike. The church asks members to cross those boundaries and share Christ with people outside their comfort zone rather than leave those divisions untouched.
The Ends of the Earth
The ends of the earth represent people who are geographically, culturally and spiritually farthest away, including unreached and underserved places where churches and a Gospel witness are scarce. Members participate by praying for nations, giving, sending and supporting missionaries, and raising people from the church to serve across cultures. Harmony partners with trusted ministries, invests in global efforts and sends teams to serve and support the spread of the Gospel.
PURSUE: Biblical Justice and Care for Single Moms
The fourth core value, Biblical Justice, commits Harmony to connecting afflicted and hurting people with the compassion and justice of God. Its commitments include caring for widows and orphans, the marginalized and those who are hurting, working for righteousness and serving people regardless of their beliefs. The church presents these acts of service as both a sharing of the Gospel and a demonstration of it.
Through a partnership with Embrace Grace, Harmony particularly supports single moms. Its vision is that no woman should face fear or uncertainty alone and that women can find courage and confidence through supportive community and care. The partnership seeks to help mothers embrace both their child and their future with hope, showing the Gospel through action as churches stand together.
Baptism, Membership and Gospel Fluency
Baptism by immersion is a central next step for Harmony. A person registers interest, and a staff member follows up after registration. Church membership is also presented as a next step for people who want to join or have questions about the church.
Harmony uses the New City Catechism with children and adults, covering one question each week. The church sees it as an accessible tool for building Gospel fluency across ages and helping families have more meaningful conversations about God, Scripture and theology at home. The catechism is also available as an app.
Giving That Supports the Work
Harmony offers online giving as a one-time gift or recurring contribution. Gifts can also be placed in the offering during Sunday services or in the church's offering box, and some members give through direct bank transfer. At Harmony, generosity supports the church's continuing work of sharing Christ's love, serving the community and helping people grow in faith.