At 200 S. Lakeshore Drive in Hudson Oaks, just south of I-20 and at the entrance to the Diamond Oaks Neighborhood, Lakeshore Baptist Church is known for two distinct Sunday worship gatherings and a LIFE Group network built around age and life stage. Its mission, "Lakeshore exists to restore lives in Jesus Christ," ties worship and discipleship to family ministry, local service, music, and the Academy of the Arts.
Choir at Nine, Band at 10:30
Lakeshore's Sunday rhythm has two distinct musical identities. At 9:00 AM, the adult choir leads a service that blends beloved hymns with praise choruses. At 10:30 AM, a band leads a service centered more fully on contemporary praise choruses. The pastor teaches in both gatherings, helping people understand how God's Word is relevant to their lives, and worship is understood as giving God honor and worth.
- 9:00 AM - Choir Led Worship: The service combines favorite hymns and praise choruses, with the choir leading.
- 10:30 AM - Band Led Worship: The service features contemporary praise choruses, with musicians leading.
Both Sunday services can be watched through the church's YouTube livestream. Past messages are also available in the sermon archive, allowing guests to return to a message or share it with someone else.
First Sunday: Three Entrances, Guest Parking, and Coffee
Lakeshore has three entrances onto its campus, and guest parking is reserved at the middle entrance directly in front of the main door. The church is located just south of I-20 at the entrance to the Diamond Oaks Neighborhood. Those arriving for either service are greeted at the door by church members, including families who have children with them.
Free coffee fellowship takes place each Sunday at 10:00 AM in the gym, between the two worship gatherings. It offers an easy way for regular attendees and first-time guests to spend time together before the 10:30 service.
Children have age-specific care and teaching during both Sunday hours. Nursery workers receive training for the youngest children, while elementary students move into LIFE Groups or Kids Worship depending on their grade and the worship gathering they attend.
From a Tent Revival to Four Pastors
1989-1995: A Church Begins
Lakeshore's story began in 1989 and 1990 when five families met in the home of Clay and Julia Price to organize a new church in East Parker County. The group connected with First Baptist Church in Weatherford and the Parker Baptist Association, which had land for a church plant. With their help, the core group held a tent revival at the church's present location and purchased a modular building so services could be held at 200 S. Lakeshore Drive. Terry Cosby became the first full-time pastor in April 1990.
On April 28, 1991, Lakeshore moved from mission status to church status and became Lakeshore Drive Baptist Church with 142 charter members. Ground was broken for its first permanent building on September 1, 1991, and additional programs were added during the church's early years of established ministry.
Building, Sending, and Remodeling
Dr. Tommy Hood became the second pastor in February 1996. Lakeshore paid off its first building loan in early 2000 and purchased land on both the east and west sides of its property. The second permanent building broke ground in October 2002. That same year, members formed the Builders Bunch, a traveling construction team that helped churches and camps with building projects.
Lakeshore sponsored a Brazos Trails Cowboy Church plant in 2008 and increased its involvement in local and national mission work in 2012. Dr. Martin Knox became the third pastor in January 2015. The church began streaming services in March 2020. Extensive water damage caused by frozen pipes in 2021 led to a major remodel of the first building, including more foyer space and a more contemporary appearance. Kris Raven became the fourth pastor in January 2023, and the new mission, vision, and strategy were introduced that fall.
LIFE Groups Built Around Life Stages
Biblical community is central to Lakeshore's discipleship. LIFE Groups gather weekly to study God's Word, encourage one another, pray, and care for one another before carrying that fellowship into surrounding communities. Groups meet at both Sunday worship hours, 9:00 and 10:30 AM, and for Bible study on Wednesdays at 6:15 PM.
The groups are intentionally organized around six life stages:
- College and young adults
- Parents of children through sixth grade
- Parents of students from seventh grade through college
- Empty nesters and early retirees
- Retired and senior adults
- Multigenerational groups
Among the groups are the 1825 Collective for young adults ages 18 to 25, Growth for parents in their thirties and forties, Parents of Students, a multigenerational Men's Group, and Sisters in Christ for women in many seasons of life. Other gatherings include Music Friends, Empty Nesters, and the Julia Price group, which is named for one of Lakeshore's original Bible study teachers. The Boomers group uses a teaching rotation and interactive discussion, while the Mature Adults group consists mainly of couples over age 70 who value Bible study and lively conversation.
There is also a place for single women in the Mary & Martha group and for couples in their fifties and sixties in Adult 3. The Julia Price group uses Zoom for people unable to attend in person. Deacons are available in the foyer each week to help people find a LIFE Group, and prospective group leaders can receive the tools and guidance needed to facilitate a group.
Birth Through Twelfth Grade
Nursery and Sunday Worship
Nursery care is available for infants through three-year-olds during all church activities. Nursery workers have completed background checks, hold CPR certification, and receive training in policies and procedures. The church describes this care as a safe environment for even its smallest worshippers.
Children from Pre-K through sixth grade attend LIFE Groups at 9:00 AM, divided into age and grade groups. At 10:30 AM, Kids Worship provides age-appropriate worship music, Bible study, and games for children through third grade. Fourth through sixth graders are dismissed for the 10:30 worship gathering or serving opportunities. Every fifth Sunday, children have the opportunity to worship alongside their parents during Family Worship.
Wednesday Gatherings
Awana Club meets Wednesdays from 6:15 to 7:45 PM during the school year for children ages three through third grade. The club gives children an opportunity to learn Scripture through games, crafts, and group activities.
For fourth through sixth graders, Leaders in Training also meets Wednesday from 6:15 to 7:45 PM. Its focused discipleship process teaches children to grow in faith, use their spiritual gifts, and serve the church and community.
Student Ministry
Students in grades seven through twelve have LIFE Groups at 9:00 AM in the Student Building. Groups are divided by gender and by middle or high school, using student-led discussion, trusted adult leaders, and practical application. Students also have the choice of worship or serving at 10:30.
Student Midweek takes place Wednesdays at 6:15 PM in the Student Building. It combines fellowship, games, biblical teaching, and intentional small groups. The stated aim is to help students build healthy relationships, deepen their faith, and learn how to follow Jesus in everyday life. Lakeshore also hosts annual Vacation Bible School, an Easter Celebration, Kids' Camp, and Parents' Night Out.
Wednesday Bible Study and the Music Ministry
Beyond the children's and student gatherings, Lakeshore offers Bible study groups for all ages on Wednesday nights at 6:15 PM. Music is woven throughout the church's schedule, with several groups using their talents in worship and community.
- Lakeshore Choir: Open to adults 18 and older, this choir leads the 9:00 AM service and rehearses Wednesdays from 7:45 to 9:00 PM.
- Lakeshore Orchestra: Musicians from high school through adulthood play weekly in the 9:00 AM service. Rehearsals are held Wednesday at 7:50 PM and Sunday at 8:15 AM.
- Joyful Singers Choir: This choir for adults 55 and older meets Thursdays from 4:30 to 6:00 PM.
- Lakeshore Ringers: The handbell choir for adults 18 and older meets on Sunday afternoons.
The wider worship team welcomes singers, instrumentalists, and people who want to help others lead meaningful worship. Pastor Kris Raven and Executive Pastor Reagan Miller lead the church alongside Children's Minister Kelli Statton, Student/Worship Minister Moriah Giusti, Music/Sr. Adult Minister Paul Andrews, and Academy of the Arts Director Kathi Richards.
Academy of the Arts and New Recreation Spaces
Established in the summer of 2001 as an outreach ministry of Lakeshore Baptist Church, the Academy of the Arts provides a Christian learning environment led by qualified instructors. Private lessons include piano, voice, ukulele, and guitar.
Group classes give middle and high school students a weekly drama opportunity, while blended dance instruction for children ages five through 12 includes ballet, jazz, lyrical, and precision dance. Both are regular Monday gatherings at the Academy.
The church's recreation work has also added a secure, fenced playground beside the gym. A 5,000-square-foot pavilion creates a covered place for basketball, pickball, and outdoor gatherings for students and the wider church family.
Love Where You Live
Love Where You Live is Lakeshore's name for the way members carry their faith into East Parker County. A church member handing someone a card with the phrase printed on it may be the visible sign of a random act of kindness, service at a ministry partner, weekend meals, or mentoring students at Mary Martin Elementary.
The church works alongside several organizations that address poverty, education, family stability, violence, and the needs of people returning from prison. Volunteer roles include:
- Parker County Center of Hope: This poverty assistance program offers opportunities in basic assistance, education and career development, and family empowerment.
- Grace House Ministries: Its community services include administration, mentoring, coaching, instruction, and advocacy roles.
- Freedom House: The organization provides confidential assistance and support for people experiencing family or sexual violence, with opportunities in administration and client services.
- Sanctified Hope Home for Women: This ministry provides a safe, learning environment for women recently released from prison, with mentoring opportunities.
Serve Day brings LIFE Groups together to choose a community need, plan a response, raise the necessary funds, and carry out the project. That pattern allows the groups to move from studying Scripture and caring for one another into practical service together.
Restore Lives: Mission and Beliefs
Lakeshore's mission is concise: "Lakeshore exists to restore lives in Jesus Christ." Its vision is to make disciples by reaching communities, refining relationships, and revealing the kingdom of God. The strategy calls every member to pursue LIFE by:
- LOVE GOD - read His Word, pray, and worship
- INVEST IN COMMUNITY - gather for worship and LIFE Groups
- FILL THE NEEDS - discover how to serve the needs of the church
- EXPAND THE KINGDOM - reveal Christ by engaging the world
The church's core beliefs center on the authority of Scripture, the one eternal God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and the identity of Jesus Christ as God's eternal Son. Lakeshore affirms Jesus's birth of the virgin Mary, sinless life, death on the cross, resurrection, exaltation, and return in power and glory. Salvation is described as the redemption of the whole person, freely offered to those who receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, repent, and believe.
The church understands itself as the body of Christ, led by the Holy Spirit and pursuing authentic community, worship, disciplined growth, support of ministry, and the spread of the gospel. Its covenant calls believers to walk together in Christian love, pray for one another, aid one another in sickness and distress, pursue reconciliation, and contribute regularly to the ministry and mission.
Lakeshore Baptist Church subscribes to the Baptist Faith and Message affirmed by the Southern Baptist Convention in 1963. This doctrinal statement, together with the church's mission and strategy, gives shape to its two Sunday services, multigenerational groups, children's ministries, music, arts, and service in Hudson Oaks and East Parker County. Lakeshore exists to restore lives in Jesus Christ.