Lonesome Dove Baptist Church in Southlake is known for a history that reaches back to 1846 and for gathering people around worship, Bible teaching, relationships, and service. Under the motto “Love God. Love People,” the church meets at 2380 Lonesome Dove Rd for Sunday worship at 10:30 a.m., with Bible study at 9:30 a.m. Its ministries include Dove Kids, Student Ministry, Life Groups, Women's Ministry, a choir, missions, and hospitality.
From a Wagon Train to Charles Throop's Log Cabin
In 1846, a large wagon train left Platt County, Missouri, to make a new life in the Republic of Texas. The pioneers settled in the “Crosstimbers” area, now known as Grapevine-Southlake, and began meeting in different homes as more settlers arrived. On the third Saturday of February 1846, a growing group of Christ followers met in the log cabin home of Charles Throop, where they formed Lonesome Dove Baptist Church. At the time of its founding, no other churches were within many miles, and no other evangelical church stood between Grapevine-Southlake and the Pacific Ocean.
The church defines its identity in terms of grace: “sinners who have been saved by the radical, amazing, overflowing grace of God.” Its people acknowledge that they do not have everything together and are not perfect, while affirming that Jesus is perfect. That confidence leads them to gather weekly, worship him, and lift high his name. The same spirit of welcome appears in the church's simple invitation: it is not concerned with what people wear when they join.
What the Dove Affirms
The church affirms that all Scripture is inspired by God, that the original manuscripts are without error, and that every part of Scripture is fully authoritative for Christian living and practical instruction. Humanity was created in God's image and carries intrinsic value, but disobedience severed the relationship with the Creator. In the church's teaching, salvation is God's freely offered solution, received through belief in Jesus Christ's death, burial, and resurrection rather than earned through works.
Baptism and the Lord's Supper are identified as two ordinances for all believers until Christ returns. Baptism is practiced after a person professes faith in Christ. In the Lord's Supper, Christ is held to be spiritually, but not physically, present in the partaking of the elements. The church also affirms one true God who exists eternally as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, with equal attributes and worthy of worship.
Its confession also addresses the end times, affirming the resurrection of people who have faith in Christ, his bodily return, a final judgment, and eternal punishment for those who do not believe. On marriage and sexuality, the church teaches that people are created as male or female, describes those biological sexes as distinct and complementary, and understands marriage as the exclusive union of one man and one woman.
Sunday at 9:30 and 10:30
Sunday begins with Bible study at 9:30 a.m. and continues into the worship service at 10:30 a.m. Sunday morning classes include a youth Bible study for students in sixth through twelfth grades; those eight-week classes run during the fall and spring semesters. Students then join the congregation for church-wide worship at 10:30.
The church welcomes people from all walks of life, including those exploring faith, newcomers to the area, and people seeking a church home. Its aim is to worship God, grow in faith, build meaningful relationships, follow Jesus, and serve the community with love. Worship is livestreamed on YouTube, and sermon videos are available there as well.
Dove Kids Makes Check-In Clear
After parking, families enter through the lobby, where self-check-in kiosks stand beside the Dove Kids doors. Volunteers help with check-in. Each child receives a printed name tag with a matching pickup sticker, which is given to the person collecting the child. Sunday worship for children from six weeks old through fifth grade begins at 10:30 a.m.
On Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. during the spring and fall semesters, children in kindergarten through fifth grade attend Dove Kids PM for Bible study, crafts, games, missions, and a snack. Seven classes span nursery, walkers, toddlers, pre-K, kindergarten through first grade, second through third grade, and fourth through fifth grade. Volunteers are church members who have undergone background checks. Snacks are peanut free, with dairy-free and gluten-free choices.
Student Ministry Teaches and Welcomes
Student Ministry serves students in sixth through twelfth grades and meets Wednesdays from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. during the school year in the Student Building. Worship through song begins at 6:45, followed by teaching, small groups, and a close at 8:00. The Wednesday gathering also includes fellowship, games, worship, and Christ-centered teaching, with dinner provided for every student.
The goals are to make disciples who make disciples, teach students the message of the Bible, and show how all Scripture tells one story of God's redemption. Student Director Matthew Mathis also expresses a desire for genuine Christian fellowship and for students to spur one another toward love and good works. The student gathering pauses for the summer.
Life Groups and a Place for Women
Life Groups are small groups committed to believing, living out, and sharing the gospel. The church presents them as a place to build real relationships, be encouraged, grow in faith, and explore God's Word in practical ways. Pastor Jason and Pastor Josh handle requests about starting or joining a group.
Women's Ministry gathers women of all ages and backgrounds through gatherings, Bible studies, and meaningful conversations centered on encouragement, authentic connection, and spiritual growth. Ginger Stover is the contact for that ministry. The church also has a choir and a Hospitality Team whose service focuses on connecting people, creating a positive atmosphere, and showing Christ's love through acts of kindness. A Guest Connect form is available for learning about the church and receiving updates about church events.
Mission Work Reaches Beyond Southlake
The church's missions ministry centers on Water For Christ, the Jones family in Thailand, Jonathan's House, Mercy House, and BMMI. These named mission connections form the church's mission emphasis alongside the local ministries at Southlake.
Giving from Joy, Not Guilt
The church says God owns everything and that giving flows from joy rather than guilt or manipulation. Gifts are carefully budgeted, and online giving supports one-time and recurring donations. The church also accepts stocks and cryptocurrency and provides an opportunity to give in person during a service.
A Historic Cemetery in Southlake
Southlake has the historic Lonesome Dove Cemetery, where many of Texas' original settlers and early government officials are buried. An expansion opened additional plots, and the cemetery offers burial options for cremation. Visits are by appointment.
The church's office is open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and its main phone is (817) 488-9568. Worship takes place at 2380 Lonesome Dove Rd, Southlake, TX 76092. Lonesome Dove Baptist Church pairs that long history with an active life of worship, teaching, fellowship, hospitality, generosity, and service.