Real People, Real Purpose, Real God on North Franklin Road
Mt. Paran Baptist Church gathers on North Franklin Road on the north side of Indianapolis under a single short motto that names what the congregation wants to be known for: "Real People · Real Purpose · Real God." The church's stated vision is to win souls to Christ and develop a community of believers committed to Christ through authentic love for Him and for one another, and to be witnesses of that love to the world, living lives that are pleasing to Him. Senior Pastor Rev. T. D. Robinson leads the congregation, and around him Associate Ministers, an active Music Ministry, a day care, and a far-reaching development vision called the City of HOPE all work toward the same idea of touching lives in Indianapolis.
Sundays at Mt. Paran
Sunday School begins at 8:30 a.m. and feeds into the morning worship service at 9:00 a.m., where Pastor T. D. Robinson preaches. A second Sunday worship hour meets at 11:00 a.m., and that is the service where the Pearls of Praise Youth Choir sings on the third Sunday of each month. The Music Ministry prepares the congregation to hear the Word through a blend of traditional and contemporary songs, with praise, worship, and inspirational singing setting the tone for the preaching. Worship is livestreamed each Sunday so that members and friends near and far can take part.
Wednesday Nights and the Prayer Meeting
The Mid-Week Service gathers each Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. under the direction of the Associate Ministers. The associates use the hour to spiritually feed and nourish the congregation during the week, and they remain available for hospital and shut-in visits, comfort during bereavement, support at marriages and celebrations, and counseling for seniors, adults, and youth. On the third Wednesday of each month the Wednesday hour becomes the Total Church Prayer Meeting, set aside for prayer over the community and the important concerns of the church.
The City of HOPE: A Vision for Five Thousand
Mt. Paran's signature long-term project is the City of HOPE, an all-encompassing new campus concept focused on helping people from all walks of life reach their potential in Christ. The stated goal is to minister to 5,000 individuals and as many as 1,250 families in the greater Indianapolis metropolitan area with high-quality services that meet physical, social, economic, educational, and spiritual needs. The vision, born in the hearts of the Mt. Paran family, lists continuing help with transportation, housing, and food among its priorities, with the first three initiatives planned as a fully licensed day-care facility, a charter school for grades K-12, and before- and after-school programs that include arts, educational, and athletic offerings. A separate community-development partner, HOPE CDC, carries the work into the wider neighborhood.
Pastor T. D. Robinson
Senior Pastor Rev. T. D. Robinson is in his twenty-fifth year of gospel ministry and is a Ph.D. candidate at the Indiana Institute of Technology, where his emphasis is Global Leadership. Within the church he is described as the "vision caster" for the City of HOPE. Within the wider Baptist family he has served the National Baptist Convention of America for more than twenty years, including on the Christian Education Board and the Evangelical Board. On the state level he has been a Vice-President of the Indiana Baptist State Convention and a Special Advisor to the Congress of Christian Education for the Illinois National Baptist State Convention. His community work has included Habitat for Humanity, the Church Federation, Rotary Club International, the Indianapolis Chamber, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, and other ecumenical organizations. Rev. Robinson is married to Alice Robinson, and together they parent three children, Tiffany, Terrell, and Camari.
Children, Sunday School, and the Pearls of Praise
The Sunday Church School is described as the second teaching arm of the church, after the pastor. Its goal is to make new disciples and to empower and change the lives of every member at every age through Bible study, study guides, lectures, class discussions, and other activities that apply the Word of God to daily life. Children's Church works with young people ages 3 to 11 through age-appropriate curriculum, crafts, and games in a safe, loving environment focused on prayer, worship, faith, service, and love. The Mt. Paran Pearls of Praise Youth Choir welcomes all children and youth ages 3 to 12, members and non-members alike, who want to sing and praise God. The choir rehearses most Wednesdays from 6:15 to 6:45 p.m. (skipping the Wednesday immediately after a performance) and sings at the 11:00 a.m. service on the third Sunday of each month. A parent or guardian is asked to stay during each rehearsal, and families with questions are invited to speak with Sis. Tammy Cook.
Men's Fellowship, Women United for Christ, and the Music Ministry
The Men's Ministry Fellowship (MMF) gives the men of Mt. Paran a regular place to meet with their pastor and with one another. It is Christ-centered, focused on personal spiritual growth, and looks for ways to use the talents and resources of the men in the church and the wider community while building brotherhood through fellowship and recreation. Every woman at Mt. Paran is a member of Women United for Christ (WUC), which meets consistently for fellowship, encouragement, spiritual guidance, and active participation in the ministries that carry out the church's vision and mission. Alongside those groups, the Music Ministry prepares the congregation for the preaching of the Word through praise, worship, and inspirational singing that mixes traditional and contemporary songs so that members of all ages can take part.
Day Care, Online Worship, and Giving
Mt. Paran Day Care operates out of the church and can be reached for more information at 317-542-8200. A sermon archive on YouTube, Facebook, and the church's online gathering space lets members and friends join the worship from anywhere. Online giving is available through the church's Realm account, and gifts can also be made by text, the Mt Paran Church app, or mail. The office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and can be reached at 317-542-8200 or info@mtparanchurch.com.