A Church for the Next Generation
When Truett Seminary held its first class in 1994, it received support from key churches and Baptist leaders who shared a common purpose: ensuring space for equipping the next generations of pastors and ministers.
Among those intent on seeing the build-out of the Seminary on Baylor University’s campus was Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas. “When I came to Park Cities in 1995, one of the first serious conversations I entered into regarding Baptist life was about Truett Seminary and the unique partnership we had recently developed to support the start of a new seminary with values and principles steeped in Baptist polity,” said Rodney Schell, executive pastor at Park Cities Baptist Church. “Our church has always loved Baylor University, and we knew that Truett—as a part of Baylor—was going to be a key partner within our state to offer theological education.”
“Park Cities is a community that seriously pursues the raising up of leaders for tomorrow.”
Corbin Smith, MDiv student and inaugural resident at Park Cities Baptist Church
While the members of Park Cities rallied to support the Seminary on Baylor’s campus, they were also deeply invested in the formation of each student with the desire of preserving Baptist traditions and ensuring the next generation of leaders were being trained for gospel work and witness. “As a church, we strive to be for the next generation,” said Schell. “That’s not just the next generation in our own church, it’s also reaching the next generation of men and women pastors from all over.”
Twenty-eight years later, Park Cities Baptist Church remains committed and is recognized as one of Truett’s long-term partners, with members who year after year, faithfully stand in support of the Seminary’s mission. “Since inception, we see affinity between Truett and Park Cities Baptist Church,” said Jon Sisk, director of development at Truett Seminary. “The Truett we know today is directly correlated to PCBC’s steadfast generosity, friendship, and support.”
Park Cities’ partnership, while generous in monetary giving, goes far beyond a financial commitment. With several Truett alumni being hired on as staff throughout the years and providing a church home to many Baylor and Truett graduates as they settle in Dallas, the intentionality of this relationship has led to fostering a personal connection between the church and alumni.
In a recent development, Park Cities has begun directly connecting with Truett students, offering onsite training through the Ministry Residency Program. “I am really thankful to be a part of what Park Cities is doing at and alongside Truett,” said Corbin Smith, MDiv student and inaugural resident at Park Cities Baptist Church. “I get to share in the culture of a church that is known for its faithfulness and its consistent commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Park Cities is a community that seriously pursues the raising up of leaders for tomorrow, and I am thrilled to share in that commitment.”
From its founding principles of never wavering in its missional commitment to reach others for Christ, to consistently providing support for students and alumni seeking to serve the global church, Park Cities Baptist Church is a primary example of a church that embraces a future where God’s story of grace will be heard from generation to generation.