A Simple Invite

When Jonathan and Erica Webb tied the knot in 2021, they were eager to find a new church that they could both connect to. They were looking for a blend of classical and traditional worship styles with a modern feel, a happy medium that suited them both. “I thought this would be easy; there is a church on every corner,” says Jonathan. He continues, “We visited a lot of places, but we didn’t feel like any of them was our spot.” 

After a year and a half of searching for their new church home, Jonathan’s dad forwarded an email from First Dallas announcing that Lee Strobel, former investigative journalist and atheist-turned-Christian, would be speaking on Invite a Guest Sunday. Intrigued, they decided to give it a try.

Despite being one of the highest-attended Sundays, “We were blown away by the hospitality and the welcomeness. It was next level,” says Jonathan. From the moment they arrived, they were greeted warmly and directed to convenient parking for first-timers. Daniel, a parking ministry volunteer, went the extra mile to personally escort them inside, leaving them feeling like they had received the “red carpet treatment.” 

The service was incredibly powerful, but it was the overall experience of the community that captivated them on their first Sunday here. The genuine kindness of the congregation and the uplifting worship in the Historic Sanctuary led by the First Dallas Band and special guest artist Benjamin William Hastings left a lasting impression. 

Following the service, Erica says, “We weren’t expecting that. We wanted to come back!” The following week, they returned to hear Senior Pastor Dr. Jeffress preach. Erica says, “I like how Dr. Jeffress breaks things down. I feel like I am learning something with printouts, and everything is digestible,” says Erica. Following Sunday’s service, the couple immediately signed up for the Dinner with the Pastor event for new members, where they had the opportunity to meet Dr. Jeffress and ask questions about the church. They instantly knew First Dallas was their church home and became members. 

As they got more involved, Erica and Jonathan joined the Duet Sunday School for Young Married couples and quickly made friends. “Every Sunday, we are always surprised by how big the church is and yet how small it feels. We always run into the same people,” says Erica. Her husband agrees, saying, “Sunday School is the church’s lifeblood, and it’s really allowed us to meet other people and stay plugged in.” 

Since joining First Baptist Dallas, their experience has been about more than just finding a church; it’s been about growing stronger in their faith. Jonathan shares, “I would leave each lesson with a mix of encouragement and healthy conviction. It would spark conversation about what I can be doing better.”

What started as a casual visit to hear a guest speaker turned into finding the church they had been praying for. As we celebrate this year’s “Invite a Guest Sunday,” we encourage everyone to extend an invitation to friends, family, and neighbors. You never know how a simple invitation, email, or text message could lead someone to find their spiritual home, just like it did for Jonathan and Erica. Let’s continue to share the warmth, hospitality, and love that make First Baptist Dallas a place where everyone can feel at home.