Firm Foundation

When Jeff and Jenna Swigart moved to Dallas in 2016, they were looking for a church that taught the Scriptures faithfully. After visiting several churches in the metroplex, First Baptist Dallas stood out.

“We were impressed by the preaching,” Jeff shared. “It was clear, biblical, and a salvation-type message. We envisioned being able to invite people here with confidence that they would hear the gospel. We also knew this was a place where we could serve, grow, and impact the world for the cause of Christ.”

They quickly joined the church and got connected to a Sunday School class, which became an extension of their biblical learning each week. “It was important to us that our lives revolved around the church and serving the Lord,” Jenna said. That’s why each member of their family found a place to serve and grow.

Jeff stepped into teaching the FAM Sunday School class, investing in young families and helping them build their lives on God’s Word. For their kids—Ivan (17), Bella (16), and Ana (14)—Sunday School and small groups became the place where their faith deepened, and their spiritual community broadened.

“I’ve made a lot of lifelong friends here. It’s very special,” Bella said. Her sister Ana added, “Being involved in a small group helps take the Bible story and make it more personal and relatable to your own life and just helps you grow.” For Ivan, that growth was shaped through consistent investment from others. “All the leaders pour into us. It just feels like home.”

This foundation made their entire family ready when a door opened unexpectedly. Through his job, Jeff was offered a temporary position in Tokyo, Japan. After prayer and consideration, their family stepped into what they saw as a unique mission field. “In everything we do, we wanted to be ministry-minded,” Jeff said.

While grateful for the opportunity to serve Christ in Japan and to labor with other believers there, that experience highlighted just how special First Dallas is. “Not having a youth group where our kids could grow, serve, and be grounded in biblical truth made us appreciate what we have at First Dallas even more,” Jeff said. “I think we learned in Japan how important community is in your church family,” Jenna said. 

While they were away, the foundation built here kept the family encouraged and equipped them for ministry. First Dallas’s preaching and teaching gave the Swigarts the tools to share their faith and be a light to others. Jenna and Jeff recognized the impact this had on their children. “It gave them confidence in their faith,” Jenna said.

Today, the Swigarts are back in Dallas and more committed than ever. Jeff once again teaches the FAM Sunday School class, continuing to invest in others just as others once invested in him. Jenna serves in multiple areas of ministry, and their children continue to grow and serve.

“Everything in our lives goes through the lens of the Bible,” Jenna said. When Christ is our foundation, and His Word is embraced through the church, learned in Sunday School, and practiced in the home, we are equipped to go wherever the Lord leads us.