Signature Ministry In Action
In Sulphur Springs, Texas, First Baptist Church (FBCSS) found itself asking a familiar question that every church wrestles with at some point: How can we serve our community in a way that truly meets people where they are?
Their answer became the ROC—Recreation Outreach Center—a hub where health, fellowship, and mission intersect in a powerful way. Like many towns, Sulphur Springs had plenty of people—young and old alike—who needed safe, healthy spaces to gather. Some faced isolation. Others lacked access to wellness resources.
Many were looking for community but weren’t ready to step inside a traditional church setting.
The leadership at FBCSS realized that if they wanted to make a deeper impact, they needed to go beyond Sunday mornings. They needed a space that felt like home to the unchurched and familiar to the faithful.The ROC (Recreation Outreach Center) was born from a vision to:
- Extend the Gospel through everyday relationships
- Create a neutral space for authentic community building
- Promote physical wellness as part of spiritual well-being
- Foster intergenerational engagement in a safe, encouraging atmosphere
What resulted was a multi-use facility with a gymnasium, walking track, meeting rooms, game areas, a stage, and an open-door policy that welcomes everyone in the community—not just church members.
Crucially, the ROC operates as a neutral space—non-threatening, non-exclusive, and intentionally welcoming. It’s a place where people can encounter the love of Christ through hospitality, friendship, and practical service.
Since its opening, the ROC has become a catalyst for positive change in Sulphur Springs:
- Senior citizens have gained access to crucial health resources during the 60+ and 55+ Health Fairs, often discovering medical issues early thanks to free screenings.
- Families of all backgrounds regularly gather for fitness, fellowship, and birthday celebrations in a wholesome, safe environment.
- Local organizations and secular groups use the space, building trust and relationships with church members along the way.
- People with special needs are celebrated through events like Night to Shine, creating unforgettable moments of joy and inclusion.
The ROC isn’t just a gym. It’s a model for churches everywhere: What if your church became the most welcoming place in town—not just on Sunday, but every day?
When churches step into the real needs of their community, they step into the heart of the Gospel. FBCSS didn’t wait for people to come to them. They built a space that met the people where they already were—and the result has been nothing short of transformational.
