Redemption Church is a new church with an old story. In 1912, First Baptist Church Gresham was started after a revival in a tomato shed led to a group of a dozen people who began meeting at the Gresham Schoolhouse. In January 2025, as FBC Gresham wrestled with decline and an uncertain future, the church voted to move forward with a bold vision of being replanted as Redemption Church. To read more about our story, click here.
Our Partners
Redemption Church is a fully autonomous church, led and governed by elders who were affirmed by the church in accordance with the church’s bylaws, which can be found here.
We choose to affiliate with the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) and the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention (SBTC). Redemption is a church plant in partnership with the SBC and SBTC, as well as the North American Mission Board (NAMB) and the Send Network. We have also been supported by other local churches around Tyler, including our sending church, Southern Oaks Baptist Church, along with Sylvania Church, South Spring Baptist Church, Grace Community Church, New Harmony Baptist Church, Green Acres Baptist Church, Calvary Baptist Church, and Flint Baptist Church.
Our Mission
Redemption Church’s mission is to glorify God by making disciples through the gospel, in community, and on mission. This mission statement is more than a motto, it drives all of the things we do. To help us use these as values, we came up with three simple statements to inform how these impact every area and decision at Redemption.
GOSPEL: WE MOVE THE NEEDLE
We cling to the Gospel alone by proclaiming it in our gatherings and practicing it in our daily rhythms.
In a world of many good things, we focus on the best thing, the Gospel. We keep it simple and prioritize the gathering of believers and then the scattering to where we live, learn, work, and play. We focus on efforts that are centered around faithful and fruitful discipleship in the gospel. If something doesn’t move the needle, then we move on from it. Time is short and people need Jesus.
COMMUNITY: WE MAINTAIN THE GARDEN
We care for one another through small groups that meet in homes to study God’s Word and encourage faithfulness.
Just as a garden needs rich soil and careful tending, our souls need the nourishment of sound, biblical theology in community with others. At Redemption, the primary expression of this is found in our Community Groups. It’s in community that we study God’s Word, as well as experience accountability, encouragement, and support. Every single member has a place to serve, to be known, and to fulfill the command of Jesus to make disciples in Community Groups at Redemption.
MISSION: WE BUILD CATHEDRALS
We invest in God’s eternal Kingdom, building a legacy through giving and sending our best.
Like the generations who labored on great cathedrals, we are planting seeds that may blossom long after we’re gone. We are part of something far greater than ourselves, stewards of God’s Kingdom, not builders of our own. At Redemption, every member is living on mission, here in our community, across the country, and to the ends of the earth.
Our Governance
Redemption Church is an elder-led congregational church. With Jesus as the head of the church, the elders serve the church by teaching God’s Word, shepherding God’s people, and providing administrative leadership. The members of the church provide accountability and affirmation for the elders by voting to approve major decisions and receiving regular reports from pastors and ministers. Deacons provide crucial leadership in the church by serving in various ministries and supporting the vision set by the elders. Our Bylaws are available here. For additional policies or financial transparency, contact our church office at info@redemptiontyler.com.