Ministry in Motion

Jeff Shreve Celebrates 20 Years at First Baptist Church
By Lauren Simmons

(Photo by lauren simmons)

Pastor Jeff Schreve of the First Baptist Church of Texarkana dedicated his life to God when he was 17 years old, but it was only 20 years ago that he embarked on his journey at the Moores Lane megachurch. Today, his ministry continues to flourish. 

Schreve, the head pastor of the FBC of Texarkana since 2003, has played a key role in fostering growth in the church as well as starting a media outreach ministry, From His Heart Ministries. He said since its start in 2005, From His Heart Ministries has grown to reach people all over the nation and internationally as well. 

Schreve joined the FBC congregation in February of 2003, inspired to turn the church around. He said the church’s reputation as being for “country club only” was changed to a mindset of openness and grace. 

“The church is designed to be a hospital for hurting people,” Schreve said. “We help people get well. We tell them the truth. Just like at a hospital, if you have a surgery, it’s going to hurt, but it’s going to make you better. So we speak the truth in love even though the truth hurts sometimes.”

Schreve said the past 20 years in service to the church have impacted the congregation, his media ministries, and his personal outlook on life. Most notably, his media outreach has grown considerably in recent years. As of 2020, the Trinity Broadcasting Network, which is the largest religious television network worldwide, aired From His Heart Ministries to over 175 nations on 30 networks in 17 languages, according to their website. 

Additionally, Schreve partnered with Pray.com, the world’s leading app for daily prayer, as well as the American Family Radio Network to speak to millions of listeners about life’s most challenging issues. Schreve adamantly speaks his truth and said he has been greatly rewarded by the challenge of coming up with new content and topics. While many believed radio platforms had died with age, Schreve said From His Heart Ministries has flourished on-air. 

“We want to be adapting to the platforms we need to [in order to] reach people,” Schreve said. “God has been good to us. The Ministry has grown from $35,000 at the beginning to almost $2.5 million.”

Schreve said that while the COVID-19 pandemic affected churches across the country, From His Heart Ministries only grew while families tuned in at home. 

Schreve said that his experience as head pastor has helped him feel more comfortable in his skin and as the person God made him to be. He said that while many pastors get caught up in the number of seats filled each Sunday, he is challenged by God to focus on faithfulness instead. 

Jeff’s wife, Debbie, serves as the Director of Women’s Ministry. (Photo by lauren simmons)

“We want to be a place that preaches the word, that lifts up the name of Jesus, that is faithful, and that loves the people,” Schreve said. 

Schreve said he integrates the phrase “shine and share” into his sermons and radio talks. He said that phrase represents Christian life in a nutshell. Schreve uses this “critical” phrase, inspired from Matthew 5:16, to challenge his church members to apply the principle (of “shining” a light for God and “sharing” it with others) to every aspect of their lives, not just in the church building. 

Regarding his future plans for From His Heart Ministries, Shreve aims to continue to reach more people and impact the world for Christ. He said there is a great need for people to realize their sin so they can repent and live in freedom. Similarly, his plans for the First Baptist Church reflect that mission as well. 

“We want to just continue to be a lighthouse of love and truth in our community and beyond, and to expand our reach outside the walls of the church,” Schreve said. “We welcome anybody and everybody, and we will love you enough to tell you the truth.”

Schreve said the church’s mission is to hold grace and truth to the fullest extent, just as Christ did. He emphasized that the people of Texarkana can find love, peace, truth, and hope for their lives, as well as true friends, at First Baptist Church. 

“We are a church made of imperfect people, but we desire to walk in the light,” Schreve said. “We focus in on the grace of God, because without the grace of God, we are all sunk.”

You can listen to Pastor Schreve live on the American Family Radio Network from 8:05 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Monday through Friday, as well as find recordings of his talks at From His Heart Ministries, Pray.com, and the American Family Radio websites. You can also find his books on the From His Heart Ministries website, which include dealing with difficult emotions and life circumstances, as well as encouraging daily devotionals.