What Prestonwood Baptist Is

Prestonwood Baptist Church is a megachurch located in Plano, Texas, with a membership of roughly 30,000 people. It was founded in 1989 and is led by senior pastor Jack Graham. The church operates multiple campuses across the Dallas-Fort Worth area and holds services both in person and online, making it one of the largest Protestant congregations in the United States.

The church is nondenominational in practice but maintains Baptist roots and theology. It functions as an independent organization rather than being governed by a larger Baptist denomination, which means it makes its own decisions about doctrine, spending, and operations without answering to a regional or national Baptist body.

Prestonwood operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, meaning donations are tax-deductible and financial records are available to the public through IRS filings. The church does not receive government funding and operates entirely on member contributions and donations.

Key Takeaways

  • Prestonwood Baptist has three physical campuses in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and streams services online for people who cannot attend in person.
  • The church offers programs for children, youth, and adults, including Bible studies, counseling services, and community outreach initiatives.
  • Attendance does not require membership, and first-time visitors can attend a service without advance notice or registration.
  • The church maintains a statement of faith based on Baptist theology, including beliefs about the authority of the Bible, salvation through Jesus Christ, and believer baptism.
  • Financial information about the church's budget and spending is available through annual reports and IRS Form 990 filings, which are public records.

The Three Physical Campuses and Service Times

Prestonwood operates campuses in Plano, Frisco, and McKinney, all in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area. The main campus is located at 6801 West Park Boulevard in Plano. Each campus holds multiple services per weekend to accommodate the large membership, typically on Saturday evenings and Sunday mornings.

Service times vary by campus and change seasonally, so checking the church website directly before your first visit is necessary. The main Plano campus uses a large auditorium-style sanctuary with professional sound and video production. Parking is available at each location, though arriving early on Sunday mornings is advisable during peak attendance times.

For people unable to attend in person, Prestonwood streams services live online through its website and mobile app. Recorded services remain available for viewing after the live broadcast ends, allowing people to watch on their own schedule.

What Happens During a Service

A typical Prestonwood service lasts about 75 to 90 minutes and follows a structure common to evangelical Protestant churches. The service begins with contemporary Christian music performed by a live band, followed by prayer, announcements, and a sermon delivered by Jack Graham or another pastor on staff.

The sermon is the central part of the service and typically focuses on biblical teaching and process to daily life. Prestonwood emphasizes expository preaching, meaning the pastor works through books of the Bible verse by verse rather than selecting individual topics. Sermons are recorded and made available online for people who want to review them later.

Most services include a time for giving, during which members and visitors can place cash or checks in collection plates passed through the seating area. Online giving options are also available through the church website and app. Giving is voluntary, and visitors are not expected to contribute.

Programs and Groups for Different Ages

Prestonwood offers separate programming for children, teenagers, and adults. The children's ministry provides childcare during services for infants and toddlers, and age-appropriate classes and activities for older children. Nursery services are free and do not require advance registration.

The youth ministry serves middle school and high school students with weekly meetings, camps, mission trips, and social events. Adult programs include Bible study groups that meet at various times during the week, men's and women's ministries, and classes on topics like marriage, parenting, and personal finance.

Small group Bible studies meet in homes and at the church building throughout the week. These groups are open to anyone and serve as a way for members to build relationships and study Scripture in a smaller setting. Information about current groups and how to join is available through the church office or website.

Counseling and Support Services

Prestonwood operates a counseling center that provides mental health services to church members and the community. Licensed counselors on staff address issues including anxiety, depression, marriage problems, grief, and life transitions. Counseling is offered on a sliding fee scale, meaning the cost depends on the person's ability to pay.

The church also runs benevolence programs that provide financial information to members facing hardship, emergency food pantry services, and disaster relief efforts. These programs are funded by church donations and are available to both members and nonmembers in the community.

Pastoral care is available to members who are hospitalized, grieving, or facing other crises. Members can contact the church office to request a pastor visit or prayer support.

Membership and Beliefs

Prestonwood does not require membership to attend services or participate in most programs. However, membership is available to people who have made a personal commitment to Jesus Christ and agree with the church's statement of faith. The membership process typically involves meeting with a pastor, completing a membership class, and being voted on by the existing membership.

The church's statement of faith affirms the authority and reliability of the Bible, salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, and the practice of believer baptism (baptism of people who have made a conscious decision to follow Christ, rather than infant baptism). Prestonwood also holds evangelical Protestant positions on topics like the nature of God, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the future resurrection of believers.

Members commit to supporting the church financially, attending regularly when possible, and living according to Christian principles. Membership comes with voting rights in church decisions and access to certain member-only events and groups.

Community Outreach and Mission Work

Prestonwood operates community outreach programs including a food pantry, disaster relief efforts, and partnerships with local nonprofits serving homeless populations and families in poverty. The church also sponsors international mission trips where members travel to other countries to participate in evangelism, construction projects, and humanitarian work.

The church maintains a benevolence fund that provides emergency financial information to people in crisis, regardless of whether they are members. Applications for information are reviewed by church staff, and decisions are made based on documented need and available funds.

Prestonwood also partners with other churches and Christian organizations on community initiatives, including prayer events, disaster response, and social service programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a member to attend a service?

No. Prestonwood welcomes visitors and first-time attendees to any service without membership or advance registration. You can straightforward arrive during a service time and sit in the sanctuary. Ushers at the entrance can direct you to seating and answer basic questions about the service.

What should I wear to a service?

Prestonwood has no dress code. Visitors wear everything from casual clothing to business attire. The church emphasizes that people should come as they are, and there is no expectation to dress formally.

Is there a cost to attend or participate in programs?

Services are free to attend. Most programs for children and adults are also free. Some specialized programs like camps or mission trips charge a fee to cover costs, but financial information is available for people who cannot afford the full amount.

How can I find out about small group Bible studies?

Information about current Bible study groups is available on the Prestonwood website, through the church app, or by calling the main office. You can also ask an usher or staff member at a service for a list of groups meeting near you or at times that fit your schedule.

Does Prestonwood have a statement of faith I can read?

Yes. The church's full statement of faith is published on the website and outlines the church's beliefs about God, the Bible, salvation, and other core Christian doctrines. New members are expected to review and affirm this statement before joining.