About North Texas
The North Texas State is one of the state bodies of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International, uniting churches across the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex and North Central Texas under State Bishop Gregory L. Drake.
Our Story
The North Texas State was established to bring together Full Gospel Baptist churches across the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex and North Central Texas — pastors and congregations who hold to Baptist doctrine while walking in the liberty and power of the Holy Spirit.
For many years the State was shepherded by Bishop Kenneth B. Spears, Senior Pastor of First Saint John Cathedral in Fort Worth, whose faithful leadership laid the foundation on which we stand today.
Today the State is led by Bishop Gregory L. Drake, Senior Pastor of The Jubilee Church in DeSoto, under the regional covering of Bishop David C. Cooper. Organized into the Dallas County and Tarrant County Districts, the North Texas State continues to grow — equipping leaders, strengthening churches, and serving our communities with the full Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Meet Our LeadershipNorth Texas at a Glance
Legacy & Covering
Honoring the bishop who built the foundation of the North Texas State, and the regional bishop who covers us today.
Former State Bishop • In Memoriam
Senior Pastor of First Saint John Cathedral in Fort Worth and former State Bishop of North Texas. A beloved shepherd and bridge‑builder in Southeast Fort Worth, Bishop Spears led the State with wisdom, compassion, and a heart for unity. His legacy lives on in the pastors he mentored and the churches he strengthened.
Regional Bishop
Bishop David C. Cooper serves as Regional Bishop within the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International, providing episcopal covering, counsel, and accountability to the North Texas State and its State Bishop. As a member of the Council of Bishops, he helps connect our State to the wider vision of the Fellowship.
How We Serve
Beyond doctrine, the Fellowship equips every congregation through four pillars of practical ministry.
Year-round training, credentialing support, and leadership development for pastors, leaders, and laypersons — equipping every believer to be rooted, grounded, and prepared for kingdom impact.
Biblical teaching, counseling, and connection-building resources for marriages, singles, and families in crisis. We believe strong families build strong communities.
Through the Health & Wellness Ministry and the national ChurchFit initiative, we equip congregations with nutrition education, fitness programs, and mental-health support — healthy in body, mind, and spirit.
Biblical principles for budgeting, saving, and legacy planning, helping pastors, leaders, and families build long-term, generational wealth.
How We Are Organized
Our state follows the Fellowship’s episcopal model, providing covering, accountability, and support to every pastor and congregation.
Our Districts
Each district gathers the pastors and churches of its region for fellowship, training, and shared ministry.
Visit Us
Every congregation in the North Texas State would be honored to welcome you and your family.
