Quick Facts
Founded
Unknown
Denomination
Independent Baptist
Service Times
See website
Men's Ministry
No
Kids Ministry
Yes
Pastor Credentials
Maranatha Baptist Bible College (B.A. 1982), Doctor of Divinity
10-Point Theological Scorecard
Christology
Is Jesus the only way? (John 14:6)
Orthodox Christology per SOF.
Strong
Scripture
Inerrancy affirmed? Final authority?
KJV-preferred, inerrancy affirmed.
Strong
Men's Discipleship
Intentional formation for men?
No dedicated men's ministry page on homepage; 'It's4uDad' partnership mentioned. Verify.
Caution
Soteriology
Faith alone? How is salvation presented?
Faith alone; believer's baptism by immersion.
Strong
Gender / Biblical Design
Biblical manhood and womanhood by God's design — patriarchal, complementarian, egalitarian, or affirming gender ideology?
Patriarchal — male pastors/deacons, traditional family structure.
Patriarchal — male pastors/deacons, traditional family structure
Strong
Leadership Structure
Male elders/pastors? Accountability?
Historic abuse scandal under prior pastor Bob Gray Sr. (arrested 2006); Tom Messer led reckoning. Homepage emphasizes 'helping everyday people discover an extraordinary life with God.'
Caution
Preaching Style
Expository or topical/therapeutic?
Verify preaching style
Caution
Mission Clarity
Great Commission central?
Trinity College of Jacksonville, Trinity Christian Academy, Rescue Mission, Camp, Freedom Farm — extensive ministry network. It's4uDad partnership noted.
Strong
Cultural Alignment
DEI/CRT language? Social justice crowding out gospel?
No DEI/affirming markers on homepage; no Comer/Kendi/DiAngelo signals.
Caution
Accountability Structure
Denominational home, elder plurality, or external network — is the pastor answerable to anyone?
Independent — no denominational accountability.
Caution
Assessment
Historic Jacksonville IFB megachurch and institutional center including Trinity Baptist College, a Christian academy, a rescue mission, and more. Pastor Messer has led since 1992, including through the public reckoning over abuse under predecessor Bob Gray Sr. Families should research the history; doctrine is classic IFB but the institutional memory matters.
#independent-baptist#ifb#jacksonville-fl#north-florida#verified-2026
MOOP Engagement Tracker
How this church was personally verified by the MOOP directory team:
✓
Researched church website
Last reviewed:
2026-05-16
— Annual review recommended
800 Hammond Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32221
Instagram
Visit Their Website
Pastor FB