Eagle’s Landing First Baptist Church serves as a prominent religious and social cornerstone in the Southeastern United States, primarily through its expansive campus in McDonough, Georgia, and a distinct but similarly named congregation in New Port Richey, Florida. Identifying the correct location and understanding the specific ministry focus of each is essential for residents and visitors seeking to engage with these Southern Baptist communities.

Primary Locations and Contact Information

For those searching for Eagle’s Landing Baptist Church, there are two primary organizations to distinguish between, based on geographical location.

McDonough Georgia Campus (Main Campus)

This is the largest and most well-known entity associated with the name, serving as a hub for regional ministry and education in Henry County.

  • Physical Address: 2400 Highway 42 N, McDonough, GA 30253.
  • Service Schedule: Sunday worship gatherings typically begin at 10:30 AM.
  • Primary Contact: (770) 957-1355.
  • Denominational Affiliation: Southern Baptist Convention (SBC).

New Port Richey Florida Campus

A separate congregation serving Pasco County with a specific focus on local community relief and specialized outreach.

  • Physical Address: 7975 River Ridge Blvd, New Port Richey, FL 34654.
  • Service Schedule: Sunday morning worship at 11:00 AM.
  • Primary Contact: (727) 841-7729.

The Foundation of Eagle’s Landing First Baptist Church in McDonough

The story of the McDonough campus began in 1989 under the original name "Koinonia Baptist Mission." At its inception, a small group of believers sought to establish a gospel-centered presence in the rapidly growing Henry County area south of Atlanta. Over the subsequent decades, the church evolved from a mission project into a massive multi-generational organization.

For 30 years, the church was led by Pastor Tim Dowdy, whose tenure saw the acquisition of the Christian Academy and the expansion of the church's physical footprint. In March 2020, the congregation transitioned to a new era by approving Trea Brinson as the Lead Pastor. This leadership shift occurred just as the global landscape for religious gatherings changed, yet the church maintained its core mission: to invite everyone, everywhere to know and follow Jesus.

Theological Alignment and Bible Translation

The church is a cooperating member of the Great Commission Baptists. This affiliation allows the congregation to partner with major global entities like the International Mission Board (IMB) and the North American Mission Board (NAMB). In its teaching environments and corporate worship, the church predominantly utilizes the English Standard Version (ESV) of the Bible, emphasizing a literal and accessible approach to scripture.

The Next 30 Strategic Vision

In 2022, marking its 32nd anniversary, Eagle’s Landing First Baptist Church launched a generational strategic plan known as the "Next 30." This vision is a formal commitment to the future of church planting and community development.

The primary goal of the "Next 30" is to partner in the planting of 300 churches across local, domestic, and international landscapes. Since the launch of this vision, the church has already facilitated the startup of over 27 church plants. This strategy reflects a shift from merely growing a single large congregation to acting as a "sending center" that equips leaders to start new ministries in under-reached areas.

Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy (ELCA)

One of the most significant arms of the church’s ministry is Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy. In 1994, the church took ownership of a local private school that was on the brink of closure. Since then, ELCA has grown into a premier private educational institution in South Atlanta.

Kingdom Education Philosophy

ELCA operates on a philosophy termed "Kingdom Education." This approach integrates a biblical worldview into every academic discipline, athletic program, and fine arts initiative. The school serves students from preschool through 12th grade, providing a seamless educational experience where faith and intellectual rigor are not viewed as mutually exclusive.

Community Integration

The academy is not a separate entity from the church but is deeply integrated into its weekly operations. Many church staff members also serve as chaplains or mentors for ELCA students. The school has gained regional recognition for its competitive athletic programs and its "School of Fine Arts," which also offers opportunities for home-school families in the community to participate in high-quality arts education.

Local Outreach and Focus Areas in Henry County

Eagle’s Landing First Baptist Church organizes its community engagement into five specific "Focus Areas." This structured approach ensures that the church's resources are directed toward the most pressing social and spiritual needs in the region.

1. Education and At-Risk Support

The church maintains active partnerships with several Henry County schools, including Flippen Elementary, Eagle’s Landing Middle and High School, and Wesley Lakes Elementary. Their involvement focuses on supporting "at-risk" students through tutoring, mentoring, and providing resources for educators.

2. Freedom and Prison Ministry

This focus area provides support for individuals and families impacted by the justice system. By partnering with local correctional facilities and offering re-entry support, the church aims to reduce recidivism and provide a spiritual foundation for those transitioning back into society.

3. Family Advocacy and Fostering

Recognizing the crisis in the foster care system, Eagle’s Landing works closely with organizations like "Families 4 Families." The church equips its members to become foster parents and provides "wraparound" support—such as meals and childcare—for families who take in vulnerable children.

4. Biblical Justice and Vulnerable Populations

The church engages with populations at risk of exploitation, including refugees and women in crisis. Key partners include "The Bridge Wellness South" and the "Christian Women’s Center." This ministry area also extends to Clarkston, Georgia, one of the most diverse refugee resettlement areas in the United States.

5. Poverty Relief and Crisis Support

To combat the cycle of poverty, the church supports local food pantries and organizations like the "Dream Center Henry County" and "Operation Lunch Box." These efforts focus on providing strategic relief that addresses immediate hunger while connecting individuals to long-term financial and spiritual counseling.

The Florida Campus: Eagle’s Landing Baptist Church in Pasco County

While smaller in scale than the Georgia campus, the Eagle’s Landing Baptist Church in New Port Richey, Florida, has carved out a unique niche in its community under the leadership of Pastor David Henderson.

Specialized Ministry to the Deaf

A distinctive feature of the Florida location is its robust ministry to the deaf community. Unlike many churches that offer a simple interpreter, this congregation integrates deaf members into all levels of leadership and service. Every worship gathering is interpreted, and the deaf ministry team is an active part of the church's spiritual life.

Direct Community Feeding Programs

The Florida campus is known for its "hands-on" approach to poverty. Church members regularly take food directly to where it is needed, including bus stops and areas where homeless individuals congregate. This "mobile" pantry approach reflects their philosophy of meeting people where they are rather than waiting for them to enter the church doors.

Support for Leadership

Reflecting a tight-knit community spirit, the Florida church frequently engages in "Meal Trains" and community support for its staff. For instance, when the worship leader or pastoral family faces health challenges, the congregation organizes extensive local support networks to provide meals and practical assistance during treatment periods.

What to Expect During a Sunday Service

For those visiting the McDonough campus for the first time, the experience is designed to be accessible but deeply rooted in tradition.

The Worship Experience

Upon arrival at the 2400 Highway 42 North location, visitors will find spacious parking with designated areas for guests. The service style is typically "blended," meaning it incorporates both contemporary praise and worship music and traditional hymns, often arranged for a full modern band.

The atmosphere in the auditorium is generally welcoming, with a "come as you are" dress code that ranges from casual to business professional. The sermon usually lasts between 35 and 45 minutes, focusing on expository preaching from the ESV Bible.

LifeGroups and Small Groups

The church emphasizes that "life transformation happens best in meaningful relationships." To facilitate this, they offer LifeGroups—small groups categorized by age, life stage, or interest. These groups meet on Sunday mornings or during the week in local homes to discuss the sermon and provide mutual support.

Programs for Children and Youth

During the 10:30 AM service, the church provides specialized environments for children:

  • Preschool Ministry: For newborns through kindergarten, focused on a safe and nurturing environment.
  • Kids Ministry (Grades 1-5): A high-energy environment with music, crafts, and age-appropriate Bible teaching.
  • Student Ministry: Targeted at middle and high schoolers, often involving mid-week gatherings on Wednesdays at 7:00 PM.

Frequently Asked Questions

What denomination is Eagle’s Landing Baptist Church?

Both the McDonough and New Port Richey locations are affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). They cooperate with thousands of other churches to fund international and domestic missions through the Cooperative Program.

How do I become a member of the church?

Membership typically requires a personal profession of faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, followed by baptism by immersion. Prospective members are often encouraged to attend a "Next Steps" or "Discover" class to learn about the church's specific beliefs and covenant.

Does the church offer online services?

Yes, the McDonough campus streams its services live on its website and via social media platforms. The Florida campus also maintains a digital presence, offering recorded sermons for those unable to attend in person.

Are there programs for senior adults?

The church has a vibrant senior adult ministry that organizes regular trips, Bible studies, and social gatherings. This group is an integral part of the church's "multigenerational" identity, often serving as mentors for younger families.

How can I get involved in local missions?

Members can sign up for specific "Focus Area" teams through the church's mobile app or website. Opportunities range from volunteering at local food pantries to participating in international mission trips to countries in Africa, Europe, and Asia.

Summary

Eagle’s Landing First Baptist Church, particularly the McDonough campus, represents a significant model of the modern Southern Baptist church—combining large-scale educational institutions with a decentralized strategy for church planting. Whether through the academic excellence of ELCA, the local social advocacy in Henry County, or the specialized deaf ministry in Florida, the church focuses on a singular mission of gospel-centered outreach. For individuals seeking a community that balances tradition with a forward-looking strategic vision, Eagle’s Landing remains a central destination in the regional religious landscape.