Our story
University began in 1937 after a tent revival off Main Street in Nacogdoches. In 1946 the church became known as College Heights Baptist Church after purchasing lots on North St. just 2 blocks from Stephen F. Austin State University.
In 1992 the church changed its name to University Baptist Church in order to reflect the change of SFA from a college to university.
In 2018 the church became affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention of churches and called Pastor Travis a couple of months later to revitalize and renew the original vision of the church that started out of that tent revival so many decades ago. In that year we saw not only the physical campus be revitalized and expanded (including the purchase and renovation of University Coffee), we have seen the Lord work in amazing ways as people from all seasons of life and backgrounds have committed their lives to Christ and His church!
Following that return to the original vision, in 2023 the Lord lead us to change our name to University Church in an effort to remove barriers from people hearing The Gospel of Jesus. We seek to be a neighborhood church that makes disciples in our immediate neighborhood and university students who the Lord has placed around us!
the mission at university church
Mission in action
Family Groups
Family Groups are a place where we will learn practices to cultivate intimacy with our Father & with each other, discuss the Bible, pray for one another, care for one another, serve the local community, and share the Gospel with non-believers.
Core Classes
CORE Classes function as the main path for visitors and church seekers to gain an in-depth understanding of University Church’s Biblical values, and mission. These classes are offered periodically throughout the year and are taught by University Church leadership.
University Kids
With the Holy Spirit, University Kids exists to see children celebrate the wonders of God, come to know the Father's Heart as revealed by Scripture and be a part of the Family of Jesus
Youth (The Refinery)
University Refinery exists to lead students to know Christ and have a deep long-lasting relationship with Him, to follow His commands by leading others to Him, and be refined by Him, through the Holy Spirit.
College (Rooted)
Rooted exists to foster a Biblical foundation by growing in God’s Word through community, making disciples of SFA, serving Nacogdoches, and serving the local body of believers. To grow where you’ve been planted, and set down roots in your community. We seek to embody Psalm 1:2-3