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Raymond Perry has pastored Trinity Friendship Baptist Church in Wylie since its founding in 2008, with the support of Mesquite Friendship Church, the SBTC, and the Dallas Baptist Association. Trinity Friendship started with 17 people, including the Perry family of five. Today, the congregation has grown to around 100, despite challenges including not only COVID, but also a 2016 hailstorm that destroyed the structure, necessitating a rebuild. Perry was also a founding officer of the SBTC’s African American Fellowship. Perry and his wife, Lois, have three adult children: William, 20, and Jordyn, 24, serve at the church, while Kathryne, 25, is stationed in the U.K. with the U.S. Air Force.
What is something you’ve been able to celebrate at Trinity Friendship recently?
Just prior to COVID, we were able to pay off our land and property. We currently own the 2.5 acres and 12,000 square feet on which our church sits. Owning the property frees up debt. We experienced a wilderness journey during the [2016] hailstorm. Having a place to call home sets us up to have a permanent footprint in Wylie for generations to come. City authorities and other pastors tell us Trinity Friendship is the first predominantly African American church in Wylie’s 130-year history.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your ministry lately?
Church planting is a challenge. Many people are raised in [established] churches that have a history. Having to establish a history, identity, ethos, can be challenging, especially in a mobile community. We are predominantly African American, but we also have Hispanic and Caucasian members. We want to establish a diverse identity in the community we serve. We’d like to be able to reach more, and not just African Americans, but all ethnicities who need to serve the Lord.
What’s a lesson you’ve learned to this point of your ministry you know you’ll never forget?
To the best of my ability to do things God’s way, and that leadership is vital. Selecting appropriate leadership is important [for] ministry. What God has taught me is it’s not just finding people—it’s finding the right person. You don’t select leaders to grow into a position. The leader must have the preexisting qualities to be in that position.
What’s one thing you’d like to see God do specifically at Trinity Friendship this year?
Trinity Friendship would like to see the economy improve so we can build a family life or children’s area, a kids zone. Construction costs have accelerated since COVID and there’s no end in sight. A kids zone would help us better serve the community. We would also like to start a Hispanic fellowship at Trinity and are praying for that.
How can the other SBTC churches be praying for you?
My request is that SBTC churches would pray not only for me and my family, but also for the people of God, for unity across the nation, and peace throughout the world.
