Heath Marion- Lead Pastor

Heath Marion- Lead Pastor

Out in the West Texas town of Dumas, Heath was born and raised.  Most of his family still live in the Texas Panhandle.   In seventh grade God placed a call on his life to surrender to vocational ministry.  Immediately he began to be involved in every aspect of church life possible, which allowed him to preach his first message at age 15.

God has taken Heath on a  great faith journey that has brought him out of deep legalism and fundamentalism.  Moving from works and trying to earn God ‘s favor to resting in God’s grace has been one of the great markers in his personal journey.  This radical change frees people to love and enjoy God on a deeper, higher, and authentic level.

God has graced Heath with a  beautiful wife who is extremely gifted and an enourmous blessing.  They have four fantastic kids, Abbi age 10, Hannah age 7, Emma age 5, and Xander age 3.  Heath has served as a youth pastor in Springfield, MO and in Richardson, TX.  He has also served as Lead Pastor in Decatur, TX.

God has given Heath the opportunity to attend Dallas Theological Seminary and earn a D.Min. in Large Church Leadership. While at DTS, he was able to study church consulting with Dr. Aubrey Malphurs.  Other degrees include a M.Div. emphasis in counseling, a M.A. in Biblical Studies, a B.A. in Pastoral Leadership and Theology from Baptist Bible College.

My favorite character in the Bible is: Joseph

My life verse is: Jerm. 33;3 and Prov. 3:5-6

I’m happiest when: Hanging with my family

On my iPod: Motions by Matthew West, You Found Me by Big Daddy Weave, Give Me Your Eyes by Brandon Heath

The one book (besides the Bible) I’d recommend to anyone is: Too Busy Not To Pray by Bill Hybels

I’m most excited about: good Hamburgers, Steaks, and my spiritual answer- Life Change

My trademark expression is: “Go God!”

The team I root for most is: Texas Rangers, UT

In my free time, I: enjoy playing with my kids

My favorite TV show is: it was 24, I just don’t know what the world will do with out Jack Bauer

Ryan Black- Student Pastor

Ryan Black- Student Pastor

Ryan grew up in the northeast US in a Christian home as a Navy brat. After his dad got out of the Navy, he moved around a few times before settling in Delaware. He graduated from Caesar Rodney High School and wanted to go to Pennsylvania to play baseball, but God had other plans.  He attended and graduated from Baptist Bible College, in Springfield, MO, with a B.A. in Missions. He accepted Christ during his  first semester and decided to pursue God through ministry with the rest of his life. After his first year at college, he traveled with LIFT Student Ministries, a Christian camp around the country, and met Cassie, who 2 years later would become his wife. This fall he plans to continue his education through Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary Online, based in Lynchburg, VA, looking for a Masters in Pastoral Counseling. He and Cassie are expecting their first child this Christmas and they are excited about sharing the love of Christ to the students of Grand Prairie.

My favorite character in the Bible is:  The Apostle John

My life verse is: “Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” James 4:14-15 (ESV)

Nobody knows that I: Secretly wish to be an Opera Singer.

I’m happiest when: I’m eating at IHOP with Cassie. Breakfast is not only the most important meal, it’s the only meal that truly matters. And pancakes are the best food of all time!

On my iPod: An incredible mixture of Lecrae, Sho Baraka, and Luciano Pavarotti.

The one book (besides the Bible) I’d recommend to anyone is: “God on Mute” by Pete Greig

I’m most excited about: The birth of our first child this Christmastime

My trademark expression is: “Whoop, there it is”

The team I root for most is: Clemson Tigers!

My proudest moment is: Marrying Cassie

The one blog I read regularly is: Doug Fields’ Youth Ministry

My favorite childhood memory is: Playing baseball with my dad

In my free time, I: Free time? What is that?

My favorite TV show is: “Friday Night Lights”, “Are you Smarter than a Fifth Grader?”

Cody Schwartz- Classic Worship

Cody Schwartz- Classic Worship

Cody Schwartz is a Grand Prairie native with a Bachelor of Music degree from Stephen F. Austin State University.  He has been a professional musician and educator for 20 years.  He has served at numerous churches, including First Baptist Euless, First Baptist Dallas, Southcliff Baptist, Valley Ranch Baptist Church, and First Baptist Nacogdoches. 

Cody was saved at the age of 17 at Trailwood Baptist Church in Grand Prairie.  He went on to major in music and dedicate his life to serve the Lord in any capacity.  He married Kimberly Kirby in 1996 and they now have two children, Kimberlyn (age 6) and Kirby (age 4).  Cody loves spending time with his family and watching the kids grow.

Cody owns his own entertainment business and still performs weddings and concerts on occasion.  He has two CDs released, “Jesus Loves Me” and “A Starlit Journey.” 

My favorite character in the Bible is:  David
 
My life verse is: Psalm 150:6 “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!”
 
Nobody knows that I: want to be a Disco era bass player
 
I’m happiest when: I’m with my family
 
On my iPod: Israel Houghton, Sinatra, Michael Buble`
 
The one book (besides the Bible) I’d recommend to anyone is: The Lord of the Rings
 
 I’m most excited about: Seeiing God honor our steps of faith
 
My trademark expression is: “Is it in Ministry Scheduler?”

The team I root for most is: Dallas Cowboys (you have to) 
 
My proudest moment is: the birth of my children
 
The one blog I read regularly is: “God Issues” by James Denison
 
My favorite childhood memory is: vacations with my grandparents
 
In my free time, I: What’s that?  Ok, really, I golf
 
My favorite TV show is: Chuck

Mark Schwartz- Associate Pastor

Mark Schwartz Associate Pastor

Mark was raised in a small town in Kansas.  He attended Baptist Bible College and met his wife Tiffany there.  He has three children: Chase, Cavin, and Callie.  He has been a successful volleyball coach leading his team to a national appearance.  He was saved as an young adult and has since been serving the Lord as a staff member for the past 7 years.

My favorite character in the Bible is: David

My life verse is: Philippians 1:21

I’m happiest when: I am hanging out with my family

The one book (besides the Bible) I’d recommend to anyone is: Next Door Savior by Max Lucado

My trademark expression is: “Unbelievable”

The team I root for most is: Kansas Jayhawks

My proudest moment is: the birth of my children

The one blog I read regularly is: I don’t

My favorite childhood memory is: going on vacation to Tennessee each summer

In my free time, I: play tennis, watch movies, hang with the family

My favorite TV show is: Don’t have one

What to Expect at the Oaks Church

…….Where is the church located?
The church campus is located south of Interstate 20 in Grand Prairie, one mile east of Carrier Pkwy. We sit on a multi acre site at the intersection of Westchase Dr. and Dechman Dr. Our offices are located at the same campus on the west corner of the building.
maps & directions

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When Are Services?

At The Oaks Baptist Church we offer two distinctly different Worship styles just for you: Classic and Contemporary. Each distinct worship style has a bible study to compliment the worship experience. Here at The Oaks our desire is to lead every generation to an authentic “God Experience”. Join us this Sunday as we seek God’s face. Read more

What is There For My Family?

…….what is there for me?

Here at The Oaks we believe in providing something for the whole family. We offer an array of Small Group Bible Studies, from newborn babies all the way up through Senior Adults. As you can see there is something for everyone. Our desire is that everyone that joins our family would plug into a small group of their choice. Through these small groups a relationship will develop through fellowship with other believers. Below you will see all the ministries that we have to provide for every aspect of family need. Please check out our Bible Study classes by clicking on the PDF below. As well as checking out all the family ministries that we provide. Read more

Where Are You Located?

How Do I Get Connected?

Just as with any living organism, the DNA is the basic component that determines the design and the function. The Oaks DNA is our guide that gives us the design and function of what we do as a church. Read more

What We Believe

These are the foundational elements of our church family. Grounded in the scriptures, we believe them to be reflective of God’s supremacy and our dependence on Him. Therefore, this is what we believe.
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