Our Story

Circa 33 A.D.

Jesus Christ told the Apostle Peter that he would build his church upon Peter’s confession that Jesus is the Messiah. Jesus then died on the cross, purchasing for himself a possession and inheritance: the church. After rising from the grave, Jesus proclaimed salvation to all who believed in his death, burial, and resurrection and commanded his disciples to do the same. Since his ascension into heaven, Jesus has been simultaneously building his church on earth and preparing a place for the bride of Christ in heaven for all eternity. As Trails Church, we eagerly await that day while continuing to obey the commands of Scripture as we wait. Come, Lord Jesus.

Circa 2004

In 2004, and the years following, a specific group of missionaries and Christians began to pray for a church to be planted in Dayton, OH, with the particular goals and ministry focus of Trails Church. We stand on the ministry and prayers of the saints who have done the work before us.

2021

In 2021, future church planters, Will and Ray, and their families met at Forest Ridge Baptist Church. Soon after, the two families started a new Community Group in the North Huber/Carriage Trails neighborhood of Dayton, OH. In several conversations over many meals, Will and Ray discussed the “wild dream” of planting a church.

2023

Around the Spring of 2023, Will and Alyssa began to sense the movement of the Lord in their lives. Will went to the elders of Forest Ridge Baptist Church and discussed his desire to plant a church. After a month of prayer, the Elders of Forest Ridge, came back to give the Massaro their blessing and support in this new endeavor. In July of 2023, the Elder Board collectively told the church of the plans for the church plant. In August, the first “core team” meeting was held in Carriage Trails at the Massaro home.

2024

After eight months of core team meetings, Forest Ridge Baptist Church commissioned, celebrated, and sent out Trails Church on March 17th, 2024. Two Sundays later, on Easter Sunday, March 31st, 2024, Trails Church officially covenanted together as a church with 16 members.