OUR STORY

Higher Trails Church began on Thursday night, June 2, 2005, when Pastor Randy Bird followed God’s call to move from evangelism to pastoring. The first service was held in a former feed store north of Merit, Texas—an unlikely place, but one that fit the laid-back cowboy culture of the community.​​​ Randy had started Barn Church in Hereford back in 1997, holding Thursday night services for feed yard cowboys who couldn’t attend Sundays. That same tradition carried into Higher Trails, beginning with just seven people. Over the next two years, services grew, and a music ministry blossomed into an eight-member band.​​​ On November 20, 2005, Higher Trails held its first Sunday service and baptisms. Within a year, attendance had grown from seven to over 100, quickly filling the feed store. When the lease ended, God opened a bigger door: instead of selling land Randy had found, the owner donated 10 acres at FM2194 & FM903. Soon after, a donated tent became the temporary sanctuary.​​​ By the end of 2006, a permanent 11,000-square-foot building with seating for 500 was complete. Since then, Higher Trails has expanded to include dedicated areas for kids, students, and events, with space for worship, fellowship, and community.​​ On April 17, 2024, Pastor Randy Bird went home to be with the Lord. His legacy of faith and cowboy culture lives on as his son, Brett Bird, stepped into the role of Lead Pastor, continuing the mission to reach people for Christ and carry forward his dad’s vision.​​​ Countless lives have been changed through this ministry, and while we don’t know every step of God’s path ahead, we do know this: if we keep following His lead, the blessings will continue.