A new congregation has quietly begun gathering in Mansfield, rooted in historic Christian doctrine and a desire to serve the local community.
Christ Church of Mansfield officially began holding services in January, though organizers say the groundwork for the church plant had been developing for more than a year.
“Our church is called Christ Church of Mansfield because we want to emphasize that Jesus Christ alone is the covenant head and Lord of the church,” said Pastor Dakota Langford, who leads the congregation.
While several earlier meeting locations fell through during the planning phase, the church has found a temporary home in a residential setting. The congregation currently meets in a home at 700 Grove Street, located across from First Assembly of God.
Langford said the home setting has helped create a welcoming environment.
“Meeting in a home has actually been a blessing,” he explained. “It creates a comfortable atmosphere for people who might feel hesitant about stepping into a traditional church building for the first time.”
Rooted in Historic Christian Faith
The church’s teachings are grounded in historic Christianity and the beliefs passed down through the early church.
Members affirm ancient confessions of faith such as the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed, which express belief in one God existing as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The church’s theological framework also reflects the teachings of the Protestant Reformation.
Langford explained that the church emphasizes the historic doctrine that salvation is “by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, according to Scripture alone, and for the glory of God alone.”
Christ Church of Mansfield describes itself as Reformed in theology, emphasizing the authority of Scripture and God’s sovereignty in salvation. The congregation welcomes believers from several traditions within the Reformed family, including Presbyterian, historic Baptist, Dutch Reformed and Anglican backgrounds.
“We also hold a high view of the Holy Spirit,” Langford said. “We believe the Spirit brings new life to believers and continues the work of shaping them to grow in their faith.”
A Call to Ministry
Langford said he sensed a call to ministry as a teenager.
“I first felt called to ministry when I was 15 years old,” he said. “That call was affirmed by my church family at Abbott Baptist Church.”
Since then, Langford has preached in both Baptist and Reformed congregations and has also had opportunities to preach internationally in Europe. He has previously served as a youth pastor in a Southern Baptist church.
He is currently pursuing a degree in Media Communication with an emphasis in written journalism at the University of Arkansas–Fort Smith, while simultaneously studying at Kairos University, where he is working toward a Master of Divinity with a focus on Reformed theology and teaching.
In addition to his academic work, Langford participates in pastoral training through Practical Shepherding. Earlier this year, he was ordained to pastoral ministry by several regional church leaders, including Bro. Gary Martin and Bro. Dale Stovall of Fellowship Baptist Church, Bro. Shayne Coffey of St. Gabriel’s Anglican Church, and Luis Chinos of Palestine Baptist Church.
Langford also serves on the board of Lifewise Academy.
Deep Local Roots
Langford and his family have longstanding connections to the Mansfield area.
He is the grandson of Denise Speegle Black and Sally Langford, and the son of Trey and Jennifer Langford, with family ties to the Black and Elmore families in the region.
His wife, Emma Langford, is an elementary school teacher in the area.
“She’s new to Mansfield, but she has already fallen in love with the community,” Langford said.
The couple is also expecting their first child, a son named Spurgeon John, in May.
“It means a lot to us to serve in a place that is deeply connected to our family,” he said. “We’re encouraged by how many people want to see Mansfield flourish again like it once did for my ancestors.”
Langford said the church hopes to be part of the community’s continued growth and renewal.
“As we pray for Mansfield to prosper and grow, we also pray that our town would joyfully submit to the lordship of Christ,” he said. “There are many faithful people here already working toward that.”
Weekly Gatherings and Community Events
Christ Church of Mansfield hosts regular weekly gatherings designed to encourage fellowship and make it easier for people with varying work schedules to attend.
On Sundays, the church serves a free lunch at 12:30 p.m., followed by its worship service at 2 p.m. The later service time was chosen intentionally to accommodate individuals who work mornings or evenings.
Midweek gatherings take place on Wednesdays, with dinner served at 5:30 p.m. followed by a service at 6 p.m.
The church is also preparing to host a special community event in April.
On April 18, the congregation will hold a “Secret Church” event led by Bible teacher David Platt, featuring a six-hour Bible study focused on the life of Elijah. The event will run from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., with snacks provided.
Organizers say the event is open to anyone in the community, regardless of church affiliation.
“Our hope is simply to see people grow in their love for Christ and for this community,” Langford said.
Looking Toward the Future
As the church continues to grow, Langford said the long-term vision remains centered on faithfulness rather than facilities.
“In the long term, our prayer is that the Lord would continue to establish the church here in Mansfield,” he said. “If it is His will, we would love to eventually have a building of our own, but more importantly we want to see a faithful and healthy church grow.”
Langford said the congregation hopes to serve as faithful stewards of the ministry entrusted to them.
“Our desire is simply to be good stewards of what God has entrusted to us and to preach the gospel faithfully,” he said. “We also hope to partner with other churches in the area so that together Mansfield might glorify God and enjoy Him forever.”
He added that the church’s long-term vision extends beyond the Mansfield community.
“Lord willing, as the church matures, we would love to see men raised up and sent out to plant other churches in surrounding communities,” Langford said, “so that the ends of the earth are discipled.”
