Our Story
OUR MISSION
Our church’s vision is centered around the promise that “Greater is Coming”
We are committed to creating a community where lives are transformed, hearts are healed and destinies are fulfilled through the power of God.
With the faith and expectancy, we eagerly anticipate the greater things that God has in store for us and our community.
Meet Our Pastor
Senior Pastor Ralph Caraway, Jr.
About Our Pastor
Pastor Ralph E. Caraway, Jr. is a dynamic, energetic, and anointed servant of God who is deeply committed to preaching, teaching, and living out the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He began his ministry journey in 2013, when he preached his first sermon under the leadership and guidance of his biological and spiritual father, Rev. Ralph E. Caraway, Sr. During his time at St. Louis Baptist Church, Pastor Caraway served faithfully and experienced significant spiritual growth that helped shape his pastoral calling.
A lifelong resident of Tyler, Texas, Pastor Caraway has a heart for both the church and the community. His leadership extends beyond the pulpit as he devotes countless hours to youth sports, mentoring programs, and community outreach. Pastor Caraway firmly believes that true ministry is demonstrated through service both inside and outside the walls of the church.
In February 2018, Pastor Caraway became the tenth pastor in the 125-year history of Greater St. Mary Baptist Church. Guided by faith and vision, he leads the congregation with the belief rooted in 1 Corinthians 2:9, affirming that God has greater things prepared for those who love Him. This scripture continues to inspire the church’s declaration that “Greater Is Coming!”
Pastor Caraway’s mission is to faithfully preach and teach the Word of God while living according to his life scripture, Acts 20:24, striving to finish his course with joy and fulfill the ministry entrusted to him—testifying to the gospel of the grace of God.
Follow his story on Instagram
@RCarawayJr.
Meet Our Ministry Team
Reginald Whitaker
Associate Minister
O’Neal Haggerty
Associate Minister
What We Believe
Everyone Belongs.
Life Together in Christ
We enter into covenant with one another as one body in Christ, walking together in Christian love through the power of the Holy Spirit. We commit to watching over one another in brotherly love, remembering one another in prayer, and supporting each other in times of sickness, distress, and need.
We pledge to cultivate Christian sympathy in our hearts and Christian courtesy in our speech—being slow to take offense, quick to forgive, and always ready for reconciliation. We affirm that every believer matters, every voice has value, and every member belongs in the family of God.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” ~ John 3:16
Embrace Truth.
Living Faithfully Before God
We commit to walking circumspectly in the world, being just in our dealings, faithful in our commitments, and exemplary in our conduct. We will maintain personal and family devotion, seek the salvation of our families and acquaintances, and religiously educate our children in the ways of the Lord.
We embrace God’s Word as our foundation, striving for growth in knowledge, holiness, and spiritual maturity. We commit to avoiding gossip, backbiting, and excessive anger, choosing instead lives that reflect the character and truth of Christ. ~John 18:31-32
Serve Together.
Advancing the Kingdom
By the aid of the Holy Spirit, we commit to striving for the advancement of this church in prosperity and spirituality. We will faithfully support its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrine, and contribute cheerfully and regularly to the ministry, the care of those in need, and the spread of the gospel to all nations.
We dedicate ourselves to serving together with zeal, unity, and purpose—advancing the Kingdom of our Savior wherever God places us. Should we relocate, we commit to uniting with another church where we can continue to live out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s Word.
“Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.” ~ John 12:26