Wouldn’t you agree that the story of First Metropolitan Church is one of faith and community? It began in 1986. John D. Ogletree, Jr. and his wife Evelyn Ogletree founded it. Today, Johnny Ogletree III serves as senior pastor.
First Metropolitan Church isn’t just a place of worship. It’s a family. They focus on families and serving the community. This is reflected in their first phase of building. Instead of a sanctuary they built a Family Life Center. A sanctuary is planned for the next construction phase.
The church has a friendly atmosphere. Parking attendants help people easily access the grounds on Sunday mornings. Greeters offer a hospitable reception to guests and members. Worship attendants help people find comfortable seating.
First Metropolitan Church wants every member to find their place. They encourage everyone to attend a six-week study. It is called Network and is held on Sunday mornings. This study helps people discover their spiritual gifts and personality. It also reveals their passions. The study aids people in ministry. It helps them understand how to work with others. After the six weeks, there is a consultation. Then, people get assigned to one or more ministries.
The worship at First Metropolitan Church is special. It allows attendees to be in God’s presence. People can freely express their love for the Heavenly Father. Praising and worshipping is encouraged. This happens through lifting hands, clapping, dancing and singing. Shouting, praying and anointed preaching are also welcome. They believe in the guidance of the Holy Spirit and order. The arts and technology are widely used in services at First Metropolitan Church. Preaching is teaching-oriented. An alter call is given after each message. This allows people to respond to God’s Word.
Pastor John D. Ogletree, Jr. has a long history in Texas. He got a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Arlington in 1973. In 1979, he earned a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from South Texas College of Law in Houston. He answered the call to ministry in 1982. In 1985, he was ordained at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church. Then, in 1986, he became the founding pastor of First Metropolitan Baptist Church. Pastor Ogletree provided leadership in the purchase of land. It was 25.2 acres along Beltway 8 in Northwest Houston. He is also a Trustee. He serves as President on the Cy-Fair-Independent School District Board. Pastor Ogletree currently serves as 2nd Vice President. He serves on the Executive Board of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. His vision is divinely orchestrated by God.
Pastors John and Evelyn Ogletree are authors. They co-authored “Making Your Home the Green Zone” and “Transforming Words for the Home”. Pastor Ogletree is also the author of “Moving to the Next Level”. These books encourage readers to look at where they are. They compel them to search for God’s plan for their lives.
Dr. Evelyn Ogletree is the Executive Pastor. She is affectionately known as Lady O. In December 2012, she received her Doctorate Degree at Texas A&M University in Urban Education. She also holds a Masters Degree in counseling from Prairie View A&M University. Her Bachelor Degree is from Texas Southern University. Lady O is a former school teacher. She worked for HISD, KISD and Cy-Fair ISD. In 1999, she left Cy-Fair to go into full-time ministry at First Met.
Lady O preaches and teaches. She speaks at conferences on marriage and family. She also speaks on child rearing. She consults for ministers’ and pastors’ wives. Her joy is speaking to women’s issues. Each year, she leads the women at First Metropolitan Church. This is during the Annual Women’s Conference, “Women at the Feet of Jesus”. Ladies come from all over the United States to be blessed. She has been a keynote speaker for women’s conferences. She has spoken throughout the U.S. and abroad.
First Metropolitan Church has Baptist roots. It also has non-denominational fertilization. Speakers and singers from all segments of the body of Christ minister here. It is a vibrant community of faith. The First Metropolitan Church celebrated the grand opening of its new sanctuary June 21 and 23 in Cy-Fair.n