The word parish has been used throughout church history to communicate different ideas. At The Trails Church, a parish is a geographic grouping of church members under the pastoral care of specific elders. The five parishes are: Celina East, Celina West, Prosper, North, and South.
As The Trails Church continues to grow, we remain committed to ensuring that every member is known, loved, and shepherded with care. To strengthen our pastoral oversight and better serve our growing congregation, we are moving toward a parish model for eldering. This is not merely an organizational shift, it is primarily a pastoral one. Our desire is to fulfill the charge of Acts 20:28 where elders are called to “pay careful attention…to all the flock.”
At the heart of this model is a simple conviction: that every member of The Trails Church would be personally known by an elder. As we grow in number, we aim to grow deeper in shepherding. This model allows elders to respond promptly in times of sorrow and celebrate closely in seasons of joy. We believe this approach strengthens the biblical vision of elder leadership, where shepherds walk among the sheep and care for the souls entrusted to them (Hebrews 13:17).
We are eager to step into this next chapter, trusting that the Lord will use it to knit us more closely together and draw us nearer to Christ. As always, our mission remains unchanged: to glorify God by making disciples of Jesus through the gospel, in community, and on mission.
Parish Model FAQs
Why is The Trails Church moving to a parish model for elder care?
As our church grows, we want to ensure that no one is overlooked. This model allows elders to shepherd smaller portions of the body with greater intentionality, fulfilling the biblical call to “pay careful attention…to all the flock” (Acts 20:28).
What parish am I part of?
Parishes are assigned based on your home address. If you’re unsure of your parish, please reach out to our church office or ask during Sunday gatherings.
- CELINA EAST - Members who live in Celina (east of Preston Rd) or in cities east of Celina (such as Anna)
- CELINA WEST - Members who live in Celina (west of Preston Rd)
- PROSPER - Members who live in the city of Prosper (*Exception: Members with a Prosper or McKinney address north of Frontier Pkwy and east of Preston Rd will be in the Celina East parish and west of Preston Rd will be in the Celina West parish.)
- NORTH - Members who live in cities north of Celina and the Grayson County Line (such as Gunter, Sherman, and Van Alstyne)
- SOUTH - Members who live in cities south of Celina/Prosper (such as Aubrey, Frisco, and McKinney)
Who are the elders of my parish?
Each parish is led by a team of elders committed to knowing and shepherding the members in that area.
Can I still go to another elder if we have a close relationship?
Absolutely. While each elder team will pay extra attention to their specific parish, we are one body and one elder team. Pastoral care is never closed off.
Will this affect my community group or ministry team involvement?
No. This model focuses on elder care and discipleship. You are encouraged to continue in your existing community and ministry relationships.
What if I move or live near a parish boundary?
We understand life changes. If needed, we can adjust your parish assignment to ensure the best fit for your ongoing care and involvement.
What will elder care look like in this model?
Expect more personal prayer, pastoral check-ins, and opportunities for local gatherings, discipleship, and mission. Our goal is deeper, gospel-shaped care.
What about new members?
New members will be welcomed into the appropriate parish during the membership process and introduced to their parish elders.
How does this reflect the gospel?
The gospel is personal. Jesus, our Good Shepherd, knows His sheep by name. Through this model, we seek to reflect that same heart of attentive, Christlike care.
If you have any additional questions, please email info@thetrails.org for further details.