● About
Our Story
Rome Baptist Temple began on August 12, 1979, when a small group gathered in Bro. Jack Cole’s garage. After three weeks they moved into the lobby of the Forrest Hotel, and the growing congregation moved into its own building by December 1980, with a second phase added in 1983. When Bro. Cole moved on, he recommended Dr. Billy Goolesby, who became our pastor on June 1, 1986, and faithfully led the church for 34 years — through the completion and dedication of our sanctuary on Mother’s Day, 1995, until the Lord called him home in September 2020. After twenty years pastoring in Colorado, Pastor R. Chris Hanks became pastor of Rome Baptist Temple on June 6, 2021. For more than four decades, this church has remained faithful to the old-fashioned truths of the King James Bible, standing firm on sound doctrine, fervent prayer, and love for the lost.
Our Community
Located in the rolling hill country of northwest Georgia, we faithfully minister to Rome and the surrounding area. Home to Martha Berry College, Shorter University, the Rome Emperors (baseball), and a historic downtown built where three rivers meet, Rome is a city rich in heritage and community spirit. From the iconic Clocktower overlooking our seven hills to the small-town warmth that runs through every neighborhood, this is a place where faith, family, and community still matter.
We believe God has placed Rome Baptist Temple here for a purpose — to be a light in this community, reaching families, students, and neighbors with the unchanging truth of God's Word. Whether you've called Rome home for generations or just arrived, we'd love for you to become part of our church family.
● Our Convictions
What We Believe
The Authority of Scripture
We believe the King James Bible is the preserved, inspired Word of God and the final authority for faith and practice.
Salvation by Grace
We believe salvation is a free gift, received by grace through faith alone in the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Great Commission
We are committed to reaching Rome, Georgia, and the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, in obedience to His command.
Old-Fashioned Worship
We hold to reverent, Christ-centered worship rooted in the truths that have never changed — hymns of the faith, fervent prayer, and the preaching of the Word.
● Our Story
A Church Family
Rome Baptist Temple was never meant to be just a building or a Sunday routine — it was meant to be a family. From a handful of families meeting together in 1979 to the congregation that gathers today, that's exactly what we've become: not a crowd of strangers, but brothers and sisters bound together by Christ.
We eat together, pray together, laugh together, and walk through life's hardest seasons side by side. The Bible calls us "the household of God" (Ephesians 2:19), and that's not just a phrase to us — it's how we try to live. Whether you're a lifelong member or walking through our doors for the very first time, you won't just find a church. You'll find a family that's glad you're here.
Pastor Chris Hanks leads this church family in prayer, the preaching of the Gospel, and reaching Rome, Georgia for Christ. Come see what the Lord is doing here — and find out what it means to belong.