At Arlington Baptist Church, we’ve seen God work in amazing ways right from the start. In June 2018, God put it on Pastor Robbie McClelland’s heart to bring the Gospel to a place that needed a Baptist church. Around the same time families in Arlington, SD, were praying for exactly that. God soon connected the two, and in the summer of 2019, Pastor Robbie and his family visited Watertown, SD, to help at an existing ministry on a two-week trip when God placed the community of Arlington on Robbie’s heart.
In February 2020, Pastor Robbie attended a preachers’ fellowship in Florida and shared his hopes for Arlington. A pastor from Pennsylvania mentioned knowing a family in Arlington that had been praying for a Baptist church to be established there. That was the clear confirmation Pastor Robbie needed to relocate his family to South Dakota and serve the Arlington community.
Stepping out in faith, the McClellands arrived in May 2020, right as COVID-19 was beginning to reshape our world. Despite the challenges, they started meeting informally with two families in the summer of 2020. By October, they held the first official church meeting—initially as in-home Bible studies for nearly two years.
God continued to open doors, and in July 2022, Arlington Baptist Church was blessed to purchase and renovate the old American Legion building on Arlington’s Main Street. The inaugural service in our new home took place on August 7, 2022. Since then, we’ve seen God provide through the generosity of other ministries, allowing our church to grow and serve. In 2023, we hosted our first Vacation Bible School and supported our very first missionary.
In 2024, we launched monthly small groups, including men’s and women’s Bible studies, a homeschool day, and a teen night—offering multiple ways for our church family to connect, learn, and support one another. Then in 2025, we moved our midweek service from Thursdays to Wednesdays, placing a greater emphasis on prayer and fellowship, and launched a youth group—giving our teens a dedicated time to learn, grow, and connect.
On January 5, 2025, we reached a major milestone: Arlington Baptist Church became fully self-supporting after five years of faith-filled ministry. This incredible step marks not just a time of gratitude for the prayers and generosity of partnering churches but also a renewed commitment to fulfilling the Great Commission. We are now in a position to help support other ministries, trusting in God’s continued provision as we move forward.
We’d love for you to be a part of this unfolding story. Come grow with us as we build a legacy of faith, fellowship, and service that will impact our community and beyond for generations to come. We look forward to welcoming you into our church family!
Arlington Baptist Church of South Dakota
Church rooted in Scripture. No "traditions", just Biblical teachings. Bible-focused, Christ-centered!
Don’t forget about our Whole Hearts Ministry tonight at 6:30 PM. We will serve some homemade chili to fill and warm your stomachs then look at Scripture to see how Christ and fill and warm your heart! ... See MoreSee Less
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I am making the announcement now, we will have no in-person services tomorrow. I know most of us are local enough to avoid interstate but there is enough concern to encourage people to stay home, stay warm, and stay safe.
I will try and go live at 10:30 (ish) in the morning. Praying everyone has a wonderful weekend and I look forward to seeing y'all soon. ... See MoreSee Less
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Church starts at 10:30am but we have coffee and donuts out now! Come join us for fellowship before the service! ... See MoreSee Less
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Join us tonight at 6:30 PM for our Whole Hearts Ministry as we help you find hope to the chaos of life through Christ. Whether it is anxiety, depression, addiction, or just simply looking for direction, we can show you the answers in God’s Word!
The meal tonight is tater soup! ... See MoreSee Less
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Don’t forget about our Whole Hearts Ministry tonight at 6:30! We will have a delicious meal prepared, fresh hot coffee, and a time of discussion as we see how Christ can fill that empty place in your heart! ... See MoreSee Less
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This graphic is sobering, and it is a reminder of why doctrine matters. Church is not meant to be a weekly pep talk. It is where God’s Word is preached, learned, and lived out (2 Timothy 4:2, Acts 2:42). Here is the honest question. If you are not learning what the Bible says in your church, why are you going?
God calls His people to be grounded in Scripture, to hold fast to sound doctrine, and to teach the next generation what the Bible actually says (2 Timothy 3:16–17).
Let’s address this image below:
- The Bible is true and trustworthy, and creation itself testifies to God (Psalm 19:1, Romans 1:20).
- God created us male and female (Genesis 1:27, Matthew 19:4).
- Jesus is God, fully God and fully man (John 1:1, 14; Colossians 2:9).
- Salvation is found in Christ alone (John 14:6, Acts 4:12).
- The Holy Spirit is not a force, but part of the Trinity of God who speaks and teaches (John 14:16–17, 26; Acts 5:3–4).
- People are not good by nature, we are sinners who need a Savior (Romans 3:10–12, 23).
- Jesus was not created, He is eternal and He is the Creator (John 1:3; Colossians 1:16–17; Hebrews 1:2–3). ... See MoreSee Less
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Here is your weekly reminder about our Whole Hearts Ministry. We will be meeting tonight this evening at 6:30 PM with food followed by our time of discussion. Come join us and see how Christ can make your heart whole again!
We look forward to seeing you there! ... See MoreSee Less
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TEEN ALL-NIGHTER is TONIGHT 🔥
🕘 9PM–6AM at Arlington Baptist Church
We’ve got a full lineup of games, food, and prizes 🎯🍕🏆
Plus a Gospel challenge that’s going to be worth showing up for.
Bring your friends and come hang out with us! 🙌
If you’re coming, drop a “🙋♂️” in the comments or DM us.
#TeenAllNighter #YouthGroup #ArlingtonBaptistChurch #FridayNight #BringAFriend #JesusChangesLives ... See MoreSee Less
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