Longtime Waco Pastor Retires After Decades of Outdoor Ministry

Jimmy Dorrell bids farewell to his congregation at Church Under the Bridge after 33 years of service.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:47am

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a simple wooden cross repeated in a tight grid pattern, capturing the symbolic significance of the religious ritual of baptism in an abstract, pop art style.The vibrant outdoor baptisms and celebrations at Church Under the Bridge reflect the community's enduring commitment to serving the marginalized in Waco.Waco Today

After leading his outdoor congregation at Church Under the Bridge in Waco, Texas for over three decades, 76-year-old founding pastor Jimmy Dorrell has retired. On Easter Sunday, Dorrell oversaw his final service and baptisms in the Middle Bosque River, where dozens of congregants, including the unhoused and mentally ill, were immersed in a symbolic moment of redemption.

Why it matters

Dorrell's ministry at Church Under the Bridge, which started spontaneously in 1993 by inviting homeless residents to join him on a restaurant patio, grew into a weekly worship service under an interstate overpass. The church became a hub for serving the city's most vulnerable populations, reflecting Dorrell's commitment to 'Christian community development' through his work with the nonprofit Mission Waco.

The details

On Easter Sunday, Dorrell and his successor, Baylor ministerial student Kevin Brown, baptized a dozen people in the chilly waters of the Middle Bosque River as part of the church's annual tradition. The emotional baptisms were met with whoops and applause from the crowd of over 100, including Baylor University's president. Dorrell, who is retiring after 1,700 Sundays leading the congregation, plans to spend more time on ministries overseas while remaining an occasional presence at Church Under the Bridge.

  • On Easter Sunday, April 8, 2026, Jimmy Dorrell led his final service and baptisms for Church Under the Bridge.
  • Dorrell started Church Under the Bridge in 1993 after spontaneously inviting homeless residents to join him on a restaurant patio.

The players

Jimmy Dorrell

The 76-year-old founding pastor of Church Under the Bridge in Waco, Texas, who is retiring after 33 years of leading the outdoor congregation.

Kevin Brown

A Baylor ministerial student who is taking over as the new pastor of Church Under the Bridge.

Linda Livingstone

The president of Baylor University, who attended the Easter service at Church Under the Bridge.

John Dokken

An 80-year-old man who was baptized during the Easter service, stating that he is dedicating the final chapter of his life to Christ.

Clarice Barron

A neighbor and member of Church Under the Bridge who praised Jimmy Dorrell's ability to empathize with the homeless, mentally ill, and those struggling with substance abuse.

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What they’re saying

“I'm John Dokken and I'm dedicating my life to Christ. As I approached 80 and turned 80, I realize this is my final chapter.”

— John Dokken

“Through Jimmy, and Kevin, I found a new home, and when it's time to go I know that I'll be ready. I'm just here to do God's will. He tells me he's not through with me so I've got to keep going.”

— John Dokken

“He's able to actually put himself in the place of the homeless and the mentally ill, and the people with substance abuse [problems]. He just really wants to do something about it.”

— Clarice Barron, Neighbor and Church Under the Bridge member

What’s next

Dorrell plans to remain an occasional presence at Church Under the Bridge while spending more time on ministries overseas.

The takeaway

After over three decades of leading an innovative outdoor ministry that served Waco's most vulnerable populations, Jimmy Dorrell's retirement from Church Under the Bridge marks the end of an era but also the continuation of the church's mission under new leadership.