Beliefs & Values
A Community of Grace
At First Baptist Church, we are a family — “a community of grace.” For us, this is more than just a slogan, but a way of living and being in the world. This grace is founded on the costly grace of God, most clearly demonstrated in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As a people committed to following in the way of Jesus, our hope is that grace will define our life together and take on flesh in all the relationships and ministries of First Baptist.
At First Baptist, we believe in a grace that welcomes openly. God’s story is ultimately a story about relationships. It is a story about the triune God that exists in perfect unity and harmony. It is a story about human beings that were created in and for relationships – with God, with one another, and with all creation. We believe that our faith flourishes and it becomes real in relationships.
At First Baptist, we believe in a grace that worships authentically. Worship is the tangible manifestation of our love for God as a community. At First Baptist, this worship takes on a variety of expressions. From quiet reflection to exultant shouts, formal to informal atmospheres, robed choir to modern praise band, our multiple worship services allow FBC members to express their love for Christ in ways that feel most authentic to how God has created them. First Baptist celebrates the ordained leadership of Spirit-led women and men as both ministers and deacons in our congregational life together.
At First Baptist, we believe in a grace that grows continuously. It is a deep truth that none of us have arrived at the finish just yet. We are all “works in progress.” As such, we value the chance to grow and learn together – to ask hard questions, wrestle with difficult circumstances, and allow God to continue shaping us into the men and women God intends for us to be. From the youngest child to the most senior adult, we are guided by the belief that God is continually forming us into the image of Christ.
At First Baptist, we believe in a grace that serves passionately. At the heart of God’s story is the person of Jesus, the One who came to serve, not to be served. As followers of Christ, we believe that working to feed the hungry, give water to the thirsty, welcome the stranger, clothe the naked, care for the sick, and visit the prisoner (Matthew 25: 31-46) are absolutely central to who we are. As such, partnerships and activity in local, state, national, and global missions are at the heartbeat of our community’s embodiment of God’s grace.
At First Baptist, we believe in a grace that gives generously. We believe, not in a God of scarcity, but a God of abundance – a God that can do “exceedingly and abundantly more than we could ask or imagine.” At God’s table, there is room enough for all and we have no need to be stingy with the hope, love, and forgiveness that we have experienced in Christ. Our desire is to use the gifts that God has given us to bless the community around us.
Welcome to our “community of grace.” We hope and pray that you’ll find a home here.
