About American Baptists
 What We Believe 

    Our Statement of Faith: 

First Baptist identifies itself as a Progressive Christian Community. Though the word "progressive" can be polarizing if understood in a political context, that is not its meaning here. Progressive Christianity is a way of understanding the Christian faith that takes into account Scripture, reason, experience, and tradition (to borrow from John Wesley) as we seek to discern God’s will. This encourages the "Free to think, bound to serve" identity which has been the hallmark of First Baptist Church since 1844.
Drawing from the Social Gospel Movement, which itself has American Baptist roots, the Progressive Christian movement seeks, as Jesus taught us, to build up the Kingdom of God in the here and now. 
 It is about entering a relationship in the present that begins to change everything now, not just later.  American Baptists value the autonomy of the local church, which grants us great freedom to shape our ministries in the community, and beyond. First Baptist Church rejects fundamentalism and rigid adherence to dogma. Instead, we embrace what Jesus called the Greatest Commandment: to love God and neighbors (Matthew 22:36-40), which engenders a radical hospitality. It is God’s love, not judgment, that should guide Christians. Jesus teaches that what we do to the least of these, we do to him. If we abandon children to hunger, abandon communities to the ravages of climate change, and abandon families to wars or pandemics, we abandon God. Likewise, scripture teaches that poverty is symptomatic of a society that has forsaken God’s call for just ways of relating to one another and all Creation. 
In response to Jesus’ teachings, some members of our faith community are active in theological movements for justice that, while generally not partisan in nature, are activist- such as racial justice, climate crisis, LGBTQ+ and gender equality and economic justice. All of this has the Gospel as its wellspring. We at First Baptist seek to be a community of reconciliation. There is room for theological diversity, rooted in the Christian Gospel here. You will find with us a welcoming and safe space.

As an American Baptist congregation, we are committed to these Baptist distinctives:

  • Scripture

    We affirm the authority of Scripture, believing it to be inspired by God. For us, Scripture is to be interpreted through Jesus Christ with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We believe Scripture  is central in the life of the church and individuals.

  • Priesthood of All Believers

    We believe each person has direct access to God without the necessity of creeds or clergy. Therefore we affirm the freedom, right, and responsibility of every Christian to interpret and apply scripture for themselves under the leadership of the Holy Spirit. 

  • Autonomy of the Local Church

    We believe Baptist congregations are free, under the guidance of Christ, to be autonomous in governance, worship and work, leadership, ordination, and affiliation.  As a congregation, we voluntarily choose what groups we associate with and minister alongside.  

  • Religious Freedom

    Baptists have historically been a people who believe in and advocate for religious freedom and the separation of church and state. As a congregation, we continue to embody this belief by being dedicated to freedom of religion, freedom for religion, and freedom from religion. We affirm religious freedom for all people and the separation of church and state. 



FAQS

 
Coming to Church

  • When is your worship service?

    Our worship service is at 10:30 AM on Sunday mornings throughout the year. Please check our homepage and social media for any changes in the event of inclement weather or Covid resurgence.


  • Do you have Sunday School?

    Yes! We have Sunday School for adults, children and youth from 9:30 - 10:15 AM on Sunday mornings throughout the school year. 


    We take a break from Sunday School during the summer months.

  • Where can I park on Sunday morning?

    There are a handful of spaces in the alley directly behind the church and a municipal lot further down 3rd Street. The majority of parking in our location is along 3rd and St. Louis streets. 

  • What is your worship style? How should I dress?

    Worship at First Baptist is liturgical in style, meaning we have a choir and use our organ and hymnals every week. Some people might call how we worship somewhat formal, but our hope is that it's warm and welcoming while also being connected to centuries of church tradition.


    Clothing on Sunday morning runs the gamut from shorts and t-shirts to suits and dresses. We're more concerned with people than clothing, so dress how you like and come join us!


Miscellaneous 

  • I need assistance. Can the church help me?

    We do our best to help everyone who contacts us. If we cannot help, we will do our best to connect you with other churches or organizations that can. Please contact our Church Office, M-F 9 AM -noon. 


    If you're in need of food, please see the "Bound to Serve" section of our website for information and a link to the Eastern Union County Supplemental Food Bank's website. We host EUCSFB which has distributions the 1st and 3rd Fridays of every month. 

  • Your church is beautiful! Do you host weddings?

    Unfortunately, we do not currently have the staff to host weddings for non-members.