First Baptist Church offers a variety of Sunday School Classes for people of all ages and interests. Sunday School begins at 9:30 am and the following adult classes are offered. For information about what each class is currently studying, please see the weekly email.

Friendship/Open Door Class

Meets in the Memorial Chapel

This combined class, named for its practice of having the door open to all, is noted for the close friendships, caring and love for one another which have developed as they study the Bible together. While teachers use the Smyth & Helwys curriculum as a basis, the class explores more deeply by asking and seeking answers to the eternal questions: Who? What? When? Where? Why? and How? The Biblical passage is read and analyzed using the speaker, context, history, culture, problem, and resolution from the Old and New Testaments and additional materials by noted scholars, clergy, poets, and philosophers. Note: The Friendship Class goes back to WWII when it was called The Young Married Couples Class. They are slightly older now, but still growing in their faith. Please contact Doug Craig for more information.

FAITH inFORMATION Class

Meets in Lewis Hall at 9:15 am

This class is led by Dr Amber Jones and Marilyn Borst and aims to help us all “go deep and wide” in growing our faith. During each 4-6 week series, we might plumb the depths of Scripture; learn from the Church’s rich history; wrestle with timely topics which could affect or transform our current context and calling; learn from spiritual practices which might help us reorientate us to hearing God more clearly or become better equipped to serve Christ in caring for one another, serving our city and bringing the Good News to a broken world. Please contact Marilyn Borst for more information.

Murphy-Richardson Class

Meets in the Bridal Parlor

This class is named in memory of two of their most faithful members: Peggy Murphy and Carol Anne Richardson. This class takes a book club approach. Members suggest/select a book to read and someone volunteers to lead the discussion on a chapter or the entire book. They have studied a wide range of topics including the teachings of the Dali Lama and Bishop Spong, the Lost Books of the Bible, history, philosophy, and everything in between. Some of their most recent studies have been "The Jefferson Bible," "The Thirst of God: Contemplating God's Love with 3 Women Mystics," "I and Thou," and "Conversations with Scripture: The Gospel of Luke." Please contact Reed Creaser for more information.

Bible/Book Studies take place in the homes of our members and are ongoing throughout the year. New books are chosen periodically by each group and new members are always welcome to join at any point of the study. Consult the weekly email or a member of the Spiritual Formation Committee for more information regarding book selections, meeting times, and locations.

Integral to the life of First Baptist Church are times of food and fellowship. These events occur once per month on Wednesday evenings during the school year, and once per month on Sundays after church. These meals will include a special speaker or program. These are also times for important dialogue regarding current issues in the life of the church and time to get to know our fellow church members even better. For more information about our upcoming fellowship events, please see the weekly email.

The Classics is First Baptist Church's senior fellowship group. Founded in 1983, this group meets monthly for fellowship, a meal, and entertaining/educational programing. This group also sponsors local mission projects in the church and in the community, and provides care and support for its members. If you would like to know more about The Classics, please contact Charlie Benton.

The Docent Ministry is one of the newest and most profound ministries of our church. Due to the historic nature of our building, our church is now open for tours on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm. During this time, tourists and other visitors have the opportunity to visit our worship space, listen to music being rehearsed, and enjoy the seasonal art exhibits on display in our sanctuary. In order for this ministry to be successful, a talented team of volunteer docents provide information and supervision while the church is open. Docents serve a two-hour shift once a month, and training/shadowing is available for members who are interested in serving in this way. If you would like to volunteer or would like more information, please contact the church office.

Children’s Church is provided each Sunday throughout the school year. Children may leave the sanctuary with their leaders at the designated time in order of worship and participate in a children’s focused activity during the rest of the church service. Children’s activities are also provided during Wednesday and Sunday Fellowship programs as requested. The Youth Group meets twice a month on Sundays - once a month for coffee before worship and once for lunch afterwards. The Children and Youth Committee sponsors events throughout the year for the whole family such as parties, games, and opportunities for summer camps and other summer activities. See the weekly email for dates and more information on upcoming events.