First Baptist Church offers many exciting ministries. Below you can read about some of these:

Music Ministry

First Baptist Church has a long tradition of providing a high quality music ministry. There are choirs for all ages as well as a handbell choir. At First Baptist we seek to incorporate a variety of musical styles and traditions. We strongly believe that music is an important part of worship and encourage active participation in the music program. If you enjoy making "a joyful noise unto the Lord," there is a place for you in the music ministry at First Baptist. For more information about the music program, feel free to contact Beth Parker.

Youth Ministry

The youth ministry at First Baptist Church gives students opportunities to live out the mission statement of our Church. We have many activities, trips, programs, weekly meetings, etc., that give our youth a chance to learn what it means to worship our God, to share Christ's love with those who may not know him, to get closer to our Lord through discipleship, to enjoy and importance of Christian fellowship, and to minister to people. We have a passion for missions, and many of our trips and activities are missions oriented. Our goal is simply to follow Christ wherever he may lead us as individuals and as a youth group. Each year we go to camps, conferences, and mission trips that help us grow in our relationship with Christ and enable us to serve Him better.

Children's Ministry

Our strong children's ministry at First Baptist Church gives the children opportunities to learn about Christ and have fun at the same time. We do this through Sunday School, Bible Buddies, Children's Choir, "Secret Service," and many other programs and activities. We try to make sure every child knows and understands the good news of Jesus Christ, and what it means to be one of His disciples. We also try to reach our children through camps, conferences, Vacation Bible School, and a number of other fun trips or fellowships. Contact Mary Runyon for more information about our children's ministry.

Missions

At First Baptist we strive to keep missions at the forefront. We seek to support the work of missionaries around the world, but also recognize our own calling to "do missions" right where we are. We do a number of service projects each year, sponsor mission trips, and work with Cooperative Christian Ministries of Middlesboro to help those in need in our own community. We have several women's circle groups which meet monthly and focus on missions. We also have a Brotherhood group that meeting monthly. Through things like our annual World Hunger offering, participation in Operation Christmas Child, and both the World and Home Missions Offerings, we seek to make a difference in the world.

Education

Discipleship is an important ministry at First Baptist. We have Sunday School classes for all ages that meet each Sunday at 9:45 a.m. We feel that it is very important that all members be involved in a Bible study group. We also offer many different classes throughout the year dealing with subjects such as marriage, spirituality, evangelism, and parenting. There are classes offered for all ages every Sunday and Wednesday. Each winter we host a Winter Bible Study which focuses on one particular book of the Bible. The church also has a library that contains many valuable resources for discipleship.

Outreach

Every member of First Baptist is encouraged to take part in our outreach ministry. We believe it is our calling to share the "good news" of Jesus Christ to all people. Through periodic Prayer Walks, and personal witnessing, we seek to reach the lost and unchurched in our community. Our Sunday services are broadcast live at 11:00 a.m. on channel 13 (Charter Cable) and rebroadcast again Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.

Fellowship

At First Baptist we believe that it is important that members know one another and spend time together. Throughout the year we plan a number of fellowship activities that allow us to get together and come to know each other better. We also believe that fellowship develops best in small group settings and encourage everyone to get involved in a Sunday School class, Discipleship group, Bible Study Group or Circle. Periodically we offer "support groups" to help those with special needs.

Service

Believing that God has called us to serve others, First Baptist Church places a strong emphasis on service. On a regular basis we provide opportunities for both young and old alike to participate in service projects. Examples of such service projects include painting and working on houses of the needy, providing food baskets for the poor, reaching out to those in our local healthcare facilities, and collecting toys for needy children at Christmas. We work closely with Cooperative Christian Ministries of Middlesboro in providing food, clothing and other forms of assistance to those in need. We also support the work of the Cumberland Trails United Way and Bell-Whitley's annual "Repair Affair."

Worship

There is no more important ministry at First Baptist than worship. It is our earnest desire to honor God through our corporate worship experience. Our Sunday morning worship style tends to be "traditional," with some "blended" elements. In our services we incorporate a variety of musical styles and place a strong emphasis on the Scriptures and prayer. We seek to worship God "in spirit and truth." A children's sermon is presented each week and an "extended session" for our children is also provided. An interpreter for the deaf is available at all services.