Boards
Board of Deacons
The First Baptist Church Board of Deacons consists of twelve men and twelve women. Deacons are committed, active members of the church, who attend worship regularly and participate in the life of the church.
The general duties of the Deacons include working with the Pastoral staff to plan worship services and special events, to provide care of our church members, both active members and those who are shut-in at home or in health care centers or assisted living facilities, provide special assistance and support to members in times of crisis, such as during a serious illness or following the death of a family member, and to reach out to the local community on behalf of the First Baptist Church, to minister to the needy, and to promote the support of world missions.
The Board of Deacons consists of four commissions consisting of the Worship Commission, the Membership Commission, the Community Witness Commission and the World Outreach Commission.
The Worship Commission is responsible for working with the Senior Pastor in the planning, in all aspects, of the weekly worship services and special worship services.
The Membership Commission is active in the training and involvement of new members in church activities and with the welfare of all members of the church.
The Community Witness Commission focuses on outreach to the community in the form of evangelism, social concerns and services. The Caring Touch program, Community Service Day, Make a Difference Day, Relay for Life, Mountain of Food, CROP Walk are some of the services provided, along with providing a welcome for returning Marietta College students.
The World Outreach Commission focuses on world mission support through national and international ministries of the American Baptist Churches, USA. It supports mission trips for adults such as to help the Katrina victims and for the youth mission trips to help inner city groups as well as trips to help foreign countries to rebuild their neighborhoods. The Christmas Shoe Box ministry continues to be a favorite with continued growth since it’s inception.
The Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees shall have as its function stewardship and administration and shall carry out its work through three commissions: property, stewardship and administration.
The property commission shall have under its jurisdiction maintenance, janitor service, use of building and equipment, and remodeling.
The stewardship commission shall have under its jurisdiction the building of an annual budget in consultation with all other commissions. It shall exercise budget control, and shall oversee the auditing of the treasurer's books. It shall oversee the work of the Offerings Committee.
The administration commission shall have under its jurisdiction the program of insurance, legal matters, office administration, purchasing, publicity and communication.
Classes
We offer a variety of classes for adults in every stage of their christian lives. Our adult ministries include:
- The Seekers
Meets on the third floor of the church building. This is a class for seekers of any age from any place. It is a small, personal group which lends itself to great discussion. If you are not sure where you fit in, come to the Seekers class and be blessed as we share God's word with you. This class studies from the Judson Series of Bible lessons. Social events include a Super Bowl party, picnics, and a white elephant sale. Teachers include Gary Frye, Joyce Marr and Dale Machir.
- Singles and Doubles
We have fun serving the Lord
The Singles and Doubles Class has been active at First Baptist Church for over 60 years and currently has approximately 40 members. This priesthood of all believers understands that the ministry belongs to the whole church and that we are called to love and serve God, to bear witness to Jesus Christ and to care and pray for others
With active classes of Bible study, Bible interpretation and discussion, and using a variety of teachers, who are members of the class, we uniquely enhance the individual's spiritual growth and offer many opportunities to serve the Lord.
Interfaced with our development of each individual, we also have monthly social functions consisting of dinners, Christmas caroling for nursing home, and shut in members of the church, miniature golf tournaments, ice cream socials and our annual White Elephant sale with soup and dessert supper which gives all fellowship and the opportunity to get to know all the class members better.
The class invites all church visitors and church members, not attending Sunday school, to visit with us on any Sunday morning and become a part of our discussions and social life.
- Acacia Class
Acacia signifies friendship. Our class has a wide range of ages, from 25 to 55.
Our studies come from life experiences. There is a comforting atmosphere, fun, fellowship and laughter. We are known as the class with the best snacks!
The Acacia Class is studying "Becoming a Contagious Christian"
Social Events: A Spring Cookout (In the Planning Stage)
- Adult Fellowship
Meets on the third floor of the church building . Is handicapped accessible by elevator and lift-chair. This class is made up of mostly senior citizens that have a diversity of life experiences and educational achievements. There are between 30-40 members present each week. There are four teachers who use different teaching styles that encourage class participation. The International Study Guide along with Bibles are used to study the lesson for the day. Social events include meeting eight months out of the year on a Friday evening for fellowship and fun. They have a business meeting, devotions, refreshments and a program of interest or entertainment. This class prides itself on being a very friendly, caring and loving group.
- Acacia
Meets on the third floor of the education building, room # 309. Acacia wood is the only wood mentioned in building the ark of the covenant, the tabernacle and the altar. The Acacia tree represents the wise value attached to the family, the diversity within families, and the durability demanded for growing healthy families. This class is studying lessons from "Families in 3-D" which are Bible lessons for adults living in the real world. Subjects are: time, money issues, parenting, stress, and health. This class has a wide age range, from 25 to 55. There is a comforting atmosphere, fun, fellowship and laughter! Also known as the class with the best snacks! Social events during the year include a Super Bowl party, dinners out with babysitting provided, summer picnic and a white elephant sale. Teacher Ethan Vessels.
Other
God's Gals
The God's Gals women's small group is the newest women's ministry of First Baptist Church. This Christian women's group is one of study, missions, prayer, lots of encouragement, lots of laughter and lots of support. The group encompasses the Biblical model of body, mind and spirit to become a whole person serving Christ. This group serves women in their 20's to 50's. God's Gals is using the curriculum from Group Publishing entitled "Girlfriends Unlimited" which is known the world over for creating a place for Christian women to relax and have fun in the name of Christ. God's Gals meets the last Tuesday of each month from September - May with the December date to be determined. Ladies Night Out dates are also scheduled throughout the year. Patty Bilyeu is the contact person for this group.
