Our Dreams
Over a period of months, retreats, prayer and sharing sessions, the First Baptist Church congregation and leadership listened to our own voices and those in the community to discern how God is leading this congregation into the future. We call the process of moving from dreams to implementation “Setting Sail.”
Here are the Five God-Sized Dreams for First Baptist Church of Jefferson City that will direct our future.
GOD-CENTERED WORSHIP
First Baptist Church honors God with extravagant love, seeking God’s mysterious and loving presence individually and together.
Focal Scripture: John 4:23-24 (MSG) – “It’s who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That’s the kind of people the Father is out looking for: for those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship. God is sheer being itself – Spirit. Those who worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration.”
We love God.
LIFE-CHANGING FAITH
First Baptist Church leads every person to follow the Way of Christ, discover their giftedness, and experience continual life transformation. All generations are rooted in a Biblical, hope-filled faith and experience the joy and significance of service.
Focal Scripture: Romans 12:1-2a (MSG) – “So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out.”
We follow Christ.
AUTHENTIC RELATIONSHIPS
First Baptist Church is an imperfect family bound together by love and grace. We practice radical hospitality, affirm everyone’s journey and celebrate the living Christ working among us.
Focal Scripture: John 13:34-35 (MSG) – “Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples – when they see the love you have for each other.”
We love each other.
COMMUNITY TRANSFORMATION
First Baptist Church has a profound impact on the health and well-being of our community. Spiritual, emotional, mental and physical needs are met through innovative efforts and active partnering with churches and community organizations.
Focal Scripture: Micah 6:8 (MSG) – “But he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, and don’t take yourself too seriously – take God seriously.”
We help people.
GLOBAL PARTNERS
First Baptist Church is globally-aware and globally-engaged, using its unique giftedness and resources to partner with the international Christian family, sharing Christ in every region of the world.
Focal Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20 (MSG) – “Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.”