Buckets of Care
In a church the size of FBC, there are care buckets that need to be filled all the time. Pastoral care has no boundaries, no time tables, no schedule, and no age limits. When a crisis happens, there are many ways to respond. Read more…
Even this works together for good.
As I help others caught in the devastation of divorce using the experiences and skills God has given me, I realize now that He has caused even this to work together for good. Read more…
The Mixteco children – our mission, their hope
When Christ referred to “the least of these” (Matthew 25:40), it’s easy to imagine that He had in mind humble, beneath-the-radar people like the Mixteco migrants who live among us in Richmond, Virginia. Read more.
Leaving my legacy, sharing my story
Have you ever thought about your legacy, what sort of impact you will have on those in your life? Wendy Starkey reflects on hers. Read more…
Giving cheerfully, living generously are acts of worship.
Giving cheerfully from a generous heart is about letting God be first in our lives and committing our time, talent and treasure to His mission and the ministries that will bring His kingdom to earth. Read more…
Praising God reminds us of who we are.
First Friday Praise, FBC’s praise service on the first Friday of the month, allows me connect with my family, with friends, and with God. Read more…
WebClass: A Safe Place
On October 9, 2011, the Communication and Formation ministries of Richmond’s First Baptist Church partnered in beginning an online Bible study class. Facilitated by Dr. Michael Harton, the class is webcast from the First Baptist Church campus via the world-wide web. The class takes place at 9:45 a.m. each Sunday. Read more…
Tithing creates generous lifestyle for Whittingtons
Rick Whittington says, “I truly believe that all we have belongs to God.” As the Whittingtons have increased their giving they have seen that God is providing for them in many ways. In addition, God is revealing more needs and nudging them to be more generous. Rick shares that he is learning that he “can’t outgive God.” Read more…
Feeding the hungry requires a good recipe.
It’s a simple fact that 925,000,000 people are hungry every day – here and around the world. That number can be overwhelming. How can anyone deal with it? Read more…
First Baptist Church equips emerging leaders.
First Baptist has always been an “equipping” congregation to those who are pursuing a vocation in full time Christian ministry. We are providing internship and residency opportunities for students who are seeking some type of experience in ministry. Read more…
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Financial Peace University
Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University will be offered on Wednesday nights beginning September 14 at Richmond’s First Baptist Church. Read More…
Hearing the Bible in a New Way
Bible study presents challenges for each generation. Those who have grown up with the Bible may hear timeless words as dated or even outdated. Familiar verses are so familiar a switch flips to more entertaining thoughts. Read More…
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A Few Good Women
Sometimes it takes a few good men to recognize the value of a few good women. Ezra Stith (1918-1998), a younger member of the mostly elderly group of deacons, introduced a motion in the mid-1970s to add women to the deacon fellowship. Meredith House and Buddy Hamilton were among those who wholeheartedly supported it. Read More…
Celebrating Grace: Hymnal for Baptist Worship
A new hymnal is coming to Richmond’s First Baptist Church. Celebrating Grace Hymnal is the result of a collaborative initiative by more than 50 Baptist leaders – pastors, church musicians, composers, scholars, and laity – from the United States and Canada. The Creative Worship Team works with… Read More…
Music and Controversy
Music plays an important role in our worship services today, but it has not always been that way. John Courtney, First Baptist’s second pastor (1786-1824), loved the great hymns and was editor of at least two hymn books. But during services at FBC, he found that some were paying more attention to… Read More…
I was a stranger, and you took me in.
In July, 2008, I attended FBC for the first time, not really knowing what to expect. My family and I had been members of a small rural church for many years and I had my apprehensions about attending a much larger church in the “Big City.” For several Sundays, we came solely to the worship service and found… Read More…
The State of the Church
Senior Pastor Jim Somerville met with the deacon fellowship at its June 14 meeting to report on First Baptist’s now two-year-old reorganization into a missional church model. With observations from staff, members and his own experiences, Jim shared what initiated the changes and some of the results to this point. Read More…
Not exactly as I remember it
Vacation Bible School has changed since I attended in my childhood. I remember going to VBS every summer and learning about God and the people in the Bible. I remember the daily processional with the salute to the American flag, the Christian flag and the Bible. I remember being in one… Read More…
Where are they now?
The congregation of First Baptist Church gives a firm “We will” at every baby dedication. It is a promise of support and encouragement for the children and parents. The intent is to see them through the next 18 or so years. We watch them grow, give to their mission trip fundraisers… Read More…
Longtime Role, Long Term Influence
Shirley Robertson’s teaching career began at an unusually early age. “My mother would tell me that when I was a little girl I would gather the neighborhood children on the steps in front of the house and teach. That’s when I started,” Shirley says with a smile. Her natural proclivity for teaching… Read More…
Monument Market grows relationships
Monument Market, sponsored by Richmond’s First Baptist Church, began its second season May 7th in the church’s parking lot at the corner of Monument and Robinson. It is one of many regional farmers’ markets that are springing up in urban areas in response to people embracing healthier lifestyles and wanting to… Read more…
Congregation to decide on change to missions giving plans
Missions and giving to missions are basic to the identity of Richmond’s First Baptist Church. According to former Deacon Chair Carl Johnson, when the Cooperative Program of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) originated, “FBC was an immediate and full participant.” That participation remained consistent until… Read more…
Moving Upward
Smoke and music fill the air. The crowd rises, claps and begins to cheer! Cheerleaders’ names are announced as they begin to line up in anticipation! Smiles, excitement, eagerness, and even some adrenaline fill the room. More smoke billows as each player’s name is announced! Madison Brown! That’s my… Read more…
Journey to the Cross will focus on “Principalities & Powers”
“Why did Jesus have to die?” People often ask me that question, and although there are some important theological answers, there are also some political answers. The most obvious one is that the Roman government condemned Him to death because they saw Him as a threat. Read more…
Have you been spiritually disciplined?
If your spiritual life is a bit dry, or even non-existent, this Lenten season might be the time to try some of the ancient spiritual disciplines. There are a variety of disciplines because each of us is different, and because at various times, each of us is in a different place. Perhaps one will be just what brings new life to your spiritual journey. Read more…
That Still, Small Voice…
It is what I love to call a “sacred restlessness.” It is that passion and drive that calls us to a purpose greater than we are able to imagine or articulate. We wrestle and struggle, and sometimes we succeed at ignoring it. But we cannot rest until we follow that still, small voice found deep within our souls. Read more…
Harambee!
What does it mean to be “community and family” in the church? What does it mean to be “one body and one spirit” in the church? As Minister of Christian Community, I have found myself asking these questions over the past couple of months. Read more…
