Our Church Life
While many people use the word “church” to refer to a particular building or to the services which are held in that building, the Bible uses the word “church” to refer to a congregation of believers who gather to worship and serve God. The New Testament likens this congregation of believers to a body or a family. The individual members of that body or family have a vital relationship to one another – each one benefits from interacting with one another.
The New Testament church stands in stark contrast to a music hall, lecture hall, stadium or gymnasium, where people gather as spectators but have very little interaction or ongoing involvement in each others’ lives. To be a part of a biblical church is to be a part of a family which loves and cares for one another. God that He has produced a very special family relationship within the congregation of First Baptist Church, and it is a blessing to be a part of it. It is encouraging to know that people are contacting one another, helping one another, praying for one another, and serving alongside one another.
The New Testament church stands in stark contrast to a music hall, lecture hall, stadium or gymnasium, where people gather as spectators but have very little interaction or ongoing involvement in each others’ lives. To be a part of a biblical church is to be a part of a family which loves and cares for one another. God that He has produced a very special family relationship within the congregation of First Baptist Church, and it is a blessing to be a part of it. It is encouraging to know that people are contacting one another, helping one another, praying for one another, and serving alongside one another.
Our Background
Under the leadership of Pastor John Schroder, a group of believers began meeting for Sunday services in the Memorial Building in January of 1961, and by August of that year they officially organized as First Baptist Church. In 1963 the church purchased property on East 41st Street and began the construction of their own building. As the church grew it became evident that they needed more space and in 1979 they began construction of a large addition which provided a much larger sanctuary, as well as a fellowship hall, kitchen and office space. A significant renovation of the exterior of the building was completed in 2008.
First Baptist Church is an independent, fundamental Baptist church affiliated nationally with the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches, and on the state level with the Minnesota Association of Regular Baptist Churches. It is the mission of the church to carefully preach and teach the Bible so that people will understand and believe the Gospel message of salvation by faith in Jesus Christ, and so that believers will want to live and minister in accordance with God’s Word. To accomplish that purpose, the church holds a full slate of weekly church services, plus many other special ministries at various times throughout the year. Since the 1970's the church has conducted a summer camp program (Camp Swampy) from its own facilities on Little Harriet Lake. Besides ministering to children through Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and Camp Swampy, the church also has ministries for teens (youth group and special activities), for women (monthly women’s Bible studies as well as hands-on projects), and for seniors (fellowship and activities), besides a variety of periodic church-wide activities and events. For parents with small children, a nursery is available during all church services, with carefully-screened staff.
First Baptist Church can be reached from eastbound Highway 169 or East 41st Street, and there you will find well-maintained, comfortable facilities which are easily handicap accessible. Our worship services include traditional music, gifted musicians, and a focus on Bible preaching. Visitors are welcome to join us for worship and meet our warm and friendly congregation.
First Baptist Church is an independent, fundamental Baptist church affiliated nationally with the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches, and on the state level with the Minnesota Association of Regular Baptist Churches. It is the mission of the church to carefully preach and teach the Bible so that people will understand and believe the Gospel message of salvation by faith in Jesus Christ, and so that believers will want to live and minister in accordance with God’s Word. To accomplish that purpose, the church holds a full slate of weekly church services, plus many other special ministries at various times throughout the year. Since the 1970's the church has conducted a summer camp program (Camp Swampy) from its own facilities on Little Harriet Lake. Besides ministering to children through Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and Camp Swampy, the church also has ministries for teens (youth group and special activities), for women (monthly women’s Bible studies as well as hands-on projects), and for seniors (fellowship and activities), besides a variety of periodic church-wide activities and events. For parents with small children, a nursery is available during all church services, with carefully-screened staff.
First Baptist Church can be reached from eastbound Highway 169 or East 41st Street, and there you will find well-maintained, comfortable facilities which are easily handicap accessible. Our worship services include traditional music, gifted musicians, and a focus on Bible preaching. Visitors are welcome to join us for worship and meet our warm and friendly congregation.