Mission:
We strive, in community, to be faithful witnesses to the presence of Christ in our lives, as we honor each unique faith journey, and follow Jesus’ commandment to love God and our neighbor.
Vision:
A world where everyone experiences connection, grace and transformation.
Values/Guiding Principles:
In all things, we are inspired by the love of God and the example of Jesus. We honor each individual’s freedom and responsibility for spiritual discernment and recognize our capacity to hold differing views while still loving each other. The following values serve as guiding principles for how we do ministry, missions, and church management.
Belonging
First Baptist Church strives to be a church where everyone can experience a sense of belonging and connection. We welcome and affirm all people for who they are and who they may become. We provide space for individuals to be true to self and to challenge themselves and others to create community that embraces diversity. Because we believe in the sacred worth of all people as beloved children of God, we invite every person to participate in all aspects of the life, leadership, and ministry of our congregation.
Caring
The connections and love for one another at First Baptist Church are dear to us. We are a community that supports and encourages each other. We celebrate and grieve together, pray and study together, offer grace and understanding to each other. We share deeply in one another’s ups and downs without judgment. Caring for one another is what happens as God’s love continually works in us and changes us. Caring for each other and being cared for strengthens us to go out and serve others.
Serving
First Baptist Church seeks to serve others locally and globally. It is a responsibility that follows on the privilege of being a community of belonging. God’s love for us changes us and makes our longings more like God’s longings. We value hands-on service and support to individuals in response to their needs.
Nurturing
First Baptist Church values and invests resources in spiritual formation and maturing faith for all ages. We strive for an environment that is open to questions, that responds in love and recognizes that each of us is on a journey. When confronted with issues that are difficult, this community’s response is to listen, discuss, pray, contemplate, and then discern a way forward.
Being Downtown
First Baptist Church’s choice to be in North Carolina’s capital city is a centuries old commitment to serving and being a neighbor to all who are in downtown Raleigh. Investing in the lives of others who live and work here is a commitment to the future and transformation of our city. We want our church to be a beloved space for everyone.
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