Welcome! We’ve been waiting for you! It’s true, because we believe that every person who comes into the circle of this special fellowship was sent by God Himself. It’s not by accident that we have the joy of meeting you. So, above all else we want to express Christ’s love to you with genuine, heartfelt warmth. We’re eager to know you, and we’re excited to share with you the marvelous ways God is working in our church.
It won’t take you long to discover that this is truly a family, rich in the relationships that matter most. Growing together, we worship, we serve, we laugh, we cry, we learn, and we reach out to our world with life-transforming truth. We reach out to you as well. Our doors are open. Our hearts are open, too. If you’ve been thinking, praying, searching and hoping for a place to belong, we say again – Welcome!
At First Baptist, Marion, we:
- Study the Bible
- Engage in personal and family devotions
- Live a Christ-led lifestyle
- Demonstrate God’s love and will
- Encourage family and others to meet and develop a relationship with Jesus
- Worship with others in the church body
- Contribute time, talents, money
- for sharing the Gospel of Christ
- for the relief of needy persons
- Provide Christian education for our children
- Promote our church’s highest ideals
- through Christian service
Check out our photo gallery for views of our congregation at work and in fellowship together.
Next Steps
Everyone has a next step in their spiritual journey. What’s yours? Consider the following steps. Feel free to discuss your next step with the pastor.
Meet Jesus
God wants to have a personal one-on-one relationship with each of us. But our sinful nature causes us to be separated from Him. The good news is that God’s love for us caused Him to become flesh and blood as Jesus Christ to be among humans on earth. Although sinless, Jesus was put to death on a cross. Jesus rose from the grave three days later, being victorious over death. His death and resurrection was a sacrifice on our behalf, covering our sins. Thus, we have an opportunity to be restored to a fellowship with God. We can each receive this gift of salvation by placing our trust in Jesus as the one who is able to save us from the penalty of our sins and by surrendering our life to Him. This is the first step of an exciting new life.
Baptism
Baptism is a public declaration of faith in Jesus and a significant step of obedience in the life of a believer. Believers are baptized at First Baptist Marion by immersion – the same form as described in the New Testament of the Bible. Baptism is a symbol of death, burial and resurrection with Jesus as well a new birth in Jesus, through the work of the Holy Spirit. The baptismal event is also a celebration of your decision to follow Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.
Membership
Each Christian needs to be a part of a spiritual family, especially within a local church. This is the best way to grow in one’s spiritual walk and experience. There are many opportunities in a local church to serve, give, and participate in a Biblical community. A person grows best where he/she is committed.
Any person who has accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is eligible for membership at First Baptist Marion. You will be encouraged to participate in an orientation class on American Baptist/ Baptist faith. Persons are received for membership by one of the following:
- Baptism
- Letter of transfer from another church
- Statement of Christian experience
- Restoration after a lapse in active participation.
Each new member is received by the Board of Ministries upon recommendation of the Diaconate committee. Membership officially begins with the Right Hand of Fellowship during a worship service, usually on a Communion Sunday (first Sunday of each month).
Serve
The unique gifts and abilities that God has given you will enable you to serve in a special way that fits in with your passion, gifting, personality, and availability. There are many opportunities to serve at or through First Baptist, Marion. It is energizing to be involved in service, especially if the service activity is done with others who have the same interests as you.
Connect & Grow
Within a local church you can develop relationships that get beneath the surface. This is more than just attending a worship service each week. First Baptist Marion provides opportunities to grow through involvement with people in small groups. Examples are participating in Sunday morning classes, Bible studies during the week, and serving in various ministries.
Give
Giving is an act of worship to God. It is accomplished in several ways.
- Living a Christian lifestyle in which you use your life wisely, as a living sacrifice in Jesus’ name.
- Volunteering your time to make a difference in the lives of others locally and beyond.
- Commit to financially support the ministries of the church.
By giving generously and joyfully, you will experience a blessing and see God at work.
Specific ways to financially support the ministries of First Baptist Marion are described on the “Give” page of this website.
Not sure about your next step?
If you have questions about what your next step may be, feel free to contact Pastor Walker by phone (319-377-3275) or by leaving a message on the Contact Us page.
