First Baptist Church Huntsville, Alabama knowing, loving, serving Christ‌Together  
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An Introduction to Our Church
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Our Strategic Vision
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Who We Seek
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Our History
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Our Worship
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Our Music
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Our Ministries and Discipleship
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Preschool Ministry
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Children’s Ministry
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Student/College Ministry
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Young and Median Adult Ministry
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Experienced Adult Ministry
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Other Ministry Areas:
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Our Missions
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Local Missions
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State and International Missions
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Staff Profiles
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Support Staff
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Lay Leadership
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External Connections
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Financial Overview
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Facilities
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Where We Are
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Additional Information
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An Introduction to Our Church People entering Huntsville from any direction will first see the 229 foot Carillon tower marking the location of First Baptist Church. Upon traveling down Governors Drive, they are sure to notice several unique architectural features of our building – especially the sanctuary’s seven-arched roofline representing the seven churches in Revelation, and the colorful 43 foot high tile mosaic of Christ, representing the biblical theme of creation and redemption. When they stop to take a closer look, they can enter through one of the seven outer doors, which stand as an open invitation for all to come and worship. Inside the sanctuary, they will be struck by the sheer magnitude of the stained glass windows along the north and south walls. Their design – swirling and bursting with color – depict the wonder, beauty, and magnificence of God’s creation. And the flow of colors and shapes carries the eye forward to the smaller – but far more significant – stained glass Cross placed above the church’s baptistery. Every architectural detail is designed to proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord, and to invite members of the Huntsville community to come inside to worship and experience the sweet fellowship of Christian community. But those outer doors are also designed to lead members – equipped and ready – out again, as we exit the building in order to proclaim the Gospel of the Kingdom to the world. First Baptist is more than two centuries old; and while we celebrate our historic roots, we also desire to move creatively into the future. To that end, we believe that First Baptist is uniquely positioned to serve our community: our campus is centrally located and easily accessible. It sits next to the largest medical center in North Alabama, and it’s situated in an area undergoing revitalization. Our recently renovated and expanded facilities make it possible for FBC to extend our outreach into the community even further. Throughout our 200+ years, we have always been a church dedicated to service, mission, and ministry. We are “The Living Christmas Tree,” a free gift each year to the city. We are “The FEMA Tornado Relief Center” in times of crisis. We are GriefShare, The Vine Counseling, Christian Women’s Job Corps, English as a Second Language, Huntsville Assistance Program, Lakewood Elementary ministries, and more. FBC members can be found wherever people in our community need a loving touch. As a community leader, FBC has started a number of programs adopted by other area churches – a role in which we hope to excel still more in the future. As we look across the street and see several residential developments rising from the ground, we realize that our neighborhood will soon be transformed by the many new families moving into the shadow of our steeple; and we sense God's call to respond to this changing environment. We seek a pastor who can lead us through the next season of our historic journey.
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Our Strategic Vision We decided to spend time during this interim period looking to the future, and engaging in a deliberate time of self-study, research, conversations, and surveys to learn more about what draws people to FBC and keeps them serving with us. We have been guided in this process by Bill Wilson, founder of the Center For Healthy Churches. http://chchurches.org/ After gathering input from the congregation and community, our Vision Team spent time in prayer, discussion and discernment and proposed five “God-Sized Dreams” to guide our efforts over the next 5-7 years. These initiatives form a “60% framework” for our next pastor to build upon and shape as we journey together into the next phase of ministry. The initiatives are written in Appreciative Inquiry language as if they have already been realized. Each initiative is being developed and will contain specific objectives to help accomplish our mission. Implementation teams are being formed to shepherd each initiative. Life-Transforming Relationships People of FBC are engaged in life-transforming relationships. In the spirit of Christ, people connect, challenge, and support each other across all ages and life stages. Neighborhood Focus FBC members are actively engaged in relevant ministry to those outside the church, especially in our own neighborhood. God has positioned FBC in a neighborhood that is growing and changing rapidly and our church has become a catalytic force for being the hands and feet of Christ to the downtown community. Lives are transformed by the Gospel through authentic relationships and service. Radical Hospitality Every person who encounters FBC experiences a radical, Christ-like sense of hospitality that is expressed not only in words but through acts of service to one another. All believers and seekers are welcomed with love and enthusiasm just as Christ welcomes us. Spiritual Formation FBC is a church whose people are being conformed to the image of Christ through the practice of spiritual disciplines. Everyone at FBC is actively challenged and provided the tools and opportunities to experience life-changing discipleship. Sticky Faith People at FBC have a faith that sticks across each person’s faith journey. This begins in the individual’s childhood and student ministry stages. In order to develop Sticky Faith, FBC members understand the Gospel and have intergenerational relationships; and parents are given the tools to nurture their child’s faith at home.
Our mission statement... Knowing, Loving, Serving Christ... Together.
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Who We Seek First Baptist Church Huntsville Seeks a Pastor who… … is an engaging preacher with a presence in the pulpit who uses Biblically-based sermons, life stories and illustrations, to inspire and challenge the congregation to relate their Christian faith to every aspect of their lives. … is an experienced leader who can cast vision and create an atmosphere where the congregation and staff are motivated and energized to live out God's purpose. …has a “pastor’s heart” - friendly, caring and engaging. Strives to make each member of the congregation feel known, loved and appreciated; uses good discretion and effective time management in choosing the needs to personally address and those where the ministerial staff and laity can complement the pastor's efforts. ... has a heart for personal evangelism and equipping believers to reach our local community, our state, and the world for Christ. … embraces multiple styles of worship, including the traditional and contemporary services we currently offer, and who plans and promotes excellence in worship. … values the uniqueness of our church, as expressed in support for women's roles as ministers and deacons, support for both SBC and CBF missions, and support for the discussion of a diversity of theological ideas and viewpoints on Biblical issues. … has the ability to build consensus in a process-oriented congregation, work with strong lay leadership, and provide the vision needed to inspire and mobilize the laity. … draws upon the resources of a theological education and continuing personal study to be an effective Bible teacher in leading a congregation that embraces Bible study. ….has demonstrated abilities to lead the ministerial staff in setting goals and objectives while providing support, feedback, and course corrections as necessary to accomplish overall ministry objectives. … who publicly represents our church well through a personal life of integrity, love for God and our neighbors, a strong prayer life, both personally and in the role of pastor, a proven loyalty and commitment to family, an interest in the community, and compassion for those in need.
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Our History On June 3, 1809, several families established the West Fork of Flint River Baptist Church in open farm country about six miles north of what is now downtown Huntsville. A month later, at their second meeting, they decided the name was too cumbersome and so renamed themselves "Enon Baptist Church." That early church would eventually become the First Baptist we know today. When our church was formed more than 200 years ago, there wasn’t a Huntsville and there wasn’t an Alabama. The handful of settlers who had clustered around Hunt's Spring first called their community Twickenham until they changed that name during the War of 1812 because it sounded too British. They chose the name Huntsville in honor of John Hunt, a prominent first settler. The church was initially in a part of the Mississippi Territory and "Alabama” did not become a state until 1819, a decade after Enon Baptist was established. In 1861, Enon, having had two successive meeting houses in the countryside – one of logs and one of brick – moved into the growing town of Huntsville, becoming the only Baptist church of "missionary" persuasion in the town. They built what was known as the “Bell Tower Church,” and it served their needs well for about 20 years. In 1893, Enon officially became Huntsville’s First Baptist Church, making it the oldest Southern Baptist church in Alabama. The town and the church grew to the point that in 1895, a new impressive "gothic-style" building was erected: designed to accommodate 450 members, it served the fellowship for nearly seven decades. In the 1950s and 1960s, however, Huntsville experienced explosive growth as the city transitioned from a textile and farming community of about 16,000 to a major center for US space exploration. When the German rocket scientists under Dr. Wernher Von Braun were relocated from Ft. Bliss, Texas to Redstone Arsenal in 1950 to advance US military missile programs, Huntsville was forever changed. With the Russian launch of the Sputnik I as the first Earth orbital satellite in 1957, the space race with the Russians began; and the rate of change in Huntsville accelerated. After the launch of Alan Shepherd on the first manned sub-orbital flight in 1961, President John Kennedy announced an initiative for the US to put a man on the moon before the end of the decade. This gave Huntsville another boost that led to a continuing influx of funding for space efforts and a corresponding flow of scientists and engineers from many parts of the country into the Huntsville area. This presented both challenges and opportunities for FBC. First Baptist was soon bursting at the seams trying to accommodate the growth. Through visionary church leadership and the faithfulness of the members, a building program was initiated that culminated in a new facility that was built on a
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former turnip patch on the outskirts of town. Many church members signed personal notes with the bank to help obtain financing for the facility construction. When the main sanctuary was completed in 1963, that turnip patch had become the center of the current facility that now sits at a strategic crossroads of two of the primary arteries connecting the heart of Huntsville with surrounding areas. By the time of the first lunar landing in 1969, Huntsville had become a unique, multi-cultural city with a population very different from most cities in the South. The small textile and farming town had grown to a population of approximately 140,000. Today the population of Huntsville is approximately 180,000; with the Metropolitan area (from which many FBC members come) encompassing over 400,000. Our economy continues to grow and diversify with major new industries moving into the Huntsville area. Members of our church engage with our community in all spheres of human endeavor: business, government, finance, education, medicine, science, technology, and the legal system. Throughout its history, First Baptist has been in the forefront of Baptist life in Alabama. It has led in the growth of what is now the Madison Baptist Association and, as the first church, has helped launch many of the 94 local churches which now make up that association. We have hosted many meetings of the Alabama Baptist State Convention, supplied two of its presidents, and provided state and national leadership of the Woman's Missionary Union. Further, in recent decades, First Baptist has been a leader in the cause of women in ministry: while maintaining traditional Baptist values, we have embraced new roles for church leaders without regard to gender. From the founding of First Baptist Church until 1953, 35 men served as pastors. However, the most significant changes in our fellowship have occurred under the watch care of our five most recent pastors: 1953-1979 Dr. Alvin H. Hopson 1979-1990 Dr. Ralph H. Langley 1990-1994 Dr. Allen Walworth 1995-2001 Dr. Dennis R. Wiles 2002-2014 Dr. David W. Hull
First Baptist celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2009, feeling blessed of the Lord for its rich heritage and facing the future with enthusiasm for continued service. As the area and population have changed through the years, FBC has continuously endeavored to be a beacon pointing people to the One who came that we might have abundant life through faith in Him. We thank Him for calling us to be his servants; and we pray that we will be salt, light, and faithful stewards of all that he has entrusted to us.
 
Dr. Ralph H. Langley
Dr. Allen Walworth
Dr. Dennis R. Wiles
Dr. David W. Hull
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Our Worship Our church has two worship opportunities on Sunday mornings in which our pastor offers the same sermon message. In First Fellowship (8:15 a.m. in the Life Center), our praise band leads a contemporary worship service. In Sanctuary Worship (10:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary), our choir, orchestra, organist, and congregation offer a traditional form of worship. This traditional service is broadcast live in High Definition on our local CBS television station, WHNT, from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Both services are Webcast via LiveStream. Our weekly TV viewing audience is estimated to be about 7,000 households.
Our Music Our Music Ministry seeks to glorify God in Christ, communicating the Gospel in vibrant and creative fashion. Providing music groups for every age, the Music Ministry involves hundreds of our members in educational and service activities on a weekly basis. We place great emphasis upon the worship of God and upon the wonderful privilege of leading and equipping Christians in that important act. One of the primary instruments of worship in the First Baptist Church sanctuary is an 80-rank pipe organ built in 1965 by Casavant Frères, Ltd. of Quebec, Canada. Our music ministry features an adult choir, senior adult choir, orchestra, praise band, vocal ensembles, graded children’s choirs, Big Band, wind ensembles, youth choir, Handbell choir, Blue Grass band, and more. Special concerts often feature artists from the community joining with our members to worship together through the arts. Our Special Music Ministry Events Division provides many creative opportunities to use music and the arts in the ministry of the church. These include Mission Tours both stateside and abroad, a Summer Music Camp for children, and numerous special concerts offered during the year by various musical groups. The annual performance of the Living Christmas Tree has become a community tradition which draws 9000+ attendees each year.
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Our Ministries and Discipleship We gather for Sunday School at 9:15 a.m. with classes offered for members in all age groups and in all stages of life. On Sunday evenings at 5:00 p.m., our pastor leads us in Bible study in the Chapel. Between 4:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m., we gather on Wednesday nights for dinner, prayer, and a pastor-led Bible study. There are often other lay-led Bible studies or classes on other topics, and some members opt to participate in those instead. Our preschoolers and children participate in Music and Missions on Wednesday evenings, and our students worship through LIFTOFF.
Preschool Ministry At First Baptist Church, we celebrate God's gift of children and recognize the responsibility that accompanies this gift. Through our Preschool Ministry, we offer age-appropriate opportunities for young children to learn about God using all of their senses: seeing, hearing, touching, smelling and tasting. We recognize that children begin to understand God's love through the gentle touches, smiles, kind words, and care of those who welcome them to First Baptist Church. In Preschool Ministry, our goal is to help each child begin to develop a foundation for a personal relationship with Jesus. Our ministries include Childcare, Sunday School, Worship Care, Preschool Music and Missions, Cradle Roll, Family Dedications, Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS), Parenting Classes, Play Days, Vacation Bible School, Weekday Ministry (Day Care and Preschool), and Worship Helper Classes.
Children’s Ministry Our Children’s Ministry ministers to children in first through sixth grade. We desire to provide a Biblical faith foundation for children by sharing with them the story of God’s love. Our hope is that this foundation will lead to a lifetime relationship with God through Jesus Christ. We offer many opportunities for children to learn how to live out their faith in a loving community. Through Sunday morning Bible study, children grow in their understanding of God through studying the Bible on their own level and through interesting, hands-on activities. Children are taught Bible truths and how to apply those truths to their everyday life. Our ministries include Sunday School, Children’s Foundations for Life Classes, New Christian Classes, Children’s Music and Missions, Vacation Bible School, Summer Camps, Sixth Grade Ministry and Parenting Classes.
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Student/College Ministry Our Student Ministry at FBC ministers to seventh through twelfth grade students, and strives to create spaces for them to experience a relationship with Christ that is alive and growing. In essence, students can find and experience the fullness of life that comes through Jesus Christ. Students find a place of connection and acceptance through gathering and learning more about the Kingdom God. Through weekly Bible studies and worship, small mentor-led discipleship groups, mission endeavors, student choir, retreats, and many fun activities, students have the opportunity to develop as followers of Jesus Christ. Our mission endeavors equip our students to be the hands and feet of Christ through a three year rotation of a state-side trip, a choir-based trip, and a mission camp / international trip. The First Baptist College Ministry seeks to minister to students while they are at college. Whether students are in Huntsville for school or grew up at First Baptist and are away for school, there is a place for them. Those of us who have seen our children grow to adulthood under the staff and lay leadership in our preschool, children, and student ministries are especially thankful for the emphasis that FBC has always placed on growing, developing, and discipling our children. Students involved in these ministries have received life lessons that encourage and enhance their ability to become adults who live out Christian values, attitudes, and actions.
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Young and Median Adult Ministry Our Young and Median Adult Ministry is also known as the 2345 Ministry because it focuses on adults in their twenties through mid-fifties. We know, love, and serve together through Sunday Morning Bible study, Foundations for Life Classes, Marriage Ministry, and various fellowship opportunities. We also offer a weeknight gathering called Forum, geared towards young adults, that seeks to create an extended time for fellowship and learning. In Forum young adults share dinner, followed by in-depth discussion of the Bible and how we relate to it. All people and diverse perspectives are welcome. Our Foundations for Life classes offer Bible study, community, fellowship and support for Christian living. These classes meet Sunday evening, Wednesday evening, or at other times during the week. Classes recently offered include Let’s Talk about Marriage, Financial Peace, Jesse Tree Bible Study and Ornament Making, The Daniel Plan, Beth Moore Bible studies, a study on Islam, and Employment Peace.
Experienced Adult Ministry Our Experienced Adult Ministry is a broad ministry involving Adults 55 and older in Bible study, discipleship, music, missions, and fellowship. We provide individuals opportunities for spiritual growth and Christian service, as well as addressing needs which come with retirement and aging. Our Experienced Adults are also invited to embark on various outings – such as recent trips to the Holy Land, the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam, Lancaster County and the Pennsylvania Dutch country, Christmas at the Billy Graham Library and Cove, and a trout fishing expedition. Our Missions outreach includes our Homebound and Elderly Ministry. On Sunday morning, we offer a conference call which allows the homebound to participate in a special class designed just for them. We also offer classes on Writing Your Life Story, Grandparents with a Purpose, and Driver Safety.
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Other Ministry Areas: Additional ministry areas that serve multiple ages and stages within our church include the following: •
Faith Community Nursing Our parish nurse helps us understand the relationship between faith and health, as she acts as a health educator, personal health counselor, and referral agent / liaison for congregational and community resources.
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GriefShare GriefShare is a weekly seminar and support group for people who are grieving the death of someone close to them.
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Hospital Visitation This is a deacon-led ministry that reaches out to church members and others who are confined to one of Madison County’s four hospitals. Ministers, deacons, and other volunteers visit each day of the week on a rotating monthly schedule.
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One Less Ministry FBC provides opportunities for church members to support orphan care. While some may be called to adopt or become foster parents, others may serve in roles such as offering respite care for adoptive or foster families; tutoring or mentoring an adoptive / foster child; hosting a visiting orphan; or volunteering at a children’s home.
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Special Needs Education Class FBC offers a Sunday morning class designed for adults with intellectual disabilities to provide spiritual nurture and Christian fellowship. Each week, members of the class gather after Bible study to watch the televised broadcast of our Sanctuary worship service. The director and teachers also serve as a source of support and encouragement to the families, and as care givers of class members throughout the week.
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Stephen Ministry This ministry equips lay people to provide confidential, one-on-one Christian care to individuals in our congregation and community who are experiencing crisis or difficulties.
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Vine Pastoral Counseling Center First Baptist Church partners with The Vine, an ecumenical counseling center that promotes emotional healing with the love and grace of Christ for individuals, couples, families and congregations. A Vine counselor uses an office within our church, and we provide financial support to The Vine to assist with their ministry to our members.
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Weekday Early Education Full Day and Half Day Preschool, Full Day Childcare, and Mother’s Morning Out programs provide opportunities for children to grow in all aspects of their development. From social to spiritual growth, from cognitive to physical, we provide appropriate activities and guidance to all participants.
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Our Missions First Baptist Church has always had missions at its heart. In the early 1800’s, FBC was kicked out of our association for being too missionary minded. It’s no surprise, therefore, that FBC is well-known in our community as a church dedicated to missions. •
Our mission involvement has both breadth and depth, as we seek to create service opportunities for members of all ages and abilities.
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Our mission efforts are cooperative: we work with local churches and community agencies, as well as being dually-aligned with both SBC and CBF missionaries on the field.
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Through our First Baptist Foundation and First Baptist Missions Fund, our members may apply for financial support to help them participate.
In fulfillment of Acts 1:8 and the Great Commission, FBC members love to serve in multiple venues that allow them to use their gifts and talents to glorify God and to advance His Kingdom – locally, nationally, and internationally. The sections below provide an overview of some of our ongoing programs.
Our missions theme for 2015 is “A Year of Service.” Members will go outside the walls of our church to discover ways to serve others. One week each quarter will be set aside to focus on different community groups (fast food workers, teachers, garbage collectors, police officers, etc.). We want to show our appreciation for the contributions they make to the well-being of our community.
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Local Missions Christian Women’s Job Corps® (CWJC) The CWJC of Madison County is committed to assisting area women become self-sufficient by equipping them with essential educational, employment, and life skills so that they can make viable contributions to the community. Women chosen to participate in the program attend intensive life and work skill courses that include Bible study and computer classes. The classes vary in length and are free of charge. The curriculum is designed to give students a firm foundation on which to build a successful life and career. Each student is assigned a mentor, and each mentor is committed to a one-on-one relationship to help build the student's self-esteem, selfconfidence, and skills essential to success in life and work. In 2014, CWJC served 179 women in the Huntsville/Madison County area. For more information, go to http://cwjc.net/ English as a Second Language This is a ministry started by our church to minister to internationals in our community, many of whom were wives of foreign military personnel temporarily in the US and assigned to activities on Redstone Arsenal. Our ESL ministry is in its 47th year. This year alone, the program has students from 31 countries learning how to improve their English skills, learning about America, and learning about Christ. In some cases, lifelong friendships have resulted between US teachers and foreign students – relationships which continue after the students return to their countries. Our hope is that the Christian witness begun in ESL spreads through the students to others in their culture – whether in Huntsville or in their countries when they return to their homelands. Huntsville Assistance Program (HAP). Our community, like so many others across this land, has too many hungry people – a need addressed by HAP, a multi-church food and utility support program that is housed on our property. FBC holds congregation-wide food drives every other month, and our children participate in the publicity and sorting of food as a mission project. The current program director is a member of FBC, and we join many other churches in Huntsville in providing financial support for this important ministry. Lakewood School Ministry FBC partners with this Title One school, where all the children receive free or reduced meals. Our members tutor students in math and reading, assist in the computer labs, support the PTA, encourage and support the teachers, help clean and landscape the school, perform office tasks, and provide weekend nutritional food packs. Serving the City In 2008, FBC spearheaded an annual event to bring together the churches of Greater Huntsville and the surrounding communities to demonstrate the love of Christ. In 2014, more than 2000 Christians from 69 area churches completed 225 projects. Those projects impacted between 15,000-18,000 people across the county.
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State and International Missions Perry County For many years, construction teams made up of FBC members have traveled to the poorest county in Alabama to participate in building projects (new roofs, HVAC systems, siding, etc.) for those who could not afford to make such repairs on their homes, as well as renovating a guest house for Judson College. Our participation in the “Sowing Seeds of Hope Program� has had a very positive impact for those served. Successful Business Practices FBC has sent multiple teams to Southeast Asia in the last 10 years to teach business practices and to provide a Christian influence to both men and women business leaders. We also bring participants to the US for a week every other year. As a result of their involvement with this ministry, two FBC members will begin serving for a period of four years as full-time missionaries in SE Asia in 2015. Personal Energy Transportation (PET) A SBC missionary working in Africa developed a handpropelled cart for people who cannot walk. Unlike a wheelchair, which may not be durable enough for unpaved road, the PET cart is sturdy and reliable. Volunteers construct the carts locally; and the carts are shipped throughout the world to be given, without cost, to those in need. FBC became a PET affiliate in 2014. For more information, go to http://petinternational.org/ Dominican Republic FBC been sending medical/evangelical teams to Haiti and the Dominican Republic for more than twenty years. Since 2011, we have focused our efforts on Haitians living in the DR (seven trips thus far, with three additional trips planned for 2015). We work with SBC missionaries and with the Director of the Ethnic Ministry of the Dominican Baptist Association. In addition, we raise funds to buy land so new church plants can construct a building. In 2012, our students also traveled to the DR to work with a CBF missionary. They helped build a church on this first trip, and they plan to return in 2015 to build a school.
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Staff Profiles Jud Reasons – Executive Pastor Jud joined First Baptist Church in 2006 from First Baptist Church, Knoxville, Tennessee where he served as Associate Pastor. Prior to that time, he served at First Baptist Church, Augusta, Georgia as Minister to Students. He received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Mississippi College, Clinton, Mississippi. He went on to receive his Master of Divinity degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. Jud is passionate about working with staff and members to discover and employ their gifts, and developing a coordinated and strategic ministry at First Baptist Church.
Billy Orton – Minister of Music and Worship Billy has served as Minister of Music and Worship at Huntsville’s First Baptist Church since 1998. He administers a growing program of music ministries that now encompasses choirs, instrumental groups, bands, ensembles, masterclasses, and an artist series. In addition to his role as a worship leader, he also conducts three choirs (student, adult and senior adult) and the orchestra of the church. A native of Greenville, Ky., Billy graduated with highest honors from Western Kentucky University (Bachelor in Music Education, recipient of The Ogden Award) and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (Master of Church Music), where he was vice-president of the graduating class. Prior to answering the call to First Baptist Huntsville, he served for ten years as Minister of Music at Columbia Baptist Church in Falls Church, VA, and earlier in churches in Bowling Green, Ky. and Winston-Salem, NC. Billy believes that responding to God’s grace and love is the essence of worship and of life itself. That response finds such fulfilling expression in the development and use of talents in the name of Christ and His Church, giving our very best to the Master.
Sherry Upshaw – Associate Minister of Music and Organist Sherry joined FBC in 2012 from First Baptist Church, Shreveport, Louisiana where she served for 30 years as the Organist/Music Associate. Prior to that time, she served at First Baptist Church, Amarillo, Texas as Organist/Music Assistant. She received her Bachelor of Music Education from Oklahoma Baptist University, Shawnee, Oklahoma graduating Cum Laude. She went on to receive her Master of Church Music degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. The most important part of Sherry’s ministry is a relationship with God and with others; her goal is to inspire others to worship God through music.
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Jeremy Wilkerson – Minister of Contemporary Worship Jeremy earned his Bachelor of Art in Church Ministry degree with a minor in Biblical Studies from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in New Orleans, Louisiana in 2009. He joined the staff of First Baptist Huntsville in 2010. In the ten years prior to joining FBC, Jeremy performed with a variety of bands in numerous venues – all while singing, teaching, and preaching God's Word. Jeremy's passion is for people to connect with and experience an Almighty God in real, fresh, and amazing ways every day of their lives.
Mike Pearce – Minister of Missions Mike received his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Ouachita Baptist University and his Master’s degree in Religious Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. Before coming to First Baptist Huntsville in the fall of 1987, Mike served churches in Arkansas, Texas, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Mississippi as either Minister of Youth or Education. For 17 years, he served as FBC’s Minister of Recreation. In 2003, he began his present position in missions. Mike’s primary objective is to be a catalyst for creating new and various serving opportunities for the members of First Baptist Church, as well as members of other local churches.
Joy Moore – Minister to Preschool Joy and her family have been members of FBC since 1971. Joy was called as FBC's Minister of Preschool in 2002. Prior to this, Joy served as the Director of the Weekday Early Education Ministry of FBC. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in early childhood education from Samford University. Joy wants preschoolers to love to come to church and for them to develop a love for and knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Leigh Halverson – Minister to Children Leigh graduated in 2008 from McAfee School of Theology in Atlanta, Georgia. Leigh joined the staff of FBC Huntsville in 2014. Prior to serving at FBC Huntsville, Leigh was Associate Pastor of Children and Families at First Baptist Church, Jefferson City, Missouri. Leigh is excited to partner with the First Baptist Church congregation in establishing a strong foundation of faith in the lives of children.
Jamie Mackey – Minister to Students Jamie is from Centre, Alabama, where he grew up and lived through high school. He earned degrees from Jacksonville State University and McAfee School of Theology, Mercer University. Jamie came to FBC as the Minister to Students in 2007. Prior to this move, he served in ministry positions at First Baptist Church in Fort Payne, Alabama, Northwoods Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia and the Baptist Campus Ministry in New London, Connecticut. Jamie considers being part of a student’s life a privilege, and he loves that his calling is to minister to and journey with adolescents and their families through these formative years.
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Megan Turner – Ministry Resident to Students After graduating from Carson Newman University with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with a minor in Education, Megan discovered a call to ministry. She interned at her home church, First Baptist Church of Knoxville, with children and students. After finishing her internship, she began studying at McAfee School of Theology in Atlanta, Georgia. She graduated in 2014 with her Masters of Divinity in Christian education and congregational ministry. She is guided by a passion for building relationships as she ministers to our students. Her residency is scheduled to end in 2015.
Larry McCutcheon – Ministry Resident to Young and Median Adults Larry is a 2014 graduate of McAfee School of Theology, and came to FBC in 2014 from First Baptist Church of Tucker, Georgia, where he served as the Youth and Young Adults minister. He is also a graduate of Samford University where he majored in Classics. Larry sees his calling as an encourager of spiritual formation, an ear to listen, and as one who helps create space for community among young and median adults. Larry joined our staff in late 2014 after our Minister to Young and Median Adults announced her retirement. His two year residency is scheduled to end in 2016.
Mark Seanor – Minister to Experienced Adults Mark came to FBC as Minister to Students in 1992, serving in that capacity until 2001 when he became the Experienced Adult Minister. Involved in Student Ministry for almost 30 years, he served as Minister to Students at First Baptist Church in Roswell, Georgia; FBC in West Monroe, Louisiana; and FBC in McComb, Mississippi. His goal is to develop a comprehensive ministry to Adults 55 and older that includes Bible study, discipleship, missions, and recreation. He aims for a ministry to the whole person – one which is Bible-based, person-centered, and life-focused.
Debbie Bell – Church Business Administrator Debbie is a native of Huntsville, a rare attribute in a thriving cosmopolitan community like Huntsville. While employed as vice president of a local property management firm, Debbie joined First Baptist Church in 1980, becoming an active member of the congregation. While serving on the Finance Committee of the church in 1991, she was hired to fill a newly created position: Business Administrator. Debbie returned to the University of Alabama in Huntsville to pursue a degree in Business Management, which she earned in 2012, graduating summa cum laude. Debbie is grateful for her call to move from management in the secular work place to ministry in a church where she can serve both her Lord and His people.
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Support Staff Ministerial Support Staff Ministry Assistant- Pastor/Executive Pastor Ministry Assistant- Experienced Adults Ministry Assistant- Young & Median Adults Ministry Assistant- Publications & Missions Ministry Assistant- Childhood Ministries Ministry Assistant- Music & Worship Ministry Assistant- Music & Worship
Lisa Wilson Lisa Wilson Susan Williams (part time) Bailey Long Bailey Long Cindy Thompson Lea Anne Hardy Amy Helser
Program Support Staff Accounting Assistant/SafeKeeping & Policies Processor Children's Choir Coordinator Children's Missions Coordinator Church Accountant Church Receptionists Computer Network Administrator Facilities Manager Food Services Director Interim Media Director Nursery Coordinator Weekday Early Education Director
Reta Tumlin Emily Parker (part time) Hope Mackey (part time) Alison Hoskins Kay Bugg (part time) Kristin Wilkerson (part time) Kristin Wilkerson (part time) Scott Goosby Pam LaPier Jeremy Wilkerson Angela Seanor (part time) Kathy Ingram 
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Lay Leadership Lay leadership plays an important role in all aspects of worship and ministry at FBC. The ministries discussed in the “Our Ministries and Discipleship” section have Ministerial Staff leadership; but success in these ministries is dependent on extensive involvement of lay leadership. The FBC Program Operating Manual provides an extensive overview of committees, ministry teams, and other positions involving lay leadership. This manual is available at www.fbchsv.org/committee. Some activities and information involving lay leadership that may be of particular interest to a prospective pastor are as follows: Deacons. The deacon membership is comprised of 36 men and women who serve for a three year term. Deacons are elected by church members (12 rotate off and on active service each year). Our deacons view their primary mission as being co-ministers in our church; they are not an administrative body to “control the pastor” or “run the church.” Deacons normally meet once a month to report on ministry activities, and to hear a report by the pastor. The pastor may use this forum as a sounding board to get deacon feedback on topics that he chooses or to solicit feedback from these co-ministers on issues they may encounter in their interaction with the church membership. The deacon ministry was restructured many years ago to focus on several specific ministry teams: Hospital Visitation; Homebound Visitation; Bereavement; Prayer; and New Member Orientation. Each deacon is involved with one or more of these ministry teams. These teams are deacon-led, and involve other church members as well. In addition, three deacons each year direct a confidential benevolence fund to assist church members who may have short term financial needs. Leadership Council. The Leadership Council is chaired by the Pastor, and is largely composed of lay leadership. The membership consists of the Chairs of the Personnel Committee, Finance Committee, Trustees, Missions Committee and Deacons. The Church Treasurer, WMU Director, and Sunday School Director are also members of the Leadership Council. Ex-officio members on this committee also include the Minister of Music and Worship, the Business Administrator and the Executive Pastor. The Leadership Council is the primary group that develops, evaluates, and brings important or potentially controversial new issues to the church that are not the specific responsibility of an existing committee. If the Pastor has a major new initiative, he may choose to bring it to the Leadership Council for their thoughts before bringing it to the deacons or the church. The budget process also flows through the Leadership Council. After the Finance Committee develops the church budget (in conjunction with staff inputs and appropriate committee inputs), it is brought before the Leadership Council for their input and approval. The budget is then presented to church members for a vote. The committee meets monthly to coordinate and discuss selected topics related to ongoing programs and activities of the church.
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Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee consists of nine people who are selected by the deacons and presented to the church for approval. They serve for three years with three rotating off and on the committee each year. They represent a balance of men and women, as well as younger and older people in an effort to try to tap leadership that represents the diversity of FBC membership. The Nominating Committee functions in a manner that is likely consistent with most churches. They enlist church members for various committees, ministry team leaders, trustees, and other leadership positions. These individuals are then presented to the church for final approval. Personnel Committee. The Personnel Committee consists of 12 people who have the responsibility of supporting, administering, and caring for the church staff. Four members rotate off and on each year. They evaluate and select the ministerial staff except for the pastor, who is selected by a Pastor Selection Committee and approved by the church. They also determine salary and benefits for all staff members. The pastor and executive pastor participate in the regular meetings of the Personnel Committee. Sunday School and Weekday Bible Study. No discussion of lay leadership would be adequate without mentioning Sunday School and other Bible study ministries. One of the strengths of FBC has historically been the breadth and depth of Bible study. Group Bible study primarily occurs on Sunday morning; but there are also lay-led Bible studies on Sunday evenings and during the week. The excellence in Bible study applies to preschool, children, youth, adults, and senior adults. The following lists some important aspects of FBC Bible studies: •
There is no defined curriculum. Teachers are free to select Bible study resources and topics. Some classes use SBC literature, others use CBF resources, and others use material from a variety of sources.
•
Sunday School classes are largely age-based, but adults are not limited in their choices based on age. People are free to choose the class that best meets their need. FBC has co-ed classes, as well as male and female only classes. There are no gender restrictions on who may teach these classes.
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A great diversity of opinion and freedom of expression exists within our youth and adult classes. This leads to good discussions, respect for differing viewpoints, and an appreciation that we can grow from the thoughts of others while maintaining unity in diversity.
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External Connections First Baptist Church maintains formal associations with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF), Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), the Alabama Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, the Alabama Baptist Convention, and the Madison Baptist Association. Our church, having been a part of the SBC since its beginning in the 1840's, became “dually-aligned” in 1991 when we voted to also support CBF mission activities. Through the years, members in FBC have served in high level capacities in both SBC and CBF. In addition to the traditional denominational channels, FBC has established external connections that are supported through the First Baptist Church Huntsville Missions (FBC Missions) fund. Established in 2006, it has led to a dramatic increase in FBC’s local, hands-on mission work. Baptist causes supported include the Madison County Baptist Association, Christian Women’s Job Corps, Dominican Republic Missions, and additional funding for Student Mission Trips. Our community and interdenominational connections include the Huntsville Assistance Program (HAP), Serving the City, PET Ministry, English as a Second Language, and our partnership with Lakewood Elementary. During the week, we host many outside groups and events – from a Fellowship of Christian Athletes Prayer breakfast with 700 attendees, to community music and choral rehearsals, to the community kickoff of the City of Huntsville Comprehensive Master Planning Process. We have strong ties to the community, and our doors are always open during special times of need. Our Weekday Early Education Program also connects our church to our community through loving Christian care to babies and preschoolers.
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Financial Overview Our approach to congregational giving reflects the diversity of our connections to Baptist life. We support the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, FBC Huntsville Missions, and the Southern Baptist Convention. Overall, 12% of our receipts are designated for missions: 2% of this amount is distributed to FBC Huntsville Missions, with the remaining 10% distributed among CBF, SBC and FBC Missions as designated on individual offering envelopes. Offerings that are undesignated are divided according to the preferences of those who check a box. For Fiscal Year 2014, the actual percentages designated were 43% CBF, 34% FBC Missions, and 23% SBC. Our FBC Foundation provides a means for members of FBC and others to continue their Christian witness beyond their lives here on earth. The principal amounts of all assets contributed to the Foundation are held in perpetuity with only the earnings from these assets being available for distribution in accordance with the Bylaws. The foundation funds consist of a Mission Fund, a Transportation Fund, a Capital Improvements and Facilities Maintenance Fund, and a Scholarship Fund. As of December 2013, the FBC Foundation held approximately $486,000 in assets. In 2014, our church gave 99% of our $4.1 million budget. This faithful financial support, coupled with careful management of spending, allowed us to end the year with excess funds. December 2014 also marked the conclusion of our Faith Steps to the Future giving period which funded the construction of our Life Center, Gathering Place, Student Center, and Administrative offices. Our goal was to have no more than $3.5M of debt at the close of the giving period; and that goal was achieved based on the faithful giving of our congregation. The remaining debt is serviced through our church budget. During the Faith Steps to the Future giving period, not only were we able to meet our capital campaign pledges, but we also maintained a level church budget, further demonstrating the faithfulness of our congregation.
Student Center
Rear view of Church 
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Facilities Our campus is centrally located next to the largest medical center in North Alabama, and is in an area that is currently undergoing significant revitalization. The facilities of FBC have undergone several renovations and additions since the original 103,000 square foot educational building was completed in 1963. We currently have 220,712 square feet of contiguous space located on 12 acres, and two additional buildings leased out for mission/education purposes. Generous on-campus parking of 650 spaces is supplemented with close-by overflow parking that has been arranged with neighboring facilities. Our building is known throughout the area for its unique architectural features. A 229 foot carillon bell tower, a large mosaic of Jesus, the seven 65 foot arches, and the enormous stained glass windows imprint an instant “memory factor” to people traveling in one of the 35,000 vehicles which pass by 600 Governors Drive each day. The professionally maintained landscape recently won Huntsville's “Beautification Award.” The interior provides seating spaces of 200 in the Chapel, 400 in the Fellowship Hall, 800 in the Life Center, and 1470 in the Sanctuary. We are able to “simulcast” audio and video from the larger spaces to the smaller spaces to accommodate overflow events. Renovations completed in 2012, totaling $9.4M, added an open Gathering Space for 200, a Student Center designed to accommodate 250, and a new Administrative Suite for the staff. Those renovations also converted the gym into a multi-purpose Life Center used for contemporary worship, recreation, banquets, and conferences. Our facilities provide the flexibility to host contemporary and traditional worship services, banquets, concerts, conferences, small group gatherings, ceremonies, and receptions of any size. They are an important asset in our community, and are heavily used to support our ministry and mission. Virtual tour: http://www.fbchsv.org/virtualtour
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Where We Are Huntsville Profile The Huntsville/Madison County community has long been regarded as one of the leading technology centers in the south – building its reputation as home to Dr. Wernher von Braun and the start of America’s space program. Huntsville has grown to be home to one of the largest research parks in the world, and is recognized by Forbes as the 6th Best City in the Country for Business. Huntsville companies include many of the most recognized names of the Fortune 500 as well as the highest concentration of Inc. 500 companies anywhere in the U.S. Though smaller than many major metropolitan areas, the community’s low-cost advantages and attractive lifestyle have garnered recognition from major publications as one of the country’s best values for quality of life. Huntsville borders Redstone Arsenal, and the City of Huntsville’s relationship with Redstone Arsenal spans over six decades. During that time, the scope of activities on the arsenal have significantly increased. Redstone has never been a traditional military base with large numbers of soldiers. Instead, it is home to many major US Government activities including NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and several major US Army commands. Redstone’s abundant land and facilities are seen as a tremendous asset by the DoD, as evidenced by the most recent relocation of the US Army Materiel Command and Missile Defense Agency to Redstone as part of BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure Act). These organizations employ thousands of employees in the Huntsville area. These employees include government civilians, as well as some military personnel (major commanders and project management personnel). Alongside the government employees are thousands of contractor personnel; and Huntsville is home to most of the large government contractors such as Boeing, Lockheed-Martin, Northrup-Grumman, SAIC, and Raytheon.
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While the Huntsville area has a large defense and aerospace sector, it also has a diverse and broadbased market of other industrial sectors. Local company activities range from biotechnology research to manufacturing of all types. This is because the region also holds a valuable and unique resource: a concentration of a highly trained and educated workforce. Educational and research facilities, and governmental labs fuel innovation and creativity, as well as providing experience for this workforce – who number over 10,000 in fields of computer science, mathematics, engineering, science, and physics. Major educational institutions include the University of Alabama in Huntsville; Oakwood University; and Alabama A&M University, as well as several other technical schools and two year colleges. The City of Huntsville provides an exceptionally high quality of life in terms of affordable housing, low cost of living, and the area’s many cultural and recreational activities – some of which are listed below: •
Cultural and educational attractions for both children and adults are located in the Huntsville community. The U.S. Space & Rocket Center is the country’s largest collection of spacerelated exhibits and is home to Space Camp, a popular destination drawing thousands of families from throughout the country. The nation’s largest butterfly house is located at the Huntsville Botanical Garden, and the Huntsville Museum of Art annually hosts some of the country’s premier touring exhibitions. Several hands-on science and children’s museums provide family fun; and Huntsville offers several walking tours of historic antebellum districts which preserve our city’s early history.
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Theater and music lovers can enjoy a full Broadway season including ballet productions, the best touring shows and entertainers from New York, and performances by classical and jazz musicians. The Huntsville Symphony, a full professional symphony, is one of the South’s oldest and proudest musical groups. Headline musical performers – from rock to country and everything in between – draw thousands of fans to the city’s Von Braun Center arena.
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Sports enthusiasts can enjoy regional college and professional sports teams: AA baseball, professional ice hockey, indoor arena football, and university athletics. Huntsville is within driving distance of major league sporting events in Nashville and Atlanta. Team sports for children and adults are plentiful, including soccer, tennis, ice hockey, and a host of other activities.
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Nature lovers can enjoy the natural beauty of the Tennessee Valley’s mountains, rivers, and lakes. Residents do not have to travel far to go fishing, hunting, swimming, boating, or even scuba diving. Area parks, greenways, and nature preserves also provide an abundance of opportunities for citizens to enjoy the great outdoors: they can hike, rock climb, cycle, or enjoy an extended golf season due to mild winter weather.
Media Accolades The Huntsville-Madison County area has been recognized by various leading publications and surveys as the premier place to rear a family, establish and grow a business, and to work. A sample of Huntsville’s recent headlines follow: • Huntsville is one of the nation’s Top Ten Leading Creative Class Metros – The Atlantic Cities, July2012 • Huntsville Ranked 4th Most Optimistic City in America – Gallup, March 2012 • Huntsville named one of the Top 10 Best Performing Cities in the Country – Milken Institute, December 2011 • Huntsville named one of the Leading Places to Retire – CNN/Money, September 2011 • Huntsville ranks as the nation’s 3rd largest aerospace and defense manufacturing hubs – Business Facilities, August 2011 • Huntsville named one of Forbes Top 20 Leading Metros for Business – Forbes, July 2011 • Huntsville named one of the Top 5 Small Cities of the Future in North & South America – fDI Magazine, April 2011 • Huntsville’s Concentration of High Tech Workers is 2nd in the nation only to San Jose’s Silicon Valley – TechAmerica Foundation, December 2010 • Huntsville recognized as one of the country’s leading Hotbeds for High-Tech Growth – Area Development, December 2010 • Huntsville named one of the country’s Top 10 Most Attractive Metros for Business – Area Development, September 2010 • Huntsville named one of the nation’s Top 10 Best Places to Retire – CNN Money, September 2010 • The City of Huntsville receives Standard and Poor’s highest possible “AAA” bond rating for strength of the local economy – Standard and Poor’s, January 2009 and August 2010 • Huntsville named one of the country’s Top 10 Cities for Raising Families – Kiplinger’s, August 2010
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With a healthy and growing economy, the Huntsville area housing market has kept a steady pace of new homes and developments for many years. Due to a low cost of living, housing prices in the Huntsville market are 22% below the national average. Additional information about the Huntsville area can be found at the following link: http://www.tennessee-valley.org/communities/huntsville/comm_profile.html
Huntsville/Madison County Demographic Summary Source: U.S Census Bureau, 2014 Madison County POPULATION 2010 Census 2013 Census % Growth 2000-2011 RACE White Black Asian & Pacific Islander Other Races INCOME & AGE Average Household Income Median Household Income Per Capita Income Median Age HOUSEHOLDS WITH CHILDREN Married Couple Family Lone Parent Male Lone Parent Female
City of Huntsville
City of Madison
Huntsville Metro Area
334,811 346,892 3.6%
180,105 186,254 3.4%
42,938 45,799 6.7%
417,593 435,737 4.3%
69.1% 24.0% 2.4% 4.5%
62.5% 31.1% 2.2% 4.2%
76.1% 13.7% 6.2% 4.0%
71.7% 21.9% 2.3% 4.1%
$77,819 $58,242 $31,367 37.1
$70,546 $48,632 $30,299 36.8
$110,359 $92,136 $41,490 36.4
$75,389 $55,614 $30,072 37.3
27,508 2,671 9,770
11,429 1,460 6,322
5,048 286 1,024
34,766 3,339 11,714
Where we live Our congregation has approximately 2000 active members, and has maintained this level of membership for the last 10 years. Approximately 70% of these active members reside in Huntsville, 10% reside in Madison, and the remainder in other areas of Madison, Morgan, Marshall and Limestone County. 
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Additional Information Budget and Giving History As referenced in our Financial Overview, our congregation has been faithful in financial support to our budget and our Faith Steps to the Future capital campaign. The graph below presents a comparison of our giving to budget, including Faith Steps to the Future giving.  
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Attendance and Membership Our Sunday morning worship attendance across both services is approximately 1000 since the inception of First Fellowship in 2007. Attendance in First Fellowship averages 400, with attendance occasionally reaching 500 throughout the year. Attendance in Sanctuary worship averages 600, with attendance occasionally nearing 700 throughout the year. With the addition of our Life Center in Fall 2012, we have seen steady growth in First Fellowship attendance.
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