I heard so many wonderful things about the Ecumenical Concert! It was a beautiful event, and so much thought, time, and talent went into preparing and presenting it. Thank you to everyone who participated and attended.

Trunk or Treat and the Chili Cook-Off were wonderful as well! I look forward to the day when we fill an entire row with cars ready to welcome our children with love, laughter, and plenty of candy. Events like these remind our children that they are valuable members of our church family. And, of course, they remind all of us that you're never too old to enjoy a little candy.

Our trip was very meaningful, and I am grateful for your prayers. Returning to FBCOKC after several years away was a fascinating experience. The sanctuary looked the same, as did the gathering space outside it. But much of the building has been transformed through a partnership with a private school, The Academy.

While I was serving there, we faced a challenge that may sound familiar: aging buildings and tightening finances. Thanks to Brian's work as Global Pastor, we hosted seven congregations in our facility. Their contributions, along with income from weddings and other events, helped sustain us. Even so, the future costs of roofs, air conditioners, aging brick, and countless maintenance needs never felt far away.

About a decade earlier, the church had wrestled with whether to sell its downtown property and relocate to the suburbs. It was an emotional conversation. After much prayer and discernment, the congregation felt called to remain downtown. Around the same time, Oklahoma City itself began to experience remarkable growth and renewal. As the city changed around us, we kept asking an important question: What is God calling us to become?

One day, I received a call from a stranger. He introduced himself as a developer, and I'll admit I was a little skeptical. But he was calling as a parent of a student at The Academy. The school was growing and needed space for a high school campus in Midtown OKC. Would we be willing to talk?

That conversation led to a three-year contract, building improvements, and much-needed income. Over time, the relationship continued to grow. Eventually, the church and school signed a 50-year lease.

As I toured the facility last week, I was amazed. Large portions of the older building have been renewed and modernized. Some areas looked so different that I could barely remember what had been there before. The building was filled with life. Students filled the hallways during the week. The church remained rooted in downtown Oklahoma City, continuing its ministry in a space that was no longer slowly deteriorating around it.

That story is not a blueprint for every church. It happened to be the right path for FBCOKC. Renewal came through many factors, including some well-timed insurance work that renovated the sanctuary and replaced the tile roof. (Oklahoma weather occasionally has its benefits.) But I often think about that church when I talk about discernment. They prayed. They listened. They experimented. Some ideas worked, and some did not. Yet over time, God brought together opportunities that few people could have imagined at the beginning.



That is why I continue to invite us into prayer and dreaming. I have no idea what God may have in store for our church, and honestly, that's part of what makes this season exciting. The future may hold possibilities just as unexpected as what happened at FBCOKC.

Grace and peace,

Pastor Kristin

The Pastors' Blog

Jonathan Ray writes about the important of music to our worship and how each of us is invited to participate.

Read more →

Brittany and Bryce's Halloween Bash - October 31 

October 31 at 5:30 pm

Are you and your kids looking for somewhere to trick-or-treat this year? Children, Youth, and their adults are invited to Brittany and Bryce's for a not-so-spooky Halloween gathering.

We will eat together and then walk the neighborhood! We will begin eating at 5:30. We are preparing an apple board and ham/turkey sliders. We invite you to bring something to share with the group. Once all are ready, we will begin trick-or-treating our neighborhood. For those who would rather hang back at the house, we will have a firepit outside (weather permitting).

Please note, we have 2 cats, they will be away for the event but we want to let you know about allergies. 

If you haven't already, please RSVP to Pastor Brittany email or text, and she will make sure you have their address this week.

Faith Formation Sessions

Sundays at 10:15 am

Adults

Faith After Certainty: The Courage to Believe Differently

The Fellowship Hall - October 18-November 22

For many of us, faith once came with clear answers. Somewhere along the way, questions arrived, and the old certainties stopped fitting. This six-week class is a growth space for anyone navigating that shift. Together we'll explore what progressive theology is and what it means to be both Baptist and progressive.

We'll reflect on who God is to us now, name and grieve what we've left behind while honoring what we still carry, and look honestly at fear, including what "fear of the Lord" might really mean, without rushing past hard feelings. We'll also talk about why this work is messy and how to do it in community, and close by practicing spiritual discernment and faith-based visioning for the road ahead. You don't need to have it all figured out. You just need to be willing to wonder together.

This faith formation session will be facilitated by Shelby Pride and Pastor Kristin. 

The Discussion Class: The Heart of Christianity

The Parlor - August 23–November 1

The Discussion Class is currently reading Marcus J. Borg’s The Heart of Christianity: Rediscovering a Life of Faith. Together, we’re exploring the contrasts between the vision of Christianity many of us grew up with and perspectives that have emerged within mainline and progressive Christianity. Along the way, we’re considering questions of faith and deconstruction, the changing landscape of the church, and the influence of Christian Nationalism. Through thoughtful conversation and reflection, we’ll have the opportunity to deepen our own faith and understanding.

Following this study, the discussion class will begin Gratitude by Diana Butler Bass

Youth

Our 6th-12th graders are gathering in the 3^rd floor Youth Ministry Suite for a 6-week series on “Being the Church.”

Join us in answering the question of what it means to be the church. And, how we can join together and serve others. 

Children

A new season of learning is beginning at First Kids! During our second six-week session, children will have opportunities to learn, wonder, create, and grow together as they discover more about God and God’s good world.

Wee Wonder | 2s and 3s

In the Nursery | We Thank God

Our youngest friends will explore gratitude through songs, action rhymes, Bible stories, and play. Each week, they’ll discover ways to thank God and celebrate the goodness all around them.

Preschool–Kindergarten

3rd Floor Rainbow Room | God’s Welcome

Our preschool and kindergarten friends will explore what it means to be welcomed by God and to welcome others through the story of the Prodigal Child, play, and hands-on activities. They’ll discover that God’s love makes room for everyone and that they have an important place in our community.

Elementary | 1st–5th Grade

3rd Floor Kids’ Ministry Suite | Family of Abraham and Sarah

Our elementary friends will explore the stories of Abraham and Sarah’s family, including Isaac and Rebekah, and Jacob and Esau. Through stories of conflict, joy, sorrow, and reconciliation, they’ll discover that God is present in our messy family stories and goes with us wherever our journeys may take us.

Pause for Prayer

Tuesdays at 12:30 pm

In the midst of busy schedules, constant responsibilities, and the many demands of daily life, we all need moments to pause and reconnect with God's presence.

On Tuesdays at 12:30 pm, we invite you to join us each week, either in person or online, for Pause for Prayer. Together, we will bring our joys, concerns, hopes, and burdens before God while also practicing rhythms of prayer that can sustain us throughout the week.

Whether prayer is a familiar comfort or something you are still exploring, all are welcome. Each gathering will offer space to slow down, listen for God's voice, and be reminded that we are held in God's love and connected to one another.

Our hope is that this weekly time of prayer will become a source of encouragement, helping us experience God's presence, hope, peace, and healing amid the rhythms of everyday life.

Zoom ID: 584 859 3678

Passcode: fbc

Find Joy in Serving

Serving isn't just about filling positions. It's about helping people discover meaningful ways to live out their gifts, passions, and faith.

The Nominating Committee's work is connecting people with opportunities that make a difference, both for those who serve and for the life of our church. Many of you have already said "yes" to serving, and we are grateful. But there are still opportunities waiting for the right people.

Right now, our greatest needs are in the following ministries:

Hospitality Action Group

Coordinates the Welcome Table and helps provide food and refreshments at church events.

Serving Team

Connects our congregation with local and global partners serving their communities.

Racial Justice and Inclusion Team

Guides our ongoing work in inclusion, racial healing, accessibility, and justice.

There are also opportunities to serve as a Sunday morning greeter, a Welcome Table host, or a Faith Formation leader. Whether you enjoy offering hospitality, building relationships, teaching, or serving behind the scenes, there is a place for you.

The strength of our community is built through faith put into action. Your gifts can help create a welcoming, caring, and vibrant church for all.

Interested in learning more? Contact Christine Chang. We'd love to help you find where your passion and our mission meet.

"Service that brings joy" begins when each of us discovers how God is calling us to serve.

New Members Lunch

November 15

If you or someone you know wants to learn more about First Baptist Church Columbia — or how you might get involved — we’d love to see you at lunch on November 15 in the second-floor Parlor. We’ll share a bit about our ministries, what we’re up to, and have a space for you to share a little bit about yourself. 

RSVP by contacting Pastor Hayden.

We Want to Pray for You

At First Baptist, we believe community is stronger when we support one another in prayer. If there’s something on your mind, a concern, a hope, or a celebration, our pastors would be honored to hold it in prayer with you.

Your prayer requests are kept private with our pastoral team. Share your request anytime through our Prayer Request page, and know that you are held in prayer. Because we are better together, your joys and burdens matter to us.