Page 95 - South Mississippi Living - December, 2016

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH GULFPORT
changes to meet the times
photos by James Edward Bates
The First Baptist Church Gulfport has been serving area residents for 120 years. After Hurricane Katrina destroyed its downtown facilities, the congregation
— like many other groups — faced some difficult days.
“First Baptist Church Gulfport has always made reaching people on the Coast with the message of Jesus Christ
the top priority. While Katrina brought changes and challenges, the mission has remained the same. Nothing
is impossible with God”, says Pastor Jimmy Stewart. Members agree, “The main guiding principles that kept
us together and pulled us through were that God was still in control and would give us direction, working as a team, and reminding ourselves constantly that this was
a marathon and not a sprint, we had to take one step at a time.”
Moving away from its traditional location near the water, the church rebuilt on Highway 605 with the primary reason of increasing the reach of the congregation. “Our current location has reduced the drive time to our facilities for a larger number of coastal residents,” Stewart said. “We now have members and regular attenders who are driving from all three coastal counties and Stone County. The current location also has ample acreage for growth.”
The experience has brought the members closer as they’ve worked together and trusted God, keeping the church mission as their focus while their eyes were on Jesus.
“Our mission is Amplifying Hope Across the Coast
by Connecting People to Life in Jesus. Every member reaching out to neighbors, friends and co-workers is the most effective strategy,” Stewart said. “Our members consistently reach out to others, especially people in need. Recently more than ten people helped a home owner in Pass Christian with a needed fence project. To whom much is given, much is required and those who have freely received, must freely give.”
The church has numerous outreach ministries including Upward Sports. Upward promotes the discovery of Jesus through sports. Last year approximately 500 children
were involved in Flag Football, Cheerleading, Basketball and Soccer Leagues. Over one hundred volunteers served in various roles to make the leagues a success. The 2017 Upward Basketball Season for kids K4 through 8th is currently open for registration. Go to the Upward Link on the Children’s Ministry page at fbcgulfport.org for more information.
Changing times often call for changing ministries. “Evaluation of ministry effectiveness is essential. Upward Sports is an example of a new ministry meeting a new opportunity,” Stewart said. “Also, there are increasing opportunities to meet the needs of the homeless. Camping for Hope was started by member James Edward Bates who has been ministering to people in the homeless community and raising awareness for years. FBCG is an active partner with Camping for Hope.”
As the congregation looks to the future, they stay focused on Jesus’ teaching that it is more blessed to give than to receive. “Growth of any church is based on the effectiveness of members in reaching out to others. Any church that is simply content with the status quo will not grow,” the pastor said. “Ministering to people in
the community is effectively following the example and command of Jesus. The future growth of any church is dependent on the Lord’s will and His blessing but it will not surpass its reach.”
The church has more than 2000 members, having added 840 since moving to the current location in August 2008. Almost 300 have been baptized in that same time.
As for church staff, Stewart said, “We have a strong and committed team and are looking to fill key positions. Our main focus, however, is not growing a staff but making disciples who are equipped, empowered and deployed Amplifying Hope Across the Coast.”
First Baptist Church
12190 Highway 605, Gulfport 39503 | 228.831.3400 | www.fbcgulfort.org
Worship times for the holidays include:
Christmas Eve - 5:00 p.m. | Christmas Day - 10:30 a.m. | New Years Day - 10:30 a.m. February 12 - Children of the World Choir | Regular Worship - 9 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.
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