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We have heard Jesus say, “Come to me all you who are weak and burdened, struggling with life’s demands, and I will give you rest.” Jesus transforms us from ‘strugglers’ on life’s journey to ‘difference makers’ for God’s glory as we follow him into Community, Compassion, and Service!

Community + Compassion + Service

Community

Jesus calls us to live life together – that’s what community means, ‘with unity.’ Small Group Bible Studies connect us so that we are not trying to live life on our own! Worship is our signature way of uniting our hearts and lives in obedience to God as we commit ourselves to his Kingdom work.

Compassion

Jesus calls us to love our neighbors. Paul underlined this teaching for the early church saying, ‘The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.’ Our hearts break when our neighbors hurt and grieve or struggle with sin. We look to share God’s love with them by missional living ‘here’ and ‘there.’

Service

Even as Jesus came not to be served but to serve, so each First Baptist Church member finds a place to give themselves in service to the Lord and our neighbors. Visit our Ministries page to learn more.

Missions

Local Missions

Local Missions include cooperation with the Greater Cleveland County Baptist Association (GCCBA) in the Feed the Hungry Body and Soul Soup Kitchen Fridays, Baptist Counseling Center Tuesdays/Thursdays, etc.  We also partner with the Men’s and Women’s shelters of the Cleveland County Rescue Mission and the Abuse Prevention Council among others!

International Missions

International and North American Missions include cooperative giving and going with the North Carolina State Baptist Convention, the Southern Baptist Convention, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina, and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship.

International mission trips since 2001 to Mexico, Germany, Trinidad, Canada, Nicaragua, Cuba, Belize, Malawi, Macedonia, and Brazil.

Our Ministers

Dr. Jim Wooten - Interim Lead Pastor

Dr. Jim Wooten is an author, Senior Pastor, and a husband of 49 years to his wife, Becky. Dr. Wooten has pastored several churches over the last 44 years and has received certification for Intentional Interim Ministry through the Center for Congregational Health and training through the Center for Healthy Churches. He is excited about the possibilities of working with FBC Shelby during this pivotal time of transition and having the opportunity to make new friendships!

Justin Yates - Worship Arts Pastor

Justin Yates began serving as our Worship Arts Pastor on February 14, 2022. He and his wife Megan have moved into Shelby and are expecting great days ahead. Justin served as Director of Weekend Experience at Horizon West Church in Orlando, Florida — a church they helped to plant!

Eric Johnson - Worship Arts Director

Dr. Johnson has been serving with us since mid-2021. He serves as Assistant Professor and Coordinator of Music Education at Gardner-Webb University. Prior to pursuing the Ph.D. in Music Education from the University of Mississippi, he was choral director at James E. Holmes Middle School in Eden, NC. We have been blessed by his leadership with our Sanctuary Choir and in worship.

Staff Contacts - 704-482-3467

Freida Wiggins, Operations Manager
Donna Dryden, Financial Coordinator
Penny Corn, Weekday Ministries Director
Clara Spangler, Mother’s Morning Out Coordinator