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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

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.

Artur Hofer Interim Minister of Youth

Artur began his service with us on October 25, 2021. He served as Summer Youth Intern with us in 2019 and is a second year student at Gardner-Webb University’s School of Divinity from Boiling Springs, SC.

Christina Hampton Interim Minister of Children

Christina is a recent college graduate with a B.A in Discipleship Studies (Christian Education), and a soon-to-be graduate with a Master of Divinity in Pastoral Care & Counseling. Aiming to merge the academic experience and knowledge of counseling, biblical studies, and community outreach through ministry to children. Christina begins her service with us on December 1, 2021.

Staff Contacts -- 704-482-3467

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