Guests

Thinking about visiting First Baptist Church of Oneonta?

Great! We're so glad that you are considering visiting FBC and we want you to truly enjoy your time with us. That's why we've provided some information about our schedule, campus, parking, childcare, and Bible study opportunities.

At FBC, we want you to feel at home, to be part of the family. You'll be surrounded by a caring, loving family of friends who will help you and your family grow, sharing the good times, helping you shoulder the tough times. Whether you're a large family or a family of one, we invite you to see what the FBC family is all about.

How do I get to First Baptist Church of Oneonta?

First Baptist Church is located in Oneonta, Alabama, at 300 Third Avenue East, just one block north of U. S. Highway 75 and the Blount County Courthouse. Click here for directions and a map.

What do I wear?

Members and guests to our church on Sunday mornings wear everything from casual to business casual to a suit and tie or dress. Those attending services other than Sunday morning are very relaxed and casually dressed. Nevertheless, come just as you are.

Where do I go when I get there?

Welcome Centers are located in the lobby on the north side of the Sanctuary and on the first floor between the fellowship hall and the preschool area. Friendly greeters are readily available to help you find a Sunday School class and direct you to worship services and childcare. The greeters can answer any questions you may have or find someone who can.

During the worship service, you will be given an opportunity to complete a guest information card. This will allow us to thank you for your visit and express our love to you as a Christian community.

What about Sunday School?

We have Sunday School classes for all ages! These groups meet at 9:00 a.m. and provide an opportunity to meet new people in a small group setting and grow deeper in your faith. Classes are offered for preschoolers and senior adults and everyone in-between. You'll find a class that's just right for you and every member of your family. Each group takes the timeless truth of God's Word and brings it to life--your life--for today. Plus, you'll meet friends for life who will encourage you, rejoice with you, and pray with you. Click here for a list of our classes for all ages.

What about the Worship Services?

FBC offers a strong combination of solid biblical teaching and dynamic worship each Sunday morning in the Sanctuary at 10:15 a.m. Our service is held a little earlier than most churches and allows you plenty of time to get to your family gatherings. We also have a Sunday evening worship service at 6:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary.

Who is your Pastor?

Dr. Larry Gipson is our Senior Pastor and brings the message each Sunday morning and leads in Bible Study on Wednesday nights. Click here to learn more about him. Rev. R. Moses Clark serves as Associate Pastor, as well as our Minister of Music. Go here to learn more about Moses.

What about my children?

Children are precious at FBC and we have a super children's ministry under the direction of Jim Henderson (click here to learn more about Jim). Trained workers will see that your children are loved, nurtured, and cared for while they have fun, make new friends, and learn more about God’s love for them.

For the very young ones, our nursery is staffed by caring workers to take care of them while you attend Sunday School and worship services. All of our childcare workers receive a background check before working with us. Preschoolers and their parents are given matching identification bracelets that are checked when leaving the facilities.

We have Sunday School classes for children, from babies through sixth grade.

We also have an active Youth Ministry for students in grades 7 through 12 called "Students 180."

Where should I park?

We have parking spaces reserved for guests directly in front of the church. There are additional parking spaces across the street (corner of Third Avenue and Third Street) and adjacent to our Education Building. There is also street parking. Handicapped parking is available at the front of the Sanctuary and on the south side of the building near the fellowship hall.

What about Wednesday nights?

Each Wednesday, join us for a fellowship meal. Serving runs from 5:15 - 6:30 p.m. Cost is $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for children grades 1 thru 6, $1.50 for children ages 3-5, and a $15 family maximum. For adults, prayer meeting and Bible study follow at 6:45 p.m. in the Sanctuary. For children and youth, there are music and missions programs during the school year and special events throughout the summer months. Click here to learn more about what goes on at FBC on Wednesday nights.

How do I join FBC Oneonta?

You may present yourself for membership at First Baptist Church in one of the following ways:

Profession of Faith/Baptism: Individuals who profess for the first time that Christ is their Lord and Savior join the church through their profession of faith and are subsequently baptized during one of the worship services.

Transfer of Membership: Individuals who are members of another Baptist church can request membership via transfer of their membership to this congregation. The church office, in turn, contacts the other Baptist church for an official recommendation and transfer of membership.

Statement of Faith: Persons who are members of churches from another denomination may join upon their profession of faith in Christ as Lord and Savior and acknowledgement they've been baptized by immersion as a believer.

Baptism: People who are members of a church from another denomination but have never been immersed as a believer may join the church. Upon professing their faith in Christ as Lord and Savior and following Christ's example in believer's baptism, they are accepted into membership.

How do I contact FBC Oneonta for more information?

The church office is open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and on Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The telephone number is 205-625.3191. Fax number is 205.625-3195. You may also contact one of our staff members by email (see below).

Staff Directory

Click here to go to a directory of staff, their phone numbers, and email addresses.