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Pastor · Sunday Schedule · FBC
News
2002
From the Pastor
WHO WE ARE
Introduction
Every church has its own style and character. No two churches are exactly alike. Each has its own culture. Each is evolving and changing. Each church is a part of the fabric that makes up The Church of Jesus Christ.
After fifteen years as pastor of First Baptist Church of Greater Toledo I would like to list what I see as some of the characteristics of our church. It is not exhaustive, and I would be interested in your additions or deletions from the list, but I do think this list says something of who we are as a local church under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. It is affirming and to me suggestive of a church that is alive with the Spirit of Christ. We may not be the largest church in the area, or have the biggest budget, but if this list is in anyway a reflection of who we are, First Baptist Church of Greater Toledo has a mighty important witness and ministry in all points north and south, west and east of greater Toledo.
My List
1. First Baptist is a multi generational church. Every generation is represented in our church. I put this at the top of my list because many churches are not this way. The mega churches tend to be made up of young couples and families, and older mainline churches tend to be senior congregations. We have a mix and it is important because in our contemporary society generational isolation is too much the norm and we are all the worse for it.
2. First Baptist has age related programs for all ages. There are lots we do together but each age also has its individual concerns and needs. We may not have the largest groups but there are age related groups for everyone.
3. First Baptist has a congregation composed of people from a variety of religious backgrounds. We are Methodists and Catholics, Nazarenes and Lutherans - and all of us together with these rich backgrounds make us who we are as a church.
4. First Baptist has a positive attitude toward tradition. Tradition operates as a stream through the meadows. It not only comes from somewhere and goes somewhere, it nurtures the foliage. This is how I see tradition used at First Baptist. It is a constant. It nurtures. It is like the stream that has always been there but where water is fresh.
5. First Baptist is a church with a history in a new community. We are planted in a suburb that is all new but we have a history that is 150 years old. In a place that has no history we provide a sense of continuity and ties to the past that give us a sense of rootedness and a
vision that is larger than the present moment.
6. First Baptist is ecumenical in its approach to other faith traditions. We are not an independent Baptist Church. We possess a spirit that is embracing and seeks to operate, work with, and learn from all Christ's churches, His Body, the Church.
7. First Baptist does not use gender to exclude anyone from positions of service and leadership. We affirm women in ministry and the potential of all to be called by God and used mightily by God.
Conclusion
The above is my list. It is a beginning. For me, all of the above are nurturing and encouraging of a fuller life in Christ. They are embracing and affirming, helping the individual believer know in a more complete way what it means to be loved by God and follow Christ as lord and Savior.
Dr. David W. Andersen
            
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