first baptist church knoxville,...
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FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE
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First Baptist Church
A Downtown Church with Regional Outreach
First Baptist Church of Knoxville stands in the heart of downtown where it has a tradition of
sharing God’s grace since 1843. The surrounding neighborhood is diverse and vibrant but is
continually evolving. With the resurgence of downtown Knoxville and its rich offering of
cultural attractions, an increasing number of urban professionals choose to live downtown.
Other professionals work downtown but commute from the suburbs. The Hispanic population in
Knoxville continues to grow. In contrast, many in the area feel the effects of homelessness and
generational poverty. First Baptist utilizes ministries designed to cross both cultural and
economic boundaries in order to reach all of these groups with the love of Jesus.
Although planted firmly in the downtown community, First Baptist also has a regional impact
through the live television broadcast of the 11:00 a.m. worship service. Many homebound and
nursing home residents watch routinely, while others watch when they cannot attend their regular
service. Oftentimes, viewers who alight on the service after “channel surfing” communicate that
their lives were touched in a special way. In addition, First Baptist attempts to reach the regional
community through a variety of media such as fbcknox.org, Facebook, and podcasts.
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Loving God
First Baptist offers multiple worship services each Sunday morning. Recognizing that there are
countless ways to praise God in spirit and truth, and that individual worshippers connect with
God in different ways, it is important to provide a variety of elements that help facilitate that
connection. Regardless of the worship style, the intent is to energize and equip worshippers to
carry the love of Jesus into the world beyond the walls.
Traditional Worship – The televised 11:00 a.m. service follows the tradition of
beautiful choral music accompanied by a pipe organ, grand piano, and occasionally an
orchestra. The beautiful Baroque Classic sanctuary is uniquely designed for an awe-
inspiring worship experience. While traditional in style, this service is welcoming and
friendly and would be meaningful for long-time church attenders as well as new
Christians. After listening to a sermon especially designed for them, children depart the
sanctuary to participate in a special worship experience called Passage.
First Community – A less formal, contemporary-styled worship service led by a praise
band and small vocal ensemble begins at 8:42 a.m. Up-beat praise and worship music
sets the tone, and dramas are often used to reinforce the message.
Deaf Worship – First Baptist has an active deaf congregation with a separate 11:00 a.m.
worship service in the chapel.
A handbell choir, children’s choirs, youth chapel choir, senior Golden Notes choir, and special
vocal ensembles regularly enhance worship. Special Sunday evening services occur periodically
throughout the year. Communion is observed quarterly. Additionally, during Holy Week, First
Baptist and other downtown churches participate in coordinated special worship services.
Traditional Sunday School begins at 9:45 a.m. During the week, several small group Bible
studies meet in homes or at the church. On Wednesday evenings, a meal is followed by a prayer
service or special discipleship sessions along with children’s choirs and mission education.
Loving our Neighbors
The Great Commission instructs believers to share the love and message of Jesus with the
surrounding community and beyond – even to the ends of the earth. First Baptist engages in
relief-based ministries for those who are experiencing an urgent crisis, but also focuses on
transformative ministries for those who are ready to move forward toward self-sufficiency.
Homeless Ministries – Since the downtown community is a key mission field, First
Baptist has a history of partnership with others who share a heart for the city. In 1987,
First Baptist, along with a group of visionary downtown churches, founded the Volunteer
Ministry Center, an agency which helps homeless individuals break the cycle of poverty
and move toward self-sufficiency. Another ministry partner is Knox Area Rescue
Ministries which provides emergency shelter and meals, as well as individual restoration
through counseling and job training. Both VMC and KARM continue to receive
financial support from First Baptist, and volunteers routinely serve meals at VMC.
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Basic Needs – The benevolence ministry of First Baptist and the FISH food pantry
provide emergency support to those who are struggling and may be on the verge of
homelessness. These relief-based ministries are complemented by a transformative food
program, a bi-weekly food co-op patterned after the Georgia Avenue Food Co-op in
Atlanta, in which participants pay a nominal sum, unpack and distribute food, and
participate in a devotional. Co-op members learn organizational skills, practice
teamwork, and experience the self-worth that comes from helping oneself.
Struggling Families – First Baptist strives to support struggling families who are in need
of a church to walk alongside them in their journey. One example is the collaboration
with Family Promise of Knoxville, in which homeless families spend one week per
quarter in the church. Participants receive meals, lodging, and loving fellowship at the
church along with professional support and counseling through Family Promise. Further,
through its sponsorship of the Restoration House building campaign and its provision of a
mentoring team, First Baptist supports families headed by single mothers.
Children – In an effort to provide positive role models and to encourage children to grow
into productive, independent members of society, First Baptist participates in Kids Hope
USA, a mentoring program which promotes one church, one school, and one hour per
week with one child. Over two dozen mentors serve children at the South Knoxville
Elementary School which is just a few blocks from First Baptist.
Collaboration – As a member of the Compassion Coalition, First Baptist shares and
receives information about resources in the community so as not to duplicate ministries.
Compassion Coalition also provides training for volunteers and opportunities for strategic
partnerships with churches and agencies who share the desire to help those in need.
Women on Mission – An active Women on Mission group coordinates and supports a
variety of mission projects. An E-doers group utilizes e-mail to facilitate projects ranging
from Mobile Meals and A Hand Up for Women to Ronald McDonald House.
Domestic Ministries – First Baptist’s full-time Director of Community Ministries is
partially funded through a partnership with Buckner International. Extending ministry
beyond downtown Knoxville and Knox County, First Baptist partners with Buckner in
their Mexican border ministry by sending volunteers to assist families with building
homes in the lower Rio Grande Valley.
International – In addition to the Buckner partnership, First Baptist has had ongoing
relationships for many years with ministries in Croatia and South Africa, including
sponsorship of Josh and Caroline Smith, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship missionaries to
South Africa. Establishing long-term relationships fosters greater productivity and
lessens the likelihood of harming either the local economy or the recipients of the aid.
A more comprehensive list of missions and ministries is included in Appendix 4 below.
God’s Grace Received and Offered
First Baptist accepts the traditional Baptist tenet of Priesthood of the Believer in which each
individual has the ability, through the power of the Holy Spirit, to read and interpret the Bible.
Members collectively seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance in interpreting the scriptures in a practical
way that brings God’s grace to a hurting world. A tendency to focus on that which unites
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believers rather than on points of contention brings emphasis to the work of building God’s
Kingdom in Knoxville and beyond. The overwhelming love of God and His grace in sending
Jesus as Savior covers the faith family at First Baptist. Having received God’s grace and
forgiveness, each member attempts to share His love with others through word and deed.
As the Apostle Paul stated, we now see as through a glass, darkly. First Baptist is a safe place to
ask questions and to share one’s biblical understanding, and where the Bible is viewed through
the lens of loving God and neighbor, first and foremost. Members believe that God works in
each life through His Spirit and Word in order to bring about spiritual growth and
transformation, but respect the fact that brothers and sisters in Christ may reach different
conclusions along their faith journey. As Kingdom builders, however, First Baptist members are
united in bringing peace and restoration to a hurting community.
Diversity Celebrated
Most First Baptist members describe the church as moderate, but believers who lean toward both
conservative and liberal theology are comfortable here. Acknowledging that no one has full
understanding of the glorious mystery which has only been revealed in part, First Baptist
members respect diverse opinions while pursuing the life-long quest of growing more Christ-like
in thought and in deed.
While First Baptist holds to the traditional Baptist tenet of the independence of the local church,
it also supports denominational cooperative giving for missions.
First Baptist has a long tradition of ordaining women into church leadership roles, both in the
laity and the ministerial staff. Building on the biblical examples of women as servant leaders in
some first century churches, members believe that the Kingdom is enhanced through diversity in
leadership. Likewise, these positions include a variety of age ranges. First Leaders, a year-long
development program, fosters potential new leaders of all ages.
Although it is a downtown church, members live throughout the Knoxville metropolitan area and
represent a wide range of income levels, age ranges, and educational backgrounds. This
diversity gives a broader perspective of the strengths and struggles across the entire community -
Knoxville, Knox County, and even surrounding counties.
First Baptist enjoys successful collaborations across racial and cultural boundaries. A Hispanic
congregation began in 2006, which grew rapidly and now has its own facility in North
Knoxville. Also, Mount Olive Baptist Church, a downtown African-American congregation, has
been First Baptist’s partner in the Family Promise homeless ministry since it began in 2005.
Further, in seeking to learn more about other faith traditions which are active in the Knoxville
community, First Baptist hosts panel discussions with leaders from other faiths.
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Open Doors
First Baptist has a history of opening its doors to a diverse community in a variety of ways. In
addition to a series of annual and periodic events, the facility is also available to agencies and
non-profits who need meeting or office space.
Christmas Brunch – The annual Christmas Brunch engages over 100 volunteers in
serving over 600 at-risk neighbors. Guests enjoy a hearty breakfast and entertainment
provided by live musical groups. Each guest also receives a gift basket, but the most
special aspect of the event is the provision of a family or individual portrait. Many have
not had a portrait for years, which makes this is a unique and memorable gift for them.
The Bridge – The mid-week Bridge luncheon is an outreach to those who work
downtown. Speakers offer an uplifting message accompanied by an appetizing lunch.
Concert Series – The Sunday evening concert series includes a variety of singers and
groups who entertain members, guests, and downtown residents.
Children’s Events – Children are the focus of the annual Easter Eggstravaganza.
Families from around the community come to First Baptist for an Easter egg hunt on the
lawn and a reenactment of the Easter story. This time of fun provides an opportunity to
plant the seeds of Jesus’ love. Additionally, Vacation Bible School is another
opportunity to reach children for Christ in a fun and loving environment.
Red Cross Shelter – On two occasions, First Baptist served as a Red Cross shelter for
victims of natural disasters. When refugees poured into Knoxville from New Orleans
after Hurricane Katrina, the facility and volunteers assisted the victims of this disaster.
Again following Hurricane Gustav, the doors opened to those seeking shelter.
Dreams for the Future
When asked about their dreams for the future of the church, members clearly expressed a passion
for reaching young people. Strong and vibrant ministries to children and youth are in place, but
building upon this foundation in order to attract college students and young professionals is a
keen desire. Many positives are in place in order to effectively reach these groups:
Research indicates that ministering to the community and expressing faith in practical
ways is attractive to millennials seeking to make a difference.
Tolerance of diverse opinions and humble admission of limited understanding appeals to
a generation that has grown distrustful of organizations with rigid answers to complex
problems.
A proactive approach to leadership development and a willingness to include young
people in all aspects of leadership is attractive to this generation.
First Baptist made a significant commitment to this endeavor by creating a staff position
which focuses on reaching young people during a time when many tend to drift away
from the church.
Maintaining a balance between ministry and communion with God is important for believers.
Many members indicated a desire for increased options for discipleship through the expansion of
small groups. Several also requested training to better equip them for sharing the gospel.
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Many First Baptist members view the growing residential population downtown as an area for
expanded emphasis. By expanding collaborations and working together toward a common goal
with other churches, agencies, and non-profits who share this vision, downtown residents clearly
see the love of Jesus demonstrated in tangible ways.
Legacy of Love
Although focused on meeting needs on a daily basis and looking to the future to expand ministry,
history is an important part of the First Baptist identity. In 1842, no Baptist churches existed in
the village of Knoxville. The Moses brothers, James and John, moved from Exeter, New
Hampshire, with Baptist leanings and began the Knoxville Baptist Church in January of 1843.
Later that month, the first baptismal service was held in the cold Tennessee River.
The new Baptist church had 46 members: 15 white men, 11 white women, 8 black men, and 12
black women. The population of Knoxville was estimated to be between 2,000 and 3,000 at that
time. By 1844, the church had 73 members and was making plans for a church building. After
purchasing a lot on Gay Street in the heart of downtown, construction began on a one-story brick
building which was completed in 1850.
In 1868, the church began its ministry to the deaf when four young women from the deaf school
became members. Fifty-four years later, in 1922, Mrs. Laura Formwalt began signing the sermon
to the deaf in the congregation, a service she provided for more than 45 years. From that
beginning, the ministry to the deaf grew and continues today.
In 1869, the church, still called Knoxville Baptist Church, changed its name and became First
Baptist Church. In 1870, First Baptist Church started a collection for the poor of the church to be
taken at each communion service, a tradition that continues to the present. By 1882, the church
outgrew its original building and began a new building on the same Gay Street site. The second
church building was completed in 1887.
By 1921, the church had grown to 1100 members and Sunday school classes were meeting up
and down Gay Street and in tents behind the church. A new building was necessary again. Land
was purchased on Main Street in September 1921, the cornerstone laid in June 1923, and the first
service held in September 1924. A gem of architectural beauty costing $600,000, fifteen years
later the building was dedicated debt-free. An education building was added in the late 1950’s.
FBC has been instrumental in planting new churches throughout its history. In the late 1800s,
First Baptist members began two new churches in Knoxville. The first ultimately became
Broadway Baptist Church and still exists today. Another was known originally as Centennial
Baptist and then Deadrick Avenue Baptist. This church was active for over 50 years, but no
longer exists today. In the early 1900s, what is known today as Calvary Baptist Church was
started on Yale Avenue and ultimately moved to its current location on Kingston Pike. In 1961,
West Hills Baptist Church was recognized after having been financed and organized by First
Baptist. A Hispanic congregation, initiated at First Baptist in 2006, became an independent
church in 2008 and utilized First Baptist’s facility until 2012 for Bible studies.
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In November 1924, first Baptist operated a radio station—WFBC. This station was reported to
have been heard in 22 states, which is remarkable considering that the first radio broadcasting in
the U.S. began in 1920. A change in government regulations in 1931 made it necessary to sell
the equipment. In 1976, First Baptist began televising its service each Sunday, a ministry that
continues today. In addition, today the 11:00 a.m. service is also broadcast via the internet.
In the 1940’s, a Sunday School class was started for children living in shanties on the riverfront
behind the church and across the river in south Knoxville. Men of the church drove through the
areas on Sunday morning to pick up the children and later returned them to their home. This
early mission work expanded to include the families and to provide food, clothing, and
employment, as well as assistance in dealing with city agencies on behalf of these disadvantaged
families. A weekly preaching service was organized using student ministers. In 1952, a house
was purchased on Hill Avenue and became the riverfront mission. This ministry was phased out
in the late 1950’s as urban renewal changed the area and the people relocated. However, this
downtown mission work moved to Market Street and continued. Several young pastors served
this mission until it was disbanded when the TVA towers were built at the end of Market Street.
First Baptist has had an ongoing focus on ministering to the community in Jesus’ name. In
addition to the ongoing collaboration with the Volunteer Ministry Center and the Interfaith Heath
Clinic, other ministries were developed and adapted to meet needs as the city evolved. Some of
these former ministries include the Share & Care Center (distribution of clothing), a play mobile,
and the Judy Russell house for women in need. Also, refugees have been sponsored from
troubled areas of the world.
There is actually no end to the story of service and dedication of First Baptist members. In the
future the church will adjust to change and continue to be a vital force in the heart of Knoxville.
First Baptist is aware of its rich heritage passed down by the strong leadership of men and
women led by God whose purpose was to know God, to serve God, and to share the love of God,
and it is committed to meeting needs in the present, while looking with hope to the future.
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Appendices
1 – Staff and Leadership
2 – Attendance and Facility
3 – Finances
4 – Mission History and Details
5 – Photo Montage
6 – Knoxville Demographics
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Appendix 1 – Staff and Leadership
First Baptist’s staff organizational structure supports six full-time ministerial positions and two
part-time positions as follows:
Position Minister Full/Part-time
Senior Pastor Open Full-time
Minister of Music Open – two interim positions currently
in place for traditional and
contemporary worship
Full-time
Minister of Administration Pam Neal Full-time
Minister of Young Adults,
Communication
Scott Claybrook Full-time
Minister of Youth Ben Winder Full-time
Director of Community
Ministry
Joy Claybrook Full-time
Pastoral Care Minister Dave Ward Part-time
Preschool and Children Susan Tatum Part-time
Additional support personnel are as follows:
Position Full-time Part-time
Building Superintendent 1
Maintenance Workers 1 2
Church Host 1
Kitchen Assistant 1
Kitchen Workers 6
Ministry Assistants 4 1
Pianist 1
Organist 1
Nursery Workers 9
An engaged lay leadership team augments the ministerial staff. Ten standing councils and
committees plan and execute ministries both inside and outside the church. Members are
appointed to three-year terms by the Nominating Committee. Ministry groups or teams may be
appointed for special projects by councils and committees.
Councils consist of nine church members and are primarily focused on missions and ministry:
Outreach
Worship
Fellowship
Discipleship
Missions
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Committees have twelve members and center their efforts on the administrative functions of the
church:
Finance
Personnel
Facilities
Long Range Planning
Nominating
Fifty voting deacons serve five-year terms with ten deacons rotating off voting status annually.
Non-voting deacons remain a part of the leadership team and may attend monthly meetings,
chair councils/committees, and participate in deacon ministries. Deacons are selected by a sub-
committee appointed annually by the Nominating Committee. This sub-committee has
discretion to elect Spirit-filled individuals who would best advance the Kingdom mission and
reflect the diversity of the congregation. Women have served as deacons at First Baptist for
decades and routinely chair committees and councils as well as the deacon body itself.
The Deacon Ministries consist of six specific areas of ministry:
New member
Visitor outreach
Hospital visitation
Homebound care
Extended post-hospital care
Nursing home visitation
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Appendix 2 – Attendance and Facility
Facility
First Baptist Church is situated on Main Street in downtown Knoxville. The primary facility was
constructed in 1924 and includes a sanctuary, chapel, and library as well as meeting rooms and
offices. A welcome center provides easy access from the adjacent parking garage. An education
building and fellowship hall with professional kitchen were constructed in 1959. A major
church-wide renovation was completed in 2001.
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Appendix 3 – Finances
A five-year analysis of actual revenues and expenses for First Baptist is shown below. Revenues
exclude income generated from endowment funds.
The church is on sound financial footing due to the ongoing generosity of its members and the
strategic management of its resources. As of July 2013, First Baptist had over $700,000 in cash
accounts for general expenses and designated accounts. Key financial assets include several
endowment funds that are used for various purposes. Balances as of July 2013 are shown in the
following table.
Fund Purpose Balance
Missions Fund Missions $ 165,572
Endowment Fund Capital Improvements $ 367,554
McPherson Deaf Endowment Deaf Missions $ 112,454
Monday Fund Missions $ 956,680
McGinley Fund Charitable, Religious, Educational $ 534,509
The church also owns a parking lot adjacent to the facility. This asset generates over $80,000
annually which is used for debt retirement, missions, and facility upgrades.
The primary financial liability is a loan that was used for a major renovation of the facilities.
The balance as of July 2013 is $97,872, which is anticipated to be eliminated by the end of 2013.
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
Total Revenues (non-endowment) 1,644,349$ 1,676,739$ 1,907,817$ 1,903,808$ 1,771,601$
Expenses
Total Missions Expense 89,249$ 82,349$ 99,023$ 69,084$ 65,083$
Total Spiritual Formation 21,604$ 20,397$ 19,401$ 22,010$ 21,028$
Total Worship 42,257$ 18,637$ 20,738$ 21,686$ 26,706$
Total Televison 118,576$ 122,622$ 139,662$ 115,988$ 108,324$
Total Deaf Congregation 10,027$ 5,484$ 4,856$ 5,118$ 4,903$
Total Family Life 639$ 2,750$ 275$ 2,657$ 3,590$
Total Preschool 6,030$ 5,415$ 6,162$ 6,003$ 4,031$
Total Children 8,450$ 5,840$ 5,599$ 8,092$ 6,976$
Total Youth 28,002$ 26,786$ 21,844$ 19,082$ 15,367$
Total College 5,138$ 260$ 196$ 785$ 304$
Total Senior Adults 1,245$ 1,110$ 1,498$ 290$ 1,155$
Total Outreach/Advertising 20,643$ 12,250$ 3,881$ 10,032$ 11,014$
Total Program Ministries Expense 262,611$ 221,550$ 224,111$ 211,744$ 203,398$
Total Personnel Expense 1,051,310$ 1,028,227$ 998,728$ 1,026,795$ 909,236$
Total Administrative Ministries 117,372$ 114,882$ 102,151$ 110,004$ 113,047$
Total Building and Grounds Expenses 284,789$ 273,258$ 275,336$ 264,191$ 270,311$
Total Kitchen 84,445$ 68,634$ 66,733$ 65,080$ 58,842$
Total Administrative Expenses 486,606$ 456,773$ 444,221$ 439,274$ 442,201$
Total Other Expenses -$ -$ -$ -$ $15,708.70
Total Expenses 1,889,777$ 1,788,900$ 1,766,082$ 1,746,897$ 1,635,627$
Revenues-Expenses (245,428)$ (112,161)$ 141,735$ 156,911$ 135,974$
Five-Year Actual Revenues and Expenses
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Appendix 4 – Missions History and Details
When the DNA of First Baptist Church is mapped, it is clear that there is a strong strand of
serving, sharing and living out The Great Commission. This thread has the colors of various
pastors and leaders who helped members see the world in different ways at different times. In
1868, the church began a ministry to the deaf. Then in 1880, the Women’s Missionary Society
was formed and provided a communion table to a mission church, furnished the girls’ dormitory
at Carson Newman College and gave scholarships. Money was collected for foreign and home
missionaries and clothing for missionaries working in Oklahoma. In the late 1880’s First
Baptist’s slogan was, “In the Center of the City with the Savior.” More than 100 years later, it’s
much the same.
1970’s-First Baptist joined with nine other downtown churches to form Knoxville Inner City
Churches United for People (KICCUP) to coordinate the mission work of all downtown
churches, establishing the Interfaith Health Clinic and Volunteer Ministry Center among other
organizations. First Baptist opened the Share and Care Center to provide food and clothing to the
needy.
1984-Woman’s Missionary Union spearheaded a two-year project to renovate a 75-year-old
house as a safe house for women.
1985-First Baptist worked through “Bridge” to sponsor refugees from Romania, Cambodia,
Vietnam and Russia.
Late 1980’s-Monday Family Trust established to insure that First Baptist would always invest in
missions. The income from now approximately $1 million dollars is spent on missions
2006 – First Baptist formed a collaborative relationship with Buckner International to better meet
the needs of the community of Knoxville. This collaboration includes a partnership to establish a
Director of Community Ministries as a part of the staff.
2009 – The McGinley Fund was established with the intent that income from investment and a
portion of the principal be spent on missions annually.
First Baptist supports the Knox County Baptist Association that provides support to smaller
churches and sponsors activities at Camp Ba-Yo-Ca, a retreat center for children and youth.
Annually, offerings are given for the Lottie Moon Christmas offering, the Annie Armstrong
Easter offering, Golden State offering in September, and Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Global
Missions.
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Our ministry activities include:
New Parent Ministry
Celebration Rose and Home Visit
Family Dedication
Parent 2 Parent
Stephen Ministry through crisis points of parenting and marriages
Preschool Ministry
Caterpillar Cove
Childcare
Bible Study
Passage Children’s Worship Experience
Wednesday Evening: Preschool Choirs and Mission Friends
Parent 2 Parent
Mom’s Connection
Kid’s Connection
Sunday School: Art, Science, Cooking, Storytelling, Bible Drill, Video,
Computer, Games
Wednesday Evening: Girls in Action, Royal Ambassadors, Children’s Choirs
Vacation Bible School
Trunk or Treat
Kids Camp
Easter Eggstravaganza
Student Ministries
Bible Study
Fall Retreat
Disciple Now
Student Life
Kids Camp
Chapel Choir
Young Adult Ministries
Senior Adult Ministries
Golden Notes
Saints Alive
Women on Mission
Deaf Ministry
Hispanic Ministries, now independent church, Knox Ekklesia Cristiana Internacional
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First Baptist provides financial and hands-on participation in the following local/regional
missions/ministries, some of which are “in-house” as noted (*):
Angelic Ministries
Appalachian Outreach
Baptist Collegiate Ministry-University of Tennessee
Benevolent Ministries
Child Help
Christmas Brunch (*)
Compassion Coalition
Drama Team (*)
Emergency Transitional Housing-Community Action Committee
Family Promise (*)
First Leaders (*)
FISH (*)
Food Co-Op (*)
Habitat for Humanity
Handyman Ministry (*)
Heart of Knoxville (*)
Kids Hope USA
Knoxville Area Rescue Ministries
Montgomery Village
Operation Inasmuch
Prayer Ministry (*)
Restoration House
South Knoxville Elementary, our adoptive school (*)
Stephen Ministry (*)
Tech Ministry (*)
Television ministry (*)
The Next Door
Volunteer Ministry Center
Western Heights
National missions/ministries participation includes:
Buckner International partnership in construction of homes and transformational
ministries on the border of Texas
Disaster relief in Tennessee in cooperation with CBF of Tennessee
International missions/ministries participation includes:
Multi-year support and participation in CBF mission work in Croatia
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Multi-year support of CBF missionaries in South Africa, Josh and Caroline Smith and
participation in their ministry
Support of missionaries from our Deaf Congregation in South Africa, Frank and Sherry
Moran
First Baptist Church is ready to respond to human need at a moment’s notice…literally. The
church was approved and equipped within 24 hours as a Red Cross Shelter during the Katrina
hurricane disaster, operated for ten days, and worked with misplaced victims for months. Money
was collected as were specific items that were needed including hundreds of bottles of water that
were shipped on a full 18-wheeler to support a shelter in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. First Baptist
was again opened as a Red Cross shelter during hurricane Gustav.
Individual members of First Baptist are involved in many more mission/ministry activities than
are listed, such as Kairos Prison Ministries and Meals on Wheels.
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Appendix 5 – Photo Montage
Ben Winder, Minister of
Youth, and Scott
Claybrook, Minister to
Young Adults,
Communication
Bob Money, Former
Minster of Counseling,
and Scott Claybrook,
Minister to Young Adults,
Communication
Pam Neal, Minister of
Administration
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Rehearsal in the
sanctuary
Golden Notes
Senior Adult Choir
Scoop and Swim
Fellowship Event
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Children’s Summer
Camp
Vacation Bible
School
Downtown Christmas
Brunch
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Appendix 6 – Knoxville Demographics
Knoxville is the perfect mix of small town charm and big city fun. Surrounded by unsurpassed
natural beauty and filled with great places to go, Knoxville has something for everyone.
Listed below are some links to detailed information about the Knoxville metropolitan area:
http://www.knoxvilleoakridge.com/data/
http://www.knoxvillechamber.com/relocation
http://www.knoxvillechamber.com/quality-life
http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/47/4740000.html