About Us 

First Baptist Church is made up of people "following Jesus on a journey of faith and service." We have strong beliefs concerning the Church, the Bible, and the ways in which we should work together to serve God's Kingdom. Our church began well over a hundred years ago, and has steadfastly maintained a Baptist witness in the Independence, MO area. We have a strong Senior Adult program, and are blessed to have a number of third and fourth-generation First Baptist members. We are committed to staying in the urban setting with all the challenges that brings, and are making great efforts to reach those in our immediate neighborhood.

Missions

We are linked with two major organizations for the purposes of Missions involvement, and large-group participation. The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF) is a nationwide group of Baptist who support missionaries and organize missions ventures and projects, and helps us to connect to other service organizations. The Blue River – Kansas City Baptist Association (BRKC) is an association of Baptist churches in the Greater Kansas City area who are partnered together to convey hope to those in our city, our nation, and our world.  We also work with other groups, such as Hillcrest Transitional Ministries, MBCH Children and Family Ministry, Navigators, Operation Christmas Child, and Community Services League, so that we might be engaged in service projects in our area and across the world.  We have our own Missions In Action group at the church that meets on the third Tuesday each month at 9:45 am which supports local organizations.  The program each month includes a guest speaker and a project.  

Our Beliefs

The Bible: We believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God, and is trustworthy and unchanging in all it teaches. We look to the scriptures for teachings on matters of faith and practice, as well as in matters requiring faith and hope for the future. The Bible is the final authority on all spiritual matters.

(II Timothy 3:16; II Peter 1:20-21)

Humanity: We believe that man is created in God's image, giving each one worth and value, regardless of status or wealth. Man is fallen in nature and separated from God, each having given in to the temptations to sin.

(Genesis 1:27; Psalms 8:3-6; Romans 3:10, 23)

God: God is Creator-God and ruler over the entire universe. He knows and understands all, and is in the process of bringing all creation to its ultimate end. He is a triune God: At the same time he is fully God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

(Genesis 1:1; Psalm 90:1-2; Matthew 28:19; II Corinthians 13:14)

Jesus: Jesus is the Christ, the only Son of God. He was born of the Virgin Mary, lived a sinless life, was crucified on the cross, and raised from the dead. Later he ascended into heaven, and rules over the universe with God the Father.

(Matthew 1:22-23; John 1:1-5; Hebrews 4:14-15; I Corinthians 15:3-4)

Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is fully God, and serves as God's presence at work in people's lives. His task is to influence people for good, as well as convicting them of sin and bringing them to faith in Christ.

(John 14:16-17, 16:7-13; I Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 5:18)

Salvation: We believe that all are separated from God by their sin, and are in need of the salvation that is available only in Jesus, the Christ. Salvation is available as one places their faith and trust in Jesus, confessing their sin and receiving Him into their life. This salvation brings forgiveness for all one's sins, and secures them a place with God in eternity. This salvation costs nothing, and is available to all who would follow Jesus.

(Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 3:16, 10:27-29)

The Church: The Church is the Body of Christ on the earth, placed here to serve Him, and share the message of salvation to the world. It is made up of all who follow Jesus as Savior, regardless of cultural customs, worship styles, or ethnicity. Individuals within the church have been given spiritual gifts by the Holy Spirit, that they might minister and serve in the name of Jesus. The Church is to lead people to know Christ as Savior, to know and understand the scriptures, to worship God in Spirit and in Truth, to fellowship with other Christians, and to serve those in need.

(Matthew 16:15-19, 18:15-20; Acts 2:41-41, 47; Romans 1:7; I Corinthians 1:2, 3:16, 5:4-5)

Baptism and the Lord's Supper: Both Baptism and the Lord's Supper are symbolic acts. Baptism is to be by immersion in water, and expresses one's belief in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Baptism by immersion is a requirement of church membership. The Lord's Supper, sometimes called 'Communion,' is open to all who claim Christ as Savior, and calls us to remember the death of Jesus on the cross for our sins.

(Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Romans 6:3-5); (Matthew 26:26-30; Mark 14:22-26; I Corinthians 10:16-17)