b'LAY LEADERSHIPOn any given day at First Baptist, you can see lay members serving within the church building and beyond its walls. Laity serve as deacons, members of the choir and orchestra, leaders in Bible studies and Wednesday night activities, and as volunteers in various community ministries. DEACONSThe deacon body at First Baptist consists of sixty active members presided over by a Chair, Vice-Chair, Recording Secretary, and Attendance Secretary. Twenty deacons are elected each year and serve three-year terms. The diaconate exemplifies our churchs belief in the ministry leadership of women as well as men. At present we have twenty-six women and thirty-four men serving as deacons, and a woman is serving as Chair. The deacon body holds monthly meetings, and each deacon serves on one of five deacon ministry teams that directly touch our congregation and extended community.A monthly lunch meeting involving the senior pastor, pastorforadministration,andthedeaconofficersprovidesopportunityfordiscussingthe business and needs of our church and staff.The purpose of our deacon body is to be servant leaders involved in the ministry and mission of the church. Working in an advisory role on key decisions with the staff allows for feedback and discussion concerning the work and activities of First Baptist; however, the deacons are not a governing body. The deacons also seek to preserve and promote the spirit of unity and peace within the church and to assist members in every way possible with physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.CHURCH COMMITTEES AND MINISTRY TEAMSFirst Baptist is also led by eleven committees and five ministry teams.They are charged to carry out various aspects of the mission of our church.COMMITTEES MINISTRY TEAMSBudget & Stewardship FBC Foundation BereavementBuildings & Grounds Finance Hospital VisitationCity Light Board GLO Day Care Board Healing HeartsConstitution, BylawsMissions Committee PrayerWorks& Policies Personnel TV MinistryCounseling & FamilyRecreation Ministry Enrichment Board Board22'