Welcome to First Baptist Church of Beloit

Welcome to First Baptist Church and thank you for your interest Welcome to First Baptist Church and thank you for your interest. The church is in its 176th year of service to Christ and the community. We are seeking a dynamic and caring Senior Pastor to lead and walk with our congregation into the future. The following pages will provide a broad overview of the church, its history, members, what we’d like to see in a pastor, and what we do not expect a pastor to do. The final slide contains links to annex documents or organizations for more information on them. Thanks for considering us! Ed Hansen Chair, Pulpit Committee

CONTENTS History Congregation Background What You Can Expect to See What We Do Strengths and Challenges What We Expect From a New Pastor What We Do NOT Expect Annexes and Links

History Overview The church was formed in 1841. It proved fast-growing and constructed its first house of worship in 1847. This structure suffered a tornado in 1883 and was destroyed by fire the following year. A new building was completed in 1885. In 1925, needing more space, the church building was sold and replacement land purchased at the current location. The current building was completed in 1930 and a new entry with elevator service was completed in 1998. In 2016, the church celebrated its 175th anniversary. A time capsule in the cornerstone was opened, and the treasures inside included many documents from the 1930 construction. Contents for a new time capsule are being gathered. The building is known for its architectural points, including beautiful stained glass windows and Tudor accents on the second story.

The Congregation Currently, some 330 people claim First Baptist Beloit as their home church. Of these, active attendance at weekly worship is between 55 and 85, with attendance on holidays as much as 115. In late 2016, a survey of the congregants was performed (administered both on-line and via copies distributed on Sundays). The results paint a picture of our demographics: 38 of the survey respondents are over 55. 27 of the respondents indicated “retired” as their employment status. Predominately white, with ten percent of the respondents indication minority racial affiliation. We are active and committed members of the church as 28 respondents claim participation on one or more church committees and boards and 30 state they take a regular role in choir, bible study or other church activities other than worship.

What You Can Expect Congregational Style We are committed to participation in American Baptist Churches-USA and its Wisconsin Association, although this participation has not been activist We are generally traditionalists, we expect our pastor to take a strong leadership role, but to work in cooperation with our boards. We have taken strong stands on such issues as homelessness and hunger and are very involved in working with local partners on area needs. Governance is through a strong board and committee structure. Our constitution was completely rewritten in 2016. How Others See Us We have a good relationship with local peers and other organizations in Beloit. We enjoy a positive reputation with local government and other local churches. Church Life Youth Sunday School is offered, but we currently have no senior high students active We offer a midweek, lay led bible study, but no midweek youth and children programming There is a strong American Baptist Women’s (ABW) team, but no corresponding men’s group.

What We Do We are very community and mission oriented. Among the activities in which we participate are: Volunteer work at ABC of Wisconsin Camp Tamarack Milwaukee Children’s Center White Cross Family Promise Shelter Mushing for Meals (hosting services for this annual run/walk food mission fundraiser) Sharing of the Breads (an annual interfaith luncheon) Sparrow’s Nest Domestic Violence Shelter Spaghetti dinners And more

Strengths and Challenges We Do These Well: Caring members and friends Welcoming to all Music ministries: Choir and Bell Choir Mission orientation Bible Studies Excellent facilities in good shape Challenges: Attracting younger families and singles Outreach to neighbors, the unchurched and inactive members Becoming comfortable to change and conflict

What We Expect From a New Senior Pastor Maintain strong ties with our regional association, ABC of Wisconsin Plan and lead Sunday worship, incorporating lay leadership. The congregation style is business attire, but a robe and stole are requested on suitable occasions. Provide Pastoral Care, with visits to shut-ins, those in nursing homes and hospitals, utilize church members in these visits to the extent practicable. Perform funeral memorials and weddings as needed. Be able to make strong referrals for members who might require long term relational counseling or those with substance abuse issues. Develop new programming to keep and attract members. Work closely with our governing boards and committees.

What we do NOT Expect Pastoral leadership is involved with, but not required to be responsible for the following: Budget and financial management – Finance Committee responsibility Marketing Communications Community assessments and involvement – Missions Board responsibility Conflict Management – Church Staff Relations Committee responsibility Counseling: The pastor should be available for those in crisis, but we do not expect long term counseling services. Mission, cross-cultural work - Diaconate and Missions Board has responsibility Turning Vision into Reality - This is the role of the parishioners as a whole Directing and Performing Music - The pastor does not supervise the Organist or Choir Director. Ministry of the Laity - The pastor should motivate and support others in discovering their own call, but this is not the main priority

Annexes Most Recent Annual Report and Budget Constitution and Bylaws 175th Anniversary materials (Good history source) Our last three pastors Links City of Beloit American Baptist Churches of Wisconsin ABC-USA

Thanks! First Baptist Church of Beloit 617 Public Avenue Beloit, WI 53511 firstbaptistchurch@firstbaptistbeloit.org www.firstbaptistbeloit.com See us on facebook at www.facebook.com/firstbaptistbeloit