Duncanville's First Baptist Church

What type of church is First Baptist?
First Baptist Church is a locally active, independent, autonomous church family, under the leadership of the Lord Jesus. We are a voluntary part of the Southern Baptist Convention partnering with other churches in Baptist life both globally and locally. These partnerships allow us to accomplish big goals (send missionaries and educate future ministers) and help smaller congregations (with resources and training). In the Body of Christ we are a part of a big team with a great task.

How many people are in the church?
Approximately 1,050 names make up the official membership roles, but that numbers are not usually the best way to measure church size. We have approximately 800 regular and involved attendees with about 600 present on any given Sunday. There is plenty of seating for growth and the space to meet all together for a real sense of weekly family reunion and worship



Would I be welcome?
Absolutely! FBC is a diverse group of individuals, open and excited to welcome all. Age, race, education, religious backgrounds, family make-up and style preference, make up our family. In a family, everyone is valued and we try to bless and touch all who are present. Balance, blend, openness and sincerity is our goal. There is a place for you in this family of faith.


What should I wear?
There is not a dress code, but we ask that your dress be decent and appropriate for this important time of gathering to worship and bless the Lord. Some will wear suits and dresses, some jeans and shirts, some out of personal preference, some out of necessity. We (and the Lord) are more concerned with what’s on the inside not on the outside. We ask that you use your best judgment.


What should I expect at your worship services?
You can expect a warm welcome at the entrances and from the family at large. Open, comfortable seating is available for your seating preference. Quality sound and sighting is available from all locations, main floor or balcony. Quality music of various styles is presented with clear guided participation from the leadership. Singing, special music presentations from various choirs and groups, a church orchestra all contributed to a meaningful worship experience and enjoyable song service. The Word of God is preached in a clear and meaning way, teaching, encouraging and proclaiming the Truths of God, with application for daily living. Bring your Bible if you have one, you’ll use it. You will be clearly led through an orderly service, with freedom for personal expression of worship. Morning services are usually dismissed before noon.

Do you offer child care during the services?
Yes. During all worship services, childcare is provided for infants through five year olds. This service is offered with qualified adults in a secure setting located in the Children’s Building. Vibrating pagers are issued to parents to call them during the services if needed. Childcare is offered for many other programs and ministries, sometimes requiring reservations.

Is there a Children’s Church?
Yes. Parents of first thru sixth graders are offered the option of Children’s Church if desired. Children’s Church is a worship and teaching time during the regular Sunday morning worship service, with age appropriate teaching and singing, in fun, creative and an exciting format for kids. Children’s Church meets in the Children’s building and parents pick up their kids there after church is dismissed. Children are more than welcome to stay with their parents in the regular worship services.

Do you have small group Bible Studies and may I attend?
Yes. Bible Study is among the high priorities of First Baptist. Many opportunities are available each week for personal growth through Bible study. The main and ongoing small group Bible study is what we call Sunday School . Every Sunday morning at 9:00, we have Bible Study groups for all ages. Study materials are provided, qualified and gifted teachers share information and lead in meaningful discussion of the Scriptures. These classes also provide socials, prayer support and personal ministry touches. All are welcome to attend or join our Sunday School Ministry.

Why is it important to join a church?
There are many good reasons to join a church and be an official member. The major reason is that it expresses “Commitment”. We want you to be more than attendees. Here are a few reasons why.

A Biblical Reason: Christ is committed to the church and you should be too. “Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her“ (Eph 5:25b)

A Cultural Reason: It is an antidote to our society. We live in an age where very few want to be committed to anything. ... a job... a marriage... our country. Membership swims against the current of America’s “consumer religion”. It is an unselfish decision. Commitment always builds character.

A Practical Reason: It defines who can be counted on. Every team must have a roster. Every school must have an enrollment. Every business has a payroll. Every army has an enlistment. Membership identifies our family. Each believer brings a wealth of personal resources into the church family that enriches the lives of those who are already members, and when joined with the talents and gifts of those already present, increases our potential to make an impact for Christ in our world.

A Personal Reason: It produces spiritual growth. The New Testament places a major emphasis on the need for Christians to be accountable to each other for spiritual growth; you cannot be accountable when you’re not committed to any specific church family.

How can I join the church?
You can join our church in these ways. First, all members must be believers in Christ, and have a personal relationship with Him, and have followed Christ in obedience, demonstrated by being baptized by immersion. So with this in mind, we have these categories of applying for membership:

By Profession of Faith – you tell us you have already become a believer, and request baptism.

By Transfer of Membership – This is also called a transfer of membership. This is a promise of membership from another church of like faith and order, subject to receipt of such evidence of membership.

By Statement of Faith – By your personal statement, tell us that you are a baptized believer, and have a membership in another church of like faith and order, but records of membership are unavailable.

By Watchcare – this is a special category of membership for believers who do not want to formally break ties with another church, a believer awaiting baptism, or other a special membership request pending church decision.

If I want to know more, what do you suggest?
First Connection is the best starting point for those who really want to know about us in detail. It is an ongoing, thorough, four-week, orientation class that meets weekly on
Sunday’s in the Worship Center Parlor at 9:00. These classes are designed to introduce the just curious, nearly member or newly member to the heart of the church. You’ll meet the staff, learn the foundations and functions of the church and all it’s ministries, tour the facilities and have all your questions answered.