Church History:
First Baptist church, organized in 1849, existed and remains solely for the glory of God. In the past 160+ years there have been a multitude of people who have accepted Jesus Christ as Savior and many who have grown in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. Early in First Baptist Church history it was said; “This church preaches Bible Theology, Christian Conversion, and Holy Living. Its influence in molding religious convictions in people cannot be measured.” This statement continues today.
- GLORIFY: We endeavor to Glorify God in every aspect of our lives.
- GROW: We effort to Grow in the Word of God by gathering together for weekly services, Bible study, & Christian fellowship.
- SERVE: We are eager to serve in the church and in our community.
- GO: We equip all to Go; intentionally sharing the Gospel message of Jesus Christ’s death, burial, resurrection, and imminent return.
Worship Services:
Our Worship Services are centered on Glorifying God and Growing in the Word of God. Our Morning and Evening services are traditional and practical. Our goal is to proclaim the glory of God, the Gospel message, and to encourage and equip the saints. We sing hymns with accompaniment by a pianist and/or organist. Our Pastor preaches and teaches from the Bible emphasizing a historical, contextual, normal, grammatical interpretation of the Scriptures.
Pastor:
Pastor Matt is passionate about his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He teaches and preaches the Word of God energetically with an emphasis on sound doctrine. Pastor graduated from Faith Baptist Bible College in 2007 with an Associates of Arts degree in Biblical Studies. He was senior pastor of a rural country church in Colorado for almost 4 years when God called him back to Iowa. Upon his return he faithfully served in the local church and continued his formal study of God's Word. In 2015 he graduated from Faith Baptist Bible College with a Bachelor of Science in Pastoral Studies with a focus on Biblical Counseling.
Pastor Matt and his wife Shari have 4 blessed children; Jaryn, Jay, Jocelynn, and Jesseca. Their family enjoys God's glorious creation outdoors; hunting, fishing, camping, and gardening. Matt and Shari were born and raised in Newton, IA. They both graduated from Newton Senior High School in 1995 and were married that same year. Pastor and Shari give thanks to God for His faithful provision through the years. Shari has a heart for teaching, children's ministry, and encouraging women in their faith.
Pastor Matt and his wife Shari have 4 blessed children; Jaryn, Jay, Jocelynn, and Jesseca. Their family enjoys God's glorious creation outdoors; hunting, fishing, camping, and gardening. Matt and Shari were born and raised in Newton, IA. They both graduated from Newton Senior High School in 1995 and were married that same year. Pastor and Shari give thanks to God for His faithful provision through the years. Shari has a heart for teaching, children's ministry, and encouraging women in their faith.