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FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE

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First Baptist Church

A Downtown Church with Regional Outreach

First Baptist Church of Knoxville stands in the heart of downtown where it has a tradition of

sharing God’s grace since 1843. The surrounding neighborhood is diverse and vibrant but is

continually evolving. With the resurgence of downtown Knoxville and its rich offering of

cultural attractions, an increasing number of urban professionals choose to live downtown.

Other professionals work downtown but commute from the suburbs. The Hispanic population in

Knoxville continues to grow. In contrast, many in the area feel the effects of homelessness and

generational poverty. First Baptist utilizes ministries designed to cross both cultural and

economic boundaries in order to reach all of these groups with the love of Jesus.

Although planted firmly in the downtown community, First Baptist also has a regional impact

through the live television broadcast of the 11:00 a.m. worship service. Many homebound and

nursing home residents watch routinely, while others watch when they cannot attend their regular

service. Oftentimes, viewers who alight on the service after “channel surfing” communicate that

their lives were touched in a special way. In addition, First Baptist attempts to reach the regional

community through a variety of media such as fbcknox.org, Facebook, and podcasts.

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Loving God

First Baptist offers multiple worship services each Sunday morning. Recognizing that there are

countless ways to praise God in spirit and truth, and that individual worshippers connect with

God in different ways, it is important to provide a variety of elements that help facilitate that

connection. Regardless of the worship style, the intent is to energize and equip worshippers to

carry the love of Jesus into the world beyond the walls.

Traditional Worship – The televised 11:00 a.m. service follows the tradition of

beautiful choral music accompanied by a pipe organ, grand piano, and occasionally an

orchestra. The beautiful Baroque Classic sanctuary is uniquely designed for an awe-

inspiring worship experience. While traditional in style, this service is welcoming and

friendly and would be meaningful for long-time church attenders as well as new

Christians. After listening to a sermon especially designed for them, children depart the

sanctuary to participate in a special worship experience called Passage.

First Community – A less formal, contemporary-styled worship service led by a praise

band and small vocal ensemble begins at 8:42 a.m. Up-beat praise and worship music

sets the tone, and dramas are often used to reinforce the message.

Deaf Worship – First Baptist has an active deaf congregation with a separate 11:00 a.m.

worship service in the chapel.

A handbell choir, children’s choirs, youth chapel choir, senior Golden Notes choir, and special

vocal ensembles regularly enhance worship. Special Sunday evening services occur periodically

throughout the year. Communion is observed quarterly. Additionally, during Holy Week, First

Baptist and other downtown churches participate in coordinated special worship services.

Traditional Sunday School begins at 9:45 a.m. During the week, several small group Bible

studies meet in homes or at the church. On Wednesday evenings, a meal is followed by a prayer

service or special discipleship sessions along with children’s choirs and mission education.

Loving our Neighbors

The Great Commission instructs believers to share the love and message of Jesus with the

surrounding community and beyond – even to the ends of the earth. First Baptist engages in

relief-based ministries for those who are experiencing an urgent crisis, but also focuses on

transformative ministries for those who are ready to move forward toward self-sufficiency.

Homeless Ministries – Since the downtown community is a key mission field, First

Baptist has a history of partnership with others who share a heart for the city. In 1987,

First Baptist, along with a group of visionary downtown churches, founded the Volunteer

Ministry Center, an agency which helps homeless individuals break the cycle of poverty

and move toward self-sufficiency. Another ministry partner is Knox Area Rescue

Ministries which provides emergency shelter and meals, as well as individual restoration

through counseling and job training. Both VMC and KARM continue to receive

financial support from First Baptist, and volunteers routinely serve meals at VMC.

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Basic Needs – The benevolence ministry of First Baptist and the FISH food pantry

provide emergency support to those who are struggling and may be on the verge of

homelessness. These relief-based ministries are complemented by a transformative food

program, a bi-weekly food co-op patterned after the Georgia Avenue Food Co-op in

Atlanta, in which participants pay a nominal sum, unpack and distribute food, and

participate in a devotional. Co-op members learn organizational skills, practice

teamwork, and experience the self-worth that comes from helping oneself.

Struggling Families – First Baptist strives to support struggling families who are in need

of a church to walk alongside them in their journey. One example is the collaboration

with Family Promise of Knoxville, in which homeless families spend one week per

quarter in the church. Participants receive meals, lodging, and loving fellowship at the

church along with professional support and counseling through Family Promise. Further,

through its sponsorship of the Restoration House building campaign and its provision of a

mentoring team, First Baptist supports families headed by single mothers.

Children – In an effort to provide positive role models and to encourage children to grow

into productive, independent members of society, First Baptist participates in Kids Hope

USA, a mentoring program which promotes one church, one school, and one hour per

week with one child. Over two dozen mentors serve children at the South Knoxville

Elementary School which is just a few blocks from First Baptist.

Collaboration – As a member of the Compassion Coalition, First Baptist shares and

receives information about resources in the community so as not to duplicate ministries.

Compassion Coalition also provides training for volunteers and opportunities for strategic

partnerships with churches and agencies who share the desire to help those in need.

Women on Mission – An active Women on Mission group coordinates and supports a

variety of mission projects. An E-doers group utilizes e-mail to facilitate projects ranging

from Mobile Meals and A Hand Up for Women to Ronald McDonald House.

Domestic Ministries – First Baptist’s full-time Director of Community Ministries is

partially funded through a partnership with Buckner International. Extending ministry

beyond downtown Knoxville and Knox County, First Baptist partners with Buckner in

their Mexican border ministry by sending volunteers to assist families with building

homes in the lower Rio Grande Valley.

International – In addition to the Buckner partnership, First Baptist has had ongoing

relationships for many years with ministries in Croatia and South Africa, including

sponsorship of Josh and Caroline Smith, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship missionaries to

South Africa. Establishing long-term relationships fosters greater productivity and

lessens the likelihood of harming either the local economy or the recipients of the aid.

A more comprehensive list of missions and ministries is included in Appendix 4 below.

God’s Grace Received and Offered

First Baptist accepts the traditional Baptist tenet of Priesthood of the Believer in which each

individual has the ability, through the power of the Holy Spirit, to read and interpret the Bible.

Members collectively seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance in interpreting the scriptures in a practical

way that brings God’s grace to a hurting world. A tendency to focus on that which unites

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believers rather than on points of contention brings emphasis to the work of building God’s

Kingdom in Knoxville and beyond. The overwhelming love of God and His grace in sending

Jesus as Savior covers the faith family at First Baptist. Having received God’s grace and

forgiveness, each member attempts to share His love with others through word and deed.

As the Apostle Paul stated, we now see as through a glass, darkly. First Baptist is a safe place to

ask questions and to share one’s biblical understanding, and where the Bible is viewed through

the lens of loving God and neighbor, first and foremost. Members believe that God works in

each life through His Spirit and Word in order to bring about spiritual growth and

transformation, but respect the fact that brothers and sisters in Christ may reach different

conclusions along their faith journey. As Kingdom builders, however, First Baptist members are

united in bringing peace and restoration to a hurting community.

Diversity Celebrated

Most First Baptist members describe the church as moderate, but believers who lean toward both

conservative and liberal theology are comfortable here. Acknowledging that no one has full

understanding of the glorious mystery which has only been revealed in part, First Baptist

members respect diverse opinions while pursuing the life-long quest of growing more Christ-like

in thought and in deed.

While First Baptist holds to the traditional Baptist tenet of the independence of the local church,

it also supports denominational cooperative giving for missions.

First Baptist has a long tradition of ordaining women into church leadership roles, both in the

laity and the ministerial staff. Building on the biblical examples of women as servant leaders in

some first century churches, members believe that the Kingdom is enhanced through diversity in

leadership. Likewise, these positions include a variety of age ranges. First Leaders, a year-long

development program, fosters potential new leaders of all ages.

Although it is a downtown church, members live throughout the Knoxville metropolitan area and

represent a wide range of income levels, age ranges, and educational backgrounds. This

diversity gives a broader perspective of the strengths and struggles across the entire community -

Knoxville, Knox County, and even surrounding counties.

First Baptist enjoys successful collaborations across racial and cultural boundaries. A Hispanic

congregation began in 2006, which grew rapidly and now has its own facility in North

Knoxville. Also, Mount Olive Baptist Church, a downtown African-American congregation, has

been First Baptist’s partner in the Family Promise homeless ministry since it began in 2005.

Further, in seeking to learn more about other faith traditions which are active in the Knoxville

community, First Baptist hosts panel discussions with leaders from other faiths.

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Open Doors

First Baptist has a history of opening its doors to a diverse community in a variety of ways. In

addition to a series of annual and periodic events, the facility is also available to agencies and

non-profits who need meeting or office space.

Christmas Brunch – The annual Christmas Brunch engages over 100 volunteers in

serving over 600 at-risk neighbors. Guests enjoy a hearty breakfast and entertainment

provided by live musical groups. Each guest also receives a gift basket, but the most

special aspect of the event is the provision of a family or individual portrait. Many have

not had a portrait for years, which makes this is a unique and memorable gift for them.

The Bridge – The mid-week Bridge luncheon is an outreach to those who work

downtown. Speakers offer an uplifting message accompanied by an appetizing lunch.

Concert Series – The Sunday evening concert series includes a variety of singers and

groups who entertain members, guests, and downtown residents.

Children’s Events – Children are the focus of the annual Easter Eggstravaganza.

Families from around the community come to First Baptist for an Easter egg hunt on the

lawn and a reenactment of the Easter story. This time of fun provides an opportunity to

plant the seeds of Jesus’ love. Additionally, Vacation Bible School is another

opportunity to reach children for Christ in a fun and loving environment.

Red Cross Shelter – On two occasions, First Baptist served as a Red Cross shelter for

victims of natural disasters. When refugees poured into Knoxville from New Orleans

after Hurricane Katrina, the facility and volunteers assisted the victims of this disaster.

Again following Hurricane Gustav, the doors opened to those seeking shelter.

Dreams for the Future

When asked about their dreams for the future of the church, members clearly expressed a passion

for reaching young people. Strong and vibrant ministries to children and youth are in place, but

building upon this foundation in order to attract college students and young professionals is a

keen desire. Many positives are in place in order to effectively reach these groups:

Research indicates that ministering to the community and expressing faith in practical

ways is attractive to millennials seeking to make a difference.

Tolerance of diverse opinions and humble admission of limited understanding appeals to

a generation that has grown distrustful of organizations with rigid answers to complex

problems.

A proactive approach to leadership development and a willingness to include young

people in all aspects of leadership is attractive to this generation.

First Baptist made a significant commitment to this endeavor by creating a staff position

which focuses on reaching young people during a time when many tend to drift away

from the church.

Maintaining a balance between ministry and communion with God is important for believers.

Many members indicated a desire for increased options for discipleship through the expansion of

small groups. Several also requested training to better equip them for sharing the gospel.

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Many First Baptist members view the growing residential population downtown as an area for

expanded emphasis. By expanding collaborations and working together toward a common goal

with other churches, agencies, and non-profits who share this vision, downtown residents clearly

see the love of Jesus demonstrated in tangible ways.

Legacy of Love

Although focused on meeting needs on a daily basis and looking to the future to expand ministry,

history is an important part of the First Baptist identity. In 1842, no Baptist churches existed in

the village of Knoxville. The Moses brothers, James and John, moved from Exeter, New

Hampshire, with Baptist leanings and began the Knoxville Baptist Church in January of 1843.

Later that month, the first baptismal service was held in the cold Tennessee River.

The new Baptist church had 46 members: 15 white men, 11 white women, 8 black men, and 12

black women. The population of Knoxville was estimated to be between 2,000 and 3,000 at that

time. By 1844, the church had 73 members and was making plans for a church building. After

purchasing a lot on Gay Street in the heart of downtown, construction began on a one-story brick

building which was completed in 1850.

In 1868, the church began its ministry to the deaf when four young women from the deaf school

became members. Fifty-four years later, in 1922, Mrs. Laura Formwalt began signing the sermon

to the deaf in the congregation, a service she provided for more than 45 years. From that

beginning, the ministry to the deaf grew and continues today.

In 1869, the church, still called Knoxville Baptist Church, changed its name and became First

Baptist Church. In 1870, First Baptist Church started a collection for the poor of the church to be

taken at each communion service, a tradition that continues to the present. By 1882, the church

outgrew its original building and began a new building on the same Gay Street site. The second

church building was completed in 1887.

By 1921, the church had grown to 1100 members and Sunday school classes were meeting up

and down Gay Street and in tents behind the church. A new building was necessary again. Land

was purchased on Main Street in September 1921, the cornerstone laid in June 1923, and the first

service held in September 1924. A gem of architectural beauty costing $600,000, fifteen years

later the building was dedicated debt-free. An education building was added in the late 1950’s.

FBC has been instrumental in planting new churches throughout its history. In the late 1800s,

First Baptist members began two new churches in Knoxville. The first ultimately became

Broadway Baptist Church and still exists today. Another was known originally as Centennial

Baptist and then Deadrick Avenue Baptist. This church was active for over 50 years, but no

longer exists today. In the early 1900s, what is known today as Calvary Baptist Church was

started on Yale Avenue and ultimately moved to its current location on Kingston Pike. In 1961,

West Hills Baptist Church was recognized after having been financed and organized by First

Baptist. A Hispanic congregation, initiated at First Baptist in 2006, became an independent

church in 2008 and utilized First Baptist’s facility until 2012 for Bible studies.

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In November 1924, first Baptist operated a radio station—WFBC. This station was reported to

have been heard in 22 states, which is remarkable considering that the first radio broadcasting in

the U.S. began in 1920. A change in government regulations in 1931 made it necessary to sell

the equipment. In 1976, First Baptist began televising its service each Sunday, a ministry that

continues today. In addition, today the 11:00 a.m. service is also broadcast via the internet.

In the 1940’s, a Sunday School class was started for children living in shanties on the riverfront

behind the church and across the river in south Knoxville. Men of the church drove through the

areas on Sunday morning to pick up the children and later returned them to their home. This

early mission work expanded to include the families and to provide food, clothing, and

employment, as well as assistance in dealing with city agencies on behalf of these disadvantaged

families. A weekly preaching service was organized using student ministers. In 1952, a house

was purchased on Hill Avenue and became the riverfront mission. This ministry was phased out

in the late 1950’s as urban renewal changed the area and the people relocated. However, this

downtown mission work moved to Market Street and continued. Several young pastors served

this mission until it was disbanded when the TVA towers were built at the end of Market Street.

First Baptist has had an ongoing focus on ministering to the community in Jesus’ name. In

addition to the ongoing collaboration with the Volunteer Ministry Center and the Interfaith Heath

Clinic, other ministries were developed and adapted to meet needs as the city evolved. Some of

these former ministries include the Share & Care Center (distribution of clothing), a play mobile,

and the Judy Russell house for women in need. Also, refugees have been sponsored from

troubled areas of the world.

There is actually no end to the story of service and dedication of First Baptist members. In the

future the church will adjust to change and continue to be a vital force in the heart of Knoxville.

First Baptist is aware of its rich heritage passed down by the strong leadership of men and

women led by God whose purpose was to know God, to serve God, and to share the love of God,

and it is committed to meeting needs in the present, while looking with hope to the future.

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Appendices

1 – Staff and Leadership

2 – Attendance and Facility

3 – Finances

4 – Mission History and Details

5 – Photo Montage

6 – Knoxville Demographics

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Appendix 1 – Staff and Leadership

First Baptist’s staff organizational structure supports six full-time ministerial positions and two

part-time positions as follows:

Position Minister Full/Part-time

Senior Pastor Open Full-time

Minister of Music Open – two interim positions currently

in place for traditional and

contemporary worship

Full-time

Minister of Administration Pam Neal Full-time

Minister of Young Adults,

Communication

Scott Claybrook Full-time

Minister of Youth Ben Winder Full-time

Director of Community

Ministry

Joy Claybrook Full-time

Pastoral Care Minister Dave Ward Part-time

Preschool and Children Susan Tatum Part-time

Additional support personnel are as follows:

Position Full-time Part-time

Building Superintendent 1

Maintenance Workers 1 2

Church Host 1

Kitchen Assistant 1

Kitchen Workers 6

Ministry Assistants 4 1

Pianist 1

Organist 1

Nursery Workers 9

An engaged lay leadership team augments the ministerial staff. Ten standing councils and

committees plan and execute ministries both inside and outside the church. Members are

appointed to three-year terms by the Nominating Committee. Ministry groups or teams may be

appointed for special projects by councils and committees.

Councils consist of nine church members and are primarily focused on missions and ministry:

Outreach

Worship

Fellowship

Discipleship

Missions

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Committees have twelve members and center their efforts on the administrative functions of the

church:

Finance

Personnel

Facilities

Long Range Planning

Nominating

Fifty voting deacons serve five-year terms with ten deacons rotating off voting status annually.

Non-voting deacons remain a part of the leadership team and may attend monthly meetings,

chair councils/committees, and participate in deacon ministries. Deacons are selected by a sub-

committee appointed annually by the Nominating Committee. This sub-committee has

discretion to elect Spirit-filled individuals who would best advance the Kingdom mission and

reflect the diversity of the congregation. Women have served as deacons at First Baptist for

decades and routinely chair committees and councils as well as the deacon body itself.

The Deacon Ministries consist of six specific areas of ministry:

New member

Visitor outreach

Hospital visitation

Homebound care

Extended post-hospital care

Nursing home visitation

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Appendix 2 – Attendance and Facility

Facility

First Baptist Church is situated on Main Street in downtown Knoxville. The primary facility was

constructed in 1924 and includes a sanctuary, chapel, and library as well as meeting rooms and

offices. A welcome center provides easy access from the adjacent parking garage. An education

building and fellowship hall with professional kitchen were constructed in 1959. A major

church-wide renovation was completed in 2001.

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Appendix 3 – Finances

A five-year analysis of actual revenues and expenses for First Baptist is shown below. Revenues

exclude income generated from endowment funds.

The church is on sound financial footing due to the ongoing generosity of its members and the

strategic management of its resources. As of July 2013, First Baptist had over $700,000 in cash

accounts for general expenses and designated accounts. Key financial assets include several

endowment funds that are used for various purposes. Balances as of July 2013 are shown in the

following table.

Fund Purpose Balance

Missions Fund Missions $ 165,572

Endowment Fund Capital Improvements $ 367,554

McPherson Deaf Endowment Deaf Missions $ 112,454

Monday Fund Missions $ 956,680

McGinley Fund Charitable, Religious, Educational $ 534,509

The church also owns a parking lot adjacent to the facility. This asset generates over $80,000

annually which is used for debt retirement, missions, and facility upgrades.

The primary financial liability is a loan that was used for a major renovation of the facilities.

The balance as of July 2013 is $97,872, which is anticipated to be eliminated by the end of 2013.

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Total Revenues (non-endowment) 1,644,349$ 1,676,739$ 1,907,817$ 1,903,808$ 1,771,601$

Expenses

Total Missions Expense 89,249$ 82,349$ 99,023$ 69,084$ 65,083$

Total Spiritual Formation 21,604$ 20,397$ 19,401$ 22,010$ 21,028$

Total Worship 42,257$ 18,637$ 20,738$ 21,686$ 26,706$

Total Televison 118,576$ 122,622$ 139,662$ 115,988$ 108,324$

Total Deaf Congregation 10,027$ 5,484$ 4,856$ 5,118$ 4,903$

Total Family Life 639$ 2,750$ 275$ 2,657$ 3,590$

Total Preschool 6,030$ 5,415$ 6,162$ 6,003$ 4,031$

Total Children 8,450$ 5,840$ 5,599$ 8,092$ 6,976$

Total Youth 28,002$ 26,786$ 21,844$ 19,082$ 15,367$

Total College 5,138$ 260$ 196$ 785$ 304$

Total Senior Adults 1,245$ 1,110$ 1,498$ 290$ 1,155$

Total Outreach/Advertising 20,643$ 12,250$ 3,881$ 10,032$ 11,014$

Total Program Ministries Expense 262,611$ 221,550$ 224,111$ 211,744$ 203,398$

Total Personnel Expense 1,051,310$ 1,028,227$ 998,728$ 1,026,795$ 909,236$

Total Administrative Ministries 117,372$ 114,882$ 102,151$ 110,004$ 113,047$

Total Building and Grounds Expenses 284,789$ 273,258$ 275,336$ 264,191$ 270,311$

Total Kitchen 84,445$ 68,634$ 66,733$ 65,080$ 58,842$

Total Administrative Expenses 486,606$ 456,773$ 444,221$ 439,274$ 442,201$

Total Other Expenses -$ -$ -$ -$ $15,708.70

Total Expenses 1,889,777$ 1,788,900$ 1,766,082$ 1,746,897$ 1,635,627$

Revenues-Expenses (245,428)$ (112,161)$ 141,735$ 156,911$ 135,974$

Five-Year Actual Revenues and Expenses

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Appendix 4 – Missions History and Details

When the DNA of First Baptist Church is mapped, it is clear that there is a strong strand of

serving, sharing and living out The Great Commission. This thread has the colors of various

pastors and leaders who helped members see the world in different ways at different times. In

1868, the church began a ministry to the deaf. Then in 1880, the Women’s Missionary Society

was formed and provided a communion table to a mission church, furnished the girls’ dormitory

at Carson Newman College and gave scholarships. Money was collected for foreign and home

missionaries and clothing for missionaries working in Oklahoma. In the late 1880’s First

Baptist’s slogan was, “In the Center of the City with the Savior.” More than 100 years later, it’s

much the same.

1970’s-First Baptist joined with nine other downtown churches to form Knoxville Inner City

Churches United for People (KICCUP) to coordinate the mission work of all downtown

churches, establishing the Interfaith Health Clinic and Volunteer Ministry Center among other

organizations. First Baptist opened the Share and Care Center to provide food and clothing to the

needy.

1984-Woman’s Missionary Union spearheaded a two-year project to renovate a 75-year-old

house as a safe house for women.

1985-First Baptist worked through “Bridge” to sponsor refugees from Romania, Cambodia,

Vietnam and Russia.

Late 1980’s-Monday Family Trust established to insure that First Baptist would always invest in

missions. The income from now approximately $1 million dollars is spent on missions

2006 – First Baptist formed a collaborative relationship with Buckner International to better meet

the needs of the community of Knoxville. This collaboration includes a partnership to establish a

Director of Community Ministries as a part of the staff.

2009 – The McGinley Fund was established with the intent that income from investment and a

portion of the principal be spent on missions annually.

First Baptist supports the Knox County Baptist Association that provides support to smaller

churches and sponsors activities at Camp Ba-Yo-Ca, a retreat center for children and youth.

Annually, offerings are given for the Lottie Moon Christmas offering, the Annie Armstrong

Easter offering, Golden State offering in September, and Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Global

Missions.

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Our ministry activities include:

New Parent Ministry

Celebration Rose and Home Visit

Family Dedication

Parent 2 Parent

Stephen Ministry through crisis points of parenting and marriages

Preschool Ministry

Caterpillar Cove

Childcare

Bible Study

Passage Children’s Worship Experience

Wednesday Evening: Preschool Choirs and Mission Friends

Parent 2 Parent

Mom’s Connection

Kid’s Connection

Sunday School: Art, Science, Cooking, Storytelling, Bible Drill, Video,

Computer, Games

Wednesday Evening: Girls in Action, Royal Ambassadors, Children’s Choirs

Vacation Bible School

Trunk or Treat

Kids Camp

Easter Eggstravaganza

Student Ministries

Bible Study

Fall Retreat

Disciple Now

Student Life

Kids Camp

Chapel Choir

Young Adult Ministries

Senior Adult Ministries

Golden Notes

Saints Alive

Women on Mission

Deaf Ministry

Hispanic Ministries, now independent church, Knox Ekklesia Cristiana Internacional

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First Baptist provides financial and hands-on participation in the following local/regional

missions/ministries, some of which are “in-house” as noted (*):

Angelic Ministries

Appalachian Outreach

Baptist Collegiate Ministry-University of Tennessee

Benevolent Ministries

Child Help

Christmas Brunch (*)

Compassion Coalition

Drama Team (*)

Emergency Transitional Housing-Community Action Committee

Family Promise (*)

First Leaders (*)

FISH (*)

Food Co-Op (*)

Habitat for Humanity

Handyman Ministry (*)

Heart of Knoxville (*)

Kids Hope USA

Knoxville Area Rescue Ministries

Montgomery Village

Operation Inasmuch

Prayer Ministry (*)

Restoration House

South Knoxville Elementary, our adoptive school (*)

Stephen Ministry (*)

Tech Ministry (*)

Television ministry (*)

The Next Door

Volunteer Ministry Center

Western Heights

National missions/ministries participation includes:

Buckner International partnership in construction of homes and transformational

ministries on the border of Texas

Disaster relief in Tennessee in cooperation with CBF of Tennessee

International missions/ministries participation includes:

Multi-year support and participation in CBF mission work in Croatia

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Multi-year support of CBF missionaries in South Africa, Josh and Caroline Smith and

participation in their ministry

Support of missionaries from our Deaf Congregation in South Africa, Frank and Sherry

Moran

First Baptist Church is ready to respond to human need at a moment’s notice…literally. The

church was approved and equipped within 24 hours as a Red Cross Shelter during the Katrina

hurricane disaster, operated for ten days, and worked with misplaced victims for months. Money

was collected as were specific items that were needed including hundreds of bottles of water that

were shipped on a full 18-wheeler to support a shelter in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. First Baptist

was again opened as a Red Cross shelter during hurricane Gustav.

Individual members of First Baptist are involved in many more mission/ministry activities than

are listed, such as Kairos Prison Ministries and Meals on Wheels.

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Appendix 5 – Photo Montage

Ben Winder, Minister of

Youth, and Scott

Claybrook, Minister to

Young Adults,

Communication

Bob Money, Former

Minster of Counseling,

and Scott Claybrook,

Minister to Young Adults,

Communication

Pam Neal, Minister of

Administration

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Rehearsal in the

sanctuary

Golden Notes

Senior Adult Choir

Scoop and Swim

Fellowship Event

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Children’s Summer

Camp

Vacation Bible

School

Downtown Christmas

Brunch

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Appendix 6 – Knoxville Demographics

Knoxville is the perfect mix of small town charm and big city fun. Surrounded by unsurpassed

natural beauty and filled with great places to go, Knoxville has something for everyone.

Listed below are some links to detailed information about the Knoxville metropolitan area:

http://www.knoxvilleoakridge.com/data/

http://www.knoxvillechamber.com/relocation

http://www.knoxvillechamber.com/quality-life

http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/47/4740000.html