OUR PASTOR
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I have the privilege of serving the wonderful people of Big Rock as Pastor at First Baptist. By God’s grace, I am doing my best to make as few mistakes as possible, however that seems to happen frequently. I have found that the family at First Baptist is exactly what I need to grow in grace and maturity.

I am blessed to be married to Rachel. We have been married since May 5th, 2008. We have eight beautiful children who love to laugh and are constantly loud and silly. We love having people over to our house for Bible study, playing games, and having parties with lots of food.

I frequently tell people not to believe anything I say, unless I am talking about the Bible. Learning from the Bible is one of my favorite things to do. I also love watching sports, playing ‘daddy jungle gym’ with our children, and going on dates with Rachel.

​I am passionate about raising up leaders for God’s kingdom. The most important part of discipleship is the relationships that are developed in the body of Christ. Those relationships are essential, since discipleship is growing together towards the Savior.

Enjoying God’s Word is the greatest privilege of my life, and I believe that exegetically sound, thought-provoking preaching is invaluable to the church.

OUR VISION
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Loving unconditionally, sacrificially, and generously is the heart of our church.
​We seek to disciple believers by unconditional love, lots of grace, and building friendships along the way. We want to see God’s good news spread in our community and around the world.

BIG ROCK IS COMITTED TO LOVE, DISCIPLESHIP AND UNITY.

OUR STORY
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First Baptist Church was founded in December, 1849, by Welsh farmers. By God’s grace it has proclaimed the Gospel of Jesus Christ for over 150 years in the Big Rock community. Here is a passage from the 100th anniversary: “Having been as we trust, brought by divine grace to embrace the Lord Jesus Christ, and to give ourselves wholly to Him, we do now solemnly and joyfully covenant with each other, TO WALK TOGETHER IN HIM, WITH BROTHERLY LOVE, to His glory, as our common Lord.” 

More recently, First Baptist was served by Pastor Eugene Frost, who retired several years ago at the age of 91. Pastor Frost went home to be with the Lord in 2018.

Several years ago, Pastor Bill McMillan came to serve at First Baptist. Pastor McMillan served First Baptist for 2 years. 

Today we are focused on offering the peace of Christ to our community. We represent the Prince of Peace by Glorifying God, Loving Each Other, and Making Disciples. 

Our story is in progress. Come, change your story, and help us accomplish ours. What can you do today for God’s kingdom? ​

WHAT WE BELIEVE

GOD
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We believe that God eternally exists in three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are one God. They have the same nature, attributes, and perfection, and are worthy of the same reverence, confidence, and obedience. (Matthew 28:19-20; John 14:6-17; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Colossians 1:13-19; Hebrews 1:1-3)

JESUS CHRIST
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We believe the eternal Son of God became a man to reveal God to mankind and to reconcile men to God. He was born of the virgin Mary and lived on earth. The Messiah was crucified and buried, yet he rose from the dead and ascended into heaven. (John 1:1-14; Acts 2:22-36; Philippians 2:5-11)

HOLY SPIRIT
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We believe the Holy Spirit is our abiding comforter and helper. He strengthens our faith and devotion while conforming us to the image of Christ. (John 16:7-15; Romans 8:1-14; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

MAN 
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We believe man was created in the image of God to worship God and serve God in His creation. Through sin, man fell from this calling and lost relationship with God by believing the lies of the Devil. This fallen human nature has been passed on to all mankind (except Christ Jesus), so that every child of Adam is alienated from God and in need of saving grace (Genesis 1:26-28; Psalm 8; Romans 1:18; Romans 3:23; Ephesians 2:1-3)

SALVATION
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We believe that salvation for men has been provided by the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ. He died as our substitute, shedding His blood for the removal of our sins (Romans 5:6-21; Colossians 1:12-14; Colossians 1:20-22; 1 Peter 1:18-23)

ETERNITY
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We believe in the blessed hope; the personal return of Christ for His Church. At death, the redeemed enter into the presence of Christ. With His second coming our bodies will be resurrected, and we will be forever with Him in glory. The unbeliever will wait for final judgement after death. In that judgement they will be punished with eternal separation from the presence of the Lord (1 Corinthians 15-19-58; Philippians 1:20-23; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Revelation 20:11-15)

THE BIBLE
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We believe “all Scripture is given by inspiration of God.” The Holy Spirit guided the original writers so that the words they wrote constitute the Word of God. This Word is our final authority of faith and practice. (2 Timothy 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21)

GLORIFY GOD. LOVE EACH OTHER. MAKE DISCIPLES.