Among the greatest gifts we can offer to the larger community around us and to each other is the gift of loving our neighbors. That is at the heart of our commitment—first to our downtown community in Winston-Salem and then to the world around us. “Loving our neighbors” is tangible and real. It means meeting immediate needs like that of housing or food. It means attending our mental and emotional health, and prioritizing the flourishing of all people. It means pooling our money with other Baptists for the sake of the world’s most neglected. It means weaving our strands of connection to partners in ministry here in Winston-Salem with intention and purpose. Our commitment to serving our neighbors puts us squarely in the path of Jesus, who understood that people are seen and known when their whole self is received with care and compassion.
OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE
Missions
One of our church’s longest and most steadfast commitments is our commitment to serve the community outside our walls. In the 1960s and 1970s, First Baptist on Fifth was a critical voice and leader in the development of non-profit resources and organizations to serve the immediate needs of citizens in Winston-Salem.
Outreach
Telling the story of how God is at work in and through the lives of the beloved community of First Baptist on Fifth is a calling of ours. We believe that storytelling and story-sharing matters, which is how we understand the mission of our church’s outreach ministries.
Mental Health
Nearly 25 years ago, a member of our church, Glenn Butner, left a sizable financial gift to the church upon his death, designated specifically and generously for the purpose of mental health counseling for members and friends of the church. Glenn Butner knew then what many of us know far better now — that care for one’s mind is part of caring for one’s soul.
Deacon Care & Connection
Born out of our church’s desire to offer sustaining, generous care for one another, our pastoral staff and Deacons lead in these areas of ministry within the church’s life. Each active member of our church is assigned a Deacon to aid in their continued care, and this Deacon covenants to be a regular presence of love in the lives of members.
Prayer & Benevolence Requests
We within First Baptist on Fifth believe in the power and possibility of prayer as a vital source of life in one’s Christian journey. Each week, the congregation receives a prayer list in the newsletter, filled with the health concerns and life updates of any member who would like to share them.
Scholarships & Grants
Thanks to the generosity of church members who have come before us, we are delighted to be able to provide student scholarships.
Volunteer Coordinator
We believe that giving of ourselves in service is right at the heart of a joyful life lived following Jesus. Should you desire to learn more about how you might serve, please contact Emily Hull McGee.