Our congregation is made up of individuals from many walks of life and a variety of perspectives, yet all united in our church’s vision statement: “We are a community in the heart of the city called by Jesus to practice bold love of God and neighbor and boundless compassion for all people.” We’d love for you to catch a glimpse into our identity, commitments, and calling by God through our congregationally-written Confession of Identity which you can read about and read in its fullness here. But best of all, come see us and experience First on Fifth for yourself!
We are not. Read more about our Baptist Identity and Affiliations.
We are located at 501 West Fifth Street between Spruce and Poplar in downtown Winston-Salem, 27101.
Should you visit the church house for worship on Sundays or during the week, parking for the congregation is available in the following locations on or around our block:
- The back gravel parking lot between the church house and 6th Street. There are several paved handicapped-accessible spots closest to the building. (anytime)
- The Winston-Salem Journal parking lot and adjacent gravel lot at the corner of 5th and Spruce. You will need a parking permit provided by the church to park here; contact the church office for this. (Sundays)
- The parking lot of the John 3:16 building at the corner of 6th and Poplar (anytime)
- Street parking at meters on 5th Street and Spruce Streets (anytime)
- Street parking on Poplar Street (Sundays)
Within a block or two of the church are several parking garages and other surface lot options should you need them. If you do not experience mobility challenges and have the capacity to park farther away so as to reserve closer spots for those who need them, we encourage you to do so!
9:00 AM Bible Study online
9:30 AM Bible Study in person for all ages
10:30 AM Coffee and Conversation in the Commons
11:00 AM Worship in the Sanctuary.
Welcome welcome! That’s the first thing we hope you’ll experience here – a full, wholehearted, true welcome. We take hospitality seriously at First on Fifth, and practice it each week when we gather. You’ll see greeters at the doors to help you find your way to Sunday School classes for all ages or up to the Sanctuary for worship. You’ll hear laughter and music, and a sure squeal of delight (or two or ten!) among our children. You’ll be invited to fill out a Connection Card in worship so that we can call you by name and connect you deeply within our community. If you’re visiting with young children, we welcome them in whatever way is best for your family! Creative resources for our little ones guide their experience of worship in the Sanctuary, and worship care for infants through pre-K is available in the nursery on the first floor. Restrooms are located just outside every entrance into the Sanctuary. And should you need any assistance in worship—like listening assist devices for those hard of hearing or multi-sensory spaces to reflect during worship—our ushers and ministers are here for you! Most of all, we hope you experience the warmth and welcome of God who calls you beloved!
Yes! Childcare is available during Bible study, fellowship time, and worship on Sunday mornings for infants and preschoolers. Parents may drop off children as early as 15 minutes prior to the start of Bible study. For more information, please contact Amy McClure, Associate Pastor for Children, Senior Adults, Pastoral Care, at Amy@Firstonfifth.Org. We’re delighted to welcome your child(ren)! Learn more about our Children’s Ministry.
Yes, there are Bible study opportunities for all ages on Sunday mornings beginning at 9:00 AM on Zoom and 9:30AM in person, as well as opportunities during the week. See more information about Bible study for adults. Contact Staff@Firstonfifth.Org with any questions!
No! On any given Sunday, you’ll find suits and slides, dressing up and dressing down. Come as you are, in whatever makes you feel most like yourself. Know you are welcome here!
Yes, there is an elevator that accesses all public-facing levels of the church on the Poplar Street side of our building. There is also an exterior ramp that allows for Sanctuary-level access from Poplar Street.
First on Fifth took our commitments to covid safety seriously in the months prior to vaccine availability, ceasing our in-person, indoor gathering with one another for worship for 14 months in 2020 and 2021. We’re so deeply grateful for the gifts that science and medicine have given, allowing us to gather safely in person with each other at present! Masks are currently optional and available should you like one. The balcony in the Sanctuary continues to be reserved for those preferring an even greater distance.
We know too that there are some of our members and a number of friends of the church who would prefer to continue worshiping or gathering with their church family online. We have a number of classes and fellowship opportunities in a given week to accommodate our online community. Sign up for the newsletter to see more!
First Baptist Church on Fifth welcomes all people who affirm Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord to join us on our journey of proclaiming God’s Kingdom in our city and world. Membership is a way of publicly partnering with our community of faith. Here are ways to become a member at First Baptist Church on Fifth:
Profession of Faith
…decides to follow Jesus and will be baptized to demonstrate his/her commitment.
Transfer of Membership
…desires to become a member from another Baptist church.
Statement of Faith
…desires to become a member from a non-Baptist church. (e.g., Methodist or Presbyterian)
Rededication
…has previously made a profession of faith and now seeks a deeper dimension in living for God.
Watchcare
…treated as a member, but does not actually move membership from home church. No voting rights. (e.g., college student)