Missions
First Baptist has always been a church dedicated to missional living. We encourage members to pursue their calling to be the presence of Christ among their family, friends, neighborhood, and beyond. A portion of our offerings is sent to the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Virginia, the Virginia Baptist Mission Board (BGAV), and the Augusta Baptist Association. These monies are used to further the mission efforts of those organizations.
We Shelter
First Baptist is one of the founding churches for the Housing Emergency Relief Organization (HERO) of Waynesboro. HERO works to provide financial assistance to those in the city of Waynesboro who are at risk of utility cutoff or eviction. Our monthly collection for our “Fellowship Fun” goes to HERO for them to disburse through their intake process. HERO works to keep people in their homes in the midst of financial crisis.
First Baptist is a big time supporter of the Waynesboro Area Refuge Ministry, Inc. (WARM). WARM is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. The purpose of WARM is to provide support, temporary shelter or housing, and community development for adults and families in the Waynesboro & Augusta County areas of Virginia. WARM's services are delivered through a winter rotating (thermal) shelter for homeless adults and a beautiful transitional housing facility for homeless women with children. WARM is a non-denominational, faith-based, and community driven organization that strives to help its community through experienced, professional and compassionate care and support for the homeless.
During the winter months, First Baptist opens up the Fellowship Hall for homeless families and individuals. This ministry is conducted as a part of the WARM ministry. Contact the WARM House for information on signing up for shelter.
We Feed Those who are Hungry
Alongside neighboring churches, we participate in a collective that partners with 2nd Presbyterian Church to provide a free lunch to anyone and everyone on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Contact the church office to get more information about the Disciples’ Kitchen.
Blessing Box
Right outside our church offices is a two-shelved box containing donations from the community for the community. The idea is simple, “Give what you can; take what you need.” This Blessing Box serves families in need 365 days of the year and is supported by the local community.
Christmas Dinner
On Christmas Day, we host the community for lunch. On average, over 300 community members come out for a wonderful meal with all the Christmas fixings. This meal is served from 11:30-1:30 each Christmas Day. Volunteers are also needed to help make this meal a success.
We Clothe
First Baptist partners with a local nonprofit, Foster Love Ministries. Twice a year we collect items to be donated to families who are fostering children for the first time. These item are placed in backpacks called Journey Bags. We also are a “first responder” church for families fostering who are in crisis. If a car seat is needed or a food, we offer that
Angel Tree with Waynesboro School System
Each year our congregation participates in an Angel Tree gift with the Waynesboro School System. Families pick up an angel with the names, sizes, and wishes of a family in the community in need. Families purchase and wrap the gifts and return them to the church for delivery.
We Educate
Local Forums
Part of our 2020 Visioning Process included seeing education as an important form of mission to the community. Since 2016, we have dedicated space to help educate the community by hosting forums on Senior Adult Abuse, Financial Management, Foster Care, and Poverty. Look on a church calendar for more forums in the future.
For more information about Missions, contact our church office or get in touch with our Mission Action Committee.