COMMUNITY OUTREACH

FBJ is located in Downtown Jackson, and we are committed to serving the community where we worship and study God’s Word. In addition to projects initiated by FBJ ministries, we also partner with local organizations.

Click the button below to learn about current opportunities to serve. If you would like to learn more about what FBJ Community Outreach does, please complete the form below and we will be in touch with you soon.

Embrace Grace

Embrace Grace is a ministry birthed out of our Church’s partnership with the Center for Pregnancy Choices in our shared commitment to bless, encourage, and help moms who have chosen to keep their children rather than abort them. This group meets weekly for Bible Study, discipleship, and life skills training led by committed church members. One of our greatest needs is for volunteers to walk alongside these families and for couples willing to help with transportation so that the participants can get to the meetings regularly. If you are interested or want more information, contact Dr. Jim Spikes or Jenna Baily.

MDOC Church Planting Support Team

Our ongoing group of trained and committed volunteers actively supports and mentors Freedom Faith Fellowship’s leadership and members. Freedom Faith Fellowship is one of three Women’s congregations planted in the Women’s Correctional Facility in Rankin County. The Church is led by residents of the facility who have completed or are in the process of studying for a seminary degree through New Orleans Baptist Seminary. We currently have a team of over 35 trained volunteers, but there is always an opportunity for more. We are beginning a parallel ministry within the Men’s facility, so there will be opportunities for men and women. If you are interested or would like more information, you can contact Dr. Jim Spikes, Ron and Karen Crowe, or Sheree Tynes.

Food Delivery teams

Our Church assumed this ministry during the COVID-19 pandemic when the concern of infection forced many older volunteers to suspend their efforts. We partner with Deliver Me Senior Support Services to deliver monthly food boxes to older, low-income, senior adults with limited mobility. Each month, the five teams and one individual deliver close to 300 boxes of food. Since taking this ministry, our Church has easily shared more than 7000 boxes, and the need is growing. The time commitment is minimal, and all the teams would welcome new volunteers. It requires up to two hours on Saturday morning or Tuesday during lunch. If you are interested in serving occasionally or want more information, contact Dr. Jim Spikes.

Metro Assistance Ministry

Metro assistance ministry is an opportunity that has existed for several years at First Baptist. This ministry aims to provide one-time assistance for those who qualify to help with utility bills. Over the past four years, we have helped keep multiple families from moving into homelessness or confronting the winter or summer without heating or air conditioning. This effort is prayer-based, with a strong emphasis on engaging applicants with the Gospel. We need volunteers to help with our intake interviews and confirmation interviews with the different utility providers. Training is available for anyone interested in helping. If you are interested or would like more information, please get in touch with Dr. Jim Spikes or the Community Outreach office.

Hands-on ministry for members or neighbors

One of our Church’s more hidden needs is the need of some of our older members for assistance with things like yard care, home maintenance, etc. The Hands-on Ministry of the Deacon Body was created to help address these needs. We are looking to restructure and expand this ministry to include deacon leadership and other church members who are available to help when these needs arise and are identified. If you have a heart and a desire to bring Joy to the Church through this very practical and needed effort, you can contact Dr. Jim Spikes or the Current Deacon Chairman, Todd Atkins.

Online Decision Counseling

Every Sunday, at the end of our worship services, we share a phone number for those listening to call or text to talk with trained volunteers. There is also a streaming broadcast of our service each Sunday on multiple platforms and two TV broadcasts at 8 am and 10:30 am. There are volunteers each week who man our call center, respond to requests for prayer by phone or online, and interact with those who choose to participate remotely in our services. If you want to join this team to engage lostness at a personal level and in locations far removed from Jackson, you can get more information by contacting Dr. Jim Spikes. Training is available for everyone.

Barnabas Teams

As you may notice, many who come forward during our worship services may walk a long way down to the front and often sit alone as the service concludes. The Barnabas Team was formed to help welcome those making decisions to feel loved and accompanied at this vital time. The task is simple. Team members come and sit with those who come forward, help them fill out the initial card, accompany them to the Sanctuary Parlor, and visit and pray with them until one of the ministers arrives to continue the conversation. This first contact is important. Anyone can be part of this team and be trained. If you desire to help new members begin their spiritual journey with First Baptist in the best way possible, this may be your opportunity.

Building Bridges for the Gospel with Friends and Neighbors

This opportunity has multiple facets. We desire to prepare any interested church members in ways to initiate spiritual conversations and share the Gospel. The Local Outreach Team has developed various channels for individuals, Sunday School Classes, and other groups to prepare to share their faith on a personal level and help others seeking spiritual answers find their way to a relationship with Jesus. This group will be on call at all of our Church’s outreach events where the Gospel is presented to be available to respond to those making decisions. The goal is to help prepare members to develop comfort and skill in beginning spiritual Gospel conversations wherever the Lord has placed them in their work, neighborhoods, or relationships. If you would like to start a training process or get more information, contact Dr. Jim Spikes.

Coffee Ministry

One visible ministry that church members have been blessed by is the Crossover Coffee team on the second floor of the CLC on Sunday Mornings. It has proven to be a great connection and conversation point for many and has brought joy to many in the Church. The team behind this would welcome anyone interested in helping exercise their gift of hospitality. If that is you, please get in touch with Ashley Mosely or Jerold Sit. You can also get more information from Dr. Jim Spikes.

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