OUR VISION


FBC exists to create environments that IGNITE passion in people to follow Jesus, CONNECT people in authentic and Biblical relationships, RESTORE the broken, and INVEST in service, ministry and mission.



OUR MISSION


Jesus commanded his disciples in Matthew 28:19-20, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (NIV)

This is the mission of the Church, the bride of Christ. So our mission is to be a church of disciples who are all about making disciples of Jesus.



CORE VALUES


Prayer
Faith-filled prayer is the key to unleashing the supernatural power of God in our lives and in the lives of those with whom we are involved. We believe that prayer is one of the most important values we have as a church.

People Matter
We really care about people. Nothing means more to us than helping others enter into a relationship with God.

Preaching/Teaching
We value Biblically relevant and applicable preaching and teaching. We also recognize that this type of preaching and teaching is a primary catalyst for transformation in people's lives.

Gifts
We value the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The church should function as a body with each one using his or her gifts with humility and submission. We use our gifts to serve others in order effectively impact the culture of the community and the culture of the church for the Kingdom of God.

Worship
We value glorifying God. We value the experience of worship,  and the practice of worship, as a corporate lifestyle and an individual lifestyle.

Leadership
We value spiritual leadership. We believe  that every leader's main role is to be a spiritual leader in their family and in their church.



WHAT WE BELIEVE


We believe the Scriptures, both Old Testament and New Testament, to be the inspired Word of God without error in the original writings (Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic), the complete revelation of His will for our salvation, and the divine and final authority of Christian faith and practice.

We believe in One God, Creator of all things, infinitely perfect and eternally existing in three persons - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - and who are of one substance and equal in power and glory.

We believe that Jesus Christ is true God and true man, having been conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He died on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins according to the Scriptures. On the third day, He rose from the dead and ascended to the right hand of the Father, where He is our High Priest and Advocate. He shall come again, personally and visibly, to complete His saving work and to consummate the eternal plan of God.

We believe that the Scriptural ordinances of the local church are Baptism and the Lord's Supper. We practice these two ordinances as our outward expression of our obedience to our Lord's Commands.

We encourage baptism to be administered to only those who have the maturity to understand it's profound significance - resurrection to new life in Jesus Christ. Baptism by immersion should be administered to believers only, as an identifying symbol of their belief in the death, burial, and resurrection to a new walk in life. 

The Lord's Supper is a commemoration of His death and should only be partaken by those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. These ordinances, however, should never be regarded as a means of salvation.

We believe that Salvation comes only by Grace through Faith in Jesus Christ.

staff

  • chris radcliffe

    [lead pastor]

    More about Pastor Chris coming soon!

  • eddie howell

    [worship coordinator]

    Eddie is a recent transplant to Michigan from Kentucky. He and his wife, Jackie, moved to Davison to be closer to their grandchildren, Reagan and Charlie.

    Eddie has been actively involved in ministry through music for over forty years.  During this time his musical career has included positions as an adjunct music professor, music educator, professional musician, denominational choral and instrumental music consultant, U.S. Army band musician, and small business owner.  He completed his B.M. in vocal music from Campbellsville University (KY); M.C.M. in instrumental conducting from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (KY); Diploma in trumpet from the United States Army School of Music (VA); D.M.M. in choral conducting from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (KY); and Rank 1 in music education from Western Kentucky University.

    In addition to Eddie’s position at First Baptist, he is the music director for the Lapeer County Concert Choir and an adjunct music professor with Mott Community College. 

  • chris frezza

    [worship coordinator]

    More about Chris coming soon!

  • dorothea weist

    [care coordinator]

    Dorothea was born and raised in the Davison area and worked in Civil Engineering for over twenty years. However, after a slight redirection of God and a growing passion to care for those in need, Dorothea received the calling to be Pastoral Care and Local Missions Coordinator. She considers it a privilege to serve in this capacity -- she has a heartbeat for serving people, teaching and collecting resources for care and service in local missions around the community. Dorothea has been married to Darrell for thirty-six years, and they have four grown children and two grandchildren. Dorothea, in her spare time, loves to spoil her grandchildren, camping and kayaking.

  • barb clark

    [4th street kidz small group & youth coordinator]

    More about Barb coming soon!

  • karyn rutlege

    [4th street kidz large group coordinator]

    More about Karyn coming soon!

  • kelly lewis

    [little sneakers coordinator]

    Kelly currently works full-time as a mechanical engineer, obtaining her BS degree in Mechanical Engineering from GMI/Kettering University, and a MS degree in Industrial Operations from Lawrence Technological University (which exercises her inner "geek"). However, Kelly is also passionate about children's ministry, and she works with children to exercise her giggle!  Kelly started working with children while in high school and her calling to children’s ministry has been gradual over time, including Sunday School Teacher, VBS Director, and Children’s Ministry Coordinator. She loves the children, maybe because she has a child-like heart!  Kelly also believes that every child is special to God and wants every child to realize that Jesus loves and cares for them no matter what challenges they may face. Kelly married Dean in September 2012 and they live in Goodrich. She enjoys doting over her nephews and niece. Kelly also enjoys spending time and traveling with her husband, scrap-booking, rubber stamping, recumbent trike riding, taking Aqua Zumba, and swimming.


  • tracy evans

    [office manager/graphic designer]

    More about Tracy coming soon!

  • gary lloyd

    [ignite community coordinator]

    Gary was born in Harrisburg, IL, but was raised mostly in Pontiac, MI. He eventually moved with his wife Arleen and 5 children to Lapeer, Michigan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with a BA degree in Organizational Communication and Music. He also has a MS degree in Administration degree in progress at Central Michigan University. He has been involved with ministry at FBC for over 15 years, serving mostly as a worship leader and keyboardist on the praise team. With a passion for seeing people come alive in Christ, Gary now coordinates our Ignite Community initiative. For leisure, Gary enjoys music, golf, woodcarving, photography, travel and playing with his 7 grandchildren.

  • rick o'dell

    [facilities manager]

    More about Rick coming soon!

faq

What do you have for kids at FBC?
On Sunday mornings, we offer childcare (we call it "Little Sneakers") for infants to 5 years of age, and we also offer a worship experience for children in Kindergarten - 5th Grade (we call 'em 4th Street Kidz). If you'd like to learn more about Little Sneakers or 4th Street Kidz, , CLICK HERE.

How do I become a member of FBC?
We offer membership to those who have made a decision to follow Jesus Christ, have experienced baptism by immersion, and have completed FBC's membership process. If you would like to learn more about becoming a member at FBC, please email our Main Office at fbcoffice@fbcdavison.org.

What is the meaning of baptism?
Baptism is important for a number of reasons. One reason is that it illustrates Christ's burial and resurrection (1 Cor. 15:3-4; Col. 2:12). Another reason is that it illustrates my new life as a follower of Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 5:17; Rom. 6:4; Eph. 2:8-9). It's important to note that baptism doesn't make you a believer in Jesus, nor does it save you. Baptism is your pubic expression, or outward symbol (like a wedding ring), that expresses the commitment you've made to surrender your life to Jesus Christ.

Why do we baptize by immersion?
We baptize by immersion because Jesus was baptized by immersion (Matt. 3:16), and because the predominant pattern of baptism throughout Scripture is by immersion (Acts 8:38-39). In a way, baptism by immersion best symbolizes the burial of the dead self, and the resurrection of the new life in Jesus Christ.

Who should be baptized?
Any and every person who makes the decision to follow Jesus (Acts 2:41; Acts 8:12-13).

When should I be baptized?
As soon as you have made the decision to surrender your life to Jesus Christ (Acts 2:41; Acts 8:35-38).

Can my family be baptized together?
Yes! If each family member understands fully the meaning and significance of baptism, and each one has personally placed their trust in Jesus Christ for salvation, we encourage families to be baptized together. It's an extraordinary expression of commitment to Jesus, and a testament to His power of Grace.

What should I wear when I'm baptized?
Women should wear shorts and a top that will preserve modesty, or we offer robes to wear. Men may wear a swim suit and t-shirt, or a robe is available to them, as well. Bring a change of clothes, a towel, and a plastic bag for your wet articles of clothing. We provide towels and a private room to change in.

Do you hold weddings at FBC?
We do offer wedding options for couples, both members and non-members alike. For information on rates, premarital counseling, venue information, etc. please contact our Main Office at fbcoffice@fbcdavison.org.

Do you offer funeral services at FBC?
Our pastor is available to assist families with funerals, and our facilities are equipped with space for large memorial/funeral services, as well as accommodations for large lunches/dinners for family and friends. For information on rates, venue information, etc. please contact our Main Office at fbcoffice@fbcdavison.org.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to email our Main Office at fbcoffice@fbcdavison.org.