Boards@First Baptist
Christian Education
The Board originally formed in 1963 and was called the Board of Religious Education chaired by Phyllis Whyte. Over the years, we have evolved and adapted to the growing needs of our congregation. This is evident by the many name changes we have experienced. From March 1972 to 1987 it was known as the Board of Christian Education., in 1987 the name changed to Young Adult Christian Fellowship and between 1990 and 1996 the name was again changed to Christian Education Committee . Since 1996, the name was changed back to and remains the Board of Christian Education The mission and objectives are as follows:
Mission: Serve as a body concerned with christian education activities for the entire membership of the church. Seek to provide more teaching time, varied and enriched learning experiences, worship and biblical training, christian fellowship, outreach, as well as instructions. To study the church抯 educational needs, and establish and administer overall policies for its programs.
Objectives: 1) Provide for quality bible teaching. 2) A well-trained and more spiritually dedicated lay leadership. 3) Develop a departmentalized people抯 church. 4) Develop a vibrant outreach ministry. Activities: 1) Administration (Programs), 2) Sunday School and Nursery, 3) Youth Ministry, 4) Library, 5) Vacation Bible School, 6) Adult Bible Class and 7) Outreach.
Deacon
The Board of Deacons under the leadership of the Pastor is responsible for the spiritual growth of the church, visitation, serving of the holy communion, and many other duties demonstrating good leadership, as stated in 1 Timothy 3. Up until the 1980's female deacons were not allowed to serve communion, it was at this time that they were allowed to carry out the full responsibilities and function as a deacon. Today, under the leadership of Pastor Michael Morris, the deacons continues to be encouraged in the Word of God to better enable them to fulfill the full spectrum of their duties as described in the early church. It is the desire of all the deacons to attend Tyndale College and Seminary for further bible enrichment. As deacons, they are there to serve the entire membership, regardless of class, colour or creed. What matters is that they are called to serve. Indeed to be a deacon is the highest office in the church. Therefore, they will continue to be the kind of deacons that are worthy of such a calling.
Finance & Stewardship
The Finance Committee has been established for almost as long as First Baptist has been in existence. The mandate of this committee is to oversee the church's finances and implement procedures to support the operations of the church. The Finance and Stewardship committee has a responsibility and is accountable for the smooth running of the church's treasury. Over the years, they have implemented a variety of fund raisers to support the church and its activities. Some of these fund raisers include: the establishment of the Building Fund, which is still an ongoing project (a special offering which is taken on the third Sunday of the month). Our membership is made of the following: the treasurer, assistant treasurer, duplex envelope clerk, assistant duplex clerk, and a representative from the Deacon Board, Trustee Board and members at large. The members of the Finance and Stewardship Committee work to do their best to be good stewards of God's money which is entrusted to them .
First's prayer is that God will continue to guide us in the way He would have us to go.
Management
The Board of Management was established in October 1989 based on a recommendation by the Nominating Committee that we look into a Board to replace the existing Advisory Council. The recommendation was accepted and a committee was selected to explore the possibility. After a year of research and discussions, the Board of Management began operating in May of 1990. The purpose of the Board was to carry out the main business of the church between quarterly business meetings. The Board of Management consist of 15 members representing all boards, congregational life (auxiliaries and other groups) and choirs of the First Baptist Church.
Trustee
The Board of Trustees was organized shortly after the establishment of the First Baptist Church. The purpose of this Board is to oversee the property management of the church. Over the years, First Baptist has been blessed with many dedicated chairpersons, who were very diligent in carrying out their responsibilities. The Board's major responsibilities include the maintenance and security of all church properties, and keeping record of the church's inventory. In addition, they also manage revenue generating opportunities.
Usher
The Usher Board was established approximately 45 years ago and continue to provide a warm and friendly atmosphere within the church. The Ushers are the first individuals seen when entering the church and play a very important role in setting the stage for worship and praise. Each Sunday, a head usher greets both members and visitors alike, with a welcoming smile, a handshake, a second usher then escorts them to their seat. They also responsible for the distribution of the bulletin ,bible and to receive the offering during the services. The executive members are diligence in carrying out their responsibilities and are well supported and encouraged by the remaining members. The Usher Board provides the palms for the church annual Palm Sunday Service and host an annual Pancake Supper each Strove Tuesday in February. It is with pride and diligence that the ushers perform their duties and consider it an honour to be a doorkeeper in the house of the Lord as they usher in people to serve and praise.
