Adults
At First Baptist we are a church that ministers to all generations.
We think of faith as a journey and recognize the ways our understanding and approach to faith, the Bible,* and church change with our life experiences. We believe that Jesus’ commandment to love God “with all of your mind” applies to adults as much as children, so we value adult education that challenges as much as it nurtures and inspires. We also know that one thing is necessary no matter where you are in your journey of faith: meaningful relationships. FBCX is a place where adults of all life stages are welcomed, cared for, and equipped inspired to continue growing in faith.
Adults
Sunday School Classes
For grown-up conversation about faith matters, for fellowship with good friends, and for taking care of your heart and soul and mind as well as your body in these days, join us for Sunday School.
Below is a complete list of our adult classes. As you can see, most of them are meeting regularly via Zoom, while others keep on in different ways, caring for each other and serving the needy. In all of our classes, however, the “tie that binds our hearts in Christian love” is sure and strong.
So on Sunday, head to your regular class or visit another you’d like to try.
You’ll be welcomed, and you’ll be glad you did. If you have questions about any of our classes, about what they’re doing on Sunday, or how to connect with them, contact any of the Directors whose emails are provided below.
Zoom links for Sunday’s classes will be repeated in the Sunday Worship email, along with dial-in instructions for an audio-only connection if you don’t have an internet connection or smartphone.
For more information on Adult Sunday School, contact Dee Bratcher, chair of Adult Education Committee.
Short-Term Classes
We offer a variety of short-term classes at different times during the year, typically in the seasons of Advent, Lent, and over the summer.
Adult Too!
Sunday mornings at 9:00*
Directors: Shannon Hart and Charlie Gustafson.
“We reserve the right to accept everyone!” is the theme for this class. Teachers vary each week, and you will often find them studying topics for several Sundays.
Adult 3 Coed Class
Sunday mornings, 9:45–10:45
Directors/Teachers: John Conn and Beverly Penley
This class of mostly older adults is committed to studying the Bible and understanding its meaning for our lives and our world, guided in their study by curriculum materials published by Smyth & Helwys and informed by their faith and wisdom.
Connections
Sunday evenings at 8:30
Directors: Doug and Danielle Barnes
Mostly young adults, many of whom have become parents in the past few years, this class encourages the fellowship of believers and builds disciples by equipping its members to make an impact for Jesus Christ at home, in Macon, and beyond. See Connections @ FBC on Facebook for announcements.
Kindred Spirits
Sunday afternoons at 2:00*
Directors: Karen & Needham Summerlin
The individuals and couples in Kindred Spirits are navigating mid-life together—sharing burdens and blessings and supporting each other with prayer and encouragement. Teachers lead class discussion of scripture, usually based on lessons in the Nurturing Faith curriculum.
Koinonia
Sunday mornings at 9:15*
CoDirectors: Shaun & Emily Kell, Sheree Keith, and Andrea Meyer Stinson
This dynamic group seeks to study, question, and fellowship together in innovative and sometimes unconventional ways. A warm and welcoming class for people mainly in their 30s through 50s. You can find Koinonia on Facebook!
Pilgrims
Sunday mornings at 9:00*
Director: Connie Jones
The Pilgrims class is made up primarily of median to older adults, both single and married, who enjoy pursuing biblical and topical studies. We’re particularly fond of book studies! Valuing open and honest thinking and growing in the faith, the class exists to share the pilgrim journey with each other.
Seekers
In touch via telephone and email
Directors: Jack and Gwen Colwell.
This intergenerational class is a unique blend of median and older adults—single, married, and previously married. All are welcome here! Topical studies and guest speakers form the lessons in the Seekers class.
Servants
In service
Director/Teacher: Dan Riley
Consisting of both married and single adults, this class focuses on the study of Scripture and topics relevant to Christian life, and as their name implies, class members also participate in different opportunities for service some Sunday mornings, both in the church and in the wider community.
Voices
Sundays at 7p
Directors: Kathy Manis Findley and LeAnn Gunter Johns
This intergenerational class of women focuses on spirituality, community, and self-reflection. From our beginning, our focus was hearing the stories of women in scripture, gaining insights from women we know as saints, and experiencing personal growth from the journeys of contemporary women of faith—their struggles of life and faith, and how what we learn through their stories impacts our own faith journey. (We have also gladly welcomed a few men throughout our history.)
Young Adults
Our young adult group meets on Sunday evenings at the home of Emily and Shaun Kell. Contact Kelsey for more information.
Senior Adults
Our seniors gather for breakfast in the fellowship hall the first Tuesday of every month at 9 am. No need to sign up, just come and enjoy the fellowship.
Wednesday Nights
Wednesday night fellowship and prayer meeting are also important at First Baptist. We gather most Wednesday evenings during the school year for supper in the Fellowship Hall, and then stay around the tables for a time of sharing: birthdays, anniversaries, announcements and prayer. The children break off into their choirs and missions groups and the adults stay in the fellowship hall for a discussion-based Bible study, usually led by the pastor. However, we have a “deep bench” here at First Baptist, so it’s not unusual to hear from one of our several university professors or other seminary trained members. All voices and perspectives are welcome and valued, so the discussion is almost always lively.
Spring Ethics Series
At First Baptist we’re a church that isn’t afraid to take on big issues. One of the ways we do this is through our Spring Ethic Series. This series began several years ago as a friendly, moderated debate where different members of the church would present opposing sides of issues facing the church, such as the death penalty and the Christian response to homosexuality and immigration. In recent years the series has shifted to a four-week long engagement with issues, featuring respected voices from around our community and the greater church. Recent topics have been poverty and issues of food sustainability. And yet we also hope for these discussions to be more than just discussions, and do our best to respond in some way as a church in light of the new information and perspectives we engage.
FBCX+
FBCX+ is a social and support group for members of the LGBTQ+ community (the “plus” representing welcome to people from a variety of sexual orientations and gender identities). We meet periodically to share stories, find community, and enjoy one another’s company. Contact JD for more information on FBCX+.
FBCX University (FBCX-U)
One of the more recent additions to our adult education ministry is FBCX University (FBCXU, or affectionately “Alphabet Soup”). On occasion following worship on Sunday morning we gather for lunch in the Fellowship Hall and then split off into workshops offered by our ministry staff and other members of the church on a variety of topics centered on the intersection of faith and life. Recent workshops have included discussions on how to talk to children and youth about matters of faith, a Bible study on “the cursing psalms,” end of life issues for care-givers and care receivers, a study of the liturgical year, an introduction to centering prayer and many others.
Women’s Ministry
Our annual women’s retreat in the fall at St. Simons Island is the highlight of our women’s ministry. Since 2000, First Baptist women have gathered together for a weekend of learning and community building with plenty of good food and free time built in. It is a weekend that many of our women look forward to all year long.
A monthly book club keeps the conversation going throughout the year. These gatherings take place in members’ homes and focus on women authors, especially highlighting those voices from whom we do not often hear. Recent studies include: The Book of Longings, by Sue Monk Kidd, Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist by Judith Heumann with Kristen Joiner, and The Fire This Time, by Jesmyn Ward.
Men’s Ministry
Our Men’s ministry is highlighted by a Men’s Retreat in the spring. We have also convened for a summer “Back Porch Book Club” at Scott’s house, and gather periodically at local breweries or members’ homes for times for fellowship and conversation.