First Community Podcast

She's not in the spotlight often, but everyone knows her for how well she loves the people around her. We had the privilege of chatting with Rachel Church about how to care for your community and make time for the needs around you. This podcast will convict you about how you're spending your time and resources, but it will also encourage you to look around and see the mission field in your own back yard. Oh, and yes, Rachel also happens to be married to Pastor Wes, so we discuss that too!

We're gearing up for our regular Fall activities, so Megan Epting came by to share about her passion for the GA (Girls in Action) ministry and even gave the RAs (Royal Ambassadors - for boys) a good plug. We talk about the importance of getting kids involved in missions and run through the opportunities that you have to get involved on Wednesday and Sunday nights. Also get to know Megan and hear about how she ended up here at First!

You've probably seen him on stage during worship services. If you've done anything musically here at First Baptist, you've likely been led by him. He even has a viral video out there on the Internet. But how well do you actually know Keith Watson, our Associate Music Minister? Always the life of the party, Keith can be found in many different roles here at the church, working with a range of people aged 9 to 99. On this episode of the First Community Podcast, we sat down with Keith and discussed his faith, the type of journey that led him to First Baptist, living with fun and joy, what it's like to "go viral," and much more. Be encouraged and experience a few laughs while you're at it!

On this episode of the First Community Podcast, April gets the inside scoop from Amy Sturkie on what it takes to win the annual dessert contest here at First. We also talk missions with Builders for Christ. Enjoy this bonus episode and make sure you don't miss the Orchestra Night and 12th Annual Dessert Contest this Sunday, June 2 at 6:00 in Ellis Hall!

On this episode of the First Community Podcast, we talked with Drew and Audra Edwards about finding community when you’re new to town and don’t have family close by and what it’s like to juggle ministry with three small children. Be challenged and encouraged by listening to Drew and Audra’s story now!

On this episode of the First Community Podcast, we talked with Joey Huggins about Home Works of America, Children’s Ministry, REAL Men, and how prayer literally saved his life. You’ll be inspired, encouraged, and challenged by listening to Joey’s story. This might just be the most uplifting 30 minutes out of your day!

Caroline and April talk about the importance of Scripture and read some of their favorite verses that they’ve heard commonly taken out of context. They also share about times that they’ve struggled through Scripture and manage to struggle through Scripture right in the middle of this podcast episode. They invite you to come struggle with them and explore the goodness and power of God’s word in this episode of the First Community Podcast.

Caroline and April get to talk with Zach Pippin about working in the government, mission trips, and the importance of forming a relationship with communities you serve around the world and frequently returning to those locations. Hear the impressive story of how Zach made it to Haiti his first time and tales from subsequent visits. Find out ways that you can get involved with missions at First by listening to this episode.

Caroline and April get to talk with Jim and Ada Raybon and hear about all of the areas of ministry that they've served since 1975. They are a true example of commitment, both in the church and to each other. Find out what it takes to make a marriage happy, successful, and sold out to Jesus, despite the obstacles and road blocks that life throws in the way. Have fun with Jim and Ada by listening to this episode.

Episode 10 - The Bible And Neuroscience by April Adams & Caroline Roberts

Caroline and April hang out with Brittany Odom and discuss all kinds of stuff such as Brittany's call to Student Ministry, how it led her to First Baptist and now Ben Lippen to be an English teacher, the importance of Christian community, personality types, and April and Caroline get really self conscious about their English speaking skills.

Caroline and April discuss discipleship and then they get to know Pastor Chad Smith, our new-ish Children's Minister. He is the MOST fun, so don't miss the party with Pastor Chad!

Caroline and April talk about what it means to be "called" by God and if it's really as mystical and mysterious as it sounds. Then we talk with Jennifer Barrineau, life-long attender and member of First Baptist, as well as current Student Ministry Assistant, to hear some of her faith story. We also talk about what God is currently doing in Jennifer's life, the Student Ministry, and FIRST Women's Ministry.

April and Caroline discuss the term "missions" and all of the meanings that it can have within the church. No matter our definition, our calling is to share the love of Jesus wherever we are. Caroline shares how God is using her budding profession in the medical field to reach others, specifically telling stories from a medical education trip to Ghana.

Caroline and April ... wait for it ... talk about about waiting(haha!)and the frustrating process of sanctification that it provides. They get a little vulnerable and probably share too much. And April is sorry to anyone who has ever had to ride in an elevator with her. Then treat of all treats, FIRST organist Charlton Bozard comes on to tell us how he ended up at First Baptist, what role that waiting has played in his life, and tells some amusing wedding and funeral stories.

We had a full studio for this First Community Podcast! The whole episode is about baby Jesusses ... the ones from the Columbia Christmas Pageant, that is. Thirty years of Christmas Pageant means 30 years of baby actors, so we talk to now grown Katherine Hufstetler (Baby Jesus 1996)and Emma Debenport (Baby Jesus 1998) about their experiences through the years in the Christmas Pageant, as well as reveal *spoiler alert* that Caroline was Baby Jesus 1995. April is the only one in this podcast who has never portrayed Jesus.

April and Caroline sigh (ok, April sighs, Caroline talks) through the topic of forgiveness, sharing some personal stories of what it means to let it go. The legendary Bob Debenport comes on to share what God is doing in his life now and looks back on all of the miracles that he's seen in First Baptist Church over the past forty-something years.

April and Caroline talk about all of the ways that our culture is struggling to find itself and what it means to find your identity in Christ. Janet Ballew, the teacher for the Always Learning Online Sunday School class also stops in to share her story and talk about ways to keep growing in your faith.

April and Caroline discuss what it means to worship and then Evelyn Cunningham joins them to tell her faith story and share how she worships God daily, even in the midst of difficulty and struggle.