Ministry Programs

Below are brief descriptions of some of the ministry programs offered at First Baptist Church. For more information on these or other ministries, check out our Discovering Membership Class. A printable version of this information is available here: Events Catalog and Ministry Opportunities (20).

Discipleship Through Small Groups
We have several opportunities for adults to be involved in discipleship classes and small groups. These groups meet in homes throughout the area. Some groups are ongoing and some meet periodically to discuss specific themes and topics. Disciple classes include several studies for women, adults, and seniors, as well as Hispanic small groups. If you are interested in being in a small group contact the church office for information.

English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL)
We have been giving free, open registration, English and US Citizenship classes since 1985. Classes are held at 10:00 am on Tuesdays and Fridays, and 6:30 pm on Wednesdays. Students have come from many different countries and backgrounds, but they have a common interest – learning conversational English. There are five levels of learning and citizenship classes. Students are evaluated to decide which level is right for them. The students learn to hear, speak, read, and write English, and also meet together for a time of fellowship and Bible devotions. Call the church office for more information.

Nursery Care For Our Worship Services And “The Garden” Preschool Ministry
We have a dedicated group of workers who provide nursery care during our worship services. We believe that even young babies can begin to learn and experience God’s love during the time spent in our nursery. We take the welfare of your children very seriously as they grow in the Lord. Our goal is to make them feel secure while learning through fun activities with their church family. “The Garden” preschool ministry is specifically designed to cultivate young spiritual growth. It is also a ministry that partners with the parents of preschoolers as they guide their growth.

Mission Friends (for Preschoolers)
Wednesday nights from 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm. Classes for two and three year olds and four and five year-olds. They play and learn how much God loves them. They also learn about the missionaries that God uses to tell others that He loves them too. The dedicated team of teachers, have crafts and stories prepared to help teach these young ones that God wants the whole world to know that He loves them. A great time of fun and learning for preschoolers.

R.A.s (Royal Ambassadors for Boys)
Wednesday nights from 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm. Boys in 1st – 5th grades meet to play, study and participate in missions, from local activities to global projects. The R.A.’s learn about missionaries serving locally as well as those around the world. They also learn skills and memory verses that will aid them in life.

G.A.s (Girls in Action)
Wednesday night from 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm. Empowering girls, discovering Christ. GA’s is an outreach and discipleship program for girls in 1st through 5th grade. We teach biblical truths that will help girls make God pleasing decisions. We’re here to help them thrive in their relationships so they can grow and develop to their maximum potential, teaching them who and what they are in Christ. Our vision is to see every girl moving to a deep relationship with Jesus Christ.

Diverse City Ministries for Students
Middle School Group — Wednesday night: 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm.
High School Group — Wednesday nights: 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm.
The student ministry is involved in helping students know about a personal relationship with God, making it their own, and then making it known to others. The ministry puts a strong emphasis on developing students to grow in the Lord and to develop in their walk with Christ through small groups. Both Middle and High school groups have a variety of annual events and projects.

Homework Tutoring
Tutoring sessions begin in October and January each year. Students come from all over the Laurel Community. There are many faithful tutors who teach subjects ranging from reading to upper level math. There are generally two sessions with sign up dates in the first week of October and January.

Crossroads College Singles Ministry
Sunday morning at 9:15 am. A growing ministry in the Church is our singles ministry, we call Crossroads. We offer a place where singles can belong and grow in their relationship with God. There are a variety of fellowship and ministry opportunities throughout the year.

Ministry 365
Sunday morning at 9:15 am. This is our ministry to Career/Post College single adults. 365 provides opportunities for singles to grow together in Christ, serve their community, and have Christian fellowship with their peers. 365 includes a Sunday School class at 9:15 am as well as a women’s small group meeting on Monday night from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. There are also monthly fellowships and mission opportunities.

Evergreens On The Go
Are you between the ages of 55 and 105? If so, you are an Evergreen and can take full advantage of the wonderful trips and activities planned on a monthly basis. The Evergreens often go to dinner theaters, day trips to Hershey Gardens, the White House, D.C. Monuments, and Gettysburg. Other events include small lunch gatherings, special informational luncheons and a Bible study once a month. Join the network of senior adults; get involved!

Women’s Ministries
Promoting spiritual growth among women at First Baptist and performing acts of love are the key drivers for all Women’s Ministries activities. Women of all ages are welcome to fellowship through informal discussion and prayer groups, special conferences and seminars, mentoring, and networking events sponsored during the year.

Mothers Of Preschoolers (MOPS)
MOPS is designed to nurture mothers with children from infancy through kindergarten. Members come from all walks of life and share the desire to be great moms! You’ll be welcomed, accepted, and inspired. Reach your full potential and recognize your influence within your family and the world! We meet every 2nd Thursday of the month from 9:30 am to 11:30 am at the church. You can contact MOPS at FBC Laurel by email here.

Project LINUS
This ministry is involved in making quilts for children in hospitals. To date, we have made over 200 quilts which have been distributed throughout the state of Maryland. Join us on Mondays, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Deaf Ministry
There is a place for everyone at First Baptist Church of Laurel. We have a group of dedicated people who love the Lord through sign language. We offer interpretation for the deaf at the 8:00 am worship service and at 9:15 am we offer a Sunday school class. There is a class for those who would like to learn signing. We have interpretation for most special events.

Recreation Ministry
The church offers families a number of opportunities to be involved in sports and recreation through the recreation ministry.

  • KARATE: There are Karate classes for all ages and skill levels. Tuesday and Friday evenings from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm.
  • UPWARD BASKETBALL: We are excited about the UPWARD basketball and Cheerleading programs offered in the winter (practices start in January and run through March). UPWARD is a community based league for children. Registration starts September 1st through October 31st.

First Place 4 Health
This program is for those who desire total health and balance with Christ at the center of their lives. It includes, Bible study, prayer and scripture memory. It encourages choices for total health and addresses the whole person – body, mind, emotions and spirit. It also provides community support and accountability through small groups. There is open registration. Call the office for current dates and times that the group is meeting.

Wellness Ministry
Our Wellness Ministry conducts wellness screenings every other month during the course of the year. They also sponsor our annual wellness conference, in conjunction with local hospitals and health
care vendors.

SHARE Food Network
The SHARE food network gives people the opportunity to make their grocery money go further. SHARE Food is open to everyone, there are no eligibility requirements. FBCL is currently a host site where you can pick up your preordered food packages each month. Call us for details or you can learn more about the SHARE Food network at www.sharedc.org.

“Extend-A-Hand” Homeless Ministry
Our Homeless Ministry serves as a supplement to, and in coordination with, the services of LARS, Rt. 1 Day Resource Center and Social Services. We seek to support people spiritually, mentally, and physically through meeting crises needs of food, clothing, furniture, and other support. We also participate in Winterhaven, a cold weather shelter, housing the homeless in December.

Church Library Ministry
The church library acts as a partner with our church and its ministries in the task of reaching people for Christ and nurturing His believers. Our goal is to provide resources and services to promote spiritual growth, effective service, wholesome use of leisure time and living our faith. To that end, the Library is available to anyone who signs a library card. The Library is open each Sunday from 9:00 am-10:45 am and 12:00 pm- 12:30 pm. On Wednesday, it opens from 6:30 pm -7:45 pm. There are fiction and non-fiction books for all ages, as well as resource materials and a wide variety of videos for young and old.

Worship & Creative Arts Ministries
The Worship & Creative Arts Ministry exists to lead others into the presence of
God, our Creator, through:

  • Music that is biblically solid and relevant to our time.
  • Authentic art that is inspired by God’s presence in our everyday lives.
  • Testimonies of the power of living a God-centered life as opposed to a “me”-centered life.
  • Bible study that is applicable to each person’s journey.

Our avenues of accomplishing the above tasks are:

  • Chapel Choir, Sunday at 4:00 pm, and Praise Choir, Sunday at 5:00 pm. Open to anyone who wants to publicly praise God.
  • Praise Singers/Praise Band: an auditioned group of musicians that provides the core of the worship leadership for our weekend services.
  • Arts Experiences for Students and Children: we offer opportunities for children and students to learn more about music and the arts through seasonal classes.
  • Dance Ministry: presents interpretive/dance selections several times a year. Open to high school ages through adult.
  • Seasonal Concerts and Productions: we offer an eclectic range of seasonal productions from classical to Broadway-style stage shows.

For more information on this ministry, please contact Pastor Bryan, Minister of Worship & Creative Arts.