Welcome!
We are delighted that you are considering the role of Pastor for the First Baptist Church in Sterling, Colorado, and appreciate the time and effort you are putting into this process. As a community of faith, we know that the role of a pastor is of tremendous importance, serving as a spiritual leader, guide, and shepherd for our congregation. With this in mind, we have prepared the following instructions to guide you through the application process. We encourage you to carefully review and follow these steps to ensure that your application receives the consideration it deserves.
To apply for the position of FBC Pastor:
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Review this page to understand more about our congregation.
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Click on the link to “Submit Application” and be prepared to upload the following documents:
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A detailed curriculum vitae (CV) or resume that highlights your education, ministry experience, and relevant skills.
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A letter of interest in the position, outlining your vision for pastoral ministry, and explaining how your qualifications align with the needs of our congregation.
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Theological Statement
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A list of 3 References with contact information
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Links to Sermons
First Baptist Church, the third oldest church in Sterling, was organized August 18, 1883, with seven charter members. The church preceded the formation of Logan County by four years and the town of Sterling by one. On October 22, 1888, Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Logan County Clerk and Recorder and a charter was granted.
The church began in a one-room structure and over the first 24 years the town and church grew quickly with many families moving to the area. A larger facility was purchased in 1913 to house the growing congregation and by 1922, First Baptist Church boasted 239 members. The church, along with the community, experienced its share of ups and downs over the next 25-30 years including the impact of World War I, the Great Depression, and World War II.
The discovery of oil in Northeast Colorado during the 1950’s resulted in dramatic changes both socially and economically for the community. Because a great many people who came to work in the oil industry were from southern states, the only Baptist church in town was subject to more change in a short time than most churches experience in many years. In 1954, the church showed a total membership of 366. By the late 1950’s oil exploration slowed down. The boom was over, and Sterling’s growth began to slow. The Southern Baptist people who had joined First Baptist Church decided to build their own Southern Baptist Church resulting in the loss of several members.
In 1963, with a congregation of 230 resident members, it was decided to embark on a building campaign to construct a new church building further from the downtown area. A building campaign began in 1964 and ground was broken in October of 1968, in the southwest part of town. The first services were held in the new church on January 4, 1970. The total cost for the new building was estimated to be $250,000. Twelve years after moving into the new church building, the last payment was made on the indebtedness and a “Mortgage Burning Ceremony” was held February 3, 1982.
Since that move 53 years ago, First Baptist Church has maintained a strong spiritual presence in the city of Sterling, experiencing seasons of growth and loss just as the community itself has changed. The church celebrated its 100th Anniversary in October 1983. In anticipation of future growth and development, an additional parcel of land to the North of the current building was purchased in 1988. In 2008, a 125th Anniversary celebration was observed.
The building itself has undergone several remodeling and updating projects. In 1997, the sanctuary saw its first update since construction including new carpeting and upholstery for the pews. Then, in 2009 a building campaign was initiated for further remodeling including the possibility of constructing additional classrooms and a possible gymnasium. In the end, the campaign generated enough support for the installation of new windows throughout the building, a new roof over the education wing, an update of the heating and air conditioning system, improvements to the sound system, and other needed cosmetic improvements. Most recently, the sanctuary was updated again in 2018 with new carpeting, the existing pews were replaced with chairs improving it’s seating flexibility, and the kitchen was also refurbished.
Since 2019, security has been updated with the installation of electronic door locks utilizing access codes; glass windows on classroom doors; and multiple security cameras installed throughout the church with the ability to monitor from both the pastor and admin offices. A few construction projects, including converting two rooms into a larger one for the pastor’s office; installing a permanent wall to create another classroom; carpeting and painting the community room; and removing the brick pulpit to open the stage area for the praise team. Updated the sanctuary by removing the existing cross, building a new one and mounting it on the brick wall, and adding lights. Removed the old projector and screen and added three television monitors that are connected to the computer. Also updated the PA system with more microphones for the worship and praise team.
During its 140-year history, First Baptist Church has been served by more than 33 pastors. Some of them were supply or itinerant ministers and there is no record of their names, however 33 are noted by name.
Average weekly in-person attendance is 90 people. The church operated with a $232,000 budget in 2023. The staff consists of an interim pastor and an administrative assistant. One service is offered on Sunday morning at 9:45 with a praise team and band, as well as offered on-line.
A year-round Sunday school program with Children’s Church for grades K-4th and Younger Youth for grades 5th-8th. There is a Sunday morning Adult Bible Study, Prayer group and Grief Share program. There are also various adult bible study groups and prayer meeting offered during the week.
In 2008 the Awana program was introduced at FBC. The name Awana is an acronym for “Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed”. This is an evangelical ministry that provides Bible-based evangelism and graded discipleship resources for children and teens age 4 to 14. This group of young people meets on Wednesday evenings and has been averaging 35. Most of those that participate do not attend Sunday service. Awana is considered by the church to be an evangelical outreach program to introduce the gospel to families in the community and disciple young people to become lifelong followers of Jesus Christ. Another goal of the Awana program is to develop and train leaders for effective ministry.
At FBC we value teaching of the gospel through women’s bible studies and events. Our bible studies encourage reading God’s word, strengthening, and equipping women for ministry. Currently we have two Bible studies meeting in homes, and a study held in the church building with ladies from the church and community attending. In addition to these in-person studies, we have a weekly online study group held by Zoom. Events such as teas, luncheons, testimonials, fundraising, and missions have strong spiritual emphasis. As an American Baptist Church, we are strongly tied with American Baptist Women’s Ministries and hold fast to this mission statement, “We are a Christ-centered ministry with a commitment to encourage and empower women and girls to serve God.”
First Baptist Church, Sterling, Colorado was founded in August 1883 as an affiliate church of the American Baptist Church. Throughout its history, the church has maintained this affiliation. In its doctrine, First Baptist Church affirms the 1853 version of The New Hampshire Confession and identifies as theologically conservative.
Article III of the First Baptist Church Constitution states.
“This Church shall be an autonomous body of believers in Jesus Christ with a democratic form of government. We shall endeavor to maintain a voluntary affiliation with the American Baptist Churches of the Rocky Mountains (ABCRM) and the American Baptist Churches of the USA (ABC-USA).” FBC is a church of Christians dedicated to spiritual growth and maturity with teaching, leading and preaching in the local church.
For several decades, First Baptist participated in the camping ministry of ABCRM through its former facility, Black Forest Camp and Conference Center, providing ample leadership and many campers, giving financial support, and sending a couple of members to serve on the BFCCC board of directors. When ABCRM sold BFCCC in the early 2000s, First Baptist continued to support ABCRM camping. FBC currently chooses to send campers to Maranatha Bible Camp in Maxwell, Nebraska. However, FBC did not send campers in 2022 and has no plans to send campers in 2023. FBC recognizes the importance of camp experiences to the integral growth of our children and youth in their faith in Jesus Christ.
Currently, First Baptist Church has one member serving on the American Baptist Churches of the Rocky Mountains board (ABCRM). We encourage our pastor and members to attend the annual meeting of ABCRM held each Fall. It is also encouraged that the pastor attend the ABC-USA Biennial Mission Summit held every other year on odd years. At this time First Baptist Church has one member serving on the National American Baptist Women’s Ministries Executive Committee (ABWM) as Coordinator of Mission with Women and Girls.
In the past, First Baptist Church gave a small amount to ABC-USA United Missions, and several thousand dollars to the denomination’s four annual mission-support offerings: America For Christ Offering (AFC supports home missionaries); One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS goes to emergency relief and disaster mitigation); World Mission Offering, (WMO for foreign missionaries); and the Retired Ministers and Missionaries Offering (RMMO supports and assists retired ABC ministers and missionaries and their widowed spouses). In the latest budget, FBC adopted four missions not associated with ABC-USA but known to members of the congregation.
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Embrace the charm of rural living in northeastern Colorado, where the beauty of wide open spaces and close-knit communities create an unparalleled quality of life. Discover a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life with views of rolling plains, picturesque landscapes, and breathtaking sunsets across the rural horizons of northeastern Colorado.
Some highlights of rural Colorado living include:
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Tight-knit communities where people genuinely care for one another, fostering a sense of belonging and support that’s hard to find elsewhere.
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An affordable cost of living compared to urban areas, with reasonably priced housing, lower property taxes, and reduced expenses for goods and services.
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Natural wonders like national parks, wildlife refuges, and lakes are within reach for hiking, fishing, camping, boating, and other outdoor activities.
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Vast farmlands, ranches, and the wholesome lifestyle that comes with it, including farmers' markets and farm-to-table experiences.
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Lower crime rates for a secure and comfortable lifestyle.
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Quality healthcare facilities that prioritize the well-being and development of their communities
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Northeastern Colorado offers excellent schools, ensuring that residents have access to a top-notch education.
Here are some links to explore that provide more information about our community:
Ready to Apply?
Thanks again for your time and attention to considering that you may be the pastor candidate that our congregation is searching for!
To move forward with the application process:
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Click on the link to “Submit Application,” and be prepared to submit the following documents:
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A detailed curriculum vitae (CV) or resume that highlights your education, ministry experience, and relevant skills.
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A cover letter expressing your interest in the position, outlining your vision for pastoral ministry, and explaining how your qualifications align with the needs of our congregation.
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