Upcoming Events
Lakefront Location
Our upcoming Lakefront Location will provide a second location from where the gospel can be preached, missionaries can be sent and the lives of families and singles can be transformed. Our goal is to begin the building process as soon as the funds are received to do so. Find out more.
Venice Discipleship Network
Are you ready to enhance your walk with God. VDN is a system allowing you to study many different spiritual topics including prayer, finance, parenting, theology, relationships, book studies, and more. View the offerings for Venice Discipleship Network and take your spiritual growth to the next level? Additional classes and groups will be added soon
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Rock the Universe
Join thousands of teenagers from around the country for Florida’s largest music festival. Spend three days at Universal Studios enjoying music, rides, food and fun! This event is for high school students only. Register now!
First Step Luncheon
The First Steps Luncheon is for attenders wanting to learn more about First Baptist or wanting to commit to church membership. First Step is required for church membership and is held on different dates throughout the year and lasts two and half hours. You are only required to attend one luncheon. The luncheon is taught by Pastor Chris Cornette. RSVP today!
Beach Baptism and Worship Service
Grab your chair, a towel, and a friend and join us for beach baptism and worship service on Venice beach, his relaxed evening of worship and Word will be followed by a baptismal service in Gulf of Mexico. Schedule your appointment to speak with a pastor about baptism today!
Visit the church office M|F 9am | 4pm to purchase your Winter Concert Patron ticket.
Welcome!
We hope you enjoy your online experience and will get a taste of our loving church community. No matter what your background may be, or what season of life you are in, you are welcome here. After browsing the site you may have further questions, we encourage you to contact us. We are here for you! We strive to reach out to an incredible community of people in Sarasota County and to touch the hearts of people everywhere.
Our church celebrates “One Worship” during the summer at 9:00am on Sundays. During the fall and spring the church offers classic worship at 9:00am and a modern worship experience at 10:30 AM. We also gather for worship at 6pm for a traditional worship experience.
Connection Groups and Venice Discipleship Network
We recognize most people find a church home in a worship service, however, we believe our Connection Groups are where you will find your church family. In times of great joy or great challenges, your Connection Group will be there for you.
Missions
Serving our community should be at the heart of every church. Our passion is to get involved in the lives of people who are far from God. First Baptist offers many opportunities for you to serve the community by serving those He loves.
Senior Pastor Tom Hodge
“Our heart & soul is to connect people with the living and most powerful God.”
Pastor Tom became a Christian at age 9 in his home church in Gadsden, Alabama. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Biology at the University of West Florida only to be called by God to switch his fishing from fish to folks. It was then that he pursued and earned a Master of Theology degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Pastor Tom served as an Associate Pastor in Kenner and Lafayette, Louisiana. His first pastorate was First Southern Baptist Scottsdale, Arizona. Pastor Tom is married to his high school sweetheart, Tassie. They have been blessed with 4 sons, 3 daughters-in-love, and their newest bundles of joy, a grandson, a granddaughter. Pastor Tom enjoys studying, spending time with his family, fishing and playing golf
Upcoming Sermons
Speakers | Rev. Allen and Jennifer Speer
Speaker | Dr. Chris Cornette
Speaker | Rev. Tom Hodge
Sermons
