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.

Cruise

Join us for a Caribbean cruise. This five night cruise sets sail March 4, 2019 and will return March 9, 2019. The Independence of Sea is a Royal Caribbean luxury ship. For more information or to make a reservation please e-mail Barbara Dumitru.

Marriage Conference

As anyone who has attended one of his marriage conferences knows, Dr. Gary Chapman’s expertise in marriage begins with the success and failures he and his wife Karolyn have experienced in their marriage for more than 45 years. He is just the man to turn to for help on improving or healing our most important relationships. His own life experiences, plus over thirty-five years of pastoring and marriage counseling, led him to publish his first book in the Love Language series, The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts. Many of the millions of readers credit this continual New York Times bestseller with saving their marriages by showing them simple and practical ways to communicate love. Join First Baptist on February 16 for The Five Love Languages. You can register now!

Israel and Oberammerga

The trip is 83% full.

Brochures are available at exits. Israel and Oberammergau July 14-25, 2020. Join with Pastor Tom and Tassie for an unforgettable trip to the Holy Land and the 2020 Oberammergau Passion Play. The Passion Play is conducted every 10 years and has been performed since 1634. Pilgrim Tour Company has 24 places left for this trip. These 24 places are not limited to only our group. There are very few opportunities to combine Israel and the Oberammergau Passion Play in one trip. Since the Oberammergau Passion Play is presented only every 10 years, this is the trip of a lifetime! Follow this link for details and to secure your place. You can also dial 941-484-8484.

Bringing Home the Prodigals

Rob Parson’s best-selling book, Bringing Home the Prodigals catapulted him to the spotlight all over the world. Rob wants to give hope to parents and grandparents about their prodigal loved ones. His British accent, engaging communication style and his passion to see prodigals brought “home will bring you hope when you thought no hope still existed. February 3 | 9 and 10:30 am.

Chili Cook-Off

Sponsored by our Retired Adult Ministry. The chili cook-off will be held February 8, at 5 pm in Building C Room 103. Prizes will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners. To participate, just let me know and I will reserve a spot for your Chili. Also, if you are willing, bring copies of your recipe to share. You can download the entry form or pick-up your entry form on Sunday morning. For more information you can contact Jill Whaley.

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.

Worship

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.

“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

Senior Pastor: Pastor Tom Hodge