Welcome to Seattle First Baptist Church!
We are delighted to welcome you to Seattle First Baptist Church! Whether through this website or in person at one of our services or many gatherings, you will find a dynamic faith community that has been a voice for social justice and progressive theology in downtown Seattle for 150 years. We welcome you to hold your Christian heritage unapologetically while diving into the deep end of progressive faith in action through our many community and faith partnerships and collaborations.
Seattle First Baptist is a church community that seeks to follow the way of Jesus Christ, to be a people of God and to love and care for our neighbors. The invitation is always open to discover what we offer not only our members and guests, but the wider First Hill (and Seattle) Community. Seattle First Baptist is affiliated with the American Baptist Churches USA and values traditional historic Baptist principles such as Soul Freedom — the right of each person to interpret the Bible and other teachings for her or himself, the Separation of Church and State and the Autonomy of the congregation. As a church we value our communal times of worship, music and education together, and we encourage individuals to discover and walk their spiritual path in solitude and in community, in small groups and large, and in individual spiritual direction.
Seattle First Baptist is a church community that seeks to follow the way of Jesus Christ, to be a people of God and to love and care for our neighbors. The invitation is always open to discover what we offer not only our members and guests, but the wider First Hill (and Seattle) Community. Seattle First Baptist is affiliated with the American Baptist Churches USA and values traditional historic Baptist principles such as Soul Freedom — the right of each person to interpret the Bible and other teachings for her or himself, the Separation of Church and State and the Autonomy of the congregation. As a church we value our communal times of worship, music and education together, and we encourage individuals to discover and walk their spiritual path in solitude and in community, in small groups and large, and in individual spiritual direction.
No matter your background, your beliefs, your sense of belonging, your perceived barriers...
You are welcome here.
What to ExpectGet a sense for our services and our community and learn more about what makes us unique as a Baptist Church in Seattle!
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Pastoral StaffSeattle First Baptist has an incredible team of pastors (and others) who serve this community with love and faithfulness. Learn more about our team and what we bring to this community here.
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Our ValuesWe care a great deal about maintaining our precious blend of the best of Baptist tradition and our progressive values. We are committed to extend the communion of God's table through our neighborhood, our city, and the world.
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A Welcoming and Affirming Community
special logo courtesy of Kellie Whitlock
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For decades, Seattle First Baptist has been at the forefront of supporting, welcoming, including, and affirming LGBTQ+ community members and families. Since the 1960s when we hosted a support group for gay men through today, we have ensured that our community knows that they are both safe and beloved in this sacred home. When Washington state legalized same-sex marriage in 2012, SFBC was delighted to perform legal weddings in the sanctuary, marrying 25 couples in a big community celebration.
Today, we invite members and leadership to bring their whole selves to their spiritual life and community. SFBC seeks to include those from diverse backgrounds and does not discriminate based on gender identity and expression or sexual orientation.
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Our Partners
Evergreen Association of American Baptist Churches
EA-ABC is an American Baptist Region of churches in Alaska, California, Colorado, Idaho, Utah, Venezuela and Washington doing business by consensus and organized by ethnic caucuses.
Evergreen churches build bridges that carry the message of who we are and accepts the message of who others are. Those bridges open the door for the creation of relationships. Relationships begin through participation in Evergreen that lead to an increased number of people being involved, and intentional intergenerational connections. Those relationships result in support of one another through acceptance, understanding and sensitivity to our cultural differences. So that more people now live and tell the Evergreen story. Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists
The Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists (AWAB) is made up of a growing number of member churches, affiliated organizations, and individuals willing to go on record as welcoming and affirming all persons without regard to sexual orientation or gender identity. These organizations and individuals have joined together to advocate for the full inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons within Baptist communities of faith.
Seattle First Baptist is a charter member of AWAB. |
Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America
BPFNA ~ Bautistas por la Paz is the largest network of Baptist peacemakers in the world. We celebrate and support the peacemaking work done by Baptist churches in our four home countries of Canada, the United States, Puerto Rico and Mexico by raising the visibility of these efforts; bringing peacemakers together in regional and international gatherings; and providing resources, speakers and training to our members. We also actively connect with peacemakers from other traditions, faith-based and secular, to build alliances and work together toward our common goal of a more just and peaceful world.
Pastor Anita currently serves on the Board of the organization. Please contact her for more information. American Baptist ChurchesAmerican Baptist Churches is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with approximately 5,000 local congregations comprised of 1.3 million members across the United States and Puerto Rico.
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