First Baptist Church of Waukesha is an American Baptist congregation, affiliated with the American Baptist Churches USA and the American Baptist Churches of Wisconsin.
God has graciously worked in and through our congregation for 175 years. Currently with the new pastoral leadership we are lead by the Lord in renewed growth and vitality. God has been preparing us: our Task Force for the Future recently refreshed the identity of our fellowship, completed a comprehensive review of staffing and facility use, prioritized maintenance needs, and recommended the streamlined organizational structure we adopted in 2015.
"If western societies have become post-Christian mission fields, how can traditional churches become then missionary churches?”
- Darrell Guder
Cited in Canoeing the Mountains: Christian Leadership in Uncharted Territory
Baptism
The American Baptist heritage of freedom of conscience in spiritual matters is exemplified by our tradition of Believer’s Baptism. In our denomination, the decision to be baptized is made by the individual when he or she can accept responsibility for a walk of discipleship. Baptism is by immersion in water. In affirmation of the customs of other branches of Christ’s church, baptized, confirmed Christians of other denominations are welcome to join this fellowship by letter of transfer or affirmation of faith.
Worship
Worship is central to our life at FBC. It is at worship that we are enabled, encouraged, empowered by God’s Spirit in our midst. We witness to the Gospel of God’s love in Jesus Christ through our participation in worship, through our daily vocations, through our involvement in God's mission locally, statewide, nationally, and globally; and through our personal commitment to discipleship and spiritual growth.
Music
Music has always been an important part of the worship experience at FBC. A voice choir and a bell choir have presented more traditional music, while the Bear Witness praise band has brought a contemporary style of music to our church. We are also blessed with several talented church members and friends who bring music to us in vocal and instrumental solos. The grand piano in the sanctuary, the piano in the church parlor, and the two-manual harpsichord, were all received as memorial gifts.