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HELPING PEOPLE TAKE THEIR NEXT STEPS TOWARD CHRIST…TOGETHER.
A lot of things have changed since we were founded in 1836, but some things never have. As you will see, we are still,
"Dedicated to the glory of God and the service of man."
WHO WE ARE
First Baptist Ypsilanti seeks to be a diverse community unified by faith in Jesus Christ. We desire to encourage personal growth and to minister in Jesus’ name, to exhibit God’s love in speech and action, and to demonstrate the relevance of Christianity in our complex society. We aim to be a community in which persons at different stages on their spiritual journey will be welcomed, and those who are seeking meaning and purpose in their lives will experience an invitation to meet Jesus Christ in a personal and transforming way.
Regardless of your background, FBY is a place where you can explore Christianity at your own pace.
OUR VALUES
WORSHIP
When we say worship we mean more than the Sunday gathering or music. Worship involves the whole of man. We give our lives, our very existence, over to God as the supreme authority of our life. We believe that worship is humankind's primary duty and that it takes place individually and corporately throughout the week.
GROW
The Christian life is meant to be lived and shared with others. Being in healthy community allows us to develop deep bonds with one another and to grow closer to Jesus. Our Small Groups allow people to study together, serve together, pray together, enjoy life together and have fun!
SERVE
We serve because Jesus first served us. Our service is an opportunity to worship God and love others. We are partnered with many local organizations that provide food, shelter, medical care and more. We are partnered with several international missions who are sharing the love of Christ by offering medical care, Bible translation and meeting a variety of social needs.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
Essential beliefs — we have unity.
“There is one Body and one Spirit...there is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of us all...” Ephesians 4:4-6
“submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ” Ephesians 5:21
Non-essential beliefs — we have liberty.
“Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters... Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls... So then each of us will give an account of himself to God... So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God.” Romans 14:1, 4, 12, 22
All our beliefs — we show charity.
“If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:2
OUR HISTORY
The First Baptist Church of Ypsilanti was founded in 1836 by a small group of people led by Rev. JS Twiss. Rev Twiss was described as "a preacher of strength and vivacity. His hatred of oppression and everything degrading to man took forms of expression never to be forgotten by his listeners. "
From the beginning FBY has met anywhere it could find space until building its own meeting place. Enduring multiple fires and rebuilds, the congregation never stopped meeting. FBY has also been active in planting and supporting many churches in the area.
FBY Pastors and laity have been involved in many community and civic organizations, including but not limited to, Habitat for Humanity, The Hope Clinic, SOS, Friends in Deed, Kiwanis, Daughters of the American Republic, Young Life, The Thrift Shop, and Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels which was started in our church in 1974 and continues to this day to deliver meals to our community.
FBY desires to be a people who demonstrate their love for God by loving and serving their community. One of the ways this is being accomplished is by offering our facility to other organizations. Currently Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels, Jewish Family Services, and Mosaic Church call 1110 W Cross St home.
First Baptist is a member of the American Baptist Churches of the U.S.A. Through this partnership and involvement with other Christian para-church organizations, we recognize and work toward the unity of faith in Jesus Christ.
It is with a sense of awe that we look at all the gifts which our Lord has bestowed upon us. We recognize that this places great responsibility on us, and we shall continually strive to be faithful to the inscription on the front of our building:
“Dedicated to the Glory of God and the Service of Man."