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5 Essential Updates On First Baptist Church Jackson TN: Leadership, History, And 2025 Community Impact

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First Baptist Church Jackson, TN (FBC Jackson) continues its nearly two-century legacy of faith and community engagement, operating as a vibrant spiritual hub in West Tennessee. As of late 2025, the church is operating under the refreshed leadership of Senior Pastor Dr. Scott Gilbert, whose tenure began in January 2023, marking a significant new chapter for the congregation. The church is actively involved in local and global outreach, balancing its deep historical roots with a forward-looking commitment to discipleship and community assistance.

The latest updates, including the Fall 2025 FBC University schedule and ongoing community outreach programs like the Metro Assistance Ministry, highlight FBC Jackson’s dedication to both spiritual growth and practical service. This article provides a comprehensive look at the church's current leadership, its rich history, and the ministries that define its modern-day impact in Jackson, Tennessee.

Dr. Scott Gilbert: A New Era of Leadership (Senior Pastor Biography)

The spiritual direction of First Baptist Church Jackson, TN, is currently guided by Dr. Scott Gilbert, who officially stepped into the role of Senior Pastor in January 2023. His arrival marked a pivotal moment in the church's recent history, bringing a renewed focus on spreading the Gospel both locally and globally.

  • Current Role: Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church Jackson, TN.
  • Start Date: January 2023.
  • Previous Ministry: Prior to his call to Jackson, Dr. Gilbert served as the Senior Pastor of Frederick Boulevard Baptist Church in St. Joseph, Missouri.
  • Hometown: He is originally from Somerset, Kentucky.
  • Family: Dr. Gilbert and his family have quickly become integrated into the Jackson community, expressing their enjoyment of living in the area.
  • Vision: Since his installation, his ministry has emphasized a love for the Word and a heart for the city, extending the church’s influence through local and global missions.
  • Education: Dr. Gilbert holds a doctoral degree, signifying his deep commitment to theological education and pastoral leadership.

Dr. Gilbert works alongside a dedicated team of staff, including Douglas Renfro, the Pastor of Discipleship, and John David Barham, the Church Administrator, ensuring the smooth operation of the church's numerous programs and activities.

The Deep Roots: FBC Jackson’s Historic Timeline

First Baptist Church Jackson, TN, is one of the oldest and most established religious institutions in the region, with a history that predates the city's significant growth. Understanding its timeline is essential to appreciating its role in the community's development.

Establishment During the Depression (1837–1840)

The church was officially established during a challenging economic period known as the Depression of 1837–40. At the time of its founding, Jackson was a small, 16-year-old village with a population of fewer than 600 people. The early membership strived to survive and build a foundation of faith amidst financial hardship, demonstrating resilience from its very beginning.

This long history underscores a tradition of perseverance and commitment to the Jackson community, which continues to inform the church's current outreach and ministry focus.

Commitment to Core Values

FBC Jackson maintains a clear commitment to its foundational beliefs, which are reflected in its weekly services and educational programs. The congregation places a strong emphasis on public prayer and responsive Scripture readings as central components of its worship experience, fostering a deep, participatory spiritual life for its members.

Current Ministries and 2025 Outreach Initiatives

In 2025, FBC Jackson is focusing its energy on robust discipleship and community outreach, utilizing specific programs to serve various needs within Jackson and Madison County. These initiatives showcase the church’s active role in fulfilling its mission beyond Sunday services.

1. Discipleship and Education (FBC University)

A key component of the church's educational focus is FBC University (FBCU). This program is designed for in-depth study and spiritual formation, offering sessions on Sunday nights. The Fall 2025 FBCU sessions are scheduled to begin in September and conclude in November, providing structured opportunities for members to grow in their understanding of Scripture and theology.

2. Active Community Outreach Programs

FBC Jackson's commitment to the city is most visible through its hands-on community outreach ministries, which provide tangible support to neighbors and members alike.

  • Embrace Grace: This ministry is specifically focused on supporting single, young mothers, offering a community of support, encouragement, and practical assistance.
  • Metro Assistance Ministry: A vital resource for the community, this ministry provides aid and support to those facing immediate needs, reflecting the church's dedication to social justice and compassion.
  • Food Delivery Teams: These teams organize and execute regular food deliveries, addressing food insecurity and ensuring that vulnerable individuals and families have access to necessary nutrition.
  • MDOC Church Planting Support Team: FBC Jackson extends its influence by supporting church planting initiatives, often in partnership with the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) or similar organizations, to spread the Gospel in new areas.

3. Children’s Development Center (CDC)

The church operates a Children's Development Center (CDC), which is a crucial ministry for families in the Jackson area. Led by staff member Beth Boyd, the CDC provides a safe, nurturing, and educational environment for young children, serving as a significant point of connection between the church and local families.

Worship and Connection in Late 2025

The church maintains a consistent schedule of worship and fellowship opportunities. As of late 2025, FBC Jackson offers both in-person and online services, catering to a broad range of attendees.

  • Sunday Morning Schedule: Worship services are held on Sunday mornings, often including an orchestra rehearsal and multiple service times to accommodate the congregation.
  • Live Streaming: For those unable to attend in person, the church provides live streaming of its Sunday morning services, ensuring that the message and worship remain accessible.
  • Weekly Groups: Various small groups and Bible studies meet weekly, such as a Thursday morning group that gathers consistently throughout the year, providing avenues for deeper fellowship and study.

The continuous mention of 2025 events, including the Christmas Concert and specific Sunday schedules in December, confirms the church's ongoing, active presence in the Jackson, TN, religious landscape.

Navigating the Jackson Baptist Landscape

It is important for new residents or visitors to note that Jackson, TN, is home to several prominent Baptist institutions. While this article focuses on the main First Baptist Church Jackson, there is also the "Historic First Baptist Church."

The Historic First Baptist Church, which was organized later in 1868, is a separate entity with its own distinct history, leadership (including Lead Pastor William L. Watson), and set of ministries, such as a Benevolence Ministry and programs for the aging. Both churches serve vital roles in the city, but they operate independently. When searching for services or specific programs, checking the address and leadership—Dr. Scott Gilbert for FBC Jackson and William L. Watson for Historic First Baptist Church—will ensure you connect with the correct organization.

5 Essential Updates on First Baptist Church Jackson TN: Leadership, History, and 2025 Community Impact
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first baptist church jackson tn

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