WHO WE ARE

 

Our Congregation

Our membership is made up of a variety of people of all ages and backgrounds.  Some are residents of Hopewell, but many live in the surrounding communities.   All find a home at First Baptist with opportunities for fellowship, spiritual growth, and service.   We have a vibrant children's ministry and an excellent youth program, along with many ministries for adults of all ages.  As a moderate Baptist church, we ordain both men and women as deacons and have previously employed ordained women on our ministerial staff.

We are a church that respects tradition and is open to innovation.  Worship at FBC is not one size fits all.  From the majestic sounds of a pipe organ in one service, to the upbeat rhythm of drums in another, we speak many worship languages as we seek to share the gospel with authenticity and relevance.


Our Mission

To reach out and communicate God's Love and Purposes to everyone in our sphere of influence.


Our Vision

Through faith and love, we will do God's will by being disciples and ministering to our community to meet spiritual, physical, and mission needs.


Our Affiliations

We are voluntarily aligned with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, the Baptist World Alliance, the Baptist General Association of Virginia, and the Petersburg Baptist Association. 


Accessibility

Our church is handicapped-accessible from the front entrance of the Family Life Center (with automated sliding doors) and from the Randolph Road entrance to the Educational wing (with ramp and automated door).   In addition, there is an elevator located inside the Family Life Center that provides accessiblity to all levels of the building.  Handicapped parking is available at the front of the church to the left of the Family Life Center entrance and along the rear alley near the Randolph Road entrance to the Educational wing.


About the Pastor

Jeffrey H. Raymond was called to First Baptist Church in February 2006. He came with seven and a half years of pastoral experience from Lamberth Memorial Baptist Church in Roxboro, North Carolina. Jeff has a Master of Divinity degree from Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond (www.btsr.edu), a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Furman University, and is currently working on his Doctor of Ministry Degree from Virginia Theological Seminary.

Jeff’s wife, LeJeanna, is also an ordained minister. She is currently ministering in the junior college system, as she is an English professor at Richard Bland Junior College. Jeff and LeJeanna are kept busy in their family life raising two young daughters, Pender & Paxton.

Jeff grew up all over North America--from Washington D.C. to Saint John, N.B. Canada to Vancouver, B.C. Canada to North and South Carolina. He is passionate about all kinds of sports; he loves to play them and watch them. He has played collegiate football and has completed four marathons. Jeff looks forward to seeing what God has in store for him and FBC Hopewell in the future.

Email Jeff here


Becoming a Member of FBC

A person may become a member of First Baptist through profession of faith in Jesus Christ and believer’s baptism, by transfer of membership from another church, or by statement of faith in Christ and prior believer’s baptism. This can be accomplished by public statement following any of our worship services.