Our desire at First Baptist Church of Rochester is to be a Great Commission church. Jesus said: "'All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.' Amen." (Matthew 28:18-20). His statement, known as the Great Commission, is the drive of our local assembly of Believers. It is our mandate and we are committed to fulfilling His directive through our Local ministries and a World-wide Missions program.

We have partnered with Missionaries and Nationals around the world in countries from Australia to Romania as well as right here in the USA in Church planting, Specialized services, and Educational endeavors. These are just a few of various ministries that allow us to be effective in caring out His Commission. We are also involved in many "short term" missions' projects lasting from a week or two to several months that allow us to personally get involved with people and in the work of the proclamation of the gospel.

Jesus said in Acts 1:8: "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." And then the Scripture records: "Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight" (Acts 1:9). His words are our command. That is missions at First Baptist Church and our goal is to focus on His purpose and fulfill His plans.

Missions Board Policy Handbook Missions at First Baptist Church Purpose of The Missionary Policy Membership of the Missions Board Qualifications of Missionaries at First Baptist Church of Rochester Qualifications of Mission Boards or Agencies How Missionary Support is Determined Designated Gifts Missions Trips Policy Expectation of Missionaries What Missionaries Can Expect From First Baptist Church of Rochester The Chairman of the Missions Board Job Description The Secretary of the Missions Board Job Description The Correspondent Secretary of the Missions Board Job Description The Funds Monitor of the Missions Board Job Description The Missionary Hostess of the Missions Board Job Description The College Loan Fund Coordinator of the Missions Board Job Description Appendix A What is Missionary Christmas? Appendix B What is The Missionary College Loan Fund? Missions at First Baptist Church of Rochester 1. The missions program of First Baptist Church of Rochester, Michigan (hereinafter referred to as "First Baptist Church") shall have as its foundation the Great Commission as recorded in Matthew 28:18-20 and Acts 1:8.

2. Missions activities shall include ministries which take place away from the church facility and are toward evangelism, discipleship, church planting, theological training and other specific ministries directed to meet human needs, with an emphasis of presenting the Gospel. Activities and events which are designed to minister to those who are under the authority of First Baptist Church, as missionaries, are also part of the missions program.

3. It shall be the design of the missions program of First Baptist Church to encourage its church family, not only in the interest of missions, but also in the direct involvement in missions activities. (return to index) Purpose of the Missions Policy 1. To give clear direction to the missions program of First Baptist Church.

2. To define the relationship of First Baptist Church to its missionaries and agencies and to inform the church family of First Baptist Church of the principles, policies, and practices of the missions program.

3. To ensure good stewardship and accountability in the missions program of First Baptist church. Exceptions to the policies of the missions program can be made, but only after much prayer and careful consideration. Any exception must be recorded as such in the Missions Board minutes. (return to index) Membership of the Missions Board 1. The Missions Board of First Baptist Church shall be composed of the Senior Pastor or his designee, an appointed member of the Deacon Board and six (6) elected members of the church membership (at least three (3) women and three (3) men), (two (2) members elected each year) with three (3) year terms. any elected member whose term has expired shall not be elected as a member of the Missions Board until he/she has been out of office for a period of one (1) year.

2. The Missions Board shall elect a: Chairman, Secretary, Correspondent Secretary, Funds Monitor, Missionary Hostess, and College Loan Fund Coordinator.

3. Each of the members on the Missions Board of First Baptist Church shall exhibit spiritual maturity and an active participation in the ministries of First Baptist Church, as well as a desire to see each of the ministries of First Baptist Church developed into the fullest effectiveness to the glory of the Lord.

4. The Missions Board shall meet regularly and in special sessions as called by the Chairman or Senior Pastor. A simple majority of the voting Missions Board members shall substitute a quorum.

5. Each member of the Missions Board is expected to:

A. Pray for the supported missionaries of First Baptist Church.
B. Be familiar with the missions policies and practices of First Baptist Church.
C. Be alert to pass on new information to the Missions Board and church family.
D. Attend regular and special Missions Board meetings and fulfill specific responsibilities as assigned.

6. The Missions Board shall establish and Maintain an approved list of missionaries. All church organizations or individuals desiring to send money or gifts through First Baptist Church to missionaries not on this list, must first obtain approval from the Missions Board. (return to index) Qualifications of Missionaries at First Baptist Church 1. All missionaries must give a clear testimony of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and identify a "call" to his/her field of service.

2. All missionaries must be a member of a Baptistic church that is in agreement with the doctrine and practice of First Baptist Church.

3. All missionaries must be prepared to develop and/or continue a mission field practice which would be in agreement with the doctrine and practice of First Baptist Church. (return to index) Qualifications of Mission Boards or Agencies 1. All mission boards/agencies shall be Baptistic in doctrine, policy, practice, and be in agreement with the doctrinal statement of First Baptist Church.

2. All mission boards/agencies shall be separated in their policy and practice. These are to include ecclesiastical and theological separation. (return to index) How Missionary Support Is Determined 1. All missionary support shall be recommended to the church family by the Missions Board after an examination of the missionary’s ministry has been completed by the Missions Board.

2. All missionary support shall begin as determined by church family vote and shall continue on a perpetual basis until further recommendation from the Missions Board.

3. It is the goal of First Baptist Church to support missionaries who have a home base or sending church that is within a 150-200 mile radius of Rochester, Michigan.

4. Normal missionary support shall begin at a level no less than $150 per month. The level of support for retirees, widows, agencies, institutions and other specialized ministries shall be determined by individual evaluation by the Missions Board for recommendation to the church family.

5. It is the goal of First Baptist Church to have an investment in the sending boards/agencies. This investment is determined by the proportion of support to missionaries under that board/agency.

6. Missionary support may be terminated if:

A. The missionary changes board/agency.
B. The missionary is placed under discipline or is requested/instructed to leave the field of ministry by his/her sending agency.
C. The missionary changes doctrinally, is immoral, is arrested for breaking the law, is divorced or has any conflict with the stated position of First Baptist Church.
D. There is a change of the missionary direction at First Baptist Church.
E. The missionary fails to correspond with First Baptist Church concerning his/her ministry at least two (2) times per year, or fails to give a personal report to the church family within a reasonable time.

(return to index) Designated Gifts 1. The Missions Board of First Baptist Church encourages designated giving only for specific one-time projects, as recommended by the Missions Board and First Baptist Church. It is the desire of First Baptist Church that all gifts be directed to the support of the budgeted items of First Baptist Church and not singled out as designated giving.

2. Any gifts which qualify for tax deduction purposes must be under the direction and designation of First Baptist Church and those approved projects and ministries of First Baptist Church.

3. No designated gift will be transmitted to an individual, board/agency or organization which is not approved by the Missions Board and church family of First Baptist Church.

4. Any designated gift which has been approved will be forwarded (the total amount) to the appropriate individual, board/agency or organization. (return to index) Missions Trips 1. The Missions Board of First Baptist Church encourages the congregation and the pastoral staff to participate in missions trips. These trips may include, but are not limited to, trips that involve evangelism, construction, Vacation Bible School, survey, missionary visitation/support and education/training.

2. To be considered a part of the First Baptist Church missions programs, a missions trip requires prior approval from the Mission Board. For a missions trip to be considered for approval, the Mission Board will need to know the purpose of the trip, the destination, the sponsoring organization, the trip length, the time, participants, and other relevant information.

3. Participants in approved missions trips are Expected to be a member of First Baptist Church, in good standing, and to present a Credible testimony of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. In certain special situations, such as for construction trips, other members of the congregation and /or their families may seek approval, from the Missions Board, to accompany the trip as a trip associate. Approval for the trip associate status would first require approval from the trip sponsoring organization for the person to take part in the trip. The trip should also be a situation which would provide the trip associate with a significant opportunity to gain understanding and experience in the area of that it means to be a Christian and the true reason for Christian service and missions.

4. Missions trip participation by the young people from Fist Baptist Church is encouraged. Adequate adult supervision will be required for trips with youth participants which are younger than eighteen (18) years of age. It is recommended that adult supervision be provided by at least one of the youth participant’s parents or an adult sponsor. Family participation in missions trips is encouraged.

5. Participants in approved missions trips may apply to the Missions Board for financial assistance from available funds in the Special Trips and Projects account (as defined in the Constitution of First Baptist Church of Rochester). If approved, the amount of the financial assistance granted will vary, according to the situation. The Missions Board reserves the right to limit the amount of assistance granted or to suspend the granting of assistance due to the then current financial situation of First Baptist Church.

Missions trip costs which will be considered for financial assistance include travel, food, and lodging. Other special costs which are directly related to the specific trip, such as the costs for passports, visas, required shots/medications, special clothes, tools, film/developing, communications (phone/FAX), and other related incidental costs, will be considered on an individual basis.

Mission trips which have been approved by the Missions Board can be announced to, and supported by, the church family, and others, through designated gifts (subject to the requirements for Designated Gifts, see Page 9). All designated gifts will be placed in the Special Trips and Projects account (see Number 5) and will be dispersed by the Missions Board, subject to the conditions mentioned above. Designated gifts should be specified for a specific trip and not for an individual participant. (If someone wants to support only a specific participant, he/she should give directly to that participant). If more designated funds are received than are needed for the specific missions trip involved, the extra funds will stay in the Special Trips and Projects account (see Number 5) to be applied to another missions trip.

6. Approved missions trips which involve a group of participants from First Baptist Church, or missions trips which are sponsored by First Baptist church, should have pastoral staff, Missions Board member or other approved trip coordinator identified. The trip coordinator will be responsible for coordinating the organization, publicity, communication, and other details involved with the trip. The trip coordinator will also serve as the contact person with the trip sponsoring board/agency or organization, and with the Missions Board. (return to index) Expectations of Missionaries 1. It is expected that the missionaries of First Baptist Church regularly (at least four (4) times per year) share written communication which includes:

A. Activities of ministry.
B. Needs for ministry.
C. Victories from ministry.
D. Prayer requests for ministry.
E. Any current changes in Ministry.

2. It is also expected that, if the Lord should begin to redirect the ministry of one of His servants, information would be shared with First Baptist church so that First Baptist Church could be part of the process of God working in the lives of the missionary family of First Baptist Church.

3. As there is a time of furlough, it is First Baptist Church’s desire to have a personal report from its missionaries to the church family about the ministry which God as accomplished. First Baptist Church would expect a personal report from all of its active missionaries at least once every four (4) years.

4. If there are any difficulties, personal or ministry related, which would affect the work of one of First Baptist Church’s missionaries, First Baptist Church would expect timely communication to the Missions Board of First Baptist Church.

5. First Baptist Church would also expect that each of its missionaries uphold the ministries of First Baptist Church in prayer. (return to index) What Missionaries Can Expect from First Baptist Church 1. Regular encouragement and prayer support for the ministries and needs of First Baptist Church’s missionary family.

2. Regular communication concerning the ministry of First Baptist Church and the direction God is leading in Rochester, Michigan.

3. Diligence to fulfill the financial responsibilities to each of our missionary families. If changes are necessary, timely communication would take place so that as much planning as possible could be made.

4. An honest effort to serve each of First Baptist Church’s missionaries in time of need and during time of furlough. First Baptist Church’s desire is to minister and help each of our missionaries be most effective in his/her ministry.

5. A yearly invitation at the beginning of November to Missionary Christmas to encourage First Baptist church’s missionaries and excite First Baptist Church’s people about missions.

6. Personally, during a specific report time as missionaries present their work, they will receive honorariums for their ministry.

7, Each of First Baptist Church’s missionaries can expect a timely response to specific requests which may be presented to First Baptist Church.

8. It is the goal of First Baptist church to develop a spirit of ministry which includes all our missionaries as a vital part of the church family of First Baptist Church. (return to index) The Chairman of the Missions Board Job Description 1. The Chairman shall moderate all meetings of the Missions Board.

2. The Chairman shall prepare an agenda for each meeting in cooperation with the Senior Pastor or his designee.

3. The Chairman shall assure that all actions of the Missions Board are carried through to completion.

4. The Chairman shall arrange for private meetings of the Missions Board and missionaries who visit First Baptist Church for ministry. Unusually this will be done prior to the evening service.

5. The Chairman shall coordinate Missionary Christmas. (See Appendix A: What is Missionary Christmas?)

6. The Chairman shall present quarterly and annual reports for the First Baptist Church’s business meetings. (return to index) The Secretary of the Missions Board Job Description 1. Attend Missions Board meetings.

2. Record actions and decisions at all Missions Board meetings.

3. Distribute copies of actions and decisions to Missions Board members.

4. File a copy of actions and decisions in the Missions Board Minutes binder in the church office at First Baptist Church.

5. Coordinate evaluation of Missionary Christmas.

6. Send letters to mission boards/agencies and other entities requesting support information for preparation of the annual missionary budget.

7. Notify the Financial Secretary and Treasure of First Baptist Church of financial decisions, etc. to ensure follow through.

8. Assist the Missions Board in any other way deemed appropriate. (return to index) The Correspondent Secretary of the Missions Board Description 1. Letters to Missionaries:

Goal: To send a copy of a different letter bi-monthly to each missionary supported by First Baptist Church.

A. Recruit letter writers. Remind writer two (2) weeks, and one (1) week before the letter is due.
B. Receive written letters and review for suitability.
C. Duplicate letters.
D. Keep a current address list on all the missionaries.
E. Obtain stamps for mailing through the Treasurer of First Baptist Church.
F. Label and stamp envelopes. Obtain envelopes from the church office of First Baptist Church. (The church office needs to be notified of needs with plenty of lead time.)

2. Letters from Missionaries:

A. Obtain letters from the file drawer in the church office of First Baptist Church.
B. Make duplicates and distribute as follows:

(1) Members of the Missions Board.
(2) Deacon representative.
(3) Those church members of Fist Baptist Church who request them.

3. Missionary Notebook:

A. Put copies of current letters into the notebook in the church foyer of First Baptist Church.
B. Keep a list of missionaries in the front of the missionary letters’ binder (displayed in the front foyer of First Baptist Church). The Correspondent Secretary shall be responsible to keep the list updated.

4. Keep current pictures of First Baptist Church missionaries on the mission board in the First Baptist Church foyer area.

5. Write or call any missionaries that the Missions Board wishes to communicate with. (return to index) The Funds Monitor of the Missions Board Job Description The Funds Monitor is responsible for the tracking of monies pertaining to the various funds which are of concern to the Missions Board throughout the year. This involved working with the Church Treasurer of First Baptist Church to establish the beginning balances and/or budget for said funds, and tracking of the income and disbursements, plus monitoring new obligations (i.e., new missionaries and/or increased support and special gifts for missionaries.)

1. The Funds Monitor shall be responsible for giving a report of the status of the Missionary Assistance Fund, plus other specific funds and designated giving, which pertains to missionary giving. This report is to be a written report, unless otherwise approved by the Missions Board.

2. Since the Missions Budget is a part of the overall budget of First Baptist Church, any funds received by the Church Treasurer and designated "Missions" automatically go into the General Fund of First Baptist church. Monies designated for a specific project or missionary are not a part of the General Fund of First Baptist Church, and will be traced and disbursed as designated. (return to index) The Missionary Hostess of the Missions Board Job Description Purpose: To find housing and arrange meals for Missionaries visiting First Baptist Church.

Duties:

1. Obtain a copy of the form sent to First Baptist Church for missionaries outlining information on the details of the missionary’s planned visit.

2. Use the information to find housing and/or meals within the church family of First Baptist Church.

3. Serve as a link between the missionary and the host family. Make certain that the host family is aware of arrival and departure times, as well as any special needs that the missionary may have. Ensure that both missionary and host family are aware of how they are to get together, whether at the church of the home of the host family.

4. Provide the name and address of the host family to the missionary so that a note of thanks may be written.

5. Coordinate food arrangements for luncheon(s) with missionaries. (return to index) The College Loan Fund Coordinator of the Missions Board Job Description 1. To make applications available to college students interested in applying for assistance.

2. To review the application and to bring it before the Missions Board for discussion.

3. To maintain a file of the applications submitted.

4. Monies returned are to be added to the General Fund. (return to index) Appendix A What is Missionary Christmas?

First Baptist Church supports more than 50 missionaries, mission organizations, and other world-wide mission-type outreach ministries with a 1998 budget of approximately $250,000, reaching people of diverse nationalities and backgrounds with the precious Gospel of Jesus Christ. Regular letters and personal reports relate ministry activity of First Baptist Church’s extended family.

Each year First Baptist Church says than you to its missionaries with a unique Missionary Christmas by inviting all available missionaries or mission representatives to spend a weekend relaxing. Special activities are prepared especially for them; a time to mingle with fellow missionaries, become personally acquainted with church families, share informally what God is doing in their lives and work, and leave refreshed. And the church family of First Baptist Church has an opportunity to say "thank you" for representing its missionary outreach around the world. (return to index) Appendix B What is the College Loan Fund?

The intent of the College Loan Fund is:

1. Encourage participants to pursue full-time Christian service as they develop God’s will for their life.
2. Encourage participants to continue their education at an approved Christian school.
3. Help participants further their education as they have needs.

How is the College Loan Fund Administered?

1. The Missions Board will administer the Fund.
2. The Missions Board reserves the right to limit the number of loans or suspend the College Loan Fund due to the then current financial situation of First Baptist Church upon notification to the congregation.
3. The dispersing of the College Loan Fund will be based on the following priorities:

A. Applicants indicating a call to full time Christina work (preference from upper (senior) to lower (freshman) class standing).
B. Applicants not presently called to full-time Christian work.


4. The loan will be issued to approved applicants specified by the Missions Board and in alignment with the yearly church budget of First Baptist Church.
5. The loan amount will be for the approved semester only. It is a one-time amount. Requests for additional loan assistance must be applied for separately each semester.
6. All loan amounts can only be used for tuition and will be paid directly to the school.

What are the Applicant’s Responsibilities?

1. Applicants must be a member of First Baptist Church in good standing, faithful to the services and willing to help with the ministry of First Baptist Church where needed and when available.
2. Applicants must demonstrate acceptance by a Christian school or institution approved by the Missions Board.
3. Applicants must be considered full-time students by the school or institution they are accepted in.
4. Applicants are subject to all the rules and regulations of the school or institution they are attending.
5. Applicants must complete a First Baptist Church College Loan Fund Application Form.
6. Applications must be submitted to the Missions Board by August 1st for approval for the fall semester, December 1st for the winter semester, and April 1st for the summer semester.
7. Upon approval, Applications become a signed agreement between First Baptist Church, the applicants and God to commit to repay the College Loan Fund the amount lent if the participants are not in full-time Christian service or under appointment of a Fist Baptist Church approved mission board/agency within one (1) year of the completion of their schooling unless a prior written extension has been submitted by the applicants and approved by the Missions Board.

(return to index)

Short-Term Missions Participants Handbook Short-Term Missions Financial Guidelines Trip Captian Roles Example Letter Short-Term Missions This Participants Handbook is designed to assist members of First Baptist Church of Rochester as they serve the Lord on "short term" mission trips.

Members interested in joining a Short Term Trip should complete an application form and submit it to the Mission Board Chairman as early as possible.

Participants are expected to follow the guidelines under Missions Trips as outlined in the Mission Policy Book.

A Trip Captain will be appointed for all approved trips

In order for a Short Term Trip to be approved, participants need to submit an application. The Mission Board will schedule a meeting to discuss with them the Purpose and Plan for the Trip.

Participants are encouraged to establish a prayer support group for their trip. Prayer is most important as you serve the Lord and it will involve others in your ministry. Prayer support groups could be; Family members, Friends, Co-workers, Churches and Sunday School classes.

Participants are encouraged to raise their own financial support. Dependence upon God in this area will allow Him to bless you as He provides your need and to experience in a small way what "full time" missionaries experience as they trust God while on deputation. This will also give you an opportunity to share with those, saved and unsaved, getting them personally involved in your trip. To this end, each participant is expected to write at least 10 support letters to friends, family members and other interested persons, sharing with them their need. Approved trips will be presented to our Congregation so that our Church Family can also share in your life.

Upon the completion of the trip, you will be expected to share in a report for our Church Family. The details of this presentation will be worked out with the Mission Board, Pastor and the Trip Captain.

As a Mission Board, we are excited about the opportunity God has given to you. Please feel free to share with us how God is working and providing so we can be encouraged by His work in your life. (return to index) Financial Guidelines First Baptist Church will only receive funds for "approved" trips following the guidelines of our Mission Board Policy Book.

All monies donated for the trip are tax deductible only if designated for your field or ministry and not to you personally. Special donation envelopes are available in the church office for you to include with your support letters. These monies will be designated to the Special Trips and Projects Fund.

The Mission Board may use money from the Special Trips and Projects Fund to pre-fund expenses associated with the trip that may come due before any money designated for your trip is donated.

Any excess monies donated toward the trip will remain in the Special Trips and Projects Fund to help others with Short Term Missions projects.

If sufficient monies do not come in to cover expenses, then costs not covered are your responsibility. In some cases, the Mission Board may be able to help you cover this unmet obligation.

Therefore, as you plan your Finances, you may need to cover:

1. Any deposit for your trip.
2. Your Passport and Visa, if necessary, for your trip.
3. Any immunizations that might be part of the trip.
4. Any film and processing which you might have for your personal use or a presentation to First Baptist Church.
5. Any Miscellaneous/incidental expenses for your trip. These expenses will be considered on an individual basis and may be reimbursed if funds are available. Please submit a detailed list of expenses with receipts to the Missionary Board.
6. Any portion of the trip cost not funded by the Missions Board through the Special Trips and Projects Fund.

(return to index) Trip Captian Roles The Mission Board will appoint a Trip Captain for each approved trip. The Roles and Responsibilities of the Trip Captain will include, but not be limited to the following:

Function as a single point of contact with the Mission Board.

Determine the estimated costs associated with the trip.

Work with the Mission Board to determine what expenses qualify for pre-funding and the sending organization to identify a schedule of payments needed.

Provide the Financial Secretary with a schedule and the PAY TO name and address for any checks needed, as soon as possible, but no later then 30 days before payment is needed. All expenditures must be approved by the Mission Board.

Establish Trip Team meetings to :

1. Communicate trip plans and expectations.
2. Identify shots needed, special clothing requirements, etc.
3. Perform any training necessary. (EvangeCube, specific tracts, culture, customs, etc.)
4. Coordinate and approve support request letters and distribution. (So everyone doesn’t send out similar letters to the same church members.)
5. Coordinate post trip Thank-You letters to all support letter recipients.
6. Coordinate formal pre-trip and post-trip reports to the church with the trip participants and the Mission Board.

(return to index) Example Letter Dear

I just wanted to share with you an opportunity which God has given to me. On (dates) I will have the privilege of serving the Lord on a "short term" missions trip to (city/country or region). During this trip I will be involved in (type of work) with (organization) so that (purpose of the trip) can be accomplished for the glory of God.

I have two requests for you.

1. Would you pray for the team and me as we serve the Lord on this trip?

Pray that I will be a blessing to those that I come in contact with. Pray that we will have safety. Pray that our families will be taken care of while I am gone.

2. Would you also consider being a part of my trip financially?

The total cost of my trip is (amount) which includes my (details; airline tickets, meals and lodging, preparation, etc.). Any amount which you could share would be helpful and should be sent by (date) and made out to: First Baptist Church of Rochester, 6377 Orion road, Rochester, Mi. 48306. I have included a donation envelope for your convenience.

God has been working in my life (give a personal testimony) and I am excited about this opportunity to serve Him. Please pray for me as I (share personal prayer requests).

Thank you for allowing me to share with you what God is doing in my life. When I return, I will send you a report so you can rejoice with me about God’s goodness in my life and ministry.

Yours truly, (return to index)

As we follow the Great Commission and fulfill God’s assignment to "go into all the World and preach the Gospel", we are privileged to partner with many Independent Mission agencies and Social institutions. These agencies help us accomplish our goals and allow us to concentrate on our Local Church ministries, while literally ministering around the world.

Our Main "Great Commission" Partners include:

ABWE - Association of Baptists for World Evangelism Headquartered in Harrisburg, PA, ABWE has over 1000 missionaries throughout the world, ministering in many different areas of need. BCP - Baptist Church Planters BCP is in Elyria, OH and specializes in USA ministry. BMM - Baptist Mid-Missions The Baptist Mid-Missions office is in Cleveland, OH and supports some 800 missionaries and ministries around the world. CBM - Continental Baptist Missions Located in the Grand Rapids, MI area, CBM supports ministries in the USA and Canada. EBM - Evangelical Baptist Missions EBM as a missions agency focuses on Europe and Africa. It’s home office is in Indianapolis, IN AWANA - Approved Workman are Not Ashamed The AWANA headquarters is located in Carol Stream, IL and has a world wide ministry focuses on teaching children the Word of God. BCH - Baptist Children’s Home and Family Ministries The Baptist Children’s Home is a ministry focused on meeting the needs of children who struggle in traditional family settings or who have no families to care for them. With domestic homes in Michigan and Indiana, this ministry also reaches over seas with homes in India, Liberia and Myanmar. BCH is located in Valparaiso, IN. Shepherd’s Foundation Located in Union Grove, WI the Shepherd’s Foundation’s ministry focus in on those who are mentally handicapped. This ministry offers residential care and appropriate training that allows its residents to achieve a high level of independence.

Under Construction

As a Church, we believe that we should be personally involved in reaching our World for Jesus Christ. Many of our folks give of their time and talents to local ministries such as Child Evangelism Fellowship, Grace Centers of Hope, Women and Teens Crisis Pregnancy Center as well as many area camps and ministries.

Each year we plan mission trips that allow our Church Family to share in "real" missions. We have partnered with Construction for Worldwide Evangelism to provide ministry tools to Church congregations throughout the world. We have also ministered in Romania through e3 ministries focusing on Youth outreach and Medical Evangelism. Many have also gone to the Child Evangelism headquarters located in Warrenton, Missouri to work in their Mail Box Club.

We are also privileged to have a number from our Church Family who serve in Vocational Missions Ministry. From Romania, to Poland, to Guinea, to Rochester, to Missouri and many points in between, our Church family is reaching our World with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Missionary Christmas has been an annual event held in early November at First Baptist of Rochester for well over seventy years and maybe even longer! From the churches’ archives and from interviewing a number of our senior members we can trace the history of Missionary Christmas back to at least the early to mid 1930s. What initially started out as a fall get-together for church members to share their harvest with our extended missionary family has grown into a weekend-long celebration filled with activities and programs. Many of the events during the three day weekend are intended to encourage interaction and to develop friendships between our congregation and our missionaries. After all it’s easier to pray for someone if you know something about them!

Over the years the purpose of Missionary Christmas has remained the same; to assist, support, encourage and be involved in the lives of those who are proclaiming the Great Commission not only in our community but around the world!