Christian Education

First Baptist Church has a long history of being in the forefront of Christian Education programming. The Reverend Jonathan Going established the first Sunday School program in Worcester in 1819. The first Infant Class in the city was organized here as well. When FBC appointed Prof. Albert E. Bailey as Director of Religious Education, it became one of the first churches in the country to recognize the importance of such a position. On a statewide level, the Church has been among the leaders by helping to establish Grotonwood Camp in 1956, and continuing to contribute to its maintenance, together with that of Oceanwood Camp in Ocean Park, Maine.

A spacious addition to our edifice completed in 1959 that contains ten classrooms, the Davis Chapel and Stoddard Hall, has continued the tradition established by the Church as the first in Worcester to allocate large areas of its church building to educational activities.

Bible & Bagels

Bible & Bagels provides a rewarding and enjoyable time of study and discussion in six-week increments. Prior knowledge of the focus of study is not required, and there are two one-hour sessions scheduled on Sunday mornings during the regular program year. Coffee and bagels provided!

Church School

The First Baptist Church of Worcester continues to provide a comprehensive program to meet the needs of all age groups, beginning with nursery supervision at 8:45 AM. Church School classes are held each Sunday at 9:00 AM. There are classes for children and youth. Classes are organized with consideration for age and developmental level. Classes are available for those ages three through grade 12.

Our Church School currently uses the Seasons of the Spirit® curriculum. Teachers are provided with scheduled training workshops throughout the year. Among other educational opportunities offered are Vacation Bible Camp for all ages, Intergenerational Events, and Youth Group and Family Fellowship. Download our Church School Registration Form.

Adult Forum

Adult Forums on subjects of interest and spiritual growth are scheduled weekly through the program year from September through June. Topics include: social issues, political issues, community concerns, as well as topics related to faithful living and faith development. There is generally no Adult Forum on the first Sunday of the month. The Adult Forum meets following the 10:00 AM Worship Service.

Scrogin Great Issues Book Forum

The group meets following the 10:00 AM Worship Service on the first Sunday of every month. Each month the group reads and discusses a book of interest relating to contemporary themes. All are welcome to attend. Download the reading list for the 2010-2011 Program Year.

Wonderful Wednesdays

Twice each year, First Baptist Church offers multiple week sessions called Wonderful Wednesdays. Each weekly session begins with supper together at 5:30 PM, followed by a time of devotions and prayer, after which participants separate into their various classes. Most recently, classes have included topics such as, "God & Undeserved Suffering", "The Practice of Inner Spirituality & Faith", "Dr. Seuss & You", a class for children, "Why Faith Matters", and "Jesus & Popular Culture".