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 the Church 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 as well, helping to establish Grotonwood Camp in 1956, and continuing to contribute to its maintenance as well as that of Oceanwood Camp in Ocean Park, Maine.  A spacious addition completed in 1959 that contains ten classrooms, 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.

Sunday 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 during worship. Sunday School classes are held each week following the 10:00 AM worship service. There are classes for children and youth. Classes are organized as follows: 3, 4, and 5-year-old children; Grade 1,2 and 3; Grade 4, 5 and 6; and a youth class for those in grades 7 to 12.

The Sunday 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 School for younger children, Intergenerational Events, and Youth Group for youth in Grades 7-12, Junior Youth Group for youth in grades 4-6, and Childrens Fellowship for those in grades 1-3. Click here for our Sunday 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 after the 10:00 AM worship service from 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM.

There is a Midweek Bible Study Wednesdays at 6:30 PM in the Krueger Room.

Additional adult classes are planned throughout the year to help members and friends of the First Baptist Church to grow in their faith.

Wonderful Wednesdays
Twice each year, First Baptist Church offers multiple week sessions called Wonderful Wednesdays. Each week begins with dinner together at 6:00 PM. Following a time of devotions and prayer, participants break up into their various classes. These classes have included Bible study and exploration, study of Baptist principles, inquiry into other faith traditions, a virtual tour through the Holy Land, hands-on banner making and play preparation.  

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.