The Christian life is meant to be shared together in community. First Baptist Church is an open and inclusive congregation, and warmly embraces all people as full members of God's family.

At First Baptist Church, we celebrate the fact that we don't all look or think exactly alike. We are an intergenerational mix, ranging from one to nearly 100. We include married couples, and those who are single. There are old-timers who have been active here for years, and a great many new folks who have come only recently. We're a hodge-podge of races, ethnicities, and nationalities as well, who find our unity in Christ. While some of us are lifelong Baptists, many come to us from other denominational backgrounds. We have among us artists and musicians, doctors and civil servants, retirees and schoolkids, social workers and educators, computer experts and homemakers, English students and chemistry students, veterans and peace activists. There are Republicans and Democrats, East-siders and West-siders, as well as folks who come to us from Coralville, North Liberty, Solon, and Kalona. Some lean toward the conservative side theologically, while others are more liberal in their understanding of Christianity. And yet, by God’s grace, we are all woven together into a close-knit community of faith.

Our church offers a number of activities designed to foster a sense of community. We enjoy getting together regularly for fun and fellowship, from potlucks to picnics in the park, talent shows to birthday parties, boat trips to baseball games. We also have several different fellowship groups in the church, organized loosely around age and interests, that meet periodically throughout the year. Recent fellowship group activities include a fondue party for young adults, an afternoon of bowling for families and children, a trip to the art museum for adults, and a jazz concert for seniors.

At First Baptist Church, we foster an environment where close relationships are formed. People find here a community of love, care, and support,. especially during times of transition. We love to celebrate festive occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and weddings. And we also come together for each other during illnesses, deaths, or other times of crisis.