First Baptist Church has a unique calling to minister to the university community. We are located right across the street from the University of Iowa campus, and believe that this is a very exciting place to be the church. In our congregation, you will find many who are connected to the University in some way: undergraduates, graduate students, alumni, faculty, and staff.

A Place for Students
Each year, many UI students find that their spiritual journeys lead them to First Baptist Church. If you are a student, you will find here a welcome place to explore your faith, to deepen your spirituality, to share in a supportive and encouraging community, and to get involved as much or as little as your schedule allows. We have students who sing in our choir, serve as worship leaders, volunteer for community service projects, and even provide leadership on our Ministry Team. A variety of programs and special events are planned throughout the year for students and young adults.

United Campus Ministry
First Baptist Church co-sponsors United Campus Ministry, an ecumenical ministry to University of Iowa students supported by the American Baptist Churches USA, the Presbyterian Church USA, the United Church of Christ, and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). UCM offers students opportunities for worship, fellowship, Bible study, small-group spiritual growth, service projects, retreats, and mission trips. Contact Nancy Olthoff, Ministry Director, for more information. Or drop by the office of United Campus Ministry, located inside First Baptist Church.

Geneva Lecture Series
First Baptist Church also co-sponsors the annual Geneva Lecture Series, which brings to the University of Iowa campus world-renowned scholars from a variety of academic disciplines. The Geneva Lecture Series is committed to the idea that good scholarship and Christian faith go hand-in-hand. Recent lecturers include New Testament scholar N. T. Wright, physicist Sir John Polkinghorne, theologian Miroslav Wolf, philosopher Cornel West, novelist Madeline L'Engle, and editor and social activist Jim Wallis.