All Sunday services
The nursery at First Baptist Church cares for children newborn through age 3 in a clean, secure, and welcoming space. Each child is cared for by trained, background-checked volunteers in age-specific rooms for infants, babies, and toddlers—available during every service.
MINISTRIES
Children
SUNDAYS • 9:30AM, 10:45AM & 6PM
We partner with families to help children know and love God. Each ministry is designed to teach God’s Word in age-appropriate, engaging ways under the care of trained, Christ-like volunteers.
Nursery (Infants–3 Years Old)
Sunday School (2 Years Old to 6th Grade)
9:30am
During Sunday School, our goal is to help kids learn God’s Word in fun, age-appropriate ways. Each lesson points children to the gospel and teaches them how to follow God.
Children’s Church (4 to 6 Years Old)
10:45am
Children’s Church meets during the 10:45am worship service. After joining their families for the opening portion of worship, kids are dismissed before the sermon for a fun, age-appropriate Bible lesson designed just for them.
For children ages 7 and older, we believe it’s valuable for them to remain in the full worship service with their parents. Worshiping together helps kids see faith modeled, grow in understanding, and feel part of the larger church family. To help them stay engaged, we provide a Kids Sermon Notes activity sheet each week.
Grow Kids (4 Years Old to 6th Grade)
6pm–7:15pm
GROW! Kids meets Sunday nights and helps children grow in their faith through hands-on lessons and small groups by grade.
Safety First
Your child’s safety is our priority.
All volunteers are background-checked, trained, and active members of First Baptist Church. Allergy details are printed on each child’s name tag, and a secure pick-up code system ensures every child is released only to their family.
Contact
Derek Wilcox, Children and Family Pastor
dwilcox@firstbaptistelyria.org
440.458.5128
Derek Wilcox, Children and Family Pastor
dwilcox@firstbaptistelyria.org
440.458.5128
Nursery (Infants–3 Years Old)
All Sunday services
The nursery at First Baptist Church cares for children newborn through age 3 in a clean, secure, and welcoming space. Each child is cared for by trained, background-checked volunteers in age-specific rooms for infants, babies, and toddlers—available during every service.
Sunday School (2 Years Old to 6th Grade)
9:30am
During Sunday School, our goal is to help kids learn God’s Word in fun, age-appropriate ways. Each lesson points children to the gospel and teaches them how to follow God.
Children’s Church (4 to 6 Years Old)
10:45am
Children’s Church meets during the 10:45am worship service. After joining their families for the opening portion of worship, kids are dismissed before the sermon for a fun, age-appropriate Bible lesson designed just for them.
For children ages 7 and older, we believe it’s valuable for them to remain in the full worship service with their parents. Worshiping together helps kids see faith modeled, grow in understanding, and feel part of the larger church family. To help them stay engaged, we provide a Kids Sermon Notes activity sheet each week.
Grow Kids (4 Years Old to 6th Grade)
6pm–7:15pm
GROW! Kids meets Sunday nights and helps children grow in their faith through hands-on lessons and small groups by grade.
Safety First
Your child’s safety is our priority.
All volunteers are background-checked, trained, and active members of First Baptist Church. Allergy details are printed on each child’s name tag, and a secure pick-up code system ensures every child is released only to their family.
Youth
SUNDAYS • 9:30AM & 6PM
The purpose of the Youth Group is ultimately to glorify God. We aim to challenge the next generation with the Gospel of Christ and encourage them in their walk and growth in the Lord.
Sunday School (9:30am)
Students in grades 7–12 meet in the Youth Room for Sunday School, where they dig into God’s Word and discover how it applies to real-life challenges.
Youth Group (6pm)
Junior and Senior High students gather for games, worship, practical Bible teaching, and small group time designed to build faith and friendships.
Contact
Wyatt Arterberry, Youth Pastor Resident
warterberry@firstbaptistelyria.org
440.458.5128
Wyatt Arterberry, Youth Pastor Resident
warterberry@firstbaptistelyria.org
440.458.5128
Sunday School (9:30am)
Students in grades 7–12 meet in the Youth Room for Sunday School, where they dig into God’s Word and discover how it applies to real-life challenges.
Youth Group (6pm)
Junior and Senior High students gather for games, worship, practical Bible teaching, and small group time designed to build faith and friendships.
Young Adults
SUNDAYS • 9:30AM
Our Young Adult Ministry offers a space for college-age individuals and young professionals to be encouraged by the Word, deepen their faith, and connect with others at a similar stage of life. They meet weekly for Sunday School, gather twice a month for fellowship on Sundays, and enjoy regular activities and outings together.
Contact
Travis Gravley, Young Adult Leader
travis.gravley@gmail.com
Tim Lehr, Young Adult Leader
tim.lehr@hyland.com
Travis Gravley, Young Adult Leader
travis.gravley@gmail.com
Tim Lehr, Young Adult Leader
tim.lehr@hyland.com
Men
At First Baptist, we believe that fellowship strengthens faith. Our Men’s Ministry helps men grow as disciples of Christ and servant leaders in their homes, church, and community.
Bible Studies & Discipleship
Grow deeper in God’s Word through small-group studies that meet throughout the year. We’ll help you find one that fits your schedule.
Retreats & Events
From retreats to mission trips, our men’s gatherings offer encouragement, growth, and connection
Contact
Pastor Dave Burman, Jr., Lead Pastor
dburmanjr@firstbaptistelyria.org
440.458.5128
Pastor Dave Burman, Jr., Lead Pastor
dburmanjr@firstbaptistelyria.org
440.458.5128
Bible Studies & Discipleship
Grow deeper in God’s Word through small-group studies that meet throughout the year. We’ll help you find one that fits your schedule.
Retreats & Events
From retreats to mission trips, our men’s gatherings offer encouragement, growth, and connection
Women
At First Baptist Church of Elyria, our Women’s Ministry exists to help women grow in their walk with Christ and connect through meaningful relationships. From Bible studies and fellowship gatherings to service opportunities and care ministries, women of all ages can find a place to belong and serve.
Women’s Bible Studies
Find connection and encouragement through our wide range of Bible study opportunities for women. Whether you prefer an in-home study, a weekday gathering at the church, or our Coffee and Conversations gatherings for young women, you’ll grow in both faith and community.
Taste of Grace
Taste of Grace provides meals and encouragement for families welcoming new babies, those recovering from illness or surgery, and others in need of temporary care. Whether you love cooking, delivering meals, or simply offering support, this ministry is a meaningful way to serve others in our church family.
Widows Ministry
Our Widows Ministry offers friendship, encouragement, and spiritual support for women who have lost their husbands. The group meets once a month for a luncheon and enjoys several special gatherings and outings throughout the year. It’s a wonderful opportunity to find community and care.
Contact
Jen Burman, Women’s Ministry Director
jburman@firstbaptistelyria.org
440.458.5128
Jen Burman, Women’s Ministry Director
jburman@firstbaptistelyria.org
440.458.5128
Women’s Bible Studies
Find connection and encouragement through our wide range of Bible study opportunities for women. Whether you prefer an in-home study, a weekday gathering at the church, or our Coffee and Conversations gatherings for young women, you’ll grow in both faith and community.
Taste of Grace
Taste of Grace provides meals and encouragement for families welcoming new babies, those recovering from illness or surgery, and others in need of temporary care. Whether you love cooking, delivering meals, or simply offering support, this ministry is a meaningful way to serve others in our church family.
Widows Ministry
Our Widows Ministry offers friendship, encouragement, and spiritual support for women who have lost their husbands. The group meets once a month for a luncheon and enjoys several special gatherings and outings throughout the year. It’s a wonderful opportunity to find community and care.
Senior Adults
Our senior adult ministry is a vibrant and active part of church life! Senior adults at First Baptist stay involved in many ways—serving in VBS, visiting shut-ins and newcomers, helping in the nursery, and teaching Sunday School. Along with serving, our senior adults enjoy meaningful fellowship through a wide range of activities.
Bus Trips
Our senior adults love to travel together! Most trips are local day outings around Northeast Ohio, with a few overnight trips offered throughout the year.
Pickleball & Chair Volleyball
Stay active and enjoy great fellowship through our weekly Pickleball games and biweekly Chair Volleyball gatherings. Whether you’re looking for friendly competition or a lighter activity, both offer fun, laughter, and connection with others—no athletic experience required!
Monthly Luncheons
Each month, our senior adults gather for a special luncheon featuring a guest speaker, themed décor, and plenty of fellowship. Luncheons are held on the first Tuesday of every month.
Contact
Dan Parker, Worship & Senior Adults Pastor
dparker@firstbaptistelyria.org
440.458.5128
Dan Parker, Worship & Senior Adults Pastor
dparker@firstbaptistelyria.org
440.458.5128
Bus Trips
Our senior adults love to travel together! Most trips are local day outings around Northeast Ohio, with a few overnight trips offered throughout the year.
Pickleball & Chair Volleyball
Stay active and enjoy great fellowship through our weekly Pickleball games and biweekly Chair Volleyball gatherings. Whether you’re looking for friendly competition or a lighter activity, both offer fun, laughter, and connection with others—no athletic experience required!
Monthly Luncheons
Each month, our senior adults gather for a special luncheon featuring a guest speaker, themed décor, and plenty of fellowship. Luncheons are held on the first Tuesday of every month.
Care Groups
Care Groups are small gatherings where we care for one another and connect through Christ-centered times of investment. We meet regularly to pray, study God’s Word, and share life together—a place to belong, grow in faith, and build lasting relationships.
What happens in a Care Group meeting?
Groups spend time praying for one another, discussing Scripture—often tied to Sunday’s message—and building relationships through fellowship. It’s a relaxed, Christ-centered environment for spiritual growth and encouragement.
Who can join a Care Group?
Anyone connected to our church is welcome! Whether you attend regularly or were invited by a friend, you’ll find a welcoming place to connect and grow.
Who leads Care Groups?
Each group is led by a member of First Baptist Church who has shown spiritual maturity and care for others. Leaders are chosen and supported by our pastoral team.
What about children and youth?
Kids and teens are part of the life of Care Groups, too. They see faith modeled by their families and other believers and often join in ways that help them build relationships of their own.
How often do groups meet?
Groups meet weekly on Wednesday nights during a Spring session and a Fall session. Each session of Care Groups lasts around 12 weeks.
Contact
Pastor Dave Burman, Jr., Lead Pastor
dburmanjr@firstbaptistelyria.org
440.458.5128
Pastor Dave Burman, Jr., Lead Pastor
dburmanjr@firstbaptistelyria.org
440.458.5128
What happens in a Care Group meeting?
Groups spend time praying for one another, discussing Scripture—often tied to Sunday’s message—and building relationships through fellowship. It’s a relaxed, Christ-centered environment for spiritual growth and encouragement.
Who can join a Care Group?
Anyone connected to our church is welcome! Whether you attend regularly or were invited by a friend, you’ll find a welcoming place to connect and grow.
Who leads Care Groups?
Each group is led by a member of First Baptist Church who has shown spiritual maturity and care for others. Leaders are chosen and supported by our pastoral team.
What about children and youth?
Kids and teens are part of the life of Care Groups, too. They see faith modeled by their families and other believers and often join in ways that help them build relationships of their own.
How often do groups meet?
Groups meet weekly on Wednesday nights during a Spring session and a Fall session. Each session of Care Groups lasts around 12 weeks.
Kinship & Care Support
Are you a kinship or foster caregiver in Lorain County? If so, you’re not alone. Join us each month for encouragement, connection, and practical support.
These free gatherings are designed with your family in mind and include:
- A free dinner (5–5:45pm)
- Childcare and homework help for kids
- Discussion time for adults (5:45–6:45pm)
We meet on the first Wednesday of every month from 5–6:45pm at First Baptist Church of Elyria. Our Personal Care Community Closet is also open to those who attend.
Contact
Jim and Pam Hettinga
pamhettinga@gmail.com
Jim and Pam Hettinga
pamhettinga@gmail.com
Sunday School (9:30am)
Students in grades 7–12 meet in the Youth Room for Sunday School, where they dig into God’s Word and discover how it applies to real-life challenges.
Youth Group (6pm)
Junior and Senior High students gather for games, worship, practical Bible teaching, and small group time designed to build faith and friendships.
Counseling
Life can be full of challenges, and finding a biblical answer can sometimes be difficult. Our pastors are here to help—ready to pray with you, offer encouragement, and point you to what God’s Word says about the struggles you’re facing.
Counseling services are offered free of charge on a limited basis. You don’t have to be a member of First Baptist Church to request counseling, but we do ask that participants attend at least one of our regular worship services each week during the counseling process.
Contact
Pastor Dave Burman, Jr., Lead Pastor
dburmanjr@firstbaptistelyria.org
440.458.5128
Pastor Dave Burman, Jr., Lead Pastor
dburmanjr@firstbaptistelyria.org
440.458.5128
Nursery (Infants–3 Years Old)
All Sunday services
The nursery at First Baptist Church cares for children newborn through age 3 in a clean, secure, and welcoming space. Each child is cared for by trained, background-checked volunteers in age-specific rooms for infants, babies, and toddlers—available during every service.
Sunday School (2 Years Old to 6th Grade)
9:30am
During Sunday School, our goal is to help kids learn God’s Word in fun, age-appropriate ways. Each lesson points children to the gospel and teaches them how to follow God.
Children’s Church (4 to 6 Years Old)
10:45am
Children’s Church meets during the 10:45am worship service. After joining their families for the opening portion of worship, kids are dismissed before the sermon for a fun, age-appropriate Bible lesson designed just for them.
Grow Kids (4 Years Old to 6th Grade)
6pm–7:15pm
GROW! Kids meets Sunday nights and helps children grow in their faith through hands-on lessons and small groups by grade.
For children ages 7 and older, we believe it’s valuable for them to remain in the full worship service with their parents. Worshiping together helps kids see faith modeled, grow in understanding, and feel part of the larger church family. To help them stay engaged, we provide a Kids Sermon Notes activity sheet each week.
Safety First
Your child’s safety is our priority.
All volunteers are background-checked, trained, and active members of First Baptist Church. Allergy details are printed on each child’s name tag, and a secure pick-up code system ensures every child is released only to their family.
Sunday School
SUNDAYS • 9:30AM
Sunday School at First Baptist Church of Elyria offers classes for all ages—starting with our youngest children at age 2 through a variety of adult groups.
Our adult classes are organized by age and stage of life to help people connect with others walking through similar seasons. We also offer a ladies-only class and a Spanish-speaking class.
No need to register. Join us on Sundays at 9:30am and find a class that feels like home—all are welcome!
Contact
Pastor Dave Burman, Jr., Lead Pastor
dburmanjr@firstbaptistelyria.org
Pastor Dave Burman, Jr., Lead Pastor
dburmanjr@firstbaptistelyria.org
Sunday School (9:30am)
Students in grades 7–12 meet in the Youth Room for Sunday School, where they dig into God’s Word and discover how it applies to real-life challenges.
Youth Group (6pm)
Junior and Senior High students gather for games, worship, practical Bible teaching, and small group time designed to build faith and friendships.
Music Ministry
Music is a major part of our ministries here at First Baptist. From our kids to our adults, playing and singing about the Lord is a priority. From our choir to our worship team, whether you play an instrument or sing, there are many ways to get involved.
Contact
Dan Parker, Worship & Senior Adults Pastor
dparker@firstbaptistelyria.org
440.458.5128
Dan Parker, Worship & Senior Adults Pastor
dparker@firstbaptistelyria.org
440.458.5128
Nursery (Infants–3 Years Old)
All Sunday services
The nursery at First Baptist Church cares for children newborn through age 3 in a clean, secure, and welcoming space. Each child is cared for by trained, background-checked volunteers in age-specific rooms for infants, babies, and toddlers—available during every service.
Sunday School (2 Years Old to 6th Grade)
9:30am
During Sunday School, our goal is to help kids learn God’s Word in fun, age-appropriate ways. Each lesson points children to the gospel and teaches them how to follow God.
Children’s Church (4 to 6 Years Old)
10:45am
Children’s Church meets during the 10:45am worship service. After joining their families for the opening portion of worship, kids are dismissed before the sermon for a fun, age-appropriate Bible lesson designed just for them.
Grow Kids (4 Years Old to 6th Grade)
6pm–7:15pm
GROW! Kids meets Sunday nights and helps children grow in their faith through hands-on lessons and small groups by grade.
For children ages 7 and older, we believe it’s valuable for them to remain in the full worship service with their parents. Worshiping together helps kids see faith modeled, grow in understanding, and feel part of the larger church family. To help them stay engaged, we provide a Kids Sermon Notes activity sheet each week.
Safety First
Your child’s safety is our priority.
All volunteers are background-checked, trained, and active members of First Baptist Church. Allergy details are printed on each child’s name tag, and a secure pick-up code system ensures every child is released only to their family.
