About US
Welcome to First Baptist Clifton, a vibrant and loving community passionately committed to our mission – Loving Jesus, Making Disciples, Building His Kingdom. At FBC you will find thoughtful worship, authentic fellowship and you’ll be equipped to be a better disciple of Jesus. At FBC we act on our faith by serving in our community and building Christ’s Kingdom wherever we go. Whether you’re seeking a new church home or yearning to learn more about Jesus, at First Baptist Clifton, you’ll find a supportive, compassionate fellowship ready to walk alongside you toward a deeper relationship with God.
Our Vision
Loving Jesus. Making Disciples. Building His Kingdom.
Loving Jesus
Our faith is anchored in our love for Jesus Christ, our Savior. Our worship, praise and lives are devoted to honoring and cherishing His divine love. We are committed to fostering a personal relationship with Him through prayer, worship and continuous spiritual growth.
Making Disciples
Our journey does not stop at loving Jesus; it extends to making disciples in His name. We dedicate ourselves to nurturing followers of Christ who are equipped to spread His love and teachings in their families, workplaces, and communities. Through biblical teachings, fellowship activities and discipleship programs, we provide the tools necessary for everyone to become an ambassador of Christ’s love.
Building his kingdom
Finally, we are steadfast in our work to build His Kingdom here on Earth. We believe in living out the Gospel not just through words but through actions. This means serving our neighbors, advocating for what is right and being a beacon of hope and love in our community. As a church, we participate in various outreach programs and initiatives that positively impact our local community and beyond.
Our History
OUR STORY
Beginnings
First Baptist Church, Clifton was organized sometime in 1878 or 1879. (The 1934 minutes of the Meridian Baptist Association state that 1879 was the year when it was founded, while the cornerstone on the front of the Sanctuary says 1878). The church was started with nine members. This group met in the old rock schoolhouse near the east bank of the Bosque River. The church was located for a period of time on the West side of the river. Baptisms were held in the Bosque River. The church moved to the present location after the Baptist Ladies Aid Society helped raise money to purchase the land where the church resides now. The first sanctuary was used for nearly four decades, and in 1948, this building was torn down and a new building put up in its place.
A Growing Congregation
From the auspicious beginning, the church has grown across the years to become the largest church in Bosque County and a bedrock of faith for the community. As the numbers have expanded, the ministries have expanded and adapted with the times. Now, music, discipleship and missions play an integral part in the ongoing ministry of the church.
Today
First Baptist Clifton continues to engage in missions throughout our state, nation and around the world. The church is vitally involved in mission endeavors from Clifton to Mexico, South America, Africa, Europe, and Asia. To use the words of William Carey, an early Baptist missionary, “Expect great things from God – attempt great things for God.” This phrase resonates as the heartbeat of a warm fellowship of God’s people called First Baptist Clifton.
What we believe
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God.
Jesus Christ is God the Son. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary, lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory and will return again someday to earth to reign as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.
The Bible is God’s Word to us. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error.
People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin.” This attitude separates people from God and causes many problems in life.
Salvation is God’s free gift to us but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith, we are saved.
Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the true believer is secure in that salvation for eternity. If you have been genuinely saved, you cannot “lose” it. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian.
People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is Heaven and Eternal Life.