A Church Off Festus's Main Street Since 1971
Faith Baptist Church sits off County Road CC just outside Festus, Missouri, where two Sunday morning services draw families, students, and adults of every age from across Jefferson County. The church's motto - Knowing Christ and Making Him Known - sets the tone for everything from Sunday worship to the children's check-in stations at the front and rear entrances. For more than fifty years, this Southern Baptist congregation has shaped its ministry around three commitments: growing spiritually, engaging the community, and making an impact for the Kingdom of God.
Sunday Mornings at Faith
Faith Baptist holds two Sunday services at 9:15am and 10:45am. Each gathering features gospel-centered singing with lyrics projected so first-time guests can follow along, along with engaging, relevant preaching through books of the Bible. Worship guides include space for handwritten notes, and the Church Center app carries digital sermon notes for those who prefer a screen.
Sunday Morning Small Groups meet on campus during one of the two service hours. Visitors can stop at a Welcome Center at either entrance to ask questions, get pointed to a small group, and pick up a first-time gift. Additional small groups gather throughout the week, mostly on the church property but also in homes, usually around a specific theme or focus.
Anyone who has to miss a Sunday can join the 10:45am service through the livestream.
His Kidz: From Birth Through Sixth Grade
Children's ministry runs both service hours under the name His Kidz. At 9:15am, small-group Bible classes gather for first through sixth graders; at 10:45am, kids experience a full worship service with fun music, Bible lessons, and interactive small group activities. Nursery and preschool care are available at both hours.
Check-in happens at two stations: the nursery and preschool desk by the front door for the youngest children, and the His Kidz desk near the rear door for elementary-age kids. Parents new to the church can submit a visit form online before they arrive.
Students: Middle and High School
Faith Students serves middle and high schoolers with weekly gatherings and special events. Annual rhythms include a fall retreat with Bible teaching and energetic worship, summer camp, and a summer mission trip. Jason Walters serves as the Associate Pastor of Students and Families, walking alongside the ministry.
Young Adults: YAM and YABS
The Young Adult Ministry (YAM) welcomes anyone who has graduated high school through age 25 - whether in college, trade school, or already working. A weekly Bible study meets Sundays from 9:15 to 10:30am in the mission house on the north side of the church property. YABS, the Young Adult Bible Study, gathers Thursdays from 6:30 to 8:00pm in the same space. The ministry maintains an active Instagram presence for connection between meetings.
Women of Faith
Women at Faith find community through three streams. Women's Bible Studies center on building deep relationships through God's Word. MomCo meets the second Monday of each month, September through May, from 9:30 to 11:30am at the church; the group welcomes mothers with children from birth through age 18 and provides childcare during every meeting, with activities including fellowship, crafts, games, service projects, and guest speakers. The Woman to Woman mentoring program pairs seasoned women of faith with mentees in any season of life - college, single, married, divorced, widowed, parenting, empty-nesting, or retired - with a Prayer Warrior team committing to pray for each pair.
Worship and Music
Worship is led under the direction of Associate Pastor of Worship and Music Doug Mickan. The congregation joyfully sings together to encourage one another and declare the truth of Jesus in song, with lyrics on screen for visitors still learning the music.
Growing Deeper: SOAP, Small Groups, and First Serve
Faith Baptist encourages personal Bible engagement through SOAP - Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer - with free reading plans and journals available. Beyond weekly small groups, anyone curious about serving can try a First Serve: a one-week, no-obligation trial alongside an existing ministry team.
Beliefs and Cooperation
Faith Baptist describes itself as pastor-led, deacon-served, congregationally-approved, servant-ministry-driven, and gospel-focused. The church fully affirms the Baptist Faith and Message 2000 and joyfully cooperates with other churches through the St. Louis Metro Association, the Missouri Baptist Convention, and the Southern Baptist Convention.
A Story Beginning in 1971
Faith Baptist was founded in 1971 by a small group of believers who started meeting off Festus's main street with God's Word as their foundation. As the congregation grew, the church purchased land just outside of town and built its current worship center on County Road CC. Bro. Mike Goodwin served as pastor for thirty-five years. Matt Culbertson joined the staff in 2008 and continues to lead the church today.
Giving, Staying Connected, and Visiting
Giving is available online, by mail to PO Box 264, Festus, MO 63028, or in person through baskets at the back of the worship center. The Church Center app connects members and guests to events, sermon notes, registration, and giving. Office hours are Monday through Thursday, 8am to 1pm. Guests can let the church know they are coming by filling out the online visit form so the team can be ready to greet them.