A Faith Family on Sullivan Road
First Baptist Church Central sits on Sullivan Road in north Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and the congregation describes itself in plain family terms: a faith family committed to leading others in a growing relationship with Christ. Its motto, "welcome home," sets the tone for a church that prizes warm connections alongside Bible teaching. The church frames its life around four commitments: inspiring others to follow Jesus, leading followers in a growing relationship with Christ, advancing the gospel in the community and to the world, and glorifying God by making disciples throughout the earth.
Sunday Around the Building
Sunday at First Baptist Central is layered. The morning opens at 9:15 AM with small group Bible study for all ages, followed by the 10:30 AM worship gathering, which runs alongside a children's church track for younger kids. After a midday break, the building fills again at 5:00 PM when Kids Quest takes over the gym for preschool through sixth grade. At 5:30 PM, students gather for Youth Ignite, while adults meet at the same hour for Disciple Making, a study designed to equip believers to walk others toward faith.
Wednesday Prayer, Ladies, and Students
Wednesday carries its own rhythm. The day starts at 10:00 AM with a Ladies Bible Study, then at 11:00 AM a prayer service that is followed by a shared meal. Youth Ignite returns at 6:30 PM, giving teenagers a second weekly touchpoint with worship, teaching, and small group time under the leadership of Youth Pastor Bradley Levatino and a team of volunteers.
Kids Quest and Ignite Youth
Children and students are central to the life of First Baptist Central. Kids Quest meets on Sunday evenings in the gym, where preschool through sixth graders play games, hear Bible stories in a way that captures their imagination, and test their knowledge during quiz bowl challenges. Ignite Youth, led by Bradley Levatino, is built around the same formula of fun, community, and teaching. Students also gather on Sunday mornings at 9:15 AM for interactive small group study, with evening times often including volleyball and other games paired with application of Scripture.
Adults, Seniors, and the Shoebox Ministry
The adult ministry centers on the Sunday services and Wednesday morning prayer gathering, but it stretches well beyond them. Small group Bible studies meet throughout the week in homes around the area. Senior adults come together quarterly for a meal and a time of fellowship, with an open invitation extended to family, friends, and neighbors. Each year, the church gathers items to fill and wrap shoeboxes for needy children, partnering with missionaries to deliver the boxes as one expression of being the hands and feet of Jesus.
Beliefs and Mission
First Baptist Central anchors its mission in the Great Commission from Matthew 28, calling disciples to go, baptize, and teach. Its three-part mission statement names three movements: connecting people with a loving family, the body of Christ; leading others in a growing relationship with Christ; and caring for others both inside and outside the faith family. The church sees disciple making not as a program but as the steady work of the whole congregation.
Staying Connected
Sermons are uploaded each Monday afternoon, and an online giving page is available alongside a contact form for first-time visitors interested in Sunday morning service, Sunday school, prayer, baptism, or other needs. Giving by mail is welcomed at the Sullivan Road address.