A Bible-Believing Church in the Heart of Mulberry
First Baptist Church of Mulberry sits on NE 1st Avenue in Mulberry, Florida, a Bible-believing church that describes itself with three phrases: Christ Centered, Scripture Solid, and Family Focused. Pastor Greg Wilkerson has led the congregation since 2013, and the church reaches into Mulberry and beyond through children's ministry, youth ministry, and a global shoebox outreach.
"We are a Bible-believing, Christ-centered church that exists to glorify God and make disciples of Jesus Christ," the church shares. People who are new to faith, returning to church, or simply looking for a place to belong are welcomed as part of the family.
Sunday: Life Groups and Worship at 10:30
Sunday mornings begin at 9:30 am with Life Groups for every age. The worship service starts at 10:30 am and includes music, prayer, and preaching grounded in Scripture. After the music portion of the service, elementary-aged children are dismissed to Jr. Church. Worship is led by Music Director Debbie Garcia and Worship Leader Lexy Adams. Garcia has played piano and organ since age nine and considers music a reminder of God's grace, while Adams, a lifelong member, teaches kindergarten during the week and brings that love for young hearts into leading worship.
Deacons and deacons in training serve actively in the life of the church, occasionally bringing the message themselves, and the Lord's Supper is observed regularly as part of gathered worship.
Wednesdays at 6 pm: Bible Study, SPLASH, and Thrive
Wednesday evenings share a 6:00 pm start across three groups. Adults gather for Bible Study. SPLASH runs from 6:00 to 7:00 pm for children in preschool through 5th grade. Thrive, the youth ministry, meets at 6:00 pm for students in grades 6 through 12, with Bible study and activities designed to apply to daily life.
Children's Ministry: SPLASH, Life Groups, and Jr. Church
First Baptist Mulberry treats children's ministry as a partnership with parents. "Parents are a child's primary spiritual influence," the church notes, and so the ministry "is designed to support and encourage families, not replace them." Each week, children experience Bible stories, hands-on activities, music, and conversation in safe, age-appropriate spaces where they can ask questions and build friendships.
SPLASH gives kids in preschool through 5th grade a weekly midweek gathering, while Jr. Church lets elementary-aged children head to their own lesson after the music portion of Sunday worship. Adults and students who want to teach, assist behind the scenes, or simply offer a smile and a listening ear are invited to use their gifts in this part of the church's life.
Thrive: A Place for Grades 6 through 12
Thrive is the name given to the youth ministry at First Baptist Mulberry, and it is led by Youth Director Angel Wilkerson. The ministry exists "to guide students in grades 6 to 12 into a deeper relationship with Jesus, build authentic friendships, and empower them to live out their faith in everyday life."
Wednesdays at 6:00 pm combine Bible study with activities that connect to daily life. Sundays include youth Life Groups during the 9:30 am hour. The ministry is built around dynamic teaching, small groups that can talk through real questions, fellowship events, and service opportunities locally and beyond. Students of every faith background, from new believer to seasoned follower, are welcomed in.
Operation Christmas Child: Shoeboxes Around the World
Each year the church joins Operation Christmas Child, packing shoeboxes with small gifts that are sent to children in need around the world. Recent packing goals have included 300 shoeboxes, and the ministry is described as "a tangible reminder that each child is loved, valued, and not forgotten."
There are several ways to take part. Families can pack shoeboxes together at home. Empty pill bottles can be filled with spare change to cover shipping and supplies. A monthly item is highlighted for donation. An Amazon Wish List gives another way to contribute. Wendi Wilkerson coordinates the ministry and welcomes anyone who wants to help pack, give, or pray.
The Staff
Pastor Greg Wilkerson came to First Baptist Mulberry in 2013 and has been in ministry since 1998. He is a graduate of Atlanta Baptist College, Luther Rice University, and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. In the wider community he serves as a member of the Mulberry Chamber of Commerce, Toastmasters International, and the Citrus Center Kiwanis, and he is also the Fatherhood Director of A Woman's Choice. He and his wife Wendi have been married for over 31 years and have two grown children, Angel and Noah.
Music Director Debbie Garcia and Worship Leader Lexy Adams both grew up at First Baptist Mulberry. Youth Director Angel Wilkerson grew up in church, spent summers teaching 5-Day Clubs with Child Evangelism Fellowship, and is currently working toward a master's degree at the University of Florida.
What the Church Believes
First Baptist Mulberry is unapologetically Bible-centered. "At the heart of our faith is the good news that Jesus Christ came to save sinners, and that through His death and resurrection we are offered forgiveness, new life, and hope," the church teaches. The Bible is held as God's authoritative Word, and the church sees its calling as worship, growth, service, and sharing Christ with others. A verse that captures the church's heart is "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you," from Matthew 6:33.
Visiting and Staying Connected
Worship services are streamed live on Facebook, so anyone near or far can join. Updates, announcements, and moments from church life are shared on Facebook and on Instagram. The office can be reached by call or text at 863-425-1174. Giving is available online through a secure PayPal link.