At 2308 Sidney Ave. in Port Orchard, Washington, First Baptist Church Port Orchard is known for a simple rhythm that shapes its church life: Live in Jesus. Learn from Jesus. Love through Jesus. Sunday worship begins at 11:00 AM, with Bible study and classes at 9:30 AM. This threefold rhythm extends from nursery and preschool through elementary ministry, youth and adult life, giving people ways to worship, study, belong and serve. People looking for a church home, returning to worship and those curious about faith are welcome to join the congregation.
A Mission Built Around Living, Learning and Loving
First Baptist Church Port Orchard describes itself as a church of committed believers determined to be known by three qualities. Its mission and vision unite a Christ-centered identity with everyday church life: worship God, grow in understanding of his Word, love neighbors, welcome people, pursue discipleship and extend compassionate care. Its ambition is to become a thriving community that transforms lives and influences Port Orchard and beyond with God's love.
To Live in Jesus
The first quality centers on God's mercy and grace. The church cites Ephesians 2:4-5, which describes God making people alive with Christ in his mercy even when they were dead in their transgressions and being saved by grace. Salvation, in this statement of belief, begins with God's love.
To Learn from Jesus
The second quality is biblical learning. Citing 2 Timothy 3:16, the church affirms that all Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, reproof, correction and training in righteousness. That conviction is reflected in the regular Bible study, small groups and discipleship opportunities for children and adults.
To Love through Jesus
The third quality connects love of God and love of neighbor. Citing Luke 10:27, the church calls people to love the Lord with heart, soul, strength and mind and to love their neighbor as themselves. The commandment gives practical shape to the church's repeated call to love through Jesus.
Two Sunday Gatherings: Study at 9:30, Worship at 11:00
The Sunday rhythm begins at 9:30 AM with Sunday Bible Study and Classes, also described as Sunday Bible Study and Small Groups. This gathering supports the church's emphasis on learning God's Word in community. It also gives children and students age-appropriate settings to learn, worship together and build friendships.
Sunday worship is at 11:00 AM at 2308 Sidney Ave. in Port Orchard. Kingdom Kids takes part after the worship music time, allowing children in kindergarten through fifth grade to enter the main gathering and then join an age-appropriate worship experience. The church provides a collection of Sunday messages for viewing online, including teaching from previous Sundays. A plan-a-visit form is available for people making their first visit.
The physical address is 2308 Sidney Ave., Port Orchard, WA 98366, and the mailing address is PO Box 124, Port Orchard, WA 98366. The church office is open Wednesday from 8:30 AM to noon and Thursday and Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with phone messages receiving regular attention outside those hours.
Little Children Begin in a Safe, Welcoming Place
For the youngest part of the church family, Nursery and Preschool provides age-appropriate care in a setting described as safe, caring and welcoming. The ministry wants little ones to experience God's love, form positive relationships with the church community and take early steps in knowing Jesus. Simple learning experiences help young children take their first steps toward a relationship with him.
Parents are also welcomed to take part in worship and the life of the church while their children participate. The nursery and preschool ministry emphasizes that every child has a place in the church family from the beginning. Its stated aim is a loving beginning to life in faith, with children continuing to learn and connect through children's ministries as they grow.
Elementary Small Groups Build Friendships and Faith Foundations
FBC Kids serves children in kindergarten through fifth grade. Small groups meet at 9:30 on Sunday mornings, where caring leaders help children discover what it means to know and follow Jesus. The elementary ministry combines learning God's Word with friendship, and it gives children room to ask questions as they build a faith intended to continue beyond elementary school.
The church describes each child as loved by God and welcome in its family. Sunday mornings combine time in small groups with the broader worship gathering at 11:00 AM. This structure lets children study with peers, worship with the congregation and move into Kingdom Kids for worship and teaching shaped for their age.
Kingdom Kids Joins Worship in a Way Built for Children
Kingdom Kids is a special worship experience for children in kindergarten through fifth grade. It begins after the worship music time at 11:00 AM, so children first participate with the church and then gather for age-appropriate worship and learning. The church describes the transition as a simple way for children to belong to the church family while having their own time to worship and learn together.
The goals for Kingdom Kids are straightforward: learn God's Word, worship Jesus, build friendships, grow in faith and discover what it means to love and serve others. The church wants children to experience how deeply they are loved by God and begin developing a lasting relationship with him.
Youth Ministry Makes Room for Questions and Real Friendships
The youth ministry is a place for young people to discover God's Word, build meaningful friendships and grow in faith while navigating the opportunities and challenges of life. The church wants students to know they are valued, that they belong and that they have a place in the family of God.
Its emphasis goes beyond simply gathering teenagers together. Students are encouraged to:
- Know God's Word
- Grow in their relationship with Jesus
- Build positive friendships
- Ask questions and explore their faith
- Discover ways to serve and love others
Biblical truth, encouragement and a caring church community are central to this work, with the aim of helping faith become part of everyday life.
Adults Study, Fellowship and Put Faith Into Practice
Adult ministries at First Baptist Church Port Orchard include Bible study, discipleship, fellowship and relationships for people in every season of adult life. The church's goal is not only to offer instruction but to help adults grow deeper in faith while building genuine connections with others.
Women's Ministry
Women's Ministry creates a community for women to connect, encourage one another, study God's Word and grow in their relationship with Christ. It welcomes both newcomers and women who have been part of FBCPO for years, with an emphasis on meaningful, Christ-centered relationships.
Adult Ministries
The broader Adult Ministries gather adults for Scripture study, fellowship and friendship. Adults are invited to seek a Bible study, meaningful relationships, spiritual growth or a place to belong.
Contemporary Discipleship
Contemporary Discipleship is described as a way to go deeper in the walk with Christ through biblical teaching, meaningful discussion and practical discipleship. Its emphasis is on learning what it means to follow Jesus and putting faith into practice in everyday life.
Ministry Teams Serve the Life of the Church
The church's team includes deacons and several ministry groups. Alice Gaudette chairs the deacons, alongside Steve Cochran, Bill Bellamy, Grace McConnaughey, Glenn Gaudette and Bonnie Lewis. The worship ministry includes Mary Ann Potts and Jim Gantenbien. The kitchen ministry is chaired by Bonnie Lewis and includes Jeri Bellamy, Nancy Townsend and Mary Halpin. The van ministry is chaired by Larry Lewis, with Bonnie Lewis serving as driver and Ruben Cruz handling maintenance. Women's Ministry, Men's Ministry and Fellowship Ministry also form part of the church's ministry structure.
Operation Christmas Child Extends Care Beyond Port Orchard
First Baptist Church Port Orchard highlights Operation Christmas Child, a Samaritan's Purse outreach that sends gift-filled shoeboxes to children in need around the world together with the message of the Gospel. Filled with toys and other fun items, the boxes become tangible expressions of care for children, their families and their communities. Local churches in more than 100 nations distribute the gifts at outreach events where the Gospel is presented in a child-friendly way.
Many shoebox recipients also take part in The Greatest Journey, a 12-lesson follow-up discipleship program. Boxes can be assembled online, and the wider emphasis is on both tangible care and a sustained opportunity to introduce children to Jesus.
Giving Supports Ministry, Community Care and Discipleship
First Baptist Church Port Orchard accepts gifts in three ways: securely online, in person during worship and by mail. Mail gifts go to First Baptist Church Port Orchard, PO Box 124, Port Orchard, WA 98366.
The church connects giving to the work of supporting ministries, caring for the community, discipling believers and creating opportunities for every generation to know and follow Jesus. It pairs that purpose with the encouragement to give willingly and cheerfully, drawing on 2 Corinthians 9:7: "God loves a cheerful giver."
A Vision of Hope for the City and Beyond
The church's vision calls for becoming a beacon of hope that welcomes all people to experience the life-changing power of Jesus, grow in faith and live out their purpose. It names intentional discipleship, compassionate outreach and empowering leadership as the means, and cites Colossians 1:28: "He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ."
The vision reaches beyond Port Orchard while remaining rooted in the local address on Sidney Avenue. Sunday worship, age-graded learning, adult fellowship and service through ministry teams all support that wider aim.
A Church for Every Season of Life
First Baptist Church Port Orchard presents church as more than a Sunday gathering. It is a place to worship, learn God's Word, build friendships, serve others and grow in faith, with opportunities for the youngest children, students, adults and seniors. That broad welcome is joined by a simple mission repeated across the church's life: live in Jesus, learn from Jesus and love through Jesus.
At Port Orchard's First Baptist Church, the weekly rhythm remains centered on the same priorities: gather for study at 9:30 AM, worship at 11:00 AM, and continue the work of discipleship, relationship and service throughout the week.