First Baptist Church of San Francisco

My evaluation of First Baptist Church is that it's been deeply affected being located in liberal San Francisco.

A few years ago this church wasn't filling up even half their seating yet were encouraging discrimination resisting 55+ Caucasian women from attending. Their welcome desk gave me gift trinket promos while a young 20's man told me this may not be the right church for me because they have "the most diverse church in San Francisco" that was clearly untrue.

Early on during the church sermon they placed members who asked if they could sit next to and speak with me where I sat. One of their member agents visited with me, took my phone number, then cyberstalked on the Internet instead of meeting for a cup of coffee she had suggested.

This religious institution requires class attendance programs to become a member where such graduates are applauded by the church that creates delusional hierarchies. If you don't become a member they'll only tolerate for donations but rudeness is the norm. I was granted permission to park my bike in the back area and a woman came out after service to suggest that spot belonged to her.

After being resisted and oddly questioned by the music director in my face for wanting to try out for the holiday choir as a 56 year old, I realized they don't want older Caucasian women which explained to me why they had so many empty chairs in their two tier historic building.

When I came to SF about a year ago, I was eager to get plugged into a church community. Although it took me a few months, I am so thankful my roommate (shoutout to roomie Sam!) invited me out here. The moment I walked into First Baptist Church of SF, I was blown away by the diversity of the church. It really seemed like a glimpse into heaven, of how all the nations will one day worship God together. There are people of all ages, and diverse even socioeconomically and ethnically - I loved how everyone gathered together to worship God.

The worship team is AMAZING! Shoutout to P. David and all of praise team for leading worship week in and week out. The church sings old hymns, which I absolutely love. But also brings in contemporary songs as well. It gives a good balance for people with different music preferences. But at the core of all the songs, whether old hymns or contemporary songs, there is always the reminder that Christ is our Savior!

The sermons are encouraging..shoutout to P. Ryan, P. Mike, and P. Bryan! The church will go through a book in the Bible, and then other times will focus on a theme. At the end of the day, the sermons are faithful to proclaim the gospel, which I am so thankful for.

There are various ministries in the church. There's a place for kids (shoutout to Stephanie, Susan, and Megan!), HS, college (shoutout to Sam and Bryan), young adults, moms, etc. There are community groups, which is also a good way for other folks to get involved with other people in different life stages.

The church desires to share the gospel and build up disciples. There are growth courses before Sunday service, which will teach through various topics. And there are various service events to build up the community around Hayes Valley. One example is Respite, where volunteers will watch children with special needs for a few hours and provide parents some rest.

I'm very thankful for the church, the leadership team, and am encouraged to see so many people meeting needs within the church. It's a place where you can be honest and transparent to one another, and encourage one another heavenward to Christ. And those who are not Christians I hope feel welcomed as we want to meet people where they're at, and hopefully build them up and encourage them. Encouraged and thankful how God is using First Baptist of SF within the city! :)

When I try to imagine heaven, I picture a community that looks much like First Baptist. I don't know how they accomplished this, because no church body I have ever been a part of has done this, but they have hit the mark in terms of diversity at almost every level. There are tech professionals, working class laborers, and homeless. There are old people who have been going to the church for 50 years, seasoned professionals, young professionals, high schoolers and a vibrant children's ministry. There are people from every race too, white, black, Asian, Hispanic. First Baptist reminds me of that old Sunday school song "red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in his sight..." It truly is a glimpse of heaven.

I also want to give shout out to the children's ministry which is one of if not the best in the city. This program is not just babysitting but one that focuses on the child and to grow them. there are a committed number of volunteers and it is incredibly organized. They also have an incredible building with dedicated classrooms for the kids.

There is so much more I can talk about. The teaching is great and they have a Wednesday night outreach to the homeless. They are also very open about church operations and how budget is spent. Just an amazing church in general.

We have gone from being a Southern Baptist Conservative church to being a Western Liberal church. This church is not that spiritual but they are very religious. Many of the members have been there whole time . I just want you to know that they are into sanctification and forgiveness. A very inclusive church and you will have your life changed. I went and did a 360* it change my life for the better.

First Baptist is a church that preaches the gospel, and it happens to be the oldest evangelical church in California, founded three weeks before the gold rush! It's still doing the same work of feeding the local body of believers with solid Bible teaching, serving the neighborhood, inviting in new people who want to know more about Jesus, and encouraging members and attendees to go deeper in their walk with the Lord and to better and more boldly share their faith with others.

One of the best bonuses about the church is that is has become a true microcosm of the city of San Francisco. I love that any person you would pass in a coffeeshop, the sidewalk, a playground, a Giant's game, an ESL class, an assisted living community, a Google office--there is the whole rainbow of San Francisco inhabitants. There are many opportunities to serve either within the church, or in programs that help the local community.

The church is fairly traditional for such a liberal city--in good theological ways, and in neutral-to-difficult ones with leadership that still primarily reflects one demographic. But they are looking to create more diversity in their leaders, and they have hearts for all the people in both FirstSF and Hayes Valley/Lower Haight, and in the surrounding city and Bay Area.

If you're looking for a church to explore Christianity and the message of Jesus, or you're looking to settle into membership, this is definitely a wonderful place to do either, one then the other, or something in between.

Yesterday's sermon included a portion dedicated to judging and shaming those who have had an abortion. The pastor, Ryan Blackwell, said that women who have abortions do so because pregnancy is "inconvenient." He also said that the decision to have an abortion is never aligned with God's will. This pastor's narrow-hearted view did not help nurture my connection with God nor with the community.

If you want your weekly does of shame this is the place for you.

The sermon is the only troubling part I encountered. The congregation is lovely and welcoming. The space is very nice.

Too bad it's not a welcoming place for Everyone.

God has used FirstSF to change my life. The Christian community I found at FirstSF filled my life with Spirit-filled people, who have spoken the truth of the Gospel to me. In the young adult group I've made life-long friends (3 of which I ended up moving to Taiwan to do ministry work with), in the Community Groups I've developed friendships with my neighbors, and in church I've soaked in preaching from Pastor Ryan. Every Sunday, Ryan preaches and lifts up Jesus the Messiah. I love this church so much and God has used Ryan and this church family to impact many, many people.

I got a really good understanding of scripture here. The teachings have blessed me for years. Made some good friends and I have started going again. I want to learn more from them.

During our 15 month stay in SF, I visited this church a few times. It is an easy walk from the Van Ness muni station, just west on Market. Beautiful historical building that has not been remodeled to the nth degree. Delightful congregation, warm and welcoming.

I attended just after their new, young pastor, Ryan Blackwell, had come onboard. Warm, caring young man who brings a fresh vibe to the church. He brings the caring love of Christ to a hurting city.

Love this place! Great preaching and community. Have been coming now for over a year and have built lots of strong relationships. It's a great group of people from all types of backgrounds.