Adult Ministry

First Baptist Small Groups

First Baptist Adult Small Groups take on many forms! Our small groups are designed to help you explore your faith, ask challenging questions about life, grow closer to God, have some fun, and build community with one another. We invite you to explore the opportunities and find a group that works for you.

Sunday Morning Small Groups

Three Adult Small Groups meet every Sunday, on the Second Floor of the Education Building, from 10:15 am-11:15 am to dive into various topics and grow together!

  1. The Discussion class meets in the Parlor, with an option to join by Zoom. This is a diverse group that likes to ask questions and learn from one another. They try to put scripture in context and relate it to their personal lives and current events. Charles Hunter, Brian Ford, and Khaki Westerfield lead this group.
  2. The Connections Small Group meets in the Conference Room, with an option to join by Zoom. This group spends a lot of time building community through conversation about Scripture, faith, and life. The group is made up of people who are single and married, with kids and without. The group is hosted by Julie Walker, Dave Walker and Andrea Weingartner.
  3. A new Adult Small Group was formed during the pandemic and is just beginning to get to know one another. The group is facilitated by Stephen Hoell, Bill Lautenschlager, and Thad Stubbs; they will be meeting in the Office Commons right outside the Pastors’ offices on the Second Floor. This group is made up of people who are single and married. Some have children and others don't.

Other Affinity Groups

Book Club

First Baptist Book Club meets monthly from September-May and reads a variety of books about faith. For more information, contact Pastor Brittany McDonald Null at

Crafty Critters

The Crafty Critters, a ministry of First Baptist Church, began with a question about a crochet stitch from one First Baptist crocheter to another. The group of knitters and crocheters makes infant hats, prayer shawls, and other handcrafted items for individuals in our faith community. The prayer shawls are an expression of congregation's love and support and is a symbol of God’s love. Crafty Critters invites you to join their weekly meeting and fellowship on Tuesdays on the second floor of the church, 2nd floor conference room. Meetings begin at noon and end at the discretion of each “Critter.”

Chancel Bells

Chancel Bells is a musical small group that fosters friendship, good times and assists in the congregation’s worship of God. The handbell choir welcomes anyone who reads music but even if you don’t read music, don’t let that stop you! They can help you learn. Chancel Bells rehearse Wednesdays from 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm from September to June and plays in worship several times a month.
Contact Noah Hartsfield, through the church office at for more information.

Fellowship Adventures

Every month people from the First Baptist community get together and take day trips to local attractions and events. For more information contact Paula Thomas through the church office

First Baptist Hiking Club

Who is ready to explore the great outdoors? Join Kimberly Moeller and Misty Phillips as they lead you through some beautiful hiking trails around Columbia, and at times, through other adventures in Missouri. They spend time in the great outdoors together as they build a hiking community, get exercise, and provide healing. If you would like to join them or be on the email list for future hikes, please email Kimberly Moeller and/ or Misty Phillips through the church office at 

Psalm Players Band

A musical small group designed to give opportunities for individuals to share their gifts with God and the church, to enjoy friendship, and to assist in worship on a monthly basis. The Psalm Players welcome anyone who plays a band instrument, including those who currently play and those who may not have played for several years. Rehearsal takes place September - May on Wednesdays from 5:30 - 6:30 pm. Contact Jonathan Ray at for more information.

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