First Baptist Church of Fort Collins Offers the Love of Christ with Open Doors

The body of Christ centered at the First Baptist Church of Fort Collins is one of the most friendly, non-judgmental, and open-armed churches around. "Share the Life" is their motto, and share it they do.

"When you come to First Baptist, you'll find friendly people to meet you at the door," says member and inspirational figure Bill Heffler. "When we first walked in the door, we were greeted by the pastor himself; he was friendly and really reached out to us."

Located near the corner of Lemay and Prospect road, First Baptist Church (FBC, or "First B" as fondly deemed by its attendees) is "a growing community experiencing and sharing life in Christ that transforms people, our region, and the world."

The Service

"You'll find all different ages and cultures, people from all walks of life," says Heffler. "There's a lot of things going on in this church for everyone."

Sundays at First Baptist include a rich variety of classes, fellowship, worship, and messages for all ages. The church provides two services, each an hour and fifteen minutes long, beginning at 9:30 and 11:00 AM. Childcare is provided for kids under 2 years old, and a children's church is available for preschool kids, ages 2 to pre-K. There are specific ministries and community classes for adults,
college and career (ages 18-28), engaged and newly married couples, older adults, women including single mothers and MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), men, middle school students, and senior high school students.

An open communion is celebrated every first Sunday of the month, in which all believers in Christ are invited to join. Baptisms are celebrated in the church baptismal, and sometimes at Picnic Rock in the refreshing Poudre River, every fourth Sunday of the month. The special holiday services are beautiful, touching services for Good Friday, Easter, and Christmas Eve.

Clearly, there is something for everyone at First Baptist.

The Community

FBC was recently in search of a new senior pastor after former head pastor Mark Hanke relocated to Oregon. The body, however, was blessed by God when they quickly found Dr. Craig Hasselbach, an associate senior pastor from Vancouver, WA. He brought with him his wife, Rebecca, and their four children (three of which are triplets). Craig ("Doc Hass" to the senior high members) has been manning the pulpit since October, 2009.

Of the Church body, Hasselbach says, "Our desire is to share Christ as He is with people as they are."

Says Heffler: "It's just an amazing church. Just come check it out for yourself, see what it's all about!"