First Baptist Church

You are welcome at First Baptist Church

Sometimes it can be hard to find a church home. Going to a new and strange place, encountering people you don't know with traditions that may be somewhat foreign to you, can be stressful.

At First Baptist, we want to make this process easy for you. We are here to help, and we hope that when you visit you will find people who express care and warmth. Drop by this weekend!

Pastor Syd

Our Mission:

We exist to glorify God as we become, make, and seek passionate Christ-followers who...
Connect with Christ and His Church
Grow in Christ-likeness, and
Serve in Christ's name.

Our Values:

Because we love and enjoy God, we value...
Faithful Bible teaching
Spirit-led worship
Prevailing prayer

Because we love others, we value...
Authentic community
Missional presence

Our Vision:

As part of the Body of Christ
We will live out the word of God to produce transformed lives in Bend and beyond.

What are the times of the services?

9 am Sunday School/Learning Communities
10:15 am Worship Service

How will I know where to go when I get there?

As you enter the church doors, the first thing you'll notice is our welcome team: we want to help you feel at home at First Baptist. There is always someone available to show you to our welcome center. Here we will help you find the answers to questions you may have.

Is there child care?

We have child care and fun educational programs for your children during each of our services. Our caring staff is ready to check in your baby and/or toddler. There are always adults waiting in the lobby to assist you to find the right place for your children.

If I leave my baby in the nursery or toddler room, how will I know if I'm needed?

When you check in your infants and toddlers, you will receive a pager that we will use if we need to contact you. You can also leave any special instructions with our caring staff.

Have a question not covered here?

Let us answer it for you!
Phone: 541.382.3862
Email: info@fbcbend.org
Location

By July 1904, there were 31 members of the fledgling Baptist Church. In October of that year, they incorporated, and the first services in their new, wooden church at Irving and Oregon Avenues took place November 18, 1904.

The $2,800 building was small -- 30 by 35 feet, with a 12-by-12 foot vestibule – but served the church until it was damaged by a fire in 1920. The fire started in the baptistery, according to The Bulletin of January 26, 1920, when a wood stove’s defective flue caught the wooden building on fire.

A new, brick church was built in 1925.

Membership at the church continued to grow from 249 people in 1931 to 536 in 1966, when the brick building was deteriorating. A new brick church took its place in 1968 and still stands today.

One of the ways First Baptist has pursued the Great Commission is through church planting. Over the years, numerous other congregations within Central Oregon have been born from First Baptist's ministry. Among these, Eastmont Church and Antioch Church are the most visible and thriving today.

First Baptist Church is an active part of Bend. Involved with numerous community and business organizations, festivals, and events, our desire is to be a fully present and contributing member of downtown Bend. For it is only when we are present in the world that our not being of it is evident.

Syd Brestel is Pastor of Preaching. He began his ministry at First Baptist in February, 1991. Pastor Syd and his wife, Mary, have two sons, Daniel and Dathan. Syd has pastored for over thirty-one years in Oregon and Ohio. He oversees the staff, counseling, and preaching and is the staff member in charge of Grow ministries. His strengths are teaching/preaching and counseling. Grandchildren are his favorite distraction.

Email: syd@fbcbend.org

Bob Powell joined the staff in October, 1999. Bob leads a ministry to reach out to seniors in our community. Bob is a retired professor from Central Oregon Community College. He has been active in leadership at First Baptist for over thirty years, and he brings a gift of teaching and years of maturity and experience at First Baptist. His wife, Loretta, helps with children's Christian education. They have two daughters and two grandchildren.

Email: bpowell@coinet.com

Mark Sue joined FBC in May 2007 as the Director of Worship and the Arts. He graduated from Cedarville University in 2006 with a BM in Church Music Ministries and is currently pursuing his Masters in Theological Studies from Liberty University. He has a deep passion for worship and has a background in both traditional and contemporary music styles. Mark is the staff member over Connect ministries and the No Needy Person ministry. He and his wife Kari were married in December of '07.

Email: mark@fbcbend.org

Bryon joined the FBC staff in September 2007. As Director of Youth Ministries, Bryon leads the ELEVATE Middle School Ministry and oversees GroundWire (FBC’s High School Ministry). He is currently a student in CB Northwest’s Convergence program. Bryon and his wife, Shawna (FBC’s Director of Children’s Ministries), have a daughter, Alyssa. Bryon is also the staff member over the Serve and Drama ministries.

Email: bryon@fbcbend.org

Shawna Mengle joined the FBC staff in September 2007 as Director of Children’s Ministries. Shawna oversees the Kidztown program, which includes nursery to 5th graders, along with Vacation Bible School. Shawna and Bryon have been married for 5 years and have a daughter, Alyssa. Shawna has served with Young Life and a teen youth shelter.

Email: shawna@fbcbend.org