Our Ministries.
“But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant.” Matthew 23:11
We want everyone who walks through the doors of our buildings to feel like they belong, to be connected to God and each other. Being a part of Family Ministries is the best way to build lasting friendships and grow spiritually. No matter what age or stage of life you’re in, we have a ministry for you!
Get Involved.
“In the same way, let your light shine before people, so they can see the good things you do, and praise your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5) Jesus Christ is at the core of our Mission. As we reach out, we extend the Good News about Jesus! As we share a conversation, we tell of the marvelous works He has done. As we feed the hungry and provide needs for children, we remember His perfect sacrifice for us. May our lives be driven by the one message with the power to save souls!
OUTREACH MINISTRY
The purpose of the Outreach Ministry is to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ to everyone we meet; through personal witnessing, and the sharing the Word of God. To provide spiritual, educational, and social events and activities throughout the community that will promote Godly relationships. To equip individuals to serve one another; first within their families, communities, our nation, and throughout the world.
Sylvania Heights First Baptist Church Outreach Ministry has worked with many non-profit organizations, Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Officer, Fort Walton Beach Police Department, Florida Department of Community Corrections (Probation and Parole), Fraternities, Sororities, Okaloosa County School System, and many more local organizations.
Matthew 28:18 – 20 & Acts 1:8
The Outreach Ministry will:
- Reach those that are incarcerated, hospitalized, institutionalized, and those that are in need of the gospel outside of a traditional church setting.
- Teach the Word of God in order to provide clear guidelines and instructions necessary to develop character and the qualities of Jesus Christ. Teaching all to be responsible for ones actions, to be accountable to others, and the importance of serving the needs of others as the true trademarks of leadership.
- Disciple individuals in a manner that encourages a continued pursuit of the newfound relationship with Jesus Christ, while emphasizing the significance of committing and connecting with a local church.
- Lead by example, a lifestyle that exemplifies what it means to be a follower of Christ (a Christian).
FEEDING MINISTRY
The Mission of the Feeding Ministry is to address the needs of God’s people with Agape Love where they’re at when they come to the church. As the Bible directs us in Matthew 25:31-36 (Amplified Version) – “For I was hungry, and you gave me food; I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you brought Me together with yourselves and welcomed and entertained and ministering care; I was in prison, and you came to see Me.”
The Vision of the Feeding Ministry is to grow the Ministry to the level needed to fulfill the Vision that God has set before the church, to feed the multitude every 2nd Saturday between the hours of 12:00 – 2:00 pm and every Thursday from 4:00 – 6:00 pm with a Spirit of Excellency, ministering to their immediate and spiritual needs. This will be accomplished by committed Church Volunteers specifically trained to work in the Outreach and Feeding Ministry.
If you want to donate financially to the Feeding Ministry, Contact Reverend Dr. Tommy Walker at 850-218-0103.
WOMEN MINISTRY
The Women’s Ministry at Sylvania Heights First Baptist Church is for all women, regardless of age, background, or life stage. We want to meet ladies right where they are and come alongside them – encouraging, supporting, praying, and equipping them in their journey with God. We want to grow our faith and demonstrate His love and grace through our lives and relationships. We want deeper, Christ-centered relationships with each other through women’s small groups, prayer meetings, fellowships, and mentoring. We want to encourage and equip women to faithfully and fully use their God-given gifts to glorify God. As we worship and serve the Lord together, we want every woman to feel loved and accepted for who she is in Christ so that she is transformed and empowered to live out Christ’s love and grace.
MUSIC MINISTRY
We actively seek to discover the musical gifts which God has placed within the body of Christ at Wake Chapel Church. As God adds His musicians to the church, we are committed to training and disciple those musical gifts. We seek to provide continual release of these musical gifts into active ministry. The Sylvania Height First Baptist Church Choir comprises young and older adult singers. This group carries the primary musical responsibility for the regular morning worship services. Rehearsal times are TBD by the Head of the Music Ministry.
USHER MINISTRY
A Church Usher is an officer of the Church in which they serve. The Church Usher helps the Pastor to usher in the Spirit of the Lord by putting the congregation in the right frame of mind to receive the message. The Usher greets the member and guest with a pleasant smile and a warm welcome and directs them to comfortable seats.
The Usher also sees that perfect order is kept in and around the Church at all times during the service. Ushers are forerunners. They prepare the Church for worship by being among the first to arrive to ensure the Church is ready to receive guests. They distribute programs, collection envelopes, bibles, and fans while meeting the other needs of the congregation.
To greet God’s people (members and guests) with a warm greeting and friendly smile. To give those who come into St. Matthew’s house a feeling of love that starts at the door and extends throughout the service so that when they depart, they will leave feeling blessed that they came into the House of the Lord.
YOUTH MINISTRY
Sylvania Heights First Baptist sees its Youth Ministry as a safe and fun place where young people can come and grow in Christian faith and understanding. This will help them be prepared to withstand the storms of peer pressure, doubts, insecurities, life-changing decisions, and tragedies. Our desire for our youth is that each young person has a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and becomes an active learner of the Bible in a healthy family of God. We believe each young person will find that the Bible provides answers to the ultimate questions of life.
- Parents are included.Parents are given opportunities to join in the fun through teaching and chaperoning. Parents are kept informed on what we’re doing through weekly church announcements.
- We are a hands-on ministry.Our youth are encouraged to be servants as they follow Christ. We try to give them various opportunities to serve within and beyond our church walls. Some examples are signing in the choir, assisting with church programs, marching in community parades, and serving alongside non-profits in our community.
- The Bible is obviously our guide.None of our youth leaders assumes to have all the answers to life, but we confidently trust that the Bible is sufficient for meeting our every need. The Bible is almost always used in all of our gatherings. We study it, discuss it, and use it often. Youth are encouraged to bring theirs with them to church.