All of the varied activities associated with FBC Durham are for the purpose of carrying out The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) to make disciples of Jesus Christ.  Through the Missions Committee, the church is able to support the efforts of many other individuals and organizations as they pursue this same goal with the unique talents and in the particular circumstances that God has given them.

First Baptist participates in a wide variety of missions through financial support, prayer, and publicity.  While some of our efforts support missions that originate within First Baptist (like the Caribbean Mission trip), many support individuals that have gone forth from our congregation or local ministries that provide a special service to the Durham community.

   Missions supported by FBC Durham

• The Cooperative Program -- 12% of all incoming tithes to our church are forwarded on to the Cooperative Program.  This organization is a foundational program of the Southern Baptist Convention.  It is the avenue through which thousands of churches pool their meager individual resources to support hundreds of missionaries at home and abroad.
• Special Offerings -- Five times a year special offerings are collected in support of Southern Baptist ministries.  These offerings are used 100% for direct needs and not for administrative costs.  Part of the purpose of the Missions Committee at First Baptist Church is to publicize these special offerings and the seasons of prayer that accompany them.  Through giving and prayer, individuals raise their own awareness of God's work in the world and His call on each person's life to be a part of God's work.
  • Lottie Moon - Supports the International Mission Board (Christmas)
  • Annie Armstrong - Supports the North American Mission Board (Easter)
  • World Hunger - Supports global relief efforts (October)
  • Baptist Children's Homes - Supports orphanages throughout the North Carolina (Thanksgiving)
  • State Mission - Supports state ministries like the Baptist Brotherhood, WMU, and colleges (September)
• Yates Baptist Association -- Baptist churches in Durham and Orange Counties work together on joint projects through this organization.  1.5% of our incoming tithes go to support its efforts.
• Wycliffe Bible Translators (JAARS) -- JAARS is the aerial support team for Wycliffe, an organization which translates the Bible into tribal languages and then teaches native peoples how to read in their own heart language.
• Eric Maynard, Baptist Minister in Nevis -- Through Caribbean Mission Trips from our church we have become involved with the ministry of individual churches in the Caribbean islands.
• Campus Crusade Ministers
• InterVarsity Christian Fellowship -- We currently support Kendal & Adam Gilbert (campus ministers at Appalachian State University) and Lucy Meade (former member - Belarus)
• International Students, Inc. -- We currently support Scott Hawkins (international student minister at Duke).
• SIM -- We currently support Judy Hill (former member) as she teaches theology in a seminary in the Central African Republic.
• Prison Ministry -- Funds are used to provide materials and refreshments for the Monday Night Bible Study program at the Orange Correctional Center led by Jack Evans.
• Child Evangelism Fellowship -- We support the Extra Good News programs in downtown Durham directed by John Blake.
• International Wives -- Each Tuesday morning, women of the church minister through language training, crafts, and personal relationship to the wives of international students in the area.  Funds provide necessary materials.  Director: Angie Waters 
• International Students -- Through the efforts of Brevard Brown and Steve Correll, we have been able to provide mattresses and box springs for families arriving from distant lands to study here in triangle universities.  Funds cover transportation and storage costs, provide Bibles and other evangelistic literature, and pay for social events.  Through all these ministries, we are able to introduce students to Christ.
• Durham Rescue Mission -- This ministry fills a vital need in our community through its ministry to those struggling to make a life on the streets.  They provide spiritual ministry to hurting men, women and families as well as providing skill training and job placement services.
• Pregnancy Support Services -- Under the directorship of Mimi Every, PSS provides pregnancy counseling that encourages mothers to carry their child through birth.  As they are able, they provide materially and spiritually for mothers and families.
• Community Outreach -- It is the desire of FBC to reach out and welcome the families who live in the neighborhood in which our building is located.   As a first step we continue to make every effort to incorporate children from the neighborhood into the daily life of the church.   Funds cover transportation and material needs.
• MAP International -- Our contributions to this organization are matched three-to-one to provide vital medical supplies to undeveloped areas of the world.
• FBC Staff Travel to Caribbean -- Allows one church staff person to accompany the group of FBC members on their annual mission trip.