Who We Are

Founded in Bloomsburg on November 7, 1859, First English Baptist Church has been serving the needs of the town for over 150 years. FEBC is a member of the Northumberland Association, which is part of the American Baptist Churches, USA. These organizations are channels of our ministry, fellowship, outreach, and benevolence.


What We Believe...

Baptists are non-credal; there is no binding statement (creed) of Baptist beliefs. Still, there is substantial agreement among most Baptists with regard to our beliefs. 

We summarize our basic beliefs as follows:

  1. We accept Jesus Christ as our Divine Lord and Savior and that He is, first and foremost, our guide and sustainer in our daily lives.
  2. We accept the Bible as the source and foundation of the expression of our faith and practice.
  3. We accept the right of private interpretation of the Bible in communion with the Holy Spirit, and the right of the individual to approach God directly.
  4. We believe in the absolute independence of the church from any governmental or civil authority.
  5. We maintain a church membership of those who profess their beliefs in the new life through Jesus Christ, and who exemplify this faith in their daily lives.
  6. We believe in the beautiful, symbolic ordinance of baptism in obedience to the command of Jesus Christ, and we express this belief through the baptism of believers by immersion.
  7. We believe in the priesthood of all believers, in that all believers accept the privilege and responsibility for ministering to all people.
  8. We believe in the complete independence of the local church and our volunteer cooperation in associated fellowship with other Baptist Churches.
  9. We accept the principle of majority rule, while guaranteeing equal rights to all and affording special privileges to none.
  10. We affirm the spiritual unity of all believers for which the Master so earnestly prayed.
  11. We believe in a worldwide program of testimony and witness in faith obedience to Jesus Christ for the gift of eternal life.

Our Mission Statement


We are a family of faith, united in Jesus Christ and affiliated with the American Baptist Churches, USA. We are individuals from all walks of life and a variety of ethnic, social and religious backgrounds. We highly value this diversity and welcome into our fellowship whoever wishes to come.

Our Mission is:

  • To worship God and celebrate life together.
  • To study the Bible as our guide to faith and practice.
  • To love one another as Christ loves us.
  • To raise our children and youth into a commitment relationship with Jesus Christ and the Church.
  • To provide opportunities for persons of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to grow spiritually with one another in Christ.
  • To welcome newcomers into our circles of relationship.
  • To help persons in need, as we are able.
  • To support mission efforts, especially American-Baptist affiliated ones, at home and around the world.
  • To pray and work for God's peace and healing everywhere.