FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF ALHAMBRA

DISCOVER THE JOY

101 S. Atlantic Boulevard

Alhambra, CA 91801

(626) 570-1511

Table of Contents

Church Vision and Mission 1

Our Past

Our History 2-3

Senior Pastors 4

Our Present

Information on Members and Attendees 5-7

Finances 8

Governance 9

Current Staff 10

Programs, Ministries & Events 11-20

Our Future

Our Top Strengths 21

Our Future Challenges 21

The Pastor We Seek 22

VISION STATEMENT

SHARING the Good News of Jesus Christ

SHAPING a loving and caring body of Christ’s followers

SHOWING the diversity of our community

MISSION STATEMENT

Going into our community and reaching people for Jesus, teaching them

to be fully committed disciples of Christ through:

Authentic Worship focused on believers connecting with God as we corporately worship Him.

Effective Bible Teaching centered in Christ’s commands and the whole

Word of God.

Spirit Controlled Witnessing sharing our faith in the power of the Holy

Spirit, leaving the results to God.

Experiencing Community establishing a small group ministry that

teaches the members of the group to share and care for one another.

A World View of Missions beginning in our own multi-cultural

community as well as mission trips and financial support to

missions around the world.

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OUR HISTORY

The church had its humble beginnings on October 16, 1887 when a group of Baptists met at Stimson's Hall, located at the northwest corner of First and Main Streets. It was re-solved to start a church with the name of First Baptist Church of Alhambra; where first year meetings were held at various locations such as the First Baptist Church of Pasadena.

Initially in 1889 the church shared its first pastor, Rev. T. L. Crandall, with a Baptist Church in South Pasadena. That year the church purchased a lot for $600 at 100 North First Street and constructed its sanctuary for $2100 in 1889. Alhambra's population was less than a thousand people when incorporated in 1903 and developing the necessary economies of scale to support growth posed challenges for the new church. The First Baptist Church then merged with Immanuel Baptist Church, located at 20 South Atlantic Boulevard in 1916. Its new name was Alhambra Baptist Church.

Alhambra was to experience its first major growth period during the 1920's as its popu-lation grew to 29,000. The city more than doubled its size from an initial 1,545 acres in 1903, to over 3766 acres. The Alhambra Baptist Church shared in this dramatic growth and expanded to a new sanctuary at its current location at 101 S. Atlantic Blvd. The new building was dedicat-ed in 1925 and contained a sanctuary with balcony, classrooms, and offices. The structure still stands today and houses the church's multipurpose facility known as the Family Life Center.

As Americans returned from the global odyssey of World War II and started families, religious faith assumed a new significance for many and church membership rolls nationwide expanded. During this period Sunday morning worship attendance at Alhambra Baptist would grow to 800. In 1953 the decision was made to return to the former name of First Baptist Church of Alhambra (FBCA), spiriting new building campaigns. A new building with classrooms and a Fellowship Hall was dedicated in 1951. The church's current sanctuary, with the tall landmark steeple, was constructed in the late 1950's and dedicated on October 9, 1960. And with more recent refurbishing, the sanctuary now seats 750 including the balcony.

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In October, 2012 the First Baptist Church of Alhambra celebrated its One Hundred Twenty-Fifth Anniversary. During the celebration Pastor Hamby expressed his confidence that the church would hold as true to the Word of God for the source of our core values for the next 125 years, as it has in the past. The church now numbers more than 450 active members and draws over 400 worshipers for its Sunday morning services. Services are translated into Spanish and Mandarin along with being televised to the adjacent senior care center at Atherton Baptist Homes.

“Our church reflects the population of our city now. There is great diversity in its many languages and countries represented,” says Dr. Doris Graves, a physician and 40 year plus member of the church. Recently First Baptist hung flags in the sanctuary foyer representing all the different national heritages of its congregation. In all, thirty-eight different national flags are currently displayed.

Dr. Leland A. Hamby has been the Senior Pastor for the past 13 years and leads a ministerial staff of six pastors. The church also has a day care center which provides full and part-time programs during the week. The church is affiliated with Transformation Ministries, which is an association that unites 173 churches through Christian doctrine and missionary activities in the western continental United States and Hawaii.

For the majority of years that the United States has existed, First Baptist Church of Alhambra has been a significant institution in this city. As the Church has expanded over the last 126 plus years, it reminds us that its history parallels the growth of the city and our nation. And today, as many Christians would note, our Church is actually celebrating an anniversary of over two thousand years.

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SENIOR PASTORS

Rev. JOHN HERITAGE 1888

Rev. T.L. CRANDALL 1889-1891

Rev. URIAH GREGORY, D.D. 1892-1893

Rev. S.K. DEXTER 1893-1896

Rev. M.R. WOLF 1897-1899

Rev. THOMAS N. LORD 1899-1906

Rev. F.W. BENJAMIN 1907-1908

Rev. DURHAM 1908-1909

Rev. BRITTON ROSS 1909-1910

Rev. J.F. MOODY 1911-1912

Rev. H.O. MEYER 1913-1914

Rev. JOHN H. CLIFFORD 1914-1916

Rev. CHARLES G. MOSHER 1916-1919

Rev. CARLTON L. KIRK 1919-1928

Rev. WALTER I. FOWLE, D.D. 1929-1931

Rev. HORACE W. COLE, D.D. 1932-1942

Rev. LESLIE EADS, D.D. 1943-1950

Rev. WILLIAM PRIGGER, JR., D.D. 1951-1956

Rev. HAROLD W. SWEEZEY, D.D. 1957-1969

Rev. EARL L. RILEY, Th.D. 1970-1978

Rev. ARLYN THIELENHAUS, Ph.D. 1979-1980

Rev. EMMETT PARKS, D.D. 1982-1985

Rev. LLOYD H. NEWLIN, D.D. 1986-1990

Rev. LEE M. MCDONALD, Ph.D. 1991-1999

Rev. LELAND HAMBY, Ed.D. 2001-2014

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CURRENT DEMOGRAPHICS of MEMBERSHIP and ATTENDEES

AGE

12 Years + under 28

13-18 Years 33

19-25 Years 46

26-34 Years 73

35-44 Years 71

45-54 Years 67

55-64 Years 99

65+ Years 142

Source: FBCA Computerized Database, January 31, 2014

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Ethnicity

Asian 36%

Black 3%

European (Anglo) 21%

Hispanic 25%

Other 15%

Source: FBCA Self Identification on Church Survey, November 2013

Note: Within FBCA membership there are first generation immigrants from more than 40 countries. Also, there are more than 20 different first language speakers within FBCA membership.

CURRENT MEMBERS ACTIVE SINCE…

Before 1950 2

1950-1959 7

1960-1969 6

1970-1979 18

1980-1989 12

1990-1999 61

2000-2013 369

Total 475

Note: Approximately 77% have joined in the past 13 years.

Source: FBCA Computerized Database, January 31, 2014

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PAST 12 YEARS MEMBERSHIP HISTORY

Year

Weekend Wor-ship Attend-

ance

Active

Membership Baptisms Members

Added Members

Lost Member Change for

the Year

2002 302 475 11 50 32 18

2003 353 478 12 25 22 3

2004 329 476 19 45 37 12

2005 334 521 35 66 56 10

2006 347 556 31 66 30 36

2007 353 568 24 48 38 10

2008 366 566 21 37 37 0

2009 417 580 41 61 43 18

2010 444 590 39 55 45 5

2011 465 614 37 62 38 24

2012 431 639 41 59 36 23

2013 421 473 33 51 *204 153

*Note: 2013 role reveals adjustment for rollover of 192 members to inactive roll for at least 1 year. Source: 2013 Membership Report

FINANCES

Note: Giving Contributions provide approximately 60% of the annual expense budget; giving units of the church membership averages $1,300 annually.

Approximately 40% of the annual expense budget is generated by rental income of our property from: church organizations, schools-education, cell sites and neighboring businesses. The annual budget for 2014 is approximately $1 million.

Property and Assets

First Baptist Church of Alhambra owns eight parcels of land at or adjacent to 101 S. Atlantic Blvd., Alhambra, California. This land, with other fixed assets of buildings, equipment and vehicles, is currently valued at approximately $14.5 million. All of these fixed assets are owned free and clear of debt. First Baptist Church is entrusted with approximately $1.5 million in endowments which are only used for their specified and designated purposes.

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PAST 12 YEARS GIVING HISTORY

Giving Year 2002 2003 2004

Year-To-Date $409,858.00 $458,413.00 $522,422.00

Giving Year 2005 2006 2007

Year-To-Date $581,217.00 $590,000.00 $625,000.00

Giving Year 2008 2009 2010

Year-To-Date $645,136.00 $593,485.00 $631,527.00

Giving Year 2011 2012 2013

Year-To-Date $651,358.00 $631,726.00 $631,026.00

GOVERNANCE

First Baptist Church of Alhambra operates in accordance with By-laws adopted November 21, 2010.

The governing leadership structure is a multi-board system with a coordi-nating church cabinet. There are six boards which generally meet monthly and they are as follows:

1. Board of Trustees – Administer all real and personal property belonging to the church and responsible for church funds and financial matters: Composed of 7 to 9 members elected by the church.

2. The Diaconate – Cooperates with and assists the Senior Pastor in promoting the spiritual welfare of the church, cares for the sick, distressed, and needy, ad-ministers the Benevolent fund, and oversees membership roll and discipline: Composed of 9 men (Deacons) and 9 women (Deaconesses).

3. Board of Christian Education – Responsible for Christian curriculum and educa-tional programs of the church: Composed of 7 to 9 members.

4. Board of Missions – Responsible for the Church Missions Program and cooper-ates with the Senior Pastor through the promotion, information and education in support of the Missions program: Composed of 7 to 9 members.

5. Board of Day Care Ministry – Responsible for the operation and financial matters of the Day Care Ministry: Composed of 5 to 7 members.

6. Board of Worship Arts – Shall supervise the church worship arts program, work with the Pastor of Worship Arts and the Senior Pastor to promote a spiritual at-mosphere at all services: Composed of 5 to 7 members.

The Church Cabinet shall work closely with the Senior Pastor in planning, coordinating, suggesting and implementing the general policies and programs of the church. The Cabinet shall consist of the following: Moderator, Vice Modera-tor, Pastor (ex-officio), Chairs from each of the six Boards, the Vice Chairperson of the Diaconate, the Church Clerk, Membership Clerk and the Financial Secretary. The Cabinet meets quarterly. All matters requiring church action shall be present-ed to the Cabinet for approval, except the receiving and dismissing of members.

Congregational meetings of the church are held three times a year with February being designated to present the Annual Church report, elect officers and board members, adopt the annual budget, the purchase or sale of real property, and other business as determined by the Cabinet. Special congregational meetings may be called by the Senior Pastor, Moderator or the Church Cabinet.

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CURRENT STAFF

Pastor Mike Fitts

Executive Pastor and Pastor to Seniors

Pastor Mary Li

Intercultural and Women’s Ministries

Pastor Victor Rivas

Intercultural and Men’s Ministries

Pastor Josh Sands

Student and Family Ministries

Pastor Marco Mejia

Worship Arts

Pastor James Tsang

Ministry to Singles

Raquel Lopez

Director of Preschool Ministries

Charity Hpauyam

Day Care Director

Robert Hilton

Pianist

Rose Ann Brandenstein

Organist

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OUR PROGRAMS, MINISTRIES and EVENTS

WORSHIP & MUSIC

PROGRAMS: Praise Band Audio Visual Team Ushers & Greeters Worship Arts Board

MINISTRIES: Sunday worship service Simultaneous translation in Mandarin and Spanish Choir

EVENTS: Easter & Christmas Cantatas Choir Fall Kick-off Children’s Christmas Musical

EVANGELISM & OUTREACH PROGRAMS: San Gabriel Valley New Generation Rotary Club International MINISTRIES:

Celebrate Recovery Street Evangelism Discover the Joy of Prayer Food Pantry

EVENTS: Basketball & Volleyball Hikes Thanksgiving Dinner Chinese Lunar Festival and New Year Celebration Cinco de Mayo July 4th BBQ Intercultural Potluck Light the Night, October 31 Christmas Eve Reception 11

CHILDREN PRE-SCHOOL TO KINDERGARTEN PROGRAMS:

Faithweavers Sunday and Wednesday Evenings

MINISTRIES: Sunday Church School Arts and Crafts Prayer Bible Stories with Puppets and Activities Worship and Playtime Wednesday Evening Bible Study

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CHILDREN ELEMENTARY MINISTRIES

Children’s Sunday School Wednesday Night Family Program Winter and Summer Camp

JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH MINISTRIES:

Sunday Small Group Bible Study Wednesday Evening Family Program Winter and Summer Camp

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HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH

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MINSITRIES:

Sunday Small Group Bible Study Wednesday Evening Family Program Winter and Summer Camp

COLLEGE and YOUNG ADULTS PROGRAMS:

Sunday Bible Study Friday Evening Bible Study Winter and Summer Retreats

EVENTS: Annual Christmas Party

SINGLE ADULTS MINISTRIES:

Sunday Bible Study Service Projects Special Workshops

EVENTS: Monthly Outings and Fellowship Opportunities Dinner in the Park Annual Christmas Party

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ADULTS MINISTRIES

Twig Benders Sunday Bible Study

Sowers Sunday Bible Study

Kingdom Seekers Sunday Bible Study

Chinese Seekers Sunday Bible Study

Spanish Sunday Bible Study

Crusaders Sunday Bible Study

Senior Seekers Tuesday Morning Bible Study and Fellowship

Adult Wednesday Evening Prayer Group and Bible Study

Chinese Wednesday Evening Bible Study

Spanish Wednesday Evening Bible Study

Women’s Wednesday Evening Bible Study

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PROGRAMS: The Momentum Theorem (financial stewardship)

MINISTRIES:

Master Life Precepts First Steps Discipleship (Mandarin)

Financial Peace University

SOCIAL MINISTRIES MINISTRIES:

Social Committee Special Events Committee Decorating Committee for the changing out of seasonal décor in the sanc-tuary

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT MINISTRIES:

Vantage Point L3 A Way of Life L3 Men’s Leadership

EVENTS: CMTA-Christian Ministry Training Association (Annual Convention) L3 Leadership Retreats Precepts Leader Training Pastoral Staff Retreat

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ADULT DISCIPLESHIP & SPIRITUAL FORMATION

FELLOWSHIP

MINISTRIES:

Coffee on the Patio Fellowship

Semi-Annual Church Campus Workdays

EVENTS:

Men’s Breakfast

Men’s BBQ

Men’s Conference

Women’s Tea Women’s Conference

Women’s Monthly Prayer Meeting

Quarterly Congregational Meeting with Potluck

MEMBER CARE MINISTRIES:

Financial Care Atherton Baptist Homes Communion Outreach Hospital Visitation New Member Follow up Thanksgiving and Christmas Gift Baskets Meal Preparation for Families in Crisis Memorial Receptions

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MISSIONS

Family Promise of San Gabriel Valley (FPSGV) - Quarterly hosting of meal preparation and temporary housing for families in crisis

A Family Assisted in the Family Promise Ministry 2013 Transformation Ministries Pastor Sasha-Russian Missions and Evangelism Atherton Baptist Homes Rainbow Acres-Home for developmentally challenged adults Thousand Pines Christian Camp Adventures in Life-Church support in Mexico The Abells-Mission Aviation Fellowship Worldwide The Hensons-New Life College- India The Kalkmans-Central and Eastern Europe- International Ministries

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Kit Ripley baptizing residents of New Life Center Dan David-Frontiers–Evangelism to Muslims Marty Pelton-Wycliffe Global Mary Glen-City Net The Riffkins-Friends of Israel and Salvadorian Retirement Home Jesse Chang-Kingdom Causes Robbins Nest-Spiritual support for pastors Pacific International Theological Seminary Gent Grush-Intervarsity CSULA Day Care–First Baptist Church Alhambra for surrounding community Chris Thompson-Church plant- Restoration Church, Ohio

EVENTS: Empty Bowls-Masters Pageant for FPSGV

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MISSIONS Con’t. Kit Ripley-New Life Center-Thailand-International Ministries

OUR TOP STRENGTHS

An environment where all feel welcome and valued

A strong discipleship path and effective leadership training

A significant base of spiritually mature seniors

Community outreach with many bridges of care and ministry

OUR FUTURE CHALLENGES and “NEXT STEPS” in MINISTRY 1. An all church kick-off of Dave Ramsey’s Momentum Project” began January 2014: a course covering personal finances and budgeting according to Biblical principles. 2. Improve and increase ministry to young families with school-aged children. 3. Expand small group ministries and opportunities. 4. A challeng with the City of Alhambra over the housing of families through our quarterly commitment to “Family Promise”: a ministry to assist homeless families of the San Gabriel Valley. 5. Evaluate our governance structure for ministry effectiveness.

Research the “Accountable Leadership Model”, consisting of a one board system of governance, and investigate the possibility of changing the current multiple board paradigm.

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THE PASTOR WE SEEK… A faithful disciple whose life shows an authentic walk with God—a model of what it means to follow Christ One who clearly teaches and preaches the truth from God’s Word Highly relational, caring for the people of the congregation as well as the surrounding community One who believes God is at work in First Baptist Church of Alhambra and desires to be a part of our future Kingdom ministry A team leader who guides and develops our leaders and congregation in an intentional partnership of ministry An ordained person with five or more years of pastoral experience

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