The growth of First Baptist Church in Fernandina Beach, Florida, isn’t the result of a slick campaign or a reinvention of worship. According to Senior Pastor Zach Terry, it comes down to something far simpler: People want to be talked with, not talked at. 

 

Talk With, Not At

That conviction has shaped everything—from the church’s preaching style to its digital footprint—and it’s become one of the most defining forces behind First Baptist’s remarkable expansion.

In a world where opinions are loud and attention spans are short, the leadership team at First Baptist leaned into conversation rather than performance. The church broadcasts its message on local radio five days a week and produces multiple podcasts where listeners can wrestle with ideas, challenge assumptions, and explore Scripture in a format that feels honest and accessible. Nearly every Sunday a new family checks out a service because they encountered the church through a pair of earbuds. 

“The podcast is today what the gospel tract was 30 years ago,” explains Terry. “It’s the plainest way one person has of telling another what he believes.”

That conversational approach has become a powerful on-ramp for people searching for clarity, conviction and community.

 

Clarity in a Changing Culture

Another catalyst that has shaped the church’s trajectory in recent years, according to Terry, is cultural clarity. Nassau County is one of Florida’s most conservative counties, yet many local pulpits historically leaned center-left theologically and socially. For years, most congregants didn’t notice the disconnect as sermons focused on universally agreeable themes like loving God, loving people and prayer.

However, 2020 forced churches to take clear positions on mandates, civil unrest and national leadership. When First Baptist answered plainly, many conservative believers in less-aligned congregations began seeking a spiritual home that reflected their convictions. For a significant number, First Baptist became that home.

Growth isn’t just about theology but also about fit. Terry describes a unique chemistry between the people of Northeast Florida and the staff of First Baptist. The church and its leadership share a sense of what’s good, what’s fruitful, and what God is producing in their midst. That alignment creates unity, momentum and a shared sense of purpose.

Founded just before Abraham Lincoln’s election, First Baptist carries a deep historical legacy. In a transient, fast-changing culture, that heritage offers stability and identity. People across demographics are searching for a place to belong, a story to join, and a foundation to stand on. First Baptist’s long faithfulness provides exactly that.

 

Staying True to Who They Are

While many churches may follow the latest worship trend or seek a new communication style, First Baptist has intentionally chosen a different path. Terry preaches expositional sermons in a coat and tie. They still have a choir. The worship team is reverent. The service feels, in many ways, like stepping back in time, which attendees appreciate. Rather than trying to be the church in town, First Baptist leaned into what it does best: timeless preaching, rich worship and a sense of sacredness that feels grounding.

The church’s main campus sits on a small barrier island off the coast of Florida, and its congregation reflects the island’s unique blend of cultures. Many members are transplants from the Northeast or Midwest. Yet the church has developed a distinctly Southern Baptist identity—shaped by long-serving patriarchs, the island’s culture, and Terry’s own deep-South roots. The result is a congregation that feels both traditional and welcoming. 

 

Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders

As the church has expanded, Terry’s leadership has evolved. While external growth—like launching new campuses—has accelerated, internal changes have slowed. He has learned to trust his staff more deeply, to pace change thoughtfully, and to focus on serving the congregation through his strongest gifts. It’s a shift from doing everything to empowering others, which is a hallmark of sustainable ministry.

First Baptist’s community engagement is broad, intentional and deeply relational. They utilize the following four major initiatives: serve days, caring for the underserved, education ministries and civic engagement. For the latter, the church hosts a massive Christian Heritage Parade each Independence Day.

For all the strategy, heritage and intentionality, Terry is quick to redirect credit. “Ultimately, all of the glory for any good that has come from our congregation is laid at the feet of Jesus. He produced it, and we are very thankful that he has called us to be a part of it.”

Carmen Jones and her husband loved First Baptist so much that they moved to the area so that they could be more rooted and fully invested in this body of believers. 

“Our church has truly become one of our greatest blessings during this season of life. Through the faithful, Scriptural teaching of Pastor Terry every week, my husband and I have deepened our faith and understanding of God’s Word,” Jones testifies. “In First Baptist Church, we have found a loving fellowship and have made friendships that have been a great source of encouragement. Our Sunday worship is the highlight of our week.” 

 

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 

Fernandina Beach, Florida

Pastor: Zach Terry

Website: FBFirst.com

Denomination: Southern Baptist

Founded: 1859

Fastest-Growing: 83