Missions

FirstSarasota is "up to something"! We believe in not just serving our members, but reaching out to those who do not know Christ in their lives, and helping them to understand the ultimate grace and love that Jesus Christ offers. We will continue to reach beyond our church doors...locally to the community of Sarasota, regionally to Florida, nationally to other places of need in the U.S., and globally across our great planet...all in the effort of exalting God and sharing the news that we can be saved from our sin and have everlasting life.

Local:

Counseling - FirstSarasota serves as an auxiliary counseling site for Samaritan Counseling Services of the Gulf Coast. Appointments can be made to see a professional Pastoral Counselor, Marriage & Family Therapist, or a Christian-oriented, licensed mental health professional.
Caring for the Poor - FirstSarasota is a participant in Caritas, the multi-denominational group of 5 Sarasota churches that assists the homeless, unemployed, working poor, and those with situations beyond their control. We have a food pantry stocked with non-perishable food items and rely on volunteers for the client interviews and pantry service.
Community Outreach - In times of need, our church members are beacons of light in the Sarasota community. From work days organized to help elderly residents with yard work, to organized drives for donations of school supplies for students who cannot afford them, FirstSarasota is an active force in our community.

Regional/National:

Disaster Relief - When our state and neighbors were hit hard by recent hurricanes, FirstSarasota responded immediately with monetary donations and deployment of feeding units as part of the Florida Baptist and Southern Baptist organizations. We are currently sponsoring a New Orleans pastor who lost his home and church, as he works to rebuild his church community. We were the first unit in Waveland, Mississippi providing food and water. We provided money for a shower unit to be built in Mississippi for the scores of displaced residents and the volunteers. In July of 2006, our church purchased and donated a new tractor/trailer unit which will be used in future disaster relief efforts.

Youth Missions - After Hurricane Katrina, our youth group canceled a ski trip that was planned in order to work in the devastated areas in LA & MS and assist with clean-up and rebuilding. This was certainly an experience that will never be forgotten. Our youth have also traveled to urban areas to work with underprivileged youth.

Global:

Missionary Work Through SBC- As part of the Southern Baptist Convention, a portion of every dollar tithed to FirstSarasota goes to the SBC to support missionaries throughout our world. These dedicated people continue the work begun by the early disciples, and we support them through our donations and prayer. Learn more about SBC North American missions and international missions.
Mission Teams - Throughout the year, teams of First Sarasota members travel to various locations to spread the gospel and assist in the building of churches. Some of the locations include: Jamaica, Chile, etc.

Trips to the Holy Land - When possible, our Pastor leads an annual trip to the Holy Land with time spent in Israel, Jordan and Egypt. This provides a unique opportunity for our church family to experience the lands written about in the Bible, to interact with the people in these countries, and to grow in understanding of both Biblical and modern-day issues. These trips, provided in conjunction with Christian-based Educational Opportunities Tours, are the basis for more meaningful Bible study and long-lasting friendships to be gained.