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The Scriptures
The Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is God's revelation of Himself to man. It has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter.
“And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”
Hebrews 10:25Service Times
Every week, three ways to gather
9:45 AMSundaySunday School
11:00 AMSundayWorship Service
7:30 PMTuesday · ZoomBible Unscripted — 30-minute Bible study
About Us
Called to prepare for rain
We are located in beautiful Fairbanks, Alaska. It is Alaska's second-largest city – Hub of the Interior, Gateway to the Bush, the Golden Heart City.
Our “Jerusalem,” the Fairbanks area, is home to just over 100,000 hearty souls that need Jesus Christ, making this region the second-largest population center in Alaska. The city features a university, an Army post, and an Air Force Base and is known for dog mushing, northern lights, and its extremes of light, dark, warmth, and cold.
First Baptist Church has been called to prepare for rain. We are praying every day for guidance and direction so that we can be prepared for the rain. Join us as we await God's blessings and bring your umbrellas... you need to be prepared for rain.
Our VisionOur vision is clear... To Prepare for Rain. God will send the rain when He is ready. You need to prepare your field to receive it.
Our MissionOur mission is simple. Spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth... starting in our own backyard. (Matthew 28:18-20)
Our CommunityJust over 100,000 hearty souls in the Fairbanks area that need Jesus Christ. A university, an Army post, an Air Force Base, dog mushing and northern lights.
Three Churches in One
First Baptist welcomes our partners in the ministry whose church meets in our facility.
Sunday11:00 AMFirst Baptist ChurchWorship Service led by Pastor Mark Howdeshell, with Sunday School at 9:45 AM.
Sunday1:30 PMMount Zion Church of GodTheir ministry serves the Hispanic community within the Interior. Join Pastor Willie Casillas and their church family.
Sunday4:00 PMFrontier Baptist ChurchTheir calling is to serve the students of UAF and the true Alaskan people. Join Pastor James Suh and their church family.
Our Beliefs
What we believe
Southern Baptists have prepared a statement of generally held convictions called The Baptist Faith and Message. Six of its topics are summarized here; the full statement covers all eighteen.
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God
There is one and only one living and true God. The eternal God reveals Himself to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence, or being.
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Man
Man was created by the special act of God, in His own image, and is the crowning work of His creation. Every man possesses dignity and is worthy of respect and Christian love.
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Salvation
Salvation involves the redemption of the whole man, and is offered freely to all who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. There is no salvation apart from personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord.
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The Church
A New Testament church of the Lord Jesus Christ is a local body of baptized believers who are associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel, seeking to extend the gospel to the ends of the earth.
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Baptism & the Lord's Supper
Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water. The Lord's Supper is a symbolic act of obedience whereby members memorialize the death of the Redeemer and anticipate His second coming.
Meet the Staff
The people who serve here
Come get to know the Howdeshells, the Combs and the Rogers.
Mark Howdeshell
Pastor Mark has served at First Baptist since August 12th, 2007. He retired from the United States Army in 2006 after over 21 years of service and is President of the Fairbanks Volleyball Association.
Jackie Combs
Called as Associate Pastor in October 2021. Master's from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Jackie is here with his six children and feels a love for this city and state.
Paul and Angie Rogers
Paul and Angie are our Worship Leaders. They lead us with an acoustic guitar and lots of love.
Sermons
Catch up on a Sunday
Every Sunday service goes up on our YouTube channel. Here are the most recent.
November 2, 2026Under Construction - Renovation & Demolition
October 26, 2026Under Construction - Electrical & Plumbing
October 19, 2026Under Construction - Structural Framing
October 12, 2026Under Construction - Foundation WorkChurch Store
Wear the FBC logo
Long sleeves, quarter-zips, hoodies, fleece and tees with the First Baptist logo, printed to order through our SquadLocker team store. Sizes, colors and checkout all happen there.
Shop the team storeIf you can't make it in person
Watch live on YouTubeJoin us online
Sunday worship on YouTube Live, Bible Unscripted on Zoom, and the church in your pocket.
Online Tithes & Offerings
Giving back for His work
We are called to give some of the blessings we've been given back to the Lord for His work.
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Matthew 6:21