about us

First Baptist Church of Glenarden International has grown tremendously since its inception in 1917. The impact of our ministry reaches locally, nationally, and internationally.

Developing Dynamic Disciples

First Baptist Church of Glenarden International, led by Pastor John K. Jenkins Sr., is a dynamic, Bible-based church located on three campuses in Prince George’s County, Md.

Jesus commissioned His body to engage in the work of duplicating believers, and this remains our steadfast mission as a church body. Anchored by Matthew 28:19-20, we strive to create churchwide engagement through discipleship communities.

mission & vision

The First Baptist Church of Glenarden International has been called and appointed by God to serve this community for His glory. We purpose and are committed to fulfilling our mandate and vision, "Developing Dynamic Disciples through Discipleship, Discipline and Duplication."

DISCIPLESHIP

Winning others to Christ - Matt. 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; Luke 24:47-48; Acts 1:8

  1. Discovering and using your spiritual gift - 1 Cor. 12:4-11; Rom. 12:6-8; 1 Peter 4:10-11

  2. Developing strong families - Deut. 6:7; Eph. 5:22, 6:4; Matt. 25:15-46

  3. Growing to spiritual maturity - Heb. 5:12-14; 1 Cor. 13:11, 14:20; Eph. 4:13-14; Matt. 5:48; Phil. 3:15; James 3:2

DISCIPLINE

Developing a godly lifestyle - Rom. 12:1-2; James 1:22; Eph. 4:20-24; 1 John 2:6

  1. Being a worship-filled people - John 4:24; Psalm 50:23; Psalm 150

  2. Achieving unity through strong relationships - Eph. 4:23, 11-13; 1 Cor. 1:10; Phil. 2:1-4; Matt. 18:15-20

  3. Studying the Word of God regularly - Matt. 11:29, 28:20; 2 Tim. 2:15

DUPLICATION

Developing and duplicating in others spiritual maturity - 2 Tim. 2:1-2; Phil. 3:17, 4:9; 1 Cor. 4:16, 11:1; Heb. 6:12; 2 Tim. 1:13; Titus 2:7-8

CORE VALUES

First Baptist Church of Glenarden International has made a commitment to always put God first. That basic premise guides us in everything that we do, which is striving to SEE HIM at all times.

s - seek god first

Matthew 6:33

We commit to seek God first for direction in every decision, whether great or small.

e - evangelism

Matthew 28:19

Because it is God’s desire that no one should perish, we are equipped to share the love of Christ wherever and whenever, with anyone, out of gratitude for God sparing us from eternal damnation.

e - EXCELLENCE

Daniel 5:14, 6:3

We strive to give God our very best! Diligence, responsibility and faithfulness are essential ingredients to succeed in anything God has tasked us to do, as demonstrated by Daniel.

H - HONOR/HUMILITY

Romans 12:10

Esteeming others higher than ourselves, regardless of their title, position or status, is our priority because everyone was created in the image of God.

I - INTEGRITY

Job 31:6

Honesty is demonstrated by doing what we commit to do.

M - MENTORING

2 Timothy 2:2

God has given everyone a purpose, and we commit to impart in others lessons learned to help them fulfill their destiny.

OUR HISTORY

Developing Dynamic Disciples

First Baptist Church of Glenarden International, led by Pastor John K. Jenkins Sr., is a vibrant, Bible-based church located on three campuses in Prince George’s County, Maryland. FBCG is one of the largest congregations in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. It has impacted both local and global communities through its 100-plus ministries, outreach and educational programs.

OUR HISTORY

In 1917, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Warren planted a seed: a humble, at-home Bible study. Fast forward 100 years, and that kernel of faith has grown to become the internationally renowned First Baptist Church of Glenarden International. FBCG now encompasses thousands of members, several buildings and more than 100 ministries. Here’s the story:

1920’s

When the Warrens’ house became too small, the Bible study group constructed a small building on donated land. Receiving its name from the Baptist Ministers Conference in the early 1920s, FBCG grew into its first edifice at 3311 Brightseat Road.

1930’s - 1940’s

Organized to serve the flourishing middle-class community, the small church became a staple in Glenarden, which in 1939 became Maryland’s third predominantly black incorporated town. Isaac Patterson was FBCG’s first pastor, followed by Louis Hall, S.A. Davenport, Ralph Johnson Sr. and Thomas Houston. These men paved the way and led the church during its first 30 years.

1950’s - 1960’s

In 1956, Reverend Dr. John W. Johnson became pastor and served for 33 years. His humble nature and passion for the Word drew parishioners. By 1959, the church had 73 members and was growing. During the Civil and Women’s Rights movements, he took steps to bring equality to the church by licensing young ministers and certifying women evangelists, equipping those under his tutelage “to prepare for the souls yet to come.”

1970’s - 1980’s

With a growing congregation, FBCG’s small facility was condemned in the early 1970s, leading to a groundbreaking on Sept. 14, 1971. The new church could accommodate 200-250 people and it opened Dec. 10, 1972. FBCG quickly paid off its mortgage, offering financial aid to college students and becoming a strong resource in the community. Shortly after the mortgage burning, the Lord called Reverend Johnson home, leading FBCG to its seventh pastor, Reverend John K. Jenkins Sr.

1990’s - 2000’s

Pastor Jenkins’ first Sunday sermon was in December 1988 and he was installed Jan. 14, 1990. Membership grew from 500 to thousands. FBCG purchased an old Hechinger building on 13 acres that became the 105,000-square-foot Ministry Center. Also, in 1996, FBCG founded SHABACH! Ministries, Inc., its community service arm. In 2007, FBCG moved to the Worship Center, a 205,000-square-foot facility on 160 acres. Both the Ministry and Worship centers have 44 classrooms each.

2000’s - Present

First Baptist adds a 53,000-square-foot Empowerment Center and a 63,000-square-foot Family Life Center. Worship services and special events are viewed online in more than 20 countries. With dozens of classes through its Bible Institutes, ministry programs and a partnership with Denver Seminary, FBCG provides spiritual growth and develops “dynamic disciples.” May the Lord continue to favor this house as we move forward in His glory!

WHAT WE BELIEVE

The First Baptist Church of Glenarden International is a Bible-believing, Bible teaching church.

THE SCRIPTURES

(2 Timothy 3:15-17)

  • We believe the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction.

THE TRUE GOD

(John 4:23-24; Matthew 28:19)

  • We believe that there is only one true God.

  • He is revealed to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, each with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature. 

THE FALL OF MAN

(Genesis 1:27, 3:6-24; Romans 5:19)

  • We believe that man was created by God in a state of holiness but through the temptation of Satan, he transgressed the command of God by free choice and fell from his original state.

THE WAY OF SALVATION

(Ephesians 2:8, 9; John 3:16)

  • We believe that salvation involves the redemption of the whole man and is offered to all through the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ. 

  • Salvation includes regeneration, sanctification and glorification. 

JUSTIFICATION

(Romans 5:1, 2; Acts 13:38-39)

  • We believe that justification is God's gracious and full acquittal upon principles of righteousness of all sinners who believe in Christ.       

The Freeness of Salvation

(Genesis 1:27, 3:6-24; Romans 5:19)

  • We believe that the blessings of salvation are made free to all.

GRACE IN REGENERATION

(John 3:3; 2 Corinthians 5:17)

  • We believe that regeneration or the new birth is a change of heart brought by the Holy Spirit.

REPENTANCE AND FAITH

(Mark 1:14-15; John 16:7-8)

  • We believe that repentance and faith are sacred duties, wrought in our souls by the Spirit of God. 

SANCTIFICATION

(1 Peter 1:2; I Thessalonians 5:23-24)

  • We believe that sanctification is the process by which we are made partakers of His holiness; that it is a progressive work; that it is begun in regeneration; and that it is carried on in the hearts of believers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.

THE PERSERVERANCE OF THE SAINTS

(John 8:31; I John 2:19; John 6:39, 10:28-29; Ephesians 4:30)

  • We believe that such only are real believers as endure until the end. 

  • They are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation. 

BAPTISM AND THE LORD’S SUPPER

(Acts 8:36-39; I Corinthians 11:23-26)

  • We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion in water of a believer.  

  • The Lord's Supper is the commemoration of the death of the Lord Jesus, preceded by solemn self-examination.

THE RESURRECTION

(Matthew 20:17-19, 28:6-7; John 5:28-29)

  • We believe that the Scriptures clearly teach that Jesus rose from the dead. He now exists in His glorified body at God's right hand.

  • There will be a resurrection of the righteous and the wicked. 

  • The bodies of the righteous will conform to the glorious spiritual body of Jesus Christ.