October 2, 2026
JONESBORO, Ga. — First Baptist Church of Jonesboro has built a legacy of following God to the ends of the earth, and in September, they celebrated 200 years of making disciples, investing in others, and impacting nations.
“It is one thing for the church to be started 200 years ago; it is another to have survived until now! Not just surviving, but making an impact. We can’t take any credit for it. It is all to the glory of God,” said Senior Pastor Dr. Mel Blackaby, the 37th pastor in the church’s history.
With four campuses and seven languages, the church has adapted to the changing community and embraced diversity in those years. “Not only has God called us to do missions, I believe He has equipped us by making us a diverse and multicultural congregation. It is a natural thing to go to the nations of the world because they are already here,” said Blackaby.
Intentionally building relationships with city leaders, school systems, the business community, and fire and police stations over the years has helped Jonesboro stay relevant and connected. “It’s opened up doors to minister and partner with the town to make it a better community,” said Blackaby. “We want to intentionally build a relationship where they see us as a benefit to the entire community whether they came to our church or not. We’re not here to just build a large church. We are here to enhance the community through the power of the gospel.” He concluded that they wanted to make a difference in the community to the point that “they would miss us if we were not here.”
Investing in young people and letting them lead has been an important component of the church's ministry. “I think God has put us on a good trajectory,” said Blackaby. “The only way this church will continue to have longevity is if we pass on our faith to the next generation. So, we are taking them with us as we go.”
Since the beginning of Southern Baptist and Georgia Baptist life, Jonesboro has been there. “I am very proud of our historic relationship with the convention and we want to be faithful to our role in the larger family.”
In the church’s celebration on Sept. 25, Blackaby said the church has tried to be the salt and light of the earth as Jesus said in Matthew 5:13-14. “Salt influences everything it touches. To lose our saltiness is to lose our purpose and our mission.”
Blackaby said five decisions made in 200 years tell the FBC Jonesboro story.
Organized on Jan. 25, 1825, as Flint River Baptist Church, the church met once a month. Membership in the first three years went from 14 to 79. “There wasn’t even a Jonesboro, but it was important for the citizens to worship as a first priority, so they set up a church,” said Blackaby.
The third pastor, Robert Stell, announced to the local association that they would pray for and financially support missions around the world. The association adopted the same resolution. By 1840, the church had 43 baptisms and membership grew to 156. The church membership is over 6,000 now. “The more they leaned into missions, the more the Lord blessed this church,” said Blackaby. In 1919, they sent their first missionary Reba Stewart, who served in China for 31 years. Today, the church does medical and other mission trips regularly to every continent.
In 1860, under the leadership of Pastor Aaron Cloud, the church planted Flat Rock Baptist Church, and in 1870, they planted a second church around the corner, Shiloh Baptist Church. Since 2012, there have been 18 church plants in North America and “literally hundreds overseas,” said Blackaby. He said they have three church plants going at all times. “It’s really a part of who we are.”
In 1920, Hurbert Massey, the church’s first full time pastor, started reaching out to the community including creating a playground for children, tennis courts, a landscape committee to beautify the grounds, and installing a public drinking fountain.
Whatever God does to bless the church doesn’t stay with them. it gets passed on, Blackaby said.
In 1973, Dr. Charles Carter emphasized the importance of the Word of God as the supreme authority. “I’m convinced that God has preserved this church because of this,” said Blackaby.
Jonesboro became a city in 1859, and Flint River Baptist Church changed its name to Jonesboro Baptist Church in 1868. In 1955, the name was changed to First Baptist Church of Jonesboro. The church has faced many challenges in its 200 years, including the church buildings being destroyed by a fire, a windstorm, and a cannon barrage during the Civil War. “God has been faithful to FBC Jonesboro when they walked with Him, and even when the church was really struggling. He deserves the glory for 200 years,” said Executive Pastor Gary Lewis.
Blackaby said he hopes Jonesboro will know revival and see the entire community transformed. “I want our church to make a tangible difference in our society. And, in the community in which we live, that they would miss us if we were not here.” He also said to be to be salt and light takes great courage. “This kind of life is not for the weak of heart. He added, “That means you are going to be a target for those who don’t want the light to expose their darkness.”
The birthday celebration service ended with the song, "Only Jesus," part of which goes, " I don't want to leave a legacy, I don't care if they remember me, Only Jesus."
“I want them to remember Him," said Blackaby, "I don’t really want people looking back and saying look what a great job they did, but look what a great God they served."
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