WE SEEK TO BE A LOVING CHURCH FAMILY
That supports all people in finding new life in Christ
WELCOME TO OUR CHURCH
First Baptist Church of Altoona, Florida, was established in 1884.
We are a fellowship of believers whose purpose is to know GOD through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ,
To share the love of Christ through worship, evangelism, discipleship, ministry and fellowship.
In obedience to the Great Commission, we strive to reach a hungry world with the message of Jesus Christ and God's love.
MEET OUR PASTOR
Dr. Robert Hickman
Robert "Pastor Bert" Hickman, a Georgia native, brings over 11 years of pastoral experience to a congregation that has deep roots in the community. Pastor Bert and his wife Donna have nine children, three of which are still at home. His journey to the Altoona pulpit included stops in churches both in Florida and Georgia, and he brings a Bible-based message that is unapologetically based on scripture. His focus is bringing more people to God, including those who believe they are good Christians but may not be living a faith-based life. "Is there evidence of salvation in your life?"
WHAT'S HAPPENING
View our calendar of events. All are welcome so please feel welcome to join us anytime!
BLOG
Pastor’s Thoughts 12/24/23
What is Your favorite part of The Christmas Season? For me, I am so happy to know God loved us enough to make a way for us to be saved, but I am always rejoicing in Christ. My favorite thing about the holidays is the fellowship with friends, and especially family. Our family seems to
Read MorePastor’s Thoughts 12/10/23
Invest in relationships more than in gift giving this year – A Yankee Candle is nice but what people want, and need is other people. Tell them how you feel. This Christmas make time to invest in your existing relationships. Love your neighbor. God is most glorified in you when you are most satisfied in
Read MorePastor’s Thoughts 12/3/23
Do You Know The Reason For The Season Christmas comes around every year. The same songs. The same texts. The same story. Most of the time I love the familiar rhythm and the comforting routine of tradition. Christmas is all about Christ, but in today’s world, Christmas seems to be all about shopping and going
Read MorePastor’s Thoughts 11/26/23
What are YOU thankful for? As Pastor, I am thankful for all of you AND The Call God has put on my life.
Read MorePastor’s Thoughts 11/12/23
Appreciation As Pastor of FBC Altoona, I’d like to say thank you to all of those who wrote cards, gave gifts, and kind words. All of these things have touched my heart and I appreciate all of you. Today as we look at a new commandment, a commandment to love each other, know that I
Read MorePastor’s Thoughts 11/5/23
In Sunday School last week, we read Matthew 10:33, “But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.” The question was brought up, if we are not confessing Christ, or witnessing, to everyone we meet or at least to those whom we have conversations with, are we
Read MorePastor’s Thoughts 10/22/23
Is the war on Israel something that we as Christians should be concerned about? The war is looking increasingly like the biblical war spoken of in Ezekiel chapters 37 and 38. What should the church be doing? The Bible says we should be praying for the peace of Jerusalem in Psalm 122, and in Luke
Read MorePastor’s Thoughts 10/8/23
“These Stones” When was the last time your child or grandchild asked you, what mean ye by these stones? (Okay, maybe it would sound more like, hey Mom or Dad, What’s these stones mean?) Have you shared the stories about God’s goodness in your life with your friends and family? Do they hear about God’s
Read MorePastor’s Thoughts 10/1/23
Sometimes it feels like my world is falling apart It is common for a person’s mind to speed up when things feel like they are falling apart. Sometimes it is anxiety or fear that can speed up the thought in a brain. Sometimes it is deep sadness. Whatever the reason may be, people can often
Read MorePastor’s Thoughts 9/24/23
I asked God to take away my habit, God said, “No. It is not for me to take away but for you to give it up.” I asked God to heal my handicapped son, God said, “No. His spirt is whole, his body is only temporary.” I asked God to give me patience, but God
Read MoreONLINE GIVING
"It is more blessed to give than to receive."(Acts 20:35)
At First Baptist Church Altoona, we want to encourage all members to pray about giving and give as God leads them.