Stories from FBCK Ministry

First Baptist Church of Kissimmee Fall Festival

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 20:00:52 GMT

Faith, Fellowship and Fall Fun

As the crisp autumn air settled over Kissimmee and the leaves began to turn, our church family gathered to celebrate the season with joy and laughter at this year's Fall Festival.

The event took place on the grounds of First Baptist Church Kissimmee on Friday, October 31st. Costumes of every type could be seen: super heroes, princesses, aliens, firemen, and more. This was truly a community event with many from the neighborhood as well as the church family attending.

Pastor Tim opened the evening with prayer and then the fun began. Children's laughter echoed through the air as they bounced in colorful castles, clutched candy prizes from carnival-style games, and marveled at the gentle animals in the petting zoo. Also at the event were a balloon artist, free popcorn and cotton candy, a photo spot, and more.

The Gideons, a Christian organization that distributes free Bibles worldwide, were at the Prayer Tent to provide prayer and personal witnessing, as well as handing out free New Testaments. The Kissimmee Police Department was there with a mounted officer. Many people enjoyed taking selfies with the horse and his uniformed rider.

The Osceola Pregnancy Center's staff were on hand to share information about their services and their boutique was open so people could see the many clothing and other baby items available.

I think Pastor Tim summed up the event wonderfully when he said, "The church family came together to minister to the community with a safe and fun Christian environment. We are here to share God's goodness with the community, to connect with the community, and to make a difference in our community."

With hearts full and smiles all around, we're already looking forward to next year's celebration. Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 31st—you won't want to miss it!

Pastor Tim Wilder Recognized for 40 Years of Service

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 14:09:43 GMT

Visionary Pastor Recognized for Transformational Ministry after 40 Years

Tim Wilder arrived at First Baptist Church of Kissimmee when the average cost of a new car was around $9,000, the first clunky cell phone made its debut, and “Back to the Future” was the number one box office hit.

The year was 1985 and Tim Wilder had flowing, longish brown hair and drove a customized van when he was tapped as youth pastor of the church in central Florida.

For the next 11 years, Wilder ministered to, shared the gospel with and discipled youth. In 1996 when the lead pastor of First Baptist Church of Kissimmee retired, church leaders asked Wilder to serve as interim pastor while they prayed for a new pastor.

It wasn’t long before church leaders saw their new pastor standing right in front of them: Tim Wilder.

On Feb. 2, 2025, the church celebrated the 40th anniversary of Wilder’s ministry to the church and community.

A Vision for the Church

Even as a young pastor, Wilder recalled, “God gave me a vision for this church,” adding that Matthew 16:18 grounds the vision: “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it” (NIV).

After sharing the vision with church members, Pastor Wilder met with Kissimmee local officials and asked them two questions: 1. What are the primary needs in this city? and 2. How can our church meet those needs? Since then, he has worked tirelessly with church members and staff, volunteers and community leaders to bring this five-part vision to fruition: Build for Strength, Build for Health, Build for Life, Build for Missions and Build for Worship.

During the recent celebration service, Wilder shared how the vision has unfolded through the years.

Build For Strength. The church builds strong communities of believers through Sunday school small groups, discipleship training on Wednesday nights, and building Christian leaders on Sunday nights. The number of baptisms reached 1,855 in 2024.

Build For Health . Under Pastor Wilder’s leadership, the church partnered with Foundation Counseling, Inc. in St. Cloud. Today, First Baptist Church of Kissimmee has a Christian counseling center on campus. Its fees are on a floating scale. In 2024, 241 clients were served, and seven counselors were available.

Build For Life . “The Osceola Pregnancy Center has outgrown its facilities,” said Wilder during the celebration.

“At least 1,100 families have been served. In 2024, 19 babies were saved from being aborted,” he added.

Moms are encouraged to join a discipleship group at the church. Also, because of Wilder’s vision, the church partnered with the Florida Baptist Convention to have a mobile anti-human trafficking ministry.

Build For Missions. Pastor Wilder prays for more intentional local and global mission trips. For local missions, he envisions the church’s recreation ministry as a hub that attracts the community. Area residents come for gymnastics, soccer, pickleball, taekwondo and basketball.

“This ministry is an opportunity to have some gospel conversations with the unsaved,” he said. Many have made professions of faith, and others have joined the church because of the ministry. In 2024, 441 families were served, with 300 participants having no church affiliation.

Additionally, the church has built strong partnerships with eight local schools under Pastor Wilder’s guidance. The Serve the City Ministry serves in multiple capacities, including meals to partner schools during preplanning days. The church has held after-school programs to teach Bible lessons to children. Another community outreach is the annual fall festival. Pastor Wilder began this tradition when his children were small. Attendance has increased to 1,300 people for a family-friendly environment.

“This is an opportunity to preach the gospel to the community,” said Wilder.

For global missions, the pastor encourages First Baptist Church of Kissimmee to remain faithful to its commitment to missionaries abroad. He has prayed over countless church members who have been called to the mission field. Trenton Livingston of the International Mission Board is one of many. Livingston was born and raised under Pastor Wilder’s ministry.

“I was nervous when I first got behind the podium to preach. But Pastor Wilder approached me and told me that he had been preaching for 25 years and still gets nervous. That encouraged me. The pastor prayed for me even when I was in the womb,” recalled Livingston.

Build For Worship . Pastor Wilder briefly highlighted the necessary repairs in the current worship center. He shared a video of what the physical transformation of the place of worship will look like once the renovation is complete.

A Rich Legacy

Reflecting on Pastor Wilder’s legacy at First Baptist Church of Kissimmee, longtime member Nancy Clemons, said, “When I saw his long hair and the customized van parked outside the church, I thought, ‘What have we gotten ourselves into?’ What I love about Pastor Tim Wilder is the way he preaches to us. I love the way he interprets Scriptures.”

Executive Pastor Jeff Lehman, who has served at the church for 13 years under Wilder’s leadership, shared, “I was 15 years old when I started attending First Baptist Church of Kissimmee because Youth Pastor Tim Wilder came over to my house and invited me to church.” Lehman added that during a youth camp organized by Wilder, he met his wife, Tessa.

Pastor Wilder and his wife, Nancy, discipled the young couple before marriage. Wilder later performed their wedding ceremony. The five members of the Lehman family are all involved in church ministry today.

Lehman expressed gratefulness for Wilder and his ministry, “Thank you for your commitment to God’s word. You are the same behind the scenes.”

Former worship director Mark Epperson also commented, “The greatest example you’ve always given us is your love for God’s word, your family, this church and the community.”

Jeffery Singletary, Florida Baptists’ Central region catalyst, affirms Wilder and his faithful leadership through the years. “Pastor Tim is a tremendous shepherd. He is a very kind and tenderhearted pastor. He cares deeply for his members and the community. His people love him very much, and he loves them. First Baptist Church Kissimmee is a great church with an even greater leader,” Singletary said.

During the celebration service, Kissimmee Vice City Mayor Angela Eady presented Pastor Wilder and his wife with a proclamation plaque from the city. As she read the proclamation, the vice mayor highlighted Pastor Wilder’s contributions to a better community over the past 40 years. For 25 years, the church’s Osceola Christian Ministry Center near downtown Kissimmee served the city’s homeless and less fortunate population.

Rather than keeping the focus on the past 40 years, Wilder continues to look forward. He shared what he called “God-size news.” A member recently donated a five-acre lot behind the church.

“We have prayed for 28 years for that land,” said Wilder. “We will build a one-stop shop for the Build for Life Ministries called Osceola Life Center. A two-story facility will house ministries that could transform lives: a Christian adoption and foster care ministry, a single moms ministry with a pregnancy center, a counseling office and an anti-human trafficking ministry.”

After 40 years, Wilder may have shorter hair and a more mainstream vehicle, but he holds fast to His God-given vision for First Baptist Church of Kissimmee and leans into the biblical promise of his favorite Scripture: “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (NKJV).

This story was also submitted to the Florida Baptist Convention. To learn more about the author, Teodosia Rivera, click the link below.

The Beautiful Gift

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 19:52:41 GMT

Nancy Wilder – A Celebration of 40 Years of Ministry

On Saturday, February 1, the First Baptist Church of Kissimmee Women's Ministry hosted a special celebration to honor Nancy Wilder, wife of Senior Pastor Tim Wilder, for her 40 years of dedicated ministry.

The Fellowship Hall was adorned in stunning pink colors, with a beautifully arranged table featuring cakes of various flavors, gorgeous flowers, candles, candies, nuts, and punch. As church ladies began arriving around 10 am, they brought notes of encouragement and gift cards for Nancy to enjoy at her convenience after the event.

"My mom is passionate about people and always ready to help others. She loves connecting with people and is beautiful both inside and out," shared Nancy's daughter, Ashley.

Dawn, the event organizer, said it was an honor for her to take part in the event to celebrate Nancy's faithfulness throughout the years. Elaine shared how Nancy has influenced and encouraged her and helped her grow in the Lord. Maritza, a relatively recent church attendee, had just recently met Nancy.

Although not a social person, she felt the Lord had put it on her heart to attend the event to honor Nancy.

Nancy shared that some of her most rewarding experiences have taken place in a D-Group setting which allows her to mentor a small group of women. D-Groups create an opportunity for her to get to know the women of the church in a more intimate way, allowing her to live with, study the word with, and journey with them through major life changes. Another rewarding experience is the annual Vacation Bible School, at which she has participated and taught for 40 years.

Although there have been many challenges, such as crises and the suffering of people within the church body, Nancy and Pastor Tim have relied on the distinct calling of God on their lives to live among and serve this body of believers. Their approach to ministry has evolved through the years, as they have grown into the people God has intended them to be. God's calling on their lives has helped Nancy and Pastor Tim stay the course and keep the main thing the main thing. Nancy shared that it is important to remember your calling in ministry, and then God will equip you in the place He has called you.

The celebration was a testament to Nancy's unwavering faith and dedication. Her life verse, which is shared with her husband, encapsulates her journey: "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up" (Galatians 6:9). The First Baptist Church of Kissimmee is truly blessed to have such a loving, giving, and Godly woman who has shared herself for 40 years.

Sanctity Of Human Life Sunday

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 20:51:55 GMT

Celebrating the Sanctity of Human Life at First Baptist Church of Kissimmee

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. Psalm 139:14

Thus began the service at First Baptist Church of Kissimmee on Sunday, January 19th, marking the annual celebration of Sanctity of Human Life. The atmosphere was filled with reverence and hope as the congregation gathered to honor the value of every human life.

In the lobby, volunteer staff from the Osceola Pregnancy Center (OPC) warmly welcomed everyone, distributing information about their services along with packets of flower seeds. The OPC's work is extensive and impactful, offering free counseling, ultrasounds, sharing the gospel, and providing essential items like clothing, car seats, and diapers. This year, they also introduced a "Christmas shop" to further support families in need.

Senior Pastor Tim Wilder delivered a heartfelt message, emphasizing that all life is precious and deserving of dignity. He reminded the congregation that Christians must advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves. Acknowledging the emotional weight of the day for many affected by abortion, Pastor Wilder offered a message of hope, highlighting God's readiness to provide healing and forgiveness.

Margaret Hennen, the director of OPC, shared impressive statistics about the center's impact. In 2024, the gospel was shared 454 times, and the number of clients served increased by 17%, totaling 2,495 appointments. Despite the 922 abortions in Osceola County last year, OPC's efforts saved 19 babies from abortion, symbolized by white flowers placed in the sanctuary.

After the service, I had the opportunity to speak with Judy, a former volunteer at the center. She generously donated money to purchase car seats for those in need. I also met Gabrielle, a potential new volunteer and pediatrics medical professional. Gabrielle expressed her passion for helping women during pregnancy, believing that every baby has a God-given purpose.

Following the worship services, an open house was held at OPC, allowing church members and guests to witness firsthand the vital work being done. The center is always in need of help, especially from men and bilingual volunteers. Additionally, a prayer walk from OPC to Planned Parenthood is scheduled for February 8th, and those interested in participating can sign up through the church website.

The celebration at First Baptist Church of Kissimmee was a powerful reminder of the sanctity of human life and the importance of supporting those in need. It was a morning filled with compassion, hope, and a renewed commitment to protecting and valuing every life.

Are you seeking opportunities to serve others and make meaningful investments in their lives? Feel free to reach out to us, and one of our leaders will gladly assist you in exploring opportunities.

Our ESL Ministry is Bringing Hope

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 16:54:24 GMT

OUR ESL MINISTRY IS BRINGING HOPE

Language has the power to unite people from all walks of life, and our adult beginner ESL class is a beautiful testament to this truth. Every week, the classroom transforms into a melting pot of cultures, languages, and life stories, with students from Venezuela, Brazil, Colombia, Haiti, and other countries coming together to learn English. Each student brings a unique journey, yet they all share a common determination to overcome language barriers and embrace new opportunities.

Stepping into the classroom, you’re greeted by diverse languages, cultures, and stories. Last semester, our beginner ESL class brought together 35 students from many different countries. Each had a unique journey but a shared goal: to learn English. For many, it was their first formal English lesson. Despite their differences, one thing united them: determination.

The lesson began with simple introductions: "My name is...," "I am from...," and "I speak..." Every small achievement, from correctly forming a sentence to pronouncing a tricky word, was met with smiles and applause.

Watching a Brazilian and a Venezuelan student use English to greet each other reminds us that language is a bridge that Jesus can use to bring salvation to our students and their relatives and friends who may still be living in their native country.

Last semester, we had a special event where our ESL class met last semester with the students learning Spanish as part of the Equip Courses, it was a celebration of humanity’s shared potential to learn and grow. Each participant was left with a deeper appreciation for the rich diversity of their peers.

Our ESL team volunteers tirelessly each week, using their gifts to serve Jesus. They often find themselves blessed in return through the connections they build and the transformations they witness. We invite you to partner with us in this ministry through prayer—praying for our students to feel the love of Jesus, for language barriers to be broken, and for hearts to be opened to the gospel.

Please pray that our students will find a welcoming home at First Baptist Church Kissimmee and that they will experience Jesus' love through our body of believers.

If you feel called to serve in this growing ministry, whether as a teacher, assistant, or supporter, please contact the church office or fill out the contact form . Together, we can continue building bridges of hope, love, and faith.

Are you seeking opportunities to serve others and make meaningful investments in their lives? Feel free to reach out to us, and one of our leaders will gladly assist you in exploring opportunities.

Christmas in Kissimmee

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 16:07:30 GMT

A Celebration of the Birth of Jesus

The annual Christmas presentation at First Baptist Church Kissimmee is always a highlight of the season, and this year was no exception. The sanctuary was beautifully adorned with Christmas trees, twinkling lights, and wreaths with red bows, creating a festive and welcoming atmosphere.

The event, led by Worship Pastor Charles Darus, featured a spectacular performance by the worship choir, orchestra, children’s choir, as well as a living nativity. Over 50 choir members, dressed in elegant black and white with red accents, filled the sanctuary with their harmonious voices. The program kicked off with some beloved secular favorites like "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" and "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas," and continued with “O Holy Night,” “Joy to the World,” and “Still the Lamb,” among others.

Senior Pastor Tim Wilder shared a heartfelt message, reminding everyone of the true meaning of the season. He encouraged attendees to focus on the significance of Christmas, urging them not to get lost in the busyness and to remember Jesus as their Savior. Pastor Tim prayed for soft hearts, the return of the lost, encouragement for believers, and that God would be honored through the celebration.

Before the presentation, I had the pleasure of speaking with some choir members:

Grace expressed her love for all the songs in the program, while Jackie shared that "Here With Us" always brings her to tears.
Lisa, a choir member for over 15 years, feels closest to God when worshipping through song. She enjoys singing alongside her mom and meeting new people in the choir.
Ron appreciates the diverse mix of song styles in the program, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Darrell , a member of the choir for at least 30 years, cherishes the experience, noting how rare choirs are in churches today.

Long-time church member Diana, who has attended the church for over 50 years, looks forward to the event each year. She loves the music and enjoys seeing her sister-in-law and many friends perform. Eloisa also feels that the program is a blessing and attends annually.

After the service, I spoke with several attendees as they were leaving. Everyone agreed that the musicians did a fabulous job and expressed their excitement for next year's event.

Christmas in Kissimmee is more than just a performance; it's a cherished tradition that brings the community together to celebrate the joy and hope of the season. If you haven't experienced it yet, make sure to mark your calendar for next year!

Are you seeking opportunities to serve others and make meaningful investments in their lives? Feel free to reach out to us, and one of our leaders will gladly assist you in exploring opportunities.

Friendsgiving

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 00:09:09 GMT

Third Annual Friendsgiving: A Night of Fellowship and Fun

On Friday evening, November 8th, the Fellowship Hall was abuzz with excitement as the Women’s Ministry hosted the third annual Friendsgiving. This cherished event saw 178 women come together to celebrate friendship, faith, and the joys of the fall season.

The hall was beautifully decorated with a fall theme, featuring red and white checked tablecloths, the sweet sounds of country fiddle music, and the delightful aromas of pumpkin pies, popcorn, and cider filling the air. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, setting the perfect stage for an evening of connection and celebration.

Meet the Attendees:

Brenda has been attending the church for five years. She loves the fellowship and was particularly excited about the chili, enjoying both hot and mild varieties.

Sandy , a 20-year member, describes the church as unique and special in the best way possible.

Dawnette , who has been part of the church for seven years, appreciates the inclusiveness and warmth. A visitor with her mentioned loving the worship.

Ann , also a seven-year attendee, noted that the event features a different theme each year. She recently started working with the church’s Divorce Care ministry.

Margaret , a 26-year member, loves chili but usually leaves the cooking to her husband. If she could share a bowl with any Biblical character, it would be Peter, her favorite.

Jay has attended the church his whole life. His wife, one of the event organizers, spent two days preparing the food, and Jay helped serve to support her.

The evening began with Miss Nancy, the wife of the senior pastor, expressing gratitude and introducing the décor and kitchen teams. Recipes for both types of chili served—chicken and red—were shared with the attendees.

A beloved tradition at Friendsgiving is playing the “Stretchy Pants” song by Carrie Underwood, adding a fun and festive touch to the evening. Games were played, culminating in a scarecrow dress-up contest where volunteers modeled their costumes. Table number 17 emerged victorious!

The night concluded with heartfelt testimonies from Amaris and Carissa, members of the DGroup ministry. They shared how the group has helped them grow in their faith and build meaningful relationships within the church community.

Friendsgiving was a resounding success, filled with laughter, delicious food, and the joy of fellowship. It was a night to remember, and attendees left with full hearts and a deeper sense of connection to their church family.

Are you seeking opportunities to serve others and make meaningful investments in their lives? Feel free to reach out to us, and one of our leaders will gladly assist you in exploring opportunities.

Fall Festival

chelsey.friberg@gmail.com (Chelsey Friberg) — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 21:19:40 GMT

We Get To Be Part Of His Mission

For four decades, the annual Fall Festival at First Baptist Church of Kissimmee has become a cherished tradition in our community. Each year, families gather to enjoy laughter, food, fun, and not to forget candy, creating memories that span generations. This year’s festival, held last Thursday, was no exception, showcasing the growth of the community and the joy this event brings.

Church volunteers lined the pathways, offering hot dogs, hamburgers, cotton candy, snow cones, and popcorn while children and families went between games earning candy, petting animals at the petting zoo, and bouncing through giant inflatables.

One of our volunteers and long-time attendee, Jeff Thompson, shared his reflections, “I’ve been coming here for over 20 years. My kids went through the youth. I’ve now got my grandkids coming here. I love this church!” The sense of nostalgia and enthusiasm was also shared by others as they’ve seen multiple generations of their family attend.

In addition to the fun, the festival also serves a greater purpose - Outreach to the community.

Michelle Langer, who has been on staff for FBCK for the past 8 years and a part of the Annual Fall Festival for 30 years, shared her reflections, “I’ve loved this event all these years. I’ve seen it grow and change. We have new games, we have inflatables, every year gets better and better. I just love it because we see the community come out and a lot of times we have families come back to church because of this event, so that’s what’s been great because that’s the whole point is outreach. I think every year gets bigger and bigger.”

Pastor Tim Wilder also shared his experience as he was walking around the festival connecting with the community, “We probably have about 130-140 of our people who are out here serving and loving on the community. It creates a safe, Christian environment for the kids here in this community and it’s a great way to say thank you and to love on them as a church being good neighbors. There's a lot more people here that I’ve seen and families I just met that I hadn’t met before, so we’re really seeing the community come on the property. It’s a great event!”

It was clear that this year’s festivities were a success and that FBCK accomplished the mission of loving on our neighbors. We look forward to many more years of this beloved tradition, and outreach to the community with the main goal of spreading the love and Gospel of Jesus Christ.

As the festival wraps up, I’m left reflecting on the importance of such gatherings. They remind us of the power of community, a positive conversation, the gift of giving fun and smiles. All these things that we do in Jesus’ name can light a spark in a lost soul as they feel seen and loved by someone. That someone is Jesus! We are His hands and feet on this earth and He allows us to be a part of His mission. I can’t wait to see what next year will bring!

Are you seeking opportunities to serve others and make meaningful investments in their lives? Feel free to reach out to us, and one of our leaders will gladly assist you in exploring opportunities.

Bracelets of Compassion

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 17:03:00 GMT

What can I do? I’m just a kid...

“What can I do? I’m just a kid,” Julia said, teary eyes. A pained look marred her face as she gazed into her parents’ eyes with the question, expecting an answer. “What would you like to do?” The parents knew the reason behind Julia’s question. Julia heard a sermon on the sanctity of life preached by Lead Pastor Tim Wilder. Mixed emotions funneled into her heart that day. “The Holy Spirit worked in Julia’s heart and gave her a conviction and compassion towards women and children in unplanned pregnancies” admit parents Jeff and Tessa Lehman.

Julia's desire to respond to the gospel message was clear. Her parents, recognizing her passion, encouraged her to channel it into something tangible. They suggested she make bracelets for the Lord, a task she found joy in. And so, the idea of bracelets of compassion was born. With each bead she threaded, Julia poured her love and compassion into the bracelets. She then began to sell these bracelets, donating the proceeds to the Osceola Pregnancy Center (OPC) .

During the Upward season, with permission, she sold bracelets of compassion on Saturday mornings. She made her first donation of two large boxes of diapers to OPC and then donated cash from subsequent bracelet sales. Mrs. Lehman explains, "After reading on the OPC’s website , it takes approximately $70.00 of services to save a baby.” In April 2023, OPC received $162.00 from bracelet sales.

Julia's bracelets of compassion gained popularity. God's guidance led her to make bracelets for OPC volunteers to give to clients during gospel presentations. Reflecting on the unexpected, Julia humbly confesses, “I did not know this would grow this big. This happens when you put something small in God’s hands.” Inspired by Julia’s dedication, the volunteers at the Center rallied around her. The ripple continued to spread, reaching a nearby community where two orders of bracelets of compassion were made.

In March 2024, the Center lacked items in its Wee Care Boutique. With $390 in the account, Julia headed to Walmart. She purchased high chairs, strollers, bouncy seats, a Pack-and-Play, and clothes. The cashier heard why Julia had bought those items and gave her a discount at checkout.

Julia advises her peers, “If you want to help out in something, you don’t have to be an adult to make an impact.” Her advice is grounded in 1 Tim. 4:12: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and purity.”

Julia’s journey in making bracelets of compassion continues.

Are you seeking opportunities to serve others and make meaningful investments in their lives? Feel free to reach out to us, and one of our leaders will gladly assist you in exploring opportunities.