First Baptist Church Woodstock sits on a single stretch of Highway 92 in northern Cherokee County, a sprawling campus that has become one of the larger church hubs in the metro Atlanta exurbs. The mission statement is simple and is repeated across the church's ministry areas: "helping people find and follow Jesus from Woodstock to the world." On any given Sunday, that mission shows up in choirs and small groups in the Worship Center, in preschool rooms beneath the W-Building, and on screens in living rooms across the region through a weekly livestream. The church is autonomous, holds to a Baptist confession of faith, and partners with organizations across North America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia to support church planting and gospel witness.
Two Sunday Mornings in the Worship Center
The week at Woodstock centers on two Sunday gatherings held in the Worship Center, both in person and online. At 9:30AM the service is led by the Woodstock Worship Choir and Orchestra, with the fuller choir and instrumental arrangements driving congregational singing. At 11:00AM the format shifts to a worship team and band. Adult small groups meet at 8:00, 9:30, and 11:00AM, so attendees can choose a time that fits their schedule and still join the larger gathering for worship. Services are livestreamed, and recordings remain available on demand through the church's YouTube channel for those who miss a Sunday.
Visitors driving in for the first time are directed to a guest parking lot within steps of the main entrance. A Hospitality Team member wearing a teal badge with a large "W" greets each first-time guest in the main lobby and can guide families through children's check-in if needed. For those bringing kids, the church notes a separate family entrance at 777 Neese Road, and parking lots are mapped out for guests, single parents, and families served by the special needs ministry. After worship, a white-tent trolley runs between parking areas and the Worship Center for anyone who has parked farther away.
There is no dress code. "You'll see a huge variety of attire on a Sunday morning," the church notes, and invites guests to dress to their comfort level. Sunday adult groups are organized around life stage, including College and Young Professionals, Thrive Special Needs, Men's Ministry, Women's Ministry, Single Adults, Married Adults, and 60+ Adults. The Group Finder tool on the church app helps newcomers identify a class that fits.
Children: From Infants to Fifth Grade
Children's ministry at Woodstock is divided by age into three teams, each with its own building, schedule, and curriculum.
Woodstock Littles is the preschool ministry for infants through Pre-K. Preschool small groups meet every Sunday at 8:00, 9:30, and 11:00AM in the lower level of the W-Building, giving parents flexibility to attend any of the three adult hours. Wednesday Littles, running August through May from 6:15 to 7:45PM, adds age-appropriate Bible activities including music, movement, crafts, and a fully in-house scripture memorization program called "the ABCs" for children ages three and up. Infants through 2-year-olds are cared for with Bible songs drawn from the same curriculum. Tisha Wright directs Woodstock Littles.
Woodstock Kids serves kindergarten through fifth grade. On Sunday mornings the schedule runs: 8:00AM small groups, 9:30AM Kids Worship, 11:00AM K-3rd Kids Worship, and 11:00AM fourth and fifth grade small groups. Wednesday nights from 6:15 to 7:45PM offer large and small group activities grouped by grade level, with dedicated classrooms for each grade in the A-Building. The Woodstock Kids Pastor is David Bolin. The ministry supports parents at home through recommended conversation prompts, a First Grade Bible Presentation event, and a "Find and Follow for Kids" class that walks families through next steps after a child expresses faith.
For children with disabilities, the Thrive Special Needs Ministry provides an inclusive Sunday and Wednesday experience in the Thrive Suite on the first floor of the A-Building, with a sensory room, a changing table, and trained Buddies paired one-on-one with each student. Thrive meets at 8:00, 9:30, and 11:00AM on Sundays and from 6:15 to 7:45PM on Wednesdays, rotating students through Bible, Art, Music, Play, and a Relax room. The ministry is led by Valeria Lobo.
WeeSchool: A Weekday Christ-Centered Preschool
WeeSchool is the church's weekday preschool program for children 18 months through five years old, with two locations. The First Baptist Woodstock campus, located at 11905 Highway 92, runs Monday through Thursday with Christ-centered curriculum that uses Abeka or BJU Press materials along with TrueWayKids Bible lessons. The Hickory Flat campus, at 4360 Hickory Road in Canton, serves ages 18 months through four years, Monday through Thursday from 8:00AM to 1:30PM. Both programs share a director, Jo Cherie Sproul. Tours are by appointment, enrollment is first-come first-served, and both locations admit students regardless of race, color, or national origin.
Students on Wednesday Nights in The Warehouse
Woodstock Students, the ministry for sixth through twelfth graders, gathers on Wednesday nights in The Warehouse, a large venue on the church campus. Middle school meets in the West Venue and high school in the East Venue, both from 6:15 to 7:45PM. Sunday mornings add small groups at 8:00, 9:30, and 11:00AM, where students dig into Scripture with adult leaders. The ministry aims to make disciples who are changed by the gospel, connected to the church, and engaged missionally, and offers opportunities throughout the year for students to participate in outreach. Josh Stephenson serves as Pastor of Student Ministries, with Colby Chester as the Middle School Pastor.
705 Young Adults on Tuesday Evenings
For college-age and young adults ages 18 to 29, the church runs 705, a Tuesday night ministry that gathers in The Warehouse. Doors open at 6:30PM and worship begins at 7:05PM, with teaching, community groups, and mission opportunities built around the gathering. The name comes from 2 Samuel 7:5, where God speaks to David about building a house. The Well, as the gathering is also called, is designed for college students, career starters, newcomers to the area, and anyone "figuring out what's next." Tim Howard pastors the ministry, with Emily Lafferty serving as the College and Young Adults Associate.
Adults: From Young Marrieds to 60+
Adults at Woodstock are organized into a wide network of life-stage ministries. Young Married Adults meet in Sunday small groups at 8:00, 9:30, and 11:00AM and during the week, encouraging couples to "die to self and live for Christ" in their marriages and neighborhoods. Single Adults, under the Focus and Journey ministries, gather in similar Sunday groups and serve together across the community. Men's Ministry runs Sunday morning groups, Wednesday night Bible studies from 6:15 to 7:45PM, and a first-Tuesday morning prayer gathering at 6:00AM in The Warehouse during the school year. Women's Ministry offers Bible studies Monday through Thursday, an evening worship event called The Gathering, and a practical-teaching Flourish Workshop series; Diane Tuttle leads the women's team. 60+ Adults meet in Sunday small groups, a Wednesday midweek gathering at 10:00AM in The Warehouse, and seasonal mission projects. The 60+ ministry is led by Shannon Salyer, Director of 60+ Adults and Pastoral Care.
Thrive Special Needs Ministry and Night to Shine
Thrive provides a place for children and adults of all abilities to grow as disciples of Jesus. Beyond the regular Sunday and Wednesday programming described above, Thrive hosts Night to Shine each February, an internationally recognized prom night experience for people with special needs ages 14 and older. Woodstock has hosted Night to Shine for twelve consecutive years, drawing guests and volunteers from across the region. The 2027 event is set for Friday, February 12, with guest registration opening in December.
Deaf Connect and ASL Interpretation
The Deaf Connect Ministry exists so that Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals can fully participate in the life of the church. Live ASL interpreting is provided at both Sunday worship services (9:30 and 11:00AM), the Wednesday youth gathering, and select special events. A dedicated Sunday School class for the Deaf and hard of hearing meets at 11:00AM. The team is led by Samuel Titus Gonzalez, with Trina Baylor-Cartright overseeing Deaf Adult Ministry and Emily Epp serving as the Deaf Youth and ASL Class Lead.
Wednesday Nights at Woodstock
Wednesday evenings are the church's second front door. From 4:30 to 6:30PM a Wednesday night dinner is served in the B-Building Cafe, with advance sign-up and homestyle options. At 6:15PM the rest of the campus lights up: men gather for Bible studies in rooms across the A- and B-Buildings, women meet for studies labeled with themes like "Cultivating Disciples," "Mom Care: The Heart of Worship," and "Looking For Lovely: Caregivers of Children with Special Needs," and co-ed classes range from Financial Peace University and a Survey of the Old and New Testament to Understanding World Religions. A Spanish-language history of Christian doctrine meets in B204. Support groups include Grief Share, Refuge Widowers, and Wonderfully Made for those walking through infertility, miscarriage, or adoption loss. The Solid Rock Singers, the mature adult choir for ages 55 and up, rehearses Wednesday mornings from 11:30AM to 12:30PM in the choir room. Children and students meet in their own dedicated spaces (described above), and the Woodstock Thrift Store extends its hours to 8:00PM.
Care Ministry: Food, Thrift, and Counseling
The CARE Ministry reaches into Cherokee County through a food pantry and a thrift store. The Food Pantry serves church members and Cherokee County residents Monday through Thursday from 9:00AM to 3:00PM, giving away approximately 25 food boxes a day at a cost of about $80 per box. The Woodstock Thrift Store, in the lower level of the B-Building, sells donated clothing, shoes, accessories, small appliances, and home goods Monday through Thursday, with extended hours on Wednesday evenings. Both programs rely on church donations, food drives, and volunteer hours. The CARE office, which also coordinates single-parent assistance through a partnership with Serenade Heights, can be reached at 678.494.2692.
The First Baptist Woodstock Counseling Center operates separately, in Ivy Village Professional Park a half mile from the main campus, offering affordable, professional, Christian counseling to individuals, couples, and families in the Woodstock community and beyond. The team of state-licensed therapists serves a range of needs, including anxiety, depression, grief, marriage and premarital counseling, recovery from abuse, freedom from sexual or pornography addiction, adolescent counseling, and support for pastors and ministry leaders facing burnout. Sessions are available in person and via secure telehealth for Georgia residents, Monday through Thursday by appointment. Director James Eubanks leads the center, which can be reached at 770.591.4770.
Community Outreach: WeFoster, Church on the Street, and Disaster Relief
WeFoster, led by Robin Beach, recruits and supports Foster Families, Respite Families, and volunteers to care for the more than 300 children currently in the custody of the State of Georgia in Cherokee County. The process begins with a one-hour info session, followed by the state's NTDC training for those pursuing foster or respite care.
Church on the Street has operated since 1991. Each Saturday, rain or shine, groups meet between the A- and B-Buildings on the FBCW campus at 8:45AM, depart at 9:00AM for Atlanta, and return around 2:00PM. The teams move between locations to hand out food and water, pray with individuals, share encouragement, and present the gospel. Socks, underwear, coats, and other clothing are welcomed donations.
Disaster Relief, coordinated by Wes LeCroy, mobilizes volunteers from all age groups to respond to hurricanes, floods, fires, and earthquakes in the United States and abroad. Past projects have included debris removal, tree clearing, and flooded-home cleanup. Military Ministry supports veterans, active duty service members, and their families through Cherokee Veterans Community.
International Ministries: English, Citizenship, and International Students
The International Ministries team, directed by Ron O'Kelley, treats the foreign-born population around Woodstock as a primary mission field. English Classes (ESL) offer six levels of instruction, from beginner to advanced, on Sundays from 9:30 to 11:30AM in Room A260 and on Wednesdays from 6:15 to 7:45PM in Rooms B210-220 (August through May). Citizenship Classes meet Wednesdays from 6:15 to 7:45PM in Room B240, helping green card holders prepare for the naturalization interview, the civics test, and the N-400 application. Daniel George leads the International Student Ministry, which partners with Baptist Collegiate Ministries at Georgia Tech, Georgia State, and Emory to welcome more than 20,000 international students studying in Atlanta each year. Volunteers help with airport pickups, holiday meals, and friendship. Nuevo Horizonte is a sister Spanish-language ministry that extends the same welcome to Spanish-speaking neighbors.
Sports Ministry on the FBCW Campus
Shea Ferguson and Shaun Nguyen direct a year-round sports ministry that uses athletics as a bridge into the community. Upward leagues offer basketball, soccer, flag football, and cheerleading for children ages four through high school, with team devotions at every practice and coaches who are background-checked and ministry-safe trained. Open Gym Basketball runs for men ages 18 and older on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings and Thursday evenings. A men's league of eight teams plays Monday nights. The campus also includes an Exercise Room (open to FBCW members and ministry participants ages 15 and older), an Open Gym court, and Pickleball courts open Monday through Saturday.
Music and Worship Arts
Music is woven into nearly every gathering at Woodstock. The Woodstock Worship Choir and Orchestra lead the 9:30AM service and rehearse Wednesdays from 6:15 to 7:45PM. Worship bands and vocal teams lead the 11:00AM service, The Well on Tuesday nights, and student gatherings on Wednesdays. Solid Rock Singers, the mature adult choir, rehearses Wednesday mornings. Children participate through the Woodstock Littles Worship Choir (Pre-K) and the Kids Worship Choir (K-5th), both rehearsing as part of Wednesday night programming. Selah School of Music, founded in fall 2010, offers private lessons, ensembles, and music theory in a comprehensive Christian environment. Vision, the church's drama ministry, produces multiple shows each year.
Mission from Woodstock to the World
Global missions at FBCW are organized around a list of national and international partnerships maintained through short-term projects, prayer support, financial giving, and long-term missionaries. The current roster includes the Dominican Republic (church planting), Ireland (Longford area, missionaries Ludie and Barbara Creech), India and Nepal (North India church planting with Great Commission partners), Japan (partnership with Shiogama Bible Baptist Church near Sendai), Lebanon (multiple religious sects across Beirut, southern Lebanon, and the Bekaa Valley), the Kurds of North Central Asia, Persians (an unreached people group), Portugal (partnering with Word of Life Portugal since 2000), Poland (missionary Pat, with SEND International, building reproducing churches in Lubin and Legnica), South France (North African immigrant outreach), and three Southeast Asia partnerships covering unreached Muslim and Buddhist people groups. Domestic partners include California (City Walk Church in Edgewater with Chris and Laurie Finchum), Montana (Expedition Church in Livingston with Darryl and Veronica Brunson), New York (Ilion Community Church with Dean Mabry), Vermont (River Town Church with Ben Whittinghill), and South Africa (Hope2Africa in Margate). Discipleship projects reach Honduras, Panama, Brazil, Zambia, and Toronto. Jonah Easley is the Global Missions Pastor, with Wes LeCroy directing Global Mission Projects. Faith Promise giving supports the work, and volunteers can join a short-term team, host international students, or work through Pathwright courses in Starting Point, Sent to the Workplace, Deepen Discipleship, Explore Mission, or 3 Circles Training.
Prayer Life and the Prayer Room
Prayer shapes the week at Woodstock. The church maintains a Prayer Room on the first floor of the A-Building, adjacent to Room A140, with 24-hour access, prayer maps, books, and a dedicated intercessor room. Midweek prayer groups include Prayer for Prodigals (Wednesdays at 4:15PM), OneCry Revival Prayer (Wednesdays at 5:00PM), Abide in Him for women (Mondays at 10:00AM), Prayer for Israel (Tuesdays at 10:00AM), Moms Moving Mountains (2nd and 4th Sundays at 5:00PM), and a Prayer for Worship Gathering on Sundays at 9:30AM. Pastor Jeremy Morton sends a monthly prayer email that anyone can subscribe to.
What the Church Believes
First Baptist Woodstock affirms a traditional Baptist confession of faith, with articles on the Scriptures, God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, Man, Salvation, God's Purpose of Grace, the Church, Baptism and the Lord's Supper, the Lord's Day, the Kingdom of God, Last Things, Evangelism and Missions, the Christian and the Social Order, and the Family. The Bible is described as "totally true and trustworthy" and the "supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and religious opinions should be tried." Baptism is practiced by immersion of believers as an outward expression of faith, and the Lord's Supper is observed as a memorial of Christ's death. The church teaches that the office of pastor is limited to men as qualified by Scripture, and that marriage is the uniting of one man and one woman in covenant commitment for a lifetime. Each local congregation is described as "autonomous," operating "under the Lordship of Christ through democratic processes" with pastors and deacons as scriptural officers.
The Lead Pastor and Staff
Dr. Jeremy Morton has served as Lead Pastor of First Baptist Woodstock since 2019. He preached his first sermon at sixteen, planted Cross Point Baptist Church in Perry, Georgia, and pastored Cartersville First Baptist before being called to Woodstock. In 2022 he earned his Doctor of Ministry in Expository Preaching from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He records a daily devotional podcast called "Reset," available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. He and his wife, Carrie, have three children: Zeke, Madie, and Abe.
The senior team includes Matt Lawson as Executive Pastor; Craig Ormsby as Mission Pastor; Christian Norman as Location Pastor of Mission Church Roswell Street; Wes Cantrell as Associate Pastor of Administration; Rick Young as Pastor of Discipleship and Families; and Doug Whitney as Pastor of Gatherings and Environments. Department leaders include Josh Belokonny (Production), Daniel Johnston (Generational Worship), Josh Stephenson (Student Ministries), Jonah Easley (Global Missions), Mikah Boudreaux (Communications), Wes LeCroy (Global Mission Projects), Trey Tanner (Instrumental Worship), E.J. Hughes (Associate Worship), Valeria Lobo (Thrive), James Eubanks (Counseling), Virginia Stephens (CARE), Ron O'Kelley (International Ministries), Shannon Salyer (60+ Adults and Pastoral Care), Colby Chester (Middle School), Shea Ferguson and Shaun Nguyen (Sports), Daniel George (International Students), David Bolin (Woodstock Kids), Tim Howard (College and Young Professionals), Laynie Jones (Guest Services), Tish Wright (Woodstock Littles), Jo Cherie Sproul (WeeSchool), and Diane Tuttle (Women's Ministry).
Visiting First Baptist Woodstock
First Baptist Woodstock meets at 11905 Highway 92, Woodstock, Georgia 30188. Telephone: 770.926.4428. Fax: 770.591.2508. The main campus runs Sunday gatherings at 9:30AM and 11:00AM, with adult and preschool small groups also meeting at 8:00AM. Services are livestreamed on the church's YouTube channel, and sermons remain available on demand afterward. Giving can be done online, by text to 470.400.0067, by mail, by tap-to-give at any seatback, or in the offering buckets at the close of each service. The Woodstock Thrift Store, Food Pantry, and Counseling Center extend the church's reach into Cherokee County during the week, and WeeSchool provides weekday preschool education at both the Woodstock and Hickory Flat locations. The church's app, available through the Apple App Store, Amazon App Store, and Google Play, connects members and visitors to the directory, event registration, small group sign-up, and giving.