Sunday School

Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You...Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path...Deal with Your servant according to Your mercy, and teach me Your statutes...The entrance of Your words give light; It gives understanding to the simple...Direct my steps in Your word, and let no iniquity have dominion over me...Let Your hand become my help, for I have chosen Your precepts(Psalm 119:11,105,124, 130, 133, 173).

Without knowledge, we are defenseless and vulnerable. Knowing God's truth--by study and by application--enables us to say no to sin and yes to righteousness. Anyone who puts his faith in Jesus Christ but does not keep God's Word constantly at the forefront of his mind will find himself or herself entrapped in sin again and again.

Participation in regular Bible study promotes learning among God's people and a response of personal obedience to the Scriptures. If our physical diet is not well balanced, or if our digestive systems are not functioning properly, our bodies will decline in health. Similarly, if we do not or cannot take in the full value of the diet offered to us in the Scriptures, we will become spiritually disabled (1 Corinthians 3:1, 2) To us, studying the Bible is vital because it not only instructs us intellectually, but also guides us spiritually. We believe the Bible and accept it as God's Word to man, a Book that is alive and relevant to life today.

Friendship Church has thirteen (13) Sunday School Classes embracing age groups preschool through adult.

The Superintendent of the Sunday School is Minister Anthony Griffin, Sr. The Assistant Superintendent is Minister Billy Thomas. The Administrative Assistant to the Sunday School Superintendent is: Sister Carletha Griffin. The Sunday School Secretary is: Sister Eeshawnna Matthews.

Our Sunday School Teachers: Marsha Curry and Deaconess Susie Teal (Preschool); Jennetta Crum and Scarlette Barber (Kindergarten);Sayoneria Seawright and Jacquelyn Thomas (Primary); Yvonne Powe, Florence Swain and Esmond Lewis (Juniors); Deacon J.A. Middlebrooks, Jr. and Ruby Hendley (Junior High); Deaconess Stephanie Bonner, Carletha Griffin and Superintendent Griffin (Senior High); Dr. Earl Glenn, Monica Broughton, and Dr. Aldith Lewis (Adult Bible Class 1); Deacon Errol Kirlew and Gloria Rice (Adult Bible Class 2). Rose E. Govan and Barbara Williams (Adult Bible Class 3); Deacons Hubert Toney and Lemuel Teal (Adult Men 1); Rev. Nathaniel Bonner and Deacon Davide Kerr, Sr. (Adult Men 2). Minister and Mrs. Kenneth (Shirley) Burns, Minister Geral Newton, and Deaconess Brenda Bacon (Young Adult Men and Women).

The Deacon Ministry

But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. Those who spoke Greek complained against those who spoke Hebrew, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. We apostles should spend our time preaching and teaching the Word of God, not administering a food program, they said. Now look around among yourselves, brothers, and select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. We will put them in charge of this business (the food program). Then we can spend our time in prayer and preaching and teaching the Word (Acts 6:1-4, NLT, used here for its clarity).

The members of Friendship Church look to the Pastor for giving overall leadership and administration to the Church and its Ministry. The Church, therefore, expects the Deacons to respect the office of the Pastor, and to welcome the unique opportunity to learn from and serve with the Pastor. As a Deacon functions in the practical ministry of the Church, the Pastor is freed to give attention to prayer and the ministry of the Word.

The primary duties of the Deacons of Friendship Church are:

To assist the Pastor in his work of ministry to the Church and Community; to care for church members,especially the sick, hospitalized, and shut-in members; to visit and offer emotional and spiritual support to grieving members.

To serve as Care Group Leaders as requested or assigned and to report special needs of members to the Pastor, the Congregational Care Pastor or Leader, the Benevolence Ministry Team or other appropriate persons.

To regularly attend all stated meeting of the Church including weeknight Prayer and Bible Study.

To meet with the Pastor regularly and to assist, as requested, in the development and administration of the Benevolence Ministry, Mission Outreach program and activities.

To consider with the Pastor, all applicants for church membership and termination and to assist the Pastor in New Member Orientation.

In cooperation with the Deaconesses, to provide for and assist the Pastor in the administration of the New Testament ordinances of Baptism and The Lord's Supper.

When requested by the Pastor, to assist in matters of church discipline being guided especially by Matthew 18:15-20.

When requested, serve as a Council of advice and conference with the Pastor in matters pertaining to the welfare of the Church, such as: the Ministry of Education, Evangelistic and Missionary Outreach to the local community and abroad.

To serve as a General Pulpit Committee. In case of absence or inability of the Pastor, subject to advice and conference with him, provide for pulpit supply.

To be of moral and prayer support to the Pastor, and to accompany him, when possible, on outside church fellowship and preaching engagements.

To zealously guard the unity of the Church, seeking always to promote harmony and peace among the Members of the Congregation (see Acts 6:1-7; 9:10-31; Romans 14:19; Galatians 6:1-5; Ephesians 4:1-6; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15; 1 Timothy 5:17-20; Hebrews 12:14-15).

To make regular reports pertaining to work assignments to the Pastor, Church, and Chairman of Deacons.

Those presently serving in Deacon Ministry include: Hubert Toney, Errol Kirlew, J.A. Middlebrooks, Jr. Davide Kerr, Sr. and Lemuel teal, Sr.

The Music Ministry

Praise the Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty firmament! Praise Him for His mighty acts; Praise Him according to His excellent greatness! Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; Praise Him with the lute and harp! Praise Him with the timbrel and dance; Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes! Praise Him with loud cymbals; Praise Him with clashing cymbals! Let everything that has breath praise the Lord (Psalm 150).

Music has always been identified with worship. From the earliest biblical times to present, the singing and playing of instruments by God's people has been a dynamic part of their religious experience. Through the making of music human beings may offer witness to God's love, power, grace, and salvation. We may express our adoration, praise, thanksgiving, devotion, and commitment to, God, our Creator, and Jesus Christ, our Redeemer.

The purpose of Music Ministry at Friendship Church is to glorify Jesus Christ by allowing Him to use the choir and musicians as a means to prepare the hearts of the congregation for the preaching of the Word of God; to bless the congregation and choir alike through the singing of anthems, hymns, traditional and contemporary music; to lead the congregation in singing; and to provide an avenue of service to members of the church.

Our Music Staff: Shuntavious Smith, Rasheed Golden and Rose Eady Govan

Ushers' Ministry

Ushers' Ministry is one of many ministries of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. Call us at 239-334-1557 to get more information about this and other ministries.

Greeters Ministry

Greeters Ministry is one of many ministries of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. Call us at 239-334-1557 to get more information about this and other ministries.

The Band of Brothers (Men's Ministry)

But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience...Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you (Titus 2:1, 6-8).

The purpose of the Band of Brothers is to enlist and coordinate the manpower of the church in the performance of essential Christian and civic activities; to promote fellowship among men, and to cultivate the Christian life of men and boys through Bible study, worship, and volunteer service.

On a practical level, God never intended for any of us to exist as an island. We were designed for connection with other men who can help us to become the real men, the godly men, God intended for us to become. Too often, as men, we avoid situations of dependence and instead try to fight our own battles in our own strength.

Here at Friendship Church, the true purpose of the Band of Brothers Ministry is to help men become healthy, authentic, followers of Jesus Christ. We seek to accomplish this through weekly gatherings for Bible study (sometimes to include supper) in a relaxed atmosphere with the Bible being taught by our Pastor or his Delegate, in a a context understood by men. Our group is made up of regular guys just like you who are going in the same direction, have similar needs, and who desire to grow in their faith.

And because we know that men are action people, we enjoy sharing educational and recreational events (air shows, basketball and football games, reading and library,health clinics) with other men and young people. On occasion we attend governmental meetings and host civic forums. We also seek special opportunities to honor the women of the church, and support activities in which they are involved. And, we're working hard on becoming a credible and reliable security provider for church functions.

Proverbs 27:17 (NIV) says: As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. There is a mental sharpness that comes from being around good people. And a meeting of minds can help one see their ideas with new clarity, refine them, and shape them into brilliant insights. This requires partners who can challenge each other and stimulate thought; people who focus on the idea without involving their egos in the discussion; people who know how to attack the thought and not the thinker. Two friends who bring their ideas together can help each other become sharper.

The Band of Brothers meets each Tuesday at 7:00 pm. We would be greatly pleased to have you join us.

Our Band of Brothers Leader is Brother Samuel Craft

The Women's Ministry

The purpose of the Women's Ministry of Friendship Baptist Church is to teach missions; to engage the women and girls of the church in mission action and social fellowship; to support community and world missions through praying and giving; and to provide and interpret information regarding the work of the church and the denomination

Youth Ministry

Youth Ministry is one of many ministries of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. Call us at 239-334-1557 to get more information about this and other ministries.

Culinary Ministry

Culinary Ministry is one of many ministries of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. Call us at 239-334-1557 to get more information about this and other ministries.

Flower/Floral Ministry

Flower/Floral Ministry is one of many ministries of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. Call us at 239-334-1557 to get more information about this and other ministries.

Media Ministry

Media Ministry is one of many ministries of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. Call us at 239-334-1557 to get more information about this and other ministries.

Prayer Ministry

Prayer Ministry is one of many ministries of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. Call us at 239-334-1557 to get more information about this and other ministries.

Stewardship Ministry

Stewardship Ministry is one of many ministries of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. Call us at 239-334-1557 to get more information about this and other ministries.

Spiritual Environment Ministry

The Spiritual Environment Ministry Team is responsible for decorating our worship and fellowship space to properly commemorate special events and the various seasons of the year. This ministry team consists of Sisters: Scarlette Barber, Ida Kerr, and Susie Teal.

Worship Arts Ministry

So David went out wherever Saul sent him, and behaved wisely. And Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people and also in the sight of Saul's servants. Now it happened as they were coming home, when David was returning from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women had come out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul with tambourines, with joy, and with musical instruments (1 Samuel 18:5-6).

The purpose of the Worship Ministry is to provide a creative dance ministry that honors God and inspires our congregation and community to seek their own personal relationship with God.

The mission of the Friendship Church's Creative Dance Ministry is to share the Word of God and the love of God with our audiences through the art of dance.

The vision of the Friendship Church dancers is to be used as a vessel by God, for God's purpose, and to facilitate Christian relationships among young people that participate in the dance ministry.

Vacation Bible School

Vacation Bible School is one of many ministries of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. Call us at 239-334-1557 to get more information about this and other ministries.

The Deaconess Ministry

I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cebchrea, that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints and assist her in whatever business she has need of you; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also (Romans 16:1-2)NKJV).
I want this letter to introduce to you Phoebe, our sister, a deaconess of the Church at Cenchrea....(Romans 16:1 J.B. Phillips).

The idea of deaconesses in the local church is not new. There were deaconesses in the first century New Testament church, in the churches of the forst several centuries, and there are deaconesses in today's churches. But there are questions concerning the place of the deaconess in the work of the church, and which, are answered in different ways. Is a deaconess a feminine deacon? Does she have the same duties as those of a deacons? Is she to be prohibited from exercising any of the duties commonly performed by deacons? Is she charged with special responsibilities that are outside the province of the deacon? Should there be a separate board of deaconesses?