In the heart of Bolivar (population 10,679), almost 1,000 people gather regularly at First Baptist Church (FBC) to seek the heart of God. Having its start at a small meeting in the Polk County courthouse in 1859, this Southern Baptist Congregation now meets just one block north of the courthouse in multiple buildings located on portions of eight city blocks. The properties include a beautiful worship center in a three-story building, a historic movie theater, a recreation building, and a repurposed business building, while housing its ministry offices in what was once a livery stable.

This unique campus is indicative of the diverse demographics of those who come to unite in meaningful corporate worship experiences. Worshippers in this multigenerational congregation gather on Sunday Mornings for one of two contemporary worship services, or a blended worship service.

Wednesday Night at the Esquire takes place in the Esquire Theater and is a casual service led by a bluegrass band. Total in-person worship attendance averages 870. In addition, others worship via livestream on Facebook, archived online sermons, and radio broadcasts.

The church is led by a senior pastor, supported by full-time and part-time ministers and staff, the Church Leadership Council (CLC), and the Fellowship of Deacons. The annual budget for 2026 is approaching $2 million, currently with no debt service. Church leadership also continues to emphasize Destination 2030, an initiative to expand ministries and provide for building maintenance needs. Visitors to FBC notice that the people are friendly and enjoy studying God’s word in small groups. Core Groups for all ages meet at 9:30 and 11:00 on Sunday mornings, while other groups meet at various times and places during the week. Average weekly attendance in 2025 was 689.

FBC is committed to evangelizing and to discipling all generations of believers. Children can learn about God’s love through New Christians class, children’s choirs, missions groups, Music Camp, and Vacation Bible School with 447 children and volunteers registered in 2025. Youth benefit from camps, mission trips, and Midweek sessions as they are led to grow in Christ. College students enjoy Sunday evening meals at the church, serve as interns in the church, and find that FBC provides a caring home while they are studying at Southwest Baptist University, which has strong historical ties to FBC.

Adults are active in the annual Marriage Weekend held nearby, in Branson; men’s breakfasts, and women’s ministry events throughout the year. All of these mentioned ministries and numerous others are included in the Annual Ministry Plan. The church body reaches the local community and beyond through a firm and longstanding commitment to missions.

FBC is part of the Mid-Lakes Baptist Association and participates in Cooperative Program giving, as well as special emphases such as Lottie Moon, Annie Armstrong, and state missions. While financial support occurs, so does prayerful support as church members take part in short-term mission trips to places like El Salvador, Arizona, and Memphis. Innovative local mission efforts take many forms, such as the White House ministry for unchurched teenagers and older children.

Currently, FBC is prayerfully seeking God’s leadership in searching for a senior pastor who will lead it, under the Holy Spirit's guidance, in finding focused ways to fulfill the church’s Vision (We will seek Gospel Truth, invest in each other, and engage in our world for the Ultimate Good), and Mission (First Baptist Bolivar is a diversely gifted family of believers who are making disciples who influence the world by becoming daily followers of Christ).