First Baptist Church Jacksonville: a healthy turnaround megachurch
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In September of 2017, Dr. Heath Lambert was called to serve as the Senior Minister of First Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Florida.
For decades, First Baptist had been one of the flagship churches in the Southern Baptist Convention. At its peak, over 15,000 worshiped at the sprawling downtown campus, which included parking garages, a gymnasium, and a massive 10,000-seat sanctuary built in 1993. Incredibly, the church owned 15 blocks of buildings in downtown Jacksonville.
However, as years passed, members became hesitant to drive downtown when vibrant suburban churches were closer to home. Navigating the enormous downtown campus was also complicated, with children enrolled in a separate building while parents worshiped across the street. Over three decades, attendance and giving declined, and many older buildings required expensive maintenance and repairs.
Dr. Heath Lambert, a brilliant young preacher and courageous leader, carefully assessed the situation and realized the church was heading for a slow death. Something drastic needed to happen for First Baptist to survive.
I've often used the following bell curve to describe the rise and fall of most organizations, including churches, over time:
A physics axiom states that an object in motion tends to stay in motion. Similarly, once an organization begins its descent into disharmony and passivity, reversing the decline becomes increasingly difficult. It requires three essential steps:
- A brutal defining of reality – No matter how hard it is to hear, positive change begins when the truth is clearly communicated and accepted.
- Core leadership that is unified and determined – Leadership must be unified in Christ and united in purpose, willing to make sacrifices for the greater mission, even at the risk of backlash or criticism.
- A significant shock to the system – Dramatic action is often necessary to reverse a downward spiral. Whether it's relocation, restructuring, or change in leadership, the principle remains true: no pain, no gain.
Dr. Lambert didn't sugarcoat the truth. In heart-to-heart discussions with deacons and the congregation, he communicated reality:
"We do not have 6,000 attending, as most suppose. It's more like 2,800. We can no longer afford such a large staff or maintain all these buildings. If we continue on this path, despite our endowments, we will go broke."
The leadership rallied behind Dr. Lambert's vision. Out of 110 deacons, only one abstained from voting. The church unanimously agreed to implement significant changes:
- Staff cuts were made to stabilize finances.
- Six blocks of property, including the impressive 10,000-seat sanctuary, were sold to downtown developers.
- Worship services were moved to the church's smaller, older sanctuary, which seats just over 2,000 and had served the congregation for decades.
This bold "shock to the system" wasn't without pain. Some members viewed the changes as an admission of failure and left for other churches. Those who remained, however, embraced the vision and committed to the church's renewal.
Just as momentum began to build, COVID hit, further impacting attendance. Adding to the challenges, Dr. Lambert underwent two brain surgeries during this time. It seemed as though Satan was doing his best to paralyze this historic ministry.
Following COVID, the church leadership took another courageous step by adopting a clear stance on biblical marriage and gender identity—issues increasingly controversial in today's culture. Every member was asked to sign this statement:
"As a member of First Baptist Church, I believe that God creates people in His image as either male or female, and that this creation is a fixed matter of human biology, not individual choice. I believe marriage is instituted by God, not government, is between one man and one woman, and is the only context for sexual desire and expression."
In March of 2023, the congregation overwhelmingly affirmed the statement. While there was vocal opposition from the liberal press and LGBTQ organizations, most members appreciated being part of a church that stood courageously for biblical truth.
Two months ago, I had the privilege of preaching at First Baptist Jacksonville and learned they have successfully reversed their decline. Meeting with the church staff on Saturday evening, I was struck by their energy, passion, and vision. The average age of the staff is about 35, and their enthusiasm for the future is contagious.
The Sunday morning worship service was vibrant and Spirit-filled. A 100-voice choir, a 50-piece orchestra, and a talented worship team led the congregation in a beautiful blend of hymns and contemporary choruses. The auditorium was full, and it was clear the Holy Spirit is breathing new life into the church.
Today, First Baptist Jacksonville is a healthy, thriving church once again. They are winning souls, discipling members, and serving the hurting in their community. Attendance has grown to nearly 3,000 each week, and they've launched a satellite campus 15 miles south of downtown, which draws an additional 400 people.
The story of First Baptist Jacksonville demonstrates several timeless truths about a healthy church:
- A healthy church is led by courageous, godly leaders.
Dr. Heath Lambert's bold leadership, combined with the unity of the church's leaders, paved the way for renewal. - A healthy church embraces difficult but necessary change.
Selling buildings, cutting staff, and consolidating ministries required sacrifice—but it was essential for survival and restoration. - A healthy church remains unwavering in biblical convictions.
First Baptist did not waver on biblical truth, even in the face of cultural pressure and opposition.
In the First Century, the Jerusalem church experienced a significant decline when believers fled the city due to persecution. But after the conversion of Saul of Tarsus, persecution eased, and the church experienced a time of growth and renewal:
"Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers." (Acts 9:31)
The same is true of First Baptist Church in Jacksonville. May their tribe increase.
 | Bob Russell became the pastor of Southeast Christian Church at just 22 years old. That small congregation of 120 members became one of the largest churches in America, with 18,000 people attending the four worship services every weekend in 2006 when Bob retired. Now through Bob Russell Ministries, Bob continues to preach at churches; conferences throughout the United States, provide guidance for church leadership, mentor other ministers and author Bible study videos for use in small groups. Learn More » |
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