First Baptist Church of Austin - Austin Campus
Baptist · Contemporary worship · Austin, TX
- Location
- Austin, Texas 78701
- Denomination
- Baptist
- Worship style
- Contemporary
- Size
- Mid-size
- Ministries & emphasis
- Contemporary, Expository Preaching, Kids Ministry, Youth Ministry, Small Groups
- Google rating
- ★ 4.4 (72 reviews)
- Kids ministry
- Yes
Official websiteSermons on YouTubeStatement of faith / beliefs
What visitors say
First, I want to say that my experience at FBC Austin was good. It didn't have quite everything I was looking for but there are still good qualities. While I will remain anonymous and I will be honest in my review, I'll also keep it constructive and respectful. I do NOT intend to be hateful or mean spirited at all. I attended for a few months in 2025. Everyone there including the staff, was friendly and always welcoming. I am a gay man so that is important in a church. Follow up with visitors is pretty solid; I had several different people follow up the first week I visited after I completed a visitors card. I appreciate the fact the church overall is welcoming to the LGTBQIA+ community. The pastor, Griff, is terrific, friendly and very approachable, and his sermons are the highlight of worship (no one paid me to say that, it's true), and the associate pastor, Carrie Houston, is one of the most genuine, caring people - she's a true asset to the staff. A few constructive items: 1) Diversity. Diversity in its staff - there are no people of color on its staff. A church like this could benefit from different perspectives. On the plus side, FBC still heavily ministers to white, straight families. On the downside, FBC still heavily ministers to white, straight families. For a downtown, urban church, it's still overwhelmingly caucasian & straight. The number of people of color in a given service could be counted on one hand. 2) LGTBQIA+. I will say this, I appreciate the fact there are people from my community on staff & involved in the church. However, at the time I attended, there were NO small group or any offerings at all for the LGTBQIA+ community. Honestly, that's not great for an urban church like this. They sent me to a lent small group and all the people in it were wonderful - but also all white & straight. I'm also hesitant to say this, while I also appreciate the fact the music minister is gay - I could sense his focus is music (nothing wrong w/that) - his role outside of music seems awkward. There was a "yes, I'm gay but I only lead the music here" type of vibe (no one's fault-just an observation). This brings me to my next point. 3) The worship music. I grew up Southern Baptist. I've seen churches divided over music. I'm not the most musical person and have rarely, if ever, complained about the music in any of the churches I've been a part of, I've just gone with the flow - but I have to say the music wasn't for me. The musical style at FBC could best described as very, ultra traditional - all hymns, dirges, readings, chants etc. There's nothing inherently wrong with that, and the music minister is considerably gifted (and he does a great job at leading worship), but for a downtown, urban church that strives to reach a diverse crowd, its approach seems a little odd and unappealing. Again, I've never complained about the music at all and honestly I feel a little bad about saying it. I don't have a specific solution - perhaps a more streamlined, contemporary musical approach could help. Overall, there's a great group of people at FBC and it is ministering to people, so I commend them for that and wish them nothing but the best. It wasn't quite for me, but it might be for someone else (especially if you have a family and want them in a welcoming environment). God Bless the folks at FBC Austin, I pray nothing but great things for you. Churches have strengths and weaknesses, just as people do. But having been a part of nine Christian churches during a long lifetime of job-related moves, I’ve never attended one I loved more than this one, after 15 years here. What makes it unique is that the staff and the congregation strive for authenticity (not lip-service) in expressing their faith—and aren’t afraid of confronting doubts, because searching for deeper insights about how to live out Jesus’ teaching is the goal. It’s truly the kindest and most Christ-centered church I’ve ever known. And anyone looking for a choir or handbell group to join couldn’t do better. I also love that the children’s ministry is vibrant and helps knit the whole community together! This "Church" has unique Architecture which is worth experiencing, however that is the only reason to make the stop if you are passing through and I would recommend steering clear if you are looking for a Christ centered Church as I felt the need to get up and leave multiple times during the service. First Austin is a group of vibrant, caring, open people seeking to follow Jesus and care for each other and their surrounding community. The choirs are great, too! UPDATE: I stand by my review, despite the response. Though some may view my review as an attack, I wrote this review to let others about my experiences at FBC. Had the leadership practiced what they wrote below when we attended, we probably would still be there. Unfortunately, despite being members for a long time, we did not feel welcome anymore, so we left. (I would point out that, if you are having trouble attracting people, you need to look at the culture, teachers and leadership of the church and you will find your answer). As most people know, just like jobs, people leave bad managers. When we found our new church home, I had to unlearn lessons I had been taught while at this place. For example, you do not have to be baptized to go to heaven. Baptism is a public proclamation of faith. Our current church has instilled in us that you stand by what the Bible teaches, even when it doesn't conform to the whims of society. All Jesus followers must view the culture through the lens of the Bible, and not the other way round. I saw the recent news article, which reminded me of this "church". I grew up going to "church" here. I use quotes because it became apparent they were not Bible based. This is a political club, masquerading as a church. There is a reason they hemmorage members and are unable to attract new people. We go elsewhere now, and are much happier being in a church that teaches Biblical principles and lessons. Side note: I remember when they were thinking of building that parking garage. It was a waste of money then and my opinion still stands. Look elsewhere for a church that will teach you about God. This is not the place.
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First Baptist Church of Austin - Austin Campus may be a good fit if you're looking for contemporary worship, a Baptist church, a church with a kids ministry in Austin. Every church feels different in person — plan to visit a Sunday service, and check the church's website for current service times.
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