Milestone Spotlight: First Baptist Church of Orlando

Editor's Note: This year, NRB will be recognizing a record number of organizations with the NRB Milestone Award, which is presented each year at the annual NRB Convention in recognition of pioneers in Christian communications who have demonstrated exemplary service in the industry for five decades or more. In recognition of their accomplishment, Milestone Award honorees will be spotlighted in each weekly edition of NRB Today leading up to the NRB 2013 Convention & Exposition. This week, we recognize First Baptist Church of Orlando, which has been broadcasting since April 1962. Here is their story:

First Baptist Church of Orlando was established in 1871 with 18 people. Today, the church has more than 16,000 members, about 119 full-time staff and 270 part-time, and an annual budget of more than $17 million.

Since April 1962, First Baptist Orlando has been broadcasting their services on the same station (WFTV). Initially, they were broadcasting live as The First Hour. In 1992, the program moved to a magazine format and became Sunday First Edition.

Currently, the program is called Passionate Living with David Uth. The broadcasting team is predominantly volunteer-based and many of its volunteers have been giving their time for more than 10 years. For almost five years, First Baptist Orlando has also produced a 30-minute version of their program that airs on two other stations.

In addition to producing Passionate Living with David Uth, First Baptist’s Television Ministry provides support for web streaming of their services, and produces regular church promotional, outreach, and feature videos for use in worship and ministry events.

The Media Ministry is committed to efficiently and effectively connecting their congregation, their community, and the culture for the cause of Christ.

Published: February 7, 2013