For nearly two centuries, First Baptist Church of Elyria has been committed to sharing the gospel, teaching God’s Word, and serving its community. Today, that ministry continues through a thriving congregation and First Baptist Christian School, which is celebrating 50 years of Christian education in 2026.
A member of the Regular Baptist (GARBC) fellowship, First Baptist Church & Christian School has participated in the Servant Solutions Retirement Plan since 2020. We’re grateful for the opportunity to serve the people who are carrying out their ministry each day.
And there is much to celebrate. Lead Pastor Dave Burman says they have recently seen God at work in some particularly encouraging places. Through relationships with their local police department, officers have come to know Christ and a ministry has begun within the department.
As the number of Spanish-speaking people attending First Baptist has grown, the church has also responded by starting a Sunday School class specifically for Spanish speakers.
Growth is happening at the school as well. Enrollment has increased, and Pastor Dave is grateful to see key leadership positions filled with excellent teachers and administrators.
At the heart of it all is a commitment that has characterized First Baptist for generations: faithfully teaching and preaching the Word of God and allowing Christ to work through His people in the lives of others.
That commitment extends throughout the Elyria community.
“We want to be a place where we love, serve, and grow together,” Pastor Dave shared. “The health of our congregation has an impact as they are in our community, pointing people to Christ, showing them the love of the Savior, and telling them about the salvation that is available through Jesus Christ.”
Looking ahead, the church is preparing for fall and Christmas outreach opportunities and anticipating continued growth in the number of people they are able to reach. Pastor Dave is also encouraged by the growth he sees among young adults and young families as they deepen their faith and discover ways to use their gifts within the church.
At Servant Solutions, it is a privilege to serve ministries like First Baptist Church & Christian School and to support the people who are faithfully serving their churches, schools, and communities.
Thank you, First Baptist, for allowing us to serve alongside you!
First Baptist Church of Elyria First Baptist Christian School is a DBA under the church and considered a ministry of the church. It has an enrollment of approximately 240 students, preschool through 12th grade.
Sunday morning attendance: 395
Staff configuration
- Church – Full-Time 7, Part-Time 8
- School –Full-Time 22, Part-Time 5 Lead pastor: Pastor Dave Burman, Jr.
Do you offer a Servant Solutions retirement match?
Yes – The church contributes 2% of base pay PLUS 1%, 3%, 5%, based on years of service 0-4, 5-9, 10+, respectively
Kris Wilcox, Business Administrator – 13 years Pastor Dave Burman, Jr – 5 years
First Baptist Church of Elyria began to partner with Servant Solutions on March 1, 2020