WELCOME
The mission of The Greater First Baptist Church is to love God, to love others, and to magnify the name of Jesus Christ. The vision of our church is to glorify our God and Savior, Jesus Christ, to make true disciples throughout all the nations by means of missionary activity and support, to minister the ordinances, to edify believers, and to do all that is sovereignly possible and biblically permissible to magnify the name of Jesus.
Tithes, offerings, and donations flow from generous hearts, and hearts don’t always become generous on our desired timetable! We are always striving to make a difference, and invite you to learn more and lend your support. Giving has a deeper impact on our the community than the gift itself.
YOUTH GROUP PROGRAMS
While there are the standard youth group events like going to a theme park or having a movie night, there are some other events to foster the creativity of Christian teens. We have creative ideas to promote great opportunities for those interested. With access to the right resources, people can become empowered by their own abilities and gain the confidence to fulfill their potential.
Pastor Bio
REVEREND DR. WINSTON CHRISTOPHER RIDLEY, JR.
Rev. Dr. Winston Christopher Ridley, Jr. was reared and educated in the public schools of Duquesne, Pennsylvania. He received his early religious training at the Jerusalem Baptist Church. He was licensed to preach at the Jerusalem Baptist Church in Duquesne, where he was baptized at 13. He holds a B.S. degree from the University of Pittsburgh. Rev. Ridley received his Master of Divinity Degree in May 2006 from the Howard University School of Divinity. In May of 2011, he received his Doctor of Ministry from the Howard University School of Divinity.
Dr. Ridley, who was licensed to preach at the Jerusalem Baptist Church on July 13, 1980, served as Associate Minister under Pastor A.R. Caldwell. He was ordained to preach on November 23, 1986 by Pastor Delano R. Paige at the Rodman Street Missionary Baptist Church, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Dr. Ridley served the church as Associate Minister. Before answering the call to pastor The Greater First Baptist Church, Dr. Ridley was Pastor of the Mount Olive Baptist Church in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania for 14 years. He served with dedication and distinction. While leading the congregation in the study of God’s word, Pastor Ridley promoted new ministries and enhanced old ones.
Following an election on January 27, 2001, Dr. Ridley delivered his first sermon as Pastor-elect of The Greater First Baptist Church on March 4, 2001. He was installed as the new pastor on Sunday, May 20, 2001, with the theme: “Continuing the Vision – A Revitalized Greater First Baptist Church.”
During Dr. Ridley’s installation as the new pastor, he stated his primary goal was to ensure that the church stay focused on its mission of “glorifying God.” Throughout his first year, he stood steadfast to the mission. He extended the tradition at The Greater First Baptist Church by demonstrating in new ways how the church can biblically, culturally, and technologically minister to the need of its members and community. His leadership in updating existing ministries and promoting new ones, such as the Computer, Transportation, and Praise and Worship Ministries speaks to the spiritual, educational, and public service growth of the church.
