First Baptist on Fifth

A sermon preached on Romans 12:1-8 on Sunday, August 23, 2026, by Rev. Dr. Paul Baxley at First Baptist Church on Fifth, Winston-Salem, NC

In this episode of Ministry Is Calling, host Olivia Blake, Communications and Ministry Assistant, sits down with beloved church member and retired organist Susan Welch. Susan shares her lifelong journey in music ministry—from staging her own first piano lesson at age five to accompanying choral groups in women's prisons, and navigating the unexpected doors God opened throughout her career and education. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on music, faith, and discerning a true vocational calling.

A sermon preached on Acts 2:42-47 on Sunday, August 16, 2026, by Emily Hull McGee with First Baptist Church on Fifth, Winston-Salem, NC

A sermon preached on Matthew 14:22-33 on Sunday, August 9, 2026, by Emily Hull McGee with First Baptist Church on Fifth, Winston-Salem, NC

In this episode of Ministry is Calling, host Olivia Blake sits down with Rev. Kyle Caudle, Associate Pastor of Youth, Missions, and Adults at First Baptist Church on Fifth. Kyle shares insights into his personal life, including his family, pets, and love for music, reflecting on his deep roots as a Winston-Salem native who was born and raised in the area before completing his undergraduate studies at UNCG. He discusses his early career experiences, including managing a bakery, and how an eye-opening religious studies course inspired him to attend the Wake Forest University School of Divinity. Throughout the conversation, Kyle offers a nuanced perspective on vocational calling, emphasizing the importance of balancing intellectual study with heartfelt connection, guiding church members with authenticity, and remaining open to surprises along their faith journey.

A sermon preached on Matthew 13:31-33,44-52 on Sunday, August 2, 2026, by Mary Kaylor with First Baptist Church on Fifth, Winston-Salem, NC

A homily preached on Sunday, July 26, 2026, by Linda Jones at First Baptist Church on Fifth, Winston-Salem, NC

We gathered in worship for a special service in the life of our beloved community, our Children and Youth led worship! Our children and youth who attended Passport camps this summer lead us in song and scripture, offered reflections from their camp experiences, and invited all of us to consider the ways we can reflect on this year's camp theme, "¡Vamos! Let's Go!" in our own lives! 

In this episode of Ministry is Calling, host Olivia Blake, Ministry and Communications Assistant, sits down with Rev. Mary Kaylor, Associate Pastor for Newcomers, Young Adults, and Community Engagement at First Baptist on Fifth.
Mary shares her personal journey from studying accounting to discerning a call toward seminary, navigating moments of uncertainty, and embracing unexpected opportunities—including serving in mission work in India. She reflects on how deconstructing and rebuilding her faith provided a solid foundation for her current ministry, particularly as she guides young adults through their own major life and faith decisions. Throughout the conversation, Mary offers thoughtful insights on trusting the process, remaining open to God's surprises, and why you don't need to have your entire life plan figured out to take the next faithful step.

Welcome to Ministry is Calling, a podcast series hosted by Olivia Blake, Ministry and Communications Assistant. Throughout this series, we celebrate and reflect on the diverse ways people engage in ministry work by inviting members of our church family to share their personal stories of answering the call.
In this episode, Olivia sits down with Ryan Jones—a beloved First on Fifth member and the creative force behind our church’s social media, video and external communications. Tune in as Ryan shares his journey from growing up in rural Appalachia, to navigating corporate life, launching his own business, and ultimately finding his purpose in serving faith-based communities through media and storytelling.