Fort Madison
First Baptist
About Us
Our mission is to love God, love each other and love our neighbor.
First Baptist is a Bible believing, independent, discipling church. We strongly encourage everyone to study the scriptures and become a follower of Jesus Christ. If you are looking for a place to learn how to love God and love others, this is the place for you.
The greatest commandment (love God and love others) compells us to follow the great commission (go and disciple).
Our Pastors & Staff
Dean Graber
Lead Pastor
Pastor Graber and his wife Esther have been married 45 years and have been serving at First Baptist for 10 years.
They have three grown children, eight grand children and three chickens.
They love to disciple individuals, counsel couples and encourage believers to love, study and follow the Bible. Pastor Graber also is a hospice chaplain at South Iowa Regional Hospice in West Burlington, IA.
Mark Bell
Youth Director
Mark and Courtney have been married 14 years. They two young children and a dog Bebo. They love camping, hiking and fossil hunting.
Mark has been involved with youth ministry most of his adult life and loves to teach apologetics especially from the book of Genesis. Courtney is a teacher/educator at Great River Christian school.
Kathy Lant
Church office coordinator
Kathy is married to Gary 54 years with two grown sons and one black cat. Kathy previously worked as secretary at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant for 13 years. She enjoys participating in the sewing ministry, serving the Lord at First Baptist and has been working as office coordinator since 2016.