First Missionary Baptist Church Decatur

The last four weeks of our new Sunday Bible Study have been a tremendous time of fellowship and spiritual formation. We invite you to listen to our most recent podcast series, which reviews each of these lessons:

📖 Matthew 9:35–38 — Seeing, Understanding, and Responding to the Needs of Our World

📖 John 9:1–3 — Moving from Assumptions to Service

📖 Matthew 14:13–20 — Looking at Who We Overlook and Why

📖 Luke 21:1–4 — Valuing Others Through the Lens of Christ

Whether you're catching up, reviewing what we studied together, or joining us for the first time, we hope these episodes encourage you and deepen your walk with Christ.

A Word From Vine and Grove | First Missionary Baptist Decatur This the the offical podcast of First Missionary Baptist Decatur (Al). We hope that it is a blessing to you

To God Be The Glory

NEW ACADEMIC DEAN AND VP SELECTED

HTI is pleased to announce the selection of a new academic dean and vice president. Rev. Daylan Woodall is a lifelong Alabamian whose ministry and scholarship have been shaped by a love for history, community, and faith. A native of Calcis, a small community in Shelby County, Alabama, he accepted his call to preach the Gospel at the age of fourteen and has devoted his life to that calling ever since. For the last decade Rev. Woodall has served as Senior Pastor at Historic First Missionary Baptist Decatur.
Believing that effective ministry requires both spiritual conviction and careful preparation, Rev. Woodall earned a Bachelor of Arts from Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama where he studied religion and communication. He later completed both the Master of Arts in Christian Education and the Master of Divinity at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He is scheduled to complete the Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Christian Education Leadership at Regent University in the Fall of 2026 and will begin the dissertation phase of the Ph.D. in Education program at Regent University in the Fall of 2027.

Throughout his ministry, Rev. Woodall has demonstrated a passion for equipping believers through both the local church and higher education. His experience as a pastor and professor reflects a conviction that theological study and faithful ministry belong together. His teaching emphasizes biblical literacy, Christian formation, historical awareness, and the practical application of Scripture to the life of the Church.

As dean, Rev. Woodall will provide academic leadership for Huntsville Theological Institute, working to strengthen its educational programs, support faculty and students, and expand opportunities for theological training that prepares believers for effective Christian service. His vision includes cultivating an institution marked by academic excellence, biblical faithfulness, and a commitment to serving churches and communities throughout North Alabama and beyond.

"I am deeply honored by the opportunity to serve as Dean and VP of Huntsville Theological Institute," said Rev. Woodall. "Theological education plays a vital role in strengthening the Church by preparing faithful, knowledgeable, and spiritually mature believers. I look forward to working alongside our faculty, students, and supporting churches as we continue to build an institution that equips believers to serve Christ with wisdom, conviction, and excellence."

Today is the day. Join us for dinner at 6pm and Worship at 7pm

Check out episode 2 of our new podcast drawn from the second week of our new Sunday afternoon Bible Study

Moving from Assumptions to Service - John 9:1–3 | A Word From Vine and Grove Drawn from our new Sunday Bible Study, this episode explores John 9:1–3 and the assumptions that can shape the way we see others. Together, we reflect on how Jesus challenges misplaced assumptions, calls us to compassion, and invites us to serve people with humility, grace, and love.

God is near to the broken hearted
Psalm 34:18

Week 2 of our Sunday Bible Study and lunch was a great! We're saving a seat for you! Join us Sunday for worship at 11 and Bible Study at 12:15

Check out our new podcast episode

Seeing, Understanding, and Responding to the Needs of Our World Matthew 9:35–38 | A Word From Vine and Grove Drawn from our new Sunday Bible Study, this episode explores Matthew 9:35–38 and Jesus' example of seeing, understanding, and responding to the needs of our world. Whether you attended the class or are joining us for the first time, this reflection will help you deepen your understanding of Script...

From our NEW Sunday Bible Study
Lesson One From Matthew 9:35–38

Sometimes the most compassionate question isn't,
"What do you need?"

When people are overwhelmed by grief, illness, or hardship, they may not know how to answer.

Instead of asking others, "What do you need?" perhaps we should ask ourselves "How can I respond to a need I know they have"

Christian compassion is compassion in action