“Uma Igreja que Acolhe” became a registered trademark. This phrase perfectly captures the spirit of Primeira Igreja Batista de Cotia. For years, it has been a landmark in the city due to its location. Today it is remembered as a welcoming and receptive church that preaches the Word of God.
The Primeira Igreja Batista de Cotia wants to emphasize that its rule of faith will always be the Bible. Over the years, the church has undergone many transformations. As a community the Primeira Igreja Batista de Cotia has been transformed. It is expanding its facilities to accommodate more people as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. The Primeira Igreja Batista de Cotia has changed its worship format. It has increased its support for missionary work. It embraces modern technology by launching itself on social media to reach a wider audience.
One thing remains certain. The concepts, precepts, and foundation of Primeira Igreja Batista de Cotia have not changed. They never will. Only Jesus Christ saves. Therefore, you are invited to strengthen your faith in Jesus Christ. He is the Redeemer and the Word of God. It is immutable, inerrant, and infallible.
On October 15, 1972, Primeira Igreja Batista de Cotia was founded. The space was temporary. It was located at Rua Jos\u00e9 Barreto, n\u00b0144. Its purpose was to establish a church based on the New Testament. It would be a Baptist denomination. The intention was to be a fully biblical church centered on the Word.
In 1973, Irm\u00e3o Jos\u00e9 Ximenes de Mesquita was the leader of the church. Although he lacked theological training, he became known as Pastor Leigo. He was ordained to the pastoral ministry. He pastored for 13 years. His ministry was remarkable. He was very welcoming. His work was characterized by relevant services in society. He established a daycare center to meet the needs of the city. He organized an orphanage to care for children and adolescents in need. It is still in operation today.
Pastor Manuel Gon\u00e7alves de Oliveira was appointed by Pastor Ximenes. He became the new pastor of the church. His ministry was marked by visitation and social work. It lasted 11 years and 9 months.
With the departure of Pastor Manuel in 1997, Pastor On\u00e9simo Tomaz Pereira was invited by the church to assume the pastoral ministry. He faced great challenges. The growth of the church was considerable. His ministry is marked by counseling and pastoral care. He is zealous for missionary work and the teaching of the Word. He accompanied and guided seven seminarians. He led them to the Pastoral Council. He also showed concern for expanding the church’s facilities. It was for better accommodation of its public. In 2018, the pastor began the expansion. It was supported by the entire church. To the glory of God, the work was completed on October 14, 2023.
Primeira Igreja Batista de Cotia organized five churches. It currently has one congregation. It also has the privilege of contributing to several missionaries in Brazil and abroad. To Him be the glory.
The Lord calls people to worship. Therefore, the Igreja Batista Cotia begins with a reading of Psalms or another biblical text. This is done responsively. The Igreja Batista Cotia prays to the Lord in response to his call. It worships God with thanksgiving. The Igreja Batista Cotia praises the Lord with music. It sings about who He is and His great deeds. Biblical texts are read. They call people to confess their sins. A member of the Igreja Batista Cotia is invited to pray at this moment of confession. Through the Word of God, there is biblical affirmation of forgiveness.
The Missions Promoter updates on news from the mission field. The Igreja Batista Cotia prays for the advancement of the Gospel in the world. A member of the Igreja Batista Cotia prays. They give thanks for the delivery of tithes and offerings. The Igreja Batista Cotia praises the Lord with music. It sings about His attributes, deeds, and wonders. The songs also call for greater contrition and intimacy with God. In this community, parents are free to keep their children. They can keep them during the sermon. Or they can allow the children to participate in Children’s Worship. There, they will be ministered to in their language. At that moment, the Igreja Batista Cotia prays for all the children.
The message is the ministry of the Word. It is performed by the Pastor or a guest. He is called by God to speak in His name. The message is the exposition of the Word. It is a culminating point of worship. People are taught, exhorted, admonished, and comforted by the Bible. They hear God speaking through it. After the Word is preached, the people of God receive the blessing. It is from the God of the Word. They announce the same God and the same Word to the lost world.