First Baptist Church was established in downtown Des Moines under the leadership of Reverend John Nash in 1851 and is affiliated with the American Baptist Churches, USA. Rev. Nash was a missionary of the American Baptist Home Mission Society.

First Baptist has been served by 21 pastors and has met in five different buildings. Over the years, many social and community ministries have begun. These include the building of two retirement residences and a new day care center in downtown Des Moines. Ministries like the skywalk chaplaincy and the New Wine Cellar for youth while unique, were meaningful outreach programs. First Baptist has responded to other needs in the community, including sharing our space with a new African American church (with whom we shared ourchapel for a period of time), using our church basement as a temporary shelter for the homeless, and giving to flood aid in Des Moines in 1993.   FBC is also a charter member of the Des Moines Area Religious Council and considers interfaith and ecumenical cooperation to be an important part of our work.

In the year 2000 First Baptist Church began its next phase of ministry in an historic move to Johnston, Iowa.  FBC began meeting at the Johnston High School until our new building was completed and first services held on May 5, 2002.  In 2003 Rev. Duane Gibson retired as Senior
Pastor of First Baptist Church after nearly 20 years of ministry with the church.  In 2005 Rev. Gibson was named Pastor Emeritus of First Baptist Church.  Rev. Timothy Bonney became the 21st Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church in August of 2004.