ABOUT MADISON FIRST
MADISON FIRST BAPTIST
Madison First Baptist traces its roots back to a tent meeting on Elm Street in 1937. From that humble beginning, the church grew to become a thriving church actively loving and serving the Madison community. The present 1000-seat worship center was dedicated on Aug. 31, 1952, and is still being used after a 2020 renovation.
Today, Madison First Baptist is a multicultural, multigenerational church that strives to be known as a place that’s like family as we strive to love one another the way Christ has loved us. It is that love that motivates us to share the good news of Jesus Christ and to share our lives with others.
Our mission is to love God, love people, and make disciples of Jesus as we know him, grow in him, serve him, and share him with others.
A NOTE FROM OUR PASTOR
ENGLISH
ESPAÑOL
Sergio Arce – Senior Pastor
Sergio Arce has served as pastor of Madison First Baptist since June of 2020. Sergio attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he earned a Master of Divinity degree. Sergio has lived, worked, and served at churches in various roles in California, Georgia, Texas, Maryland, and Tennessee. He served at LifeWay Christian Resources for 13 years as a Ministry Specialist in evangelism, Sunday School, Hispanic ministry, discipleship, and adult ministry in addition to being a consultant for LifeWay’s Transformational Church. Sergio is married, has 5 children, and enjoys family road trips to National Parks around the U.S
David Meléndez - Worship Leader
David has served as Worship Leader at Madison First Baptist since February of 2022. David has served as a worship leader in churches in MA and TN and is passionate about leading others to know Christ. David and his wife, Nancy, have 2 children and have lived in the Nashville area for 20 years. He loves to host friends and family at his home, spend time with his pets, and watch movies.
Charlotte Parilla-Morejon - Student Ministry Director
Charlotte has served as Student Ministry Director at Madison First Baptist since March of 2022. Charlotte has lived and served churches in various roles in NC and TN and is a graduate of Lipscomb University, where she earned a Bachelor’s in Chemistry, Biology and Spanish. Charlotte and her husband Miguel, have 2 children and have lived in Nashville for over 15 years. Charlotte loves to serve alongside her family and enjoys staycations and vacations with family and friends.
Karl Bridgers - Children’s Pastor
Karl has served as Children's Pastor of Madison First Baptist since August of 2021. Karl has served churches in various roles in MS and TN. He accepted the call to ministry in MS in 2003. God brought him to TN after hurricane Katrina. Karl and his wife, Kim, have 2 children and 1 grandchild and have lived in Nashville area for over 16 years. Karl loves camping, hunting, and fishing with his family. He is also a published author and has a Christmas tree farm.
Jeanne Peter – Preschool Ministry Director
Jeanne’s passion is planting seeds of faith in our youngest children as she coordinates and leads the preschool ministry as Madison First Baptist Church. Since 2020 Jeanne has been working with a team to create a loving and safe learning environment that points babies, young children, and their families to God and his design. Jeanne spent her middle and high school years in Mexico City, Mexico as a daughter of missionaries and returned to the U.S. for college. In addition, she holds graduate degrees in early childhood and language and literacy. Jeanne loves to travel and her favorite companions are her two adult children.”