The purpose of The Encouraging Word is to glorify God by teaching and preaching the message of Christ to all we can, by every available means, in such a way that people accept Christ and become active followers of Jesus through a local Christian Church.

Our vision is to present the First Baptist Spartanburg Worship Service as a broadcast that creates an environment for the Holy Spirit to draw lives to Christ. Within this environment, we will develop relationships which emphasize evangelism, worship, and discipleship. An integral part of this effort is to work with other evangelical churches beyond our viewing area to evangelize and train people to become disciples who share Christ with their friends and family.

The Encouraging Word broadcast is designed to

1. Proclaim the message of salvation for those who don't know Christ
2. Build believers in their faith walks
3. Be a TV church fellowship for people who can't get out and go to church
4. Help Christians find a church home in their area.

First Baptist Spartanburg began broadcasting its weekly worship service live in 1956 on the local CBS affiliate WSPA. In 2004 a vision was cast that lead to the creation of The Encouraging Word. On Easter Sunday 2005, The Encouraging Word began a weekly national broadcast that is continued still today.