What We Believe

We believe that we are Christians who share a unique faith. THIS IS FIRST AND FOREMOST because it requires us to have a relationship with God before we have a relationship with a local church.

Our church denomination is Baptist.

The Bible is the Sole Authority for faith and practice.

God calls us directly, as individuals. Believers accept Jesus Christ as their personal savior, and are guided by the Holy Spirit.

Each Church is Self-Governing, with a “regenerate membership” – people come into the church as adult or youth believers, not as infants

Scripture References: John 3:3; Luke 10:25-28; & Romans 10:13

Being Baptist is An Invitation to Make

Jesus the Foundation of your faith and You’re on the path to salvation when you commit your life to Jesus
The Church is the Focus of your life as a The church community offers you the opportunity to grow in God.
The World is the Mission of your Jesus calls you to share your love and faith with others.

The Spiritual Foundation of the Baptist Faith

THE BIBLE: (Old and New Testaments)

The Word of God-written by people inspired by God through the Holy God is revealed and speaks the truth directly to us through the Bible
The Sole Authority for faith and Christian The Bible inspires and instructs us to live as Jesus lived – ever loving, forgiving and serving.
The Center of the Church-helping to bring together believers (those who have accepted Jesus as their savior) in a spirit of love, peace and cooperation.

Reference Scriptures: Colossians 3:16; 2 Timothy 3:14-17, 2 Peter 1:20-21 and 1 Corinthians 2

The Priesthood of Believers

JESUS CALLS ON US TO REPRESENT THE CHURCH BY:

Serving God – Believers express their love for God through loving relationships
Ministering to Others – Make the most of your God-given abilities, and allow the Holy Spirit to be seen through your words and actions
Interpreting the Word of God – For the Word of God to have real meaning in your life, you must act upon its message

Reference Scriptures: 1 Peter 2:4-5; John 3:1-21; Eph. 2:4-10; Romans 12 and 1 Peter 2.

Baptists Practice 2 Ordinances

These ordinances are a way to express your obedience to God and enrich your faith.

BAPTISM OF BELIEVERS BY IMMERSION

Baptism is a Sign of your It means that you:
1. Repent of your past sins
2. Accept Jesus as your savior
3. Are beginning a new life with

* Believers are baptized by immersion – the same form described in the New Testament.

Baptism is a Symbol of your:

Unity with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit – and with other
New birth in Jesus, through the Holy Spirit
Death, burial and resurrection with Jesus

Reference Scriptures: Acts 2:38; Matthew 3:13-17; 1 Cor. 12:12-13; Romans 6:1-4; Col. 2 and 1 Peter 3:17-22

THE LORD’S SUPPER

Participate in Jesus’ Live and Death – Bread and the fruit of the vine symbolize Jesus’ body and They remember the new covenant (agreement) with God
Commit to Jesus – The Lord’s Supper is a time to renew your relationship with Jesus and the church.
To Return of Jesus – The Lord’s Supper testifies to the promise of everlasting life with God.

Reference Scriptures: Luke 22:19; Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25 and 1 Corinthians

Other Important Beliefs

Religious Liberty for All – God’s gift of love is freely Your response to God must also be freely given and expressed. No political authority has the power to interfere with this basic right.

Reference Scripture: Matthew 22:15-22; Luke 20:22-25, and Acts 5:27-32

Self-Governing Churches – Jesus is the sole head of the Each congregation is self-governing, yet interdependent with other churches and associations. In the spirit of fellowship and ecumenism, churches may also seek relationships with other Christian bodies

Reference Scriptures: Matthew 28:18-20; Eph. 1:15-23 and Acts 20:28

Missions and Evangelism – Jesus’ message of everlasting love and salvation is open to Every church – and every believer – has a duty to be a witness to Jesus’ Gospel message. Jesus’ calling to spread the Gospel message is at the heart of each church.

Reference Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 5:17-20; Acts 1:6-8 and Luke 24:45-49

Church Membership – A church is a “covenant community” – a community of believers united in faith and committed to serving Once you’ve committed your life to Christ, you, too, should become a member of a church. Each church determines what is required of its members.

Reference Scriptures: Acts 2: 37-42; 1 Peter 2:4-5 and John 3:1-6

What Being a Baptist Can Mean to You

Growing closer to God is a lifelong process. It involves:

Strengthening Your Relationship with God – Accepting Christ as your savior is the rock on which your relationship with God is Strengthen this relationship by:
1. trusting and loving God completely in all that you do
2. building loving relationships with other people

Affirming Your Faith – Being baptized is an expression of your faith and commitment to God. Continue to testify your faith by:
1. sharing in the Lord’s Supper
2. taking an active part in your church

Praying, Reading and Studying the Bible – Understanding the Word of God enables you to grow in faith and in It can help you build a better relationship with God, yourself and other people.

Living a Christian Lifestyle (Stewardship) – Jesus calls you to turn away from sin and use your life wisely, as a living sacrifice in his name.
Being a Witness to Christ – Helping to spread the Gospel message of love is a duty and an Loving Jesus means sharing your love every day – and enriching your life and the lives of others.

Reference Scriptures: Matthew 22:34-40; Philippians 4:4-7; Romans 13 and 2 Corinthians 5:18-21

Your Role in the Church

As a member of a Baptist church, you have responsibilities and opportunities. Take an active part in:

Worship Services – Bringing glory to God is the chief purpose of your faith community.
1. Attend worship services Participate in song and prayer
2. Share in Scripture readings and listen closely to the sermon
3. Take part in the Lord’s Supper regularly, and prepare for it thoughtfully
Educational Efforts – Teaching and learning about the Bible and Christian responsibility is an important mission for you and your church.
1. Join or help start a prayer or Bible study group
2. Participate in church programs, such as youth or adult education
3. Support your church’s association with Baptist colleges, universities and other teaching institutions.
Helping Your Neighbors – Helping to fulfill the spiritual and physical needs of your neighbors is your duty – and your chance to grow in
1. Help with church programs, such as food banks, clothing distribution and shelter for the homeless.
2. Visit members of your church who are shut-in or unable to attend worship services
3. Work with your church to help achieve its mission throughout the
Spreading the Word of God to Others – Through the efforts of you and your church, Jesus’ message of love can reach others and change their
1. Support your church’s missionary Give of your time, talent and treasure.
2. Volunteer your service to your church’s missionary board or association

Reference Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Baptists are Working to Meet Many Challenges

Here’s how you can help:

Invite Your Friends and Neighbors to worship services and other church activities to help them to experience Christian love
Share Your Time and Talents to make the most of God’s gifts to you
Make Tithing a Part of Your Life – give with a loving, generous Your church needs your financial support
Be an Example by letting your daily words and actions show others the way to Christ
Ask Your Pastor how you can become more actively involved

Reference Scripture: Mark 16:15

Being Baptist Means Answering God’s Call!

Strive to Love God with all your heart, mind and
Help Spread the Good News of new life in Jesus
Live as Jesus Lived by following his example in all that you do
Learn More about Christian faith, Baptist practices and history

Reference Scripture: Ephesians 4:23