On this page we share a summary of our Doctrinal Beliefs, our Mission, our Affiliations, and our Heritage

Doctrinal Beliefs:

We believe in one God and that he exists in the persons of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. This is better known as the Trinity.

We believe the Bible is from God and without error. We use the King James Version from the pulpit and in our Bible Institute.

We believe God created the world and universe in six literal days.

We believe that mankind was created perfect and with an eternal soul; but that he fell through sin and all mankind began to die.  This sin separates us from God.

We believe that Jesus Christ is God in the flesh.  He lived among mankind then he allowed himself to be sacrificed on a Roman cross for the sins of all people.  He then rose again the third day.  After ascending into Heaven, He sits at the right hand of the Father and is ready to come back at anytime.

We believe a person can become right with God through faith alone in Jesus alone.  Those who reject God and His son will suffer eternally in a place called the Lake of Fire.

We practice baptism by immersion of Christian believers and take the Lord’s Supper together monthly.  Neither of these things contribute to a person’s salvation but are done out of obedience.

Our Mission:

• To make disciples of Jesus Christ across the street and around the world.

Our Affiliations:

Baptists like many other traditons have various “groups” under their umbrella. There are independent baptists, Southern Baptists, Reformed Baptists, American Baptists, Free Will Baptists, Regular Baptists (GARB), Conservative Baptists, etc.

Where does our church fit in? We like to say that we are an independent bapist church with multiple affiliations. We are independent in that we select our own pastors and staff, own our own property, and make decisions independently of any outside heirarchy. While being an independent church, we also understand the value of cooperating with other like-minded churches to advance the Gospel. Thus, we affiliate with various Baptist groups and non-baptist groups with whom we have similar beliefs and goals. We support missionaries through a variety of missions including: the BBFI (Baptist Bible Fellowship International), GEM (Greater Europe Mission), Global Faith, and others.

Our Heritage – What Do Baptists Believe?

We recognize the Christianty of other groups and denominations and are also thankful for our Baptist heritage. Through the years, baptists have had a very strong evangelistic thrust and a strong belief in the Bible as the sole authority for faith and practice. An acronym from the word “baptist” is helpful:

B – Bible

• We believe the Bible was given to people directly from God himself (inspiration). We also believe it is accurate and without any mistakes regarding the content it addresses (inerrancy). As such, we believe it is the only source of information about the Christian faith and how churches should function (authoritative).

A – Autonomy

• Baptists believe in that a local church should have autonomy to make it’s own decisions regarding what it believes, how it should function, who it should hire, etc.
• While most baptists have connections with other baptist churches and groups, they retain their indepencence and autonomy.

P – Priesthood of the Believer

• Baptists believe that every Christian has direct access to God through Jesus Christ. A believer does not need to go through any human priest in order to get access to God, receive forgiveness of sins, receive communinion, or obtain grace from God.

T – Two Offices in the Local Church

• Baptists believe in only two biblical offices in the local church – Pastor(s) and Deacons.
• While there may be a “board” to help with policy, finances, decision-making, etc. The board assists the Pastor, Deacons, and church. The Pastor is not subservient to the board.
• Most baptists believe that the terms bishop, pastor, and elder are interchangeable (thus, there is not a board of elders above the pastor.)

I – Individual Soul Liberty

• We believe that every person is responsible for themselves to God.
• A person is responsible to listen to the Bible preached, hear the Gospel, understand their need for God, and respond to Jesus Christ in faith to be saved.
• We do not believe a person gets right with God because of their ethnic or family heritage.

S – Separation of Church and State

• We believe the church should be separate from the government and vice versa. (No state church like in England which has the Anglican church).
• While we believe these two institutions should be separate, it doesn’t mean that Christians and churches shouldn’t interact with the Government. We should pray for our governement and leaders. We should also do everything we can to influence the government to make good and godly decisions which benefit the nation and it’s citizens.

T – Two Ordinances

Most baptist churches believe in only two ordanances which are baptism and the Lord’s Supper (commonly referred to as communion.)

• The Lord’s Supper: We believe that Jesus instituted using bread and juice to remember his broken body and shed blood. We believe these are for memorial purposes to worship Him and His work. We don’t believe that any grace is conveyed to the partaker. We also don’t believe it is Jesus’ actual blood or flesh.
• Baptism: We believe that baptism is for the person who has already believed (expressed faith) in Jesus Christ. Baptism does not provide any additional means of salvation, but is a way to identify with Jesus and His work.