OUR BELIEFS

Doctrine

This church receives the Holy Scriptures as its authority in matters of faith and practice. Its understanding of Christian truth as contained therein is in essential accord with the belief of the Baptist Churches affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention as indicated in the Baptist Faith and Message as adopted in 1963.

Affiliation

Why do we believe that denominationalism is so important in an age that shuns denominations? A church belonging to a group of churches is like an individual belonging to a church. It teaches us selflessness, cooperation, and accountability. Other than faith in Christ as savior and Lord, selflessness is one of the great lessons of scripture. To achieve selflessness is a mark of a great believer. Cooperation with likeminded churches gives us a sense of belonging to something greater than ourselves and allows us to achieve things as a group that cannot be achieved individually. Allowing ourselves to be accountable to that which is greater than us is a sign of humility, strength, wisdom, and sincerity. It states with a shout that we as a church are sincere in our walk with our Lord and we are agreeing to be held accountable.

Polity

The government of this church is vested in the body of believers who compose it. It is subject to the control of no other ecclesiastical body, but as is common among Baptist churches it recognizes the benefits of mutual counsel and cooperation.

Church Covenant

Having been led, as we believe by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior and, on the profession of our faith having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we do now, in the presence of God, and this assembly most solemnly and joyfully enter into a covenant with one another as one body in Christ.

We agree, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; in knowledge, holiness, and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrines; to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry and expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the gospel through all nations.

We also agree to maintain family and secret devotions; to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment; to avoid all tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger; to abstain from the sale of and the use of illegal drugs and intoxicating drinks as a beverage; to be zealous in our efforts to advance the Kingdom of our Savior.