What we stand for is who we are

Church Membership

Our church members shall be men and women who have received Jesus Christ into their heart by faith as their personal Lord and Savior, and are baptized into his body upon their confession faith, in the name of God, The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit.

 

Priesthood of All Believers

We affirm the priesthood of all believers. Laypersons have the same right as ordained ministers to communicate with God, interpret Scripture, and minister in Christ's name. We require and encourage strong lay involvement on our ministries and committees. This doctrine is first and foremost a matter of responsibility and servanthood, not privilege and license. It is of course, a perversion of this doctrine to say that all views are equally valid, that you can believe anything and still be in fellowshipor that the pastor has no unique leadership role.

 

Soul Competency

We affirm soul competency, the accountability of each person before God. Your family cannot save you. Neither can your church. It comes down to you and God. Authorities can't force belief or unbelief. They shouldn't try. Against this backdrop of religious freedom, it's important for us as Baptists to set forth our convictions. By stating them in a forthright manner, we provide nonbelievers with a clear choice.

 

Creeds and Confessions

Ours is not creedalism, because our statements of belief does not have the same authority as Scripture. Scriptural authority guides everything we believe and practice. Therefore, our statements of belief are revisable in light of The Bible, which is the final word. Because of this distinction, we are generally more comfortable with the word "confession." Still, we are "creedal" in the sense that we believe certain things, express those beliefs and order our institutions accordingly.

 

Women in Ministry

Women participate equally with men in the priesthood of all believers. Their role is crucial, their wisdom, grace and commitment exemplary. Women are an integral part of our church committees, boards, faculties, mission teams, writer pools, and professional staffs. We affirm and celebrate their Great Commission impact.

 

 

Church and State

We stand for a free church in a free state. Neither one should control the affairs of the other. We support the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, with its "establishment" and "free exercise" clauses. We do, of course, acknowledge the legitimate interplay of these two spheres. For example, it is appropriate for the state to enact and enforce fire codes for the church nurseries. It is also appropriate for ministers to offer prayer at civic functions. Neither the Constitution nor our tradition as Baptists would build a wall of separation against such practices as these.

 

Missions

We ask the people of the world to conform to Christ and His Word, and not to our merely human traditions. We seek to lift up national leadership in the countries where we serve, and to respect the cultural expressions of their faith – we honor the indigenous principle in missions. We cannot, however, compromise doctrine or give up who we are to win the favor of those we try to reach or those with whom we desire to work. This would rob our efforts of their integrity and life. The priority is evangelism which results in churches. This priority is consistent with strong social ministries, including medical care, emergency famine relief, water projects and agricultural assistance.

 

Autonomy and Cooperation

As an autonomous local church, we are free to determine our own membership and to set our own course under the headship of Jesus. Also, we may enter into alliance with other churches and bodies – local associations; state conventions; national conventions – as we choose, so long as those other churches/bodies are willing.

 

With the full import and understanding, and in the light of this autonomy, we cooperate with local associations; state conventions; national conventions in The Cooperative Program.

 

Sexuality

We affirm God's plan for marriage and sexual intimacy – one man, and one woman, for life. Homosexuality is not a "valid alternative lifestyle." The Bible condemns it as sin. It is not, however, unforgivable sin. The same redemption available to all sinners is available to homosexuals. They, too, may become new creations in Christ.

 

Sanctity of Life

Procreation is a gift from God, a precious trust reserved for marriage. At the moment of conception, a new being enters the universe, a human being, a being created in God's image. This human being deserves our protection, whatever the circumstances of conception.