What is a Baptist church?
This church is a Baptist church by conviction and principle, not by affiliation. We practice the basic Bible teachings. As Baptists, we believe the following:
- the Bible is our sole authority for all matters of faith and practice;
- the church should be autonomous or self-governing;
- the believer does not need a priest, other than Jesus Christ, to come boldly to God;
- every Christian has equal access to God personally;
- God’s Word gives us two ordinances for the church: baptism and the Lord’s Table;
- each person is individually responsible for his decision to accept Christ;
- the separation of church and state is biblical;
- the believer is eternally secure and cannot lose salvation;
- two biblical offices within the church: pastors and deacons.
What does it mean to be an independent church?
As an independent Baptist church, we are not affiliated with any particular Baptist denomination or ruling body. Because of this independence we can support our own missionaries, select our own leaders and support institutions that believe as we believe. In short, our church answers to the headship of Jesus Christ rather than a denominational body. There are currently more than 10,000 independent Baptist churches in America and thousands more throughout the world.
What are your services like?
Our services could be described as helpful, practical and meaningful. Each service is designed to allow you to walk away having a correct view of God and your role in life because of Jesus Christ. Each message is compassionately preached to impact your life. Your heart will be encouraged by music that is refreshing and uplifting, and yet still reflects the worth and majesty of our God.
How can I be involved in the church?
There are various ministries to be involved in at BBC. Many people help with volunteer projects in areas such as maintenance and office related projects. Feel free to contact the church office if you would like to volunteer your time in this way. If you are interested in teaching, helping, singing, or other visible positions of leadership, membership is a prerequisite and an appointment must be set with the ministry leader.
What is required for membership?
To be a member of Bethel Baptist you must first be saved. After salvation the Bible teaches that baptism is an important first step. If you have been saved and baptized either at Bethel or a church of like-faith you may be a candidate for church membership. During any service at Bethel, when Pastor gives the invitation at the end of the service, you may come forward and meet with the pastor and state your desire to become a member of Bethel. A time will then be arranged when you can meet with a few of our deacons and give your testimony of salvation.
What is the philosophy of financial giving?
We do not practice pressure techniques or fundraising schemes. Rather, we choose to occasionally preach and teach what God’s Word says about Christian stewardship and giving. How you respond to that teaching is a heart issue between you and the Lord. The only time you will be contacted about your giving is either when you request it or when you receive our quarterly and annual giving statement summary.
How is the leadership of the church structured?
Ultimately, Christ is the head of this church. On a daily basis, the church is primarily led by the pastor and pastoral leadership team. This team works together in prayer and decision making to follow the leading of God for our church ministry. Also, our deacons serve as a church-elected group that meets with the pastor monthly to review and discuss matters of church importance. The meetings provide a high level of accountability, as well as a great spirit of team cooperation as we follow God’s leading for this church. In addition, monthly church business meetings are held to inform church members of the church’s financial status, and so that church members may vote on issues of importance.
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