Our Mission
As followers of Christ, we exist to glorify God and expand His kingdom as we faithfully equip His people, gladly obey His Word and boldly proclaim His gospel.
About
Our Focus
Fellowship of the Way has a two-fold focus. We believe Scripture teaches that the corporate meeting together of God’s people is for “equipping the saints for the work of the ministry” (Eph. 4:12). It was our desire that God would permit us to become a Bible teaching center to equip Christians with God’s Word. Whether in our worship services where the normal practice is to teach through the Bible verse by verse (expositional), in small groups, or children’s & youth ministries, the teaching of the Word is our foremost objective. The rest of the verse, “for the work of the ministry” is the other prong of our focus. We believe this “ministry” commanded by Christ Himself is that of making disciples. (Matt. 28:19-20) Discipleship occurs when Christians live in community with each other in intentional, life-on- life relationships with the purpose of learning how to grow into mature, ministry-minded followers of Christ.
Our Ministry Goals
We realize it is common in our society and even in churches today to cite numeric growth as evidence of success. Because Fellowship of the Way believes our primary purpose as a local church is to make disciples, we seek to measure God’s work not in numbers of attendees or even converts, but in disciples – mature followers of Jesus Christ. In the end, the “Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be [Christ’s] disciples.” (John 15:8)
Our Ministry Purpose
Fellowship of the Way wants our purpose to be that of serving those in need. The Bible teaches not that the church exists to meet your needs, but rather that you exist to meet the needs of others. A heart of humility says “do not cater to me. I am here to serve,” and we pray thatGod allows this local body to have this heart in all that we do. (Mark 9:35) In the end, the greatest need, felt or not, is for the gospel. If we spend our time meeting peripheral issues, all we have done is dealt with symptoms without addressing the disease. We seek to focus on the simplicity of living in community by serving each other and those around us that need the light of Jesus Christ shone to them.
Our Organization and Church Government
Fellowship of the Way is independent. We are not organizationally related to any denomination, council, or group of churches. We believe Scripture teaches Biblical "Elder rule" leadership where Spirit-filled, 1Timothy 3 men are called to humbly oversee and shepherd the flock of God with prayer, modeling, and teaching the Scriptures. Deacons are selected to serve under the ruling Elders. Our purpose is to have as simple an organizational structure as possible to accomplish our goal of a balanced ministry of teaching, disciple making, evangelizing, and fellowship (Colossians 1:28).
Our Giving / Finances
We purpose to follow scripture which states that we should give as God has prospered us, not grudgingly, or of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver. (I Corinthians 16:2, II Corinthians 9:7). We refrain from pledges or pressure and simply make needs known to the body. We then trust that the Lord works in hearts and meets those expressed needs. We commit to remain a debt free church.
Our Membership
The process to become a Covenant Member includes the following requirements: A profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, baptism by immersion, and an agreement with the purposes and beliefs of our church. Steps to membership include attending a 4 week in- home small group study on church membership, which includes completing a spiritual gifts assessment, written personal testimony & personal discipleship plan. There will also be an elder interview after the 4 week study has been completed.
Children
We treasure our children because “sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him” (Ps. 127:3). It is a joy to serve and pray for the next generation. The parents of the church are primarily responsible under God to bring up their children in the training and instruction of the Lord. Our role in children’s ministry is to support and encourage the ministry of the parents by faithfully teaching God’s Word and modeling genuine Christianity for the children in our care. We are committed to not overburden our families with excessive ministry opportunities so that families have time for personal Bible study, devotions, discipleship, etc. All age-segregated or age-appropriate teaching for the children will be with the intent and purpose of assisting & supplementing parents in their role of family discipleship.
Youth
Our church family aims to view the youth in the church more as “apprentices” instead of adolescents and desires for them to learn how to walk with Christ during their transition from childhood to adulthood. There is great benefit to spending time with wise, godly Christians. We seek to season the consciences of students by bringing them together at church with believers of all ages to learn about God and His truth. Additionally, we emphasize that parents are the principal shapers of young minds and that the home is the primary campus in which those minds are shaped. Therefore, all age-segregated teaching and activities for junior high and high school students will be for the purpose of supplementing parents’ role in discipling their children at home and to encourage them to involve their children closely in the life and teaching of the church.
Music
We are committed to worshipping God together in song through lyrics that exalt the character of God and express the truths of Scripture, through music performed with skill and excellence from among historic hymns and current praise songs, and in a style that fosters unity by focusing our attention on God alone. Colossians 3:16-17
Fellowship of the Way has a two-fold focus. We believe Scripture teaches that the corporate meeting together of God’s people is for “equipping the saints for the work of the ministry” (Eph. 4:12). It was our desire that God would permit us to become a Bible teaching center to equip Christians with God’s Word. Whether in our worship services where the normal practice is to teach through the Bible verse by verse (expositional), in small groups, or children’s & youth ministries, the teaching of the Word is our foremost objective. The rest of the verse, “for the work of the ministry” is the other prong of our focus. We believe this “ministry” commanded by Christ Himself is that of making disciples. (Matt. 28:19-20) Discipleship occurs when Christians live in community with each other in intentional, life-on- life relationships with the purpose of learning how to grow into mature, ministry-minded followers of Christ.
Our Ministry Goals
We realize it is common in our society and even in churches today to cite numeric growth as evidence of success. Because Fellowship of the Way believes our primary purpose as a local church is to make disciples, we seek to measure God’s work not in numbers of attendees or even converts, but in disciples – mature followers of Jesus Christ. In the end, the “Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be [Christ’s] disciples.” (John 15:8)
Our Ministry Purpose
Fellowship of the Way wants our purpose to be that of serving those in need. The Bible teaches not that the church exists to meet your needs, but rather that you exist to meet the needs of others. A heart of humility says “do not cater to me. I am here to serve,” and we pray thatGod allows this local body to have this heart in all that we do. (Mark 9:35) In the end, the greatest need, felt or not, is for the gospel. If we spend our time meeting peripheral issues, all we have done is dealt with symptoms without addressing the disease. We seek to focus on the simplicity of living in community by serving each other and those around us that need the light of Jesus Christ shone to them.
Our Organization and Church Government
Fellowship of the Way is independent. We are not organizationally related to any denomination, council, or group of churches. We believe Scripture teaches Biblical "Elder rule" leadership where Spirit-filled, 1Timothy 3 men are called to humbly oversee and shepherd the flock of God with prayer, modeling, and teaching the Scriptures. Deacons are selected to serve under the ruling Elders. Our purpose is to have as simple an organizational structure as possible to accomplish our goal of a balanced ministry of teaching, disciple making, evangelizing, and fellowship (Colossians 1:28).
Our Giving / Finances
We purpose to follow scripture which states that we should give as God has prospered us, not grudgingly, or of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver. (I Corinthians 16:2, II Corinthians 9:7). We refrain from pledges or pressure and simply make needs known to the body. We then trust that the Lord works in hearts and meets those expressed needs. We commit to remain a debt free church.
Our Membership
The process to become a Covenant Member includes the following requirements: A profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, baptism by immersion, and an agreement with the purposes and beliefs of our church. Steps to membership include attending a 4 week in- home small group study on church membership, which includes completing a spiritual gifts assessment, written personal testimony & personal discipleship plan. There will also be an elder interview after the 4 week study has been completed.
Children
We treasure our children because “sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him” (Ps. 127:3). It is a joy to serve and pray for the next generation. The parents of the church are primarily responsible under God to bring up their children in the training and instruction of the Lord. Our role in children’s ministry is to support and encourage the ministry of the parents by faithfully teaching God’s Word and modeling genuine Christianity for the children in our care. We are committed to not overburden our families with excessive ministry opportunities so that families have time for personal Bible study, devotions, discipleship, etc. All age-segregated or age-appropriate teaching for the children will be with the intent and purpose of assisting & supplementing parents in their role of family discipleship.
Youth
Our church family aims to view the youth in the church more as “apprentices” instead of adolescents and desires for them to learn how to walk with Christ during their transition from childhood to adulthood. There is great benefit to spending time with wise, godly Christians. We seek to season the consciences of students by bringing them together at church with believers of all ages to learn about God and His truth. Additionally, we emphasize that parents are the principal shapers of young minds and that the home is the primary campus in which those minds are shaped. Therefore, all age-segregated teaching and activities for junior high and high school students will be for the purpose of supplementing parents’ role in discipling their children at home and to encourage them to involve their children closely in the life and teaching of the church.
Music
We are committed to worshipping God together in song through lyrics that exalt the character of God and express the truths of Scripture, through music performed with skill and excellence from among historic hymns and current praise songs, and in a style that fosters unity by focusing our attention on God alone. Colossians 3:16-17
Staff
More info coming soon...
More info coming soon...
Events
** Serve with Forgotten Ministries at Don Haskins Park first Tuesday of every month,
6 pm - 9 pm.
** Serve with Forgotten Ministries at Don Haskins Park first Tuesday of every month,
6 pm - 9 pm.
** Wednesday, March 7 6-8pm: Church-wide Evangelism Training with
Forgotten Ministries. Meet at Westropes.
** Friday, March 9 at 5:30pm: Church-wide fellowship at the Westropes.
Contact Renee for food sign-up. 402-0765
** Saturday, March 31st at 8:00am: KNEES 2 WAR Race/Run/Walk
to Benefit Touch India Ministries "Children's Home Building Project"
Register at www.getmeregistered.com
Worship
Sunday 9:30 - Kids Church & Men's Prayer Time
10:30 - Worship Service
Parents are welcome and encouraged to attend Kids Church with their children. There is a nursery for ages 3 and under during the worship service.
Directions: We meet at the Senior Life Network located in the Oakwood Mall. Park to the right of the food court. An outside door will have our sign on it for Fellowship of the Way. Or you may enter through the inside of the mall. We are right beside Dillards.
You are welcome to join us for lunch in the food court following worship at noon.
Ministry
Instead of ministering on the basis of people coming to us, our approach is to take the ministry to the people who need Jesus (Matt.28:19). Like the Son of God humbling leaving His heavenly home to dwell among those whom He loved, we want to be known for our willingness to take the gospel from within the walls of our building to affect the lives of those we come into contact-neighbors, co-workers, famliy & friends, and anyone God puts in our path. Most ministry opportunities will be conducted through the small groups. Small groups will work together as a group in meeting needs within the community and the world.
1st Tuesday of every month: Forgotten Ministries / Don Haskins Park @ 6:30
Instead of ministering on the basis of people coming to us, our approach is to take the ministry to the people who need Jesus (Matt.28:19). Like the Son of God humbling leaving His heavenly home to dwell among those whom He loved, we want to be known for our willingness to take the gospel from within the walls of our building to affect the lives of those we come into contact-neighbors, co-workers, famliy & friends, and anyone God puts in our path. Most ministry opportunities will be conducted through the small groups. Small groups will work together as a group in meeting needs within the community and the world.
1st Tuesday of every month: Forgotten Ministries / Don Haskins Park @ 6:30
Small Groups
We are committed to personal involvement in one another's lives through home groups led by spiritual shepherds. These will provide a place for targeted discipleship, personal fellowship & accountability, mutual encouragement, and prayer, and will be the core framework for meeting practical needs within the church. Hebrews 10:24-25
Sundays @ 4:00 | Ferguson's house | contact:kelly_psalms18@yahoo.com
Wednesdays @ 6:30 | Westrope's house | contact: john@tmconsulting.us
We are committed to personal involvement in one another's lives through home groups led by spiritual shepherds. These will provide a place for targeted discipleship, personal fellowship & accountability, mutual encouragement, and prayer, and will be the core framework for meeting practical needs within the church. Hebrews 10:24-25
Sundays @ 4:00 | Ferguson's house | contact:kelly_psalms18@yahoo.com
Wednesdays @ 6:30 | Westrope's house | contact: john@tmconsulting.us
Believe
The Word of God
We believe that the Bible is the Word of God, fully inspired and without error in the original manuscripts, written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and that it has supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct. (II Timothy 3:16; II Peter 1:20,21; Mark 13:31; John 8:31,32; John 20:31; Acts 20:32)
The Trinity
We believe that there is one living and true God, eternally existing in three persons; the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit; that these are equal in every divine perfection, and that they execute distinct but harmonious offices in the work of creation, providence and redemption. (Genesis 1:1,26; John 1:1,3; Matthew 28:19; John 4:24; Romans 1:19,20; Ephesians 4:5,6)
God the Father
We believe in God the Father, an infinite, personal spirit, perfect in holiness, wisdom, power, authority and love. We believe that He infallibly foreknows all that shall come to pass, that He concerns Himself mercifully in the affairs of men, that He hears and answers prayer, and that He saves from sin and death all who come to Him through Jesus Christ. (Luke 10:21,22; Matthew 23:9; John 3:16; 6:27; Romans 1:7; I Timothy 1:1,2; 2:5,6; I Peter 1:3; Revelation 1:6)
Jesus Christ
We believe in Jesus Christ, God's only begotten Son, conceived by the Holy Spirit. We believe in His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles and teachings. We believe in His substitutionary, atoning death, bodily resurrection, ascension into heaven, constant intercession for His people, and personal visible return to earth. (Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38; John 1:1; 20:28; Romans 9:5; II Corinthians 5:21; I Peter 2:21-23; John 20:30, 31; Matthew 20:28; Ephesians 1:4; Acts 1:11; Romans 5:6-8; 6:9,10; Hebrews 7:25; Hebrews 9:28; I Timothy 3:16)
The Holy Spirit
We believe in the Holy Spirit who came forth from the Father and Son to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and to regenerate, sanctify, and empower all who believe in Jesus Christ. We believe that the Holy Spirit indwells every believer in Christ, and that He is an abiding helper, teacher and guide. The Holy Spirit distributes spiritual gifts to each believer according to His will. God, in His sovereignty, still works in miraculous ways through His Spirit. However, we understand that the sign gifts have served their purpose and should not be expected in the church today. (John 14:16,17,26; 15:26,27; John 16:7-14; Romans 8:9; I Corinthians 3:16; 6:19; Galatians 5:22-26; 1 Corinthians 13:8)
Regeneration
We believe that man was created by God in His own image; that he sinned and thereby incurred physical, spiritual and eternal death, which is separation from God; that as a consequence, all human beings are born with a sinful nature and are sinners by choice and therefore under condemnation. We believe that those who repent and forsake sin and trust Jesus Christ as Savior are regenerated by the Holy Spirit and become new creatures, delivered from condemnation and receive eternal life. (Genesis. 1:26; 5:2; Genesis 3; Genesis 2:17; 3:19; Eccl. 2:11; John 3:14; 5:24; John 5:30; 8:12; 10:26; Romans 9:22; II Thessalonians 1:9; Rev. 19:3,20; 20:10;14,15; 21:18; Psalm 51:7; Jeremiah 17:9; James 1:14; Romans 3:19; 5:19; Proverbs 28:13; I John 1:9; John 3:16; John 1:13; II Corinthians 5:17; Romans 8:1) We teach that all the redeemed, once saved, are kept by God’s power and are thus secure inChrist forever (John 5:24; 6:37-40; 10:27-30; Romans 5:9-10; 8:1, 31-39; 1 Corinthians 1:4-8; Ephesians 4:30; Hebrews 7:25; 13:5; 1 Peter 1:5; Jude 24). We teach that it is the privilege of believers to rejoice in the assurance of their salvation through the testimony of God’s Word, which, however, clearly forbids the use of Christian liberty as an occasion for sinful and irresponsible living (Romans 6:15-22; 13:13-14; Galatians 5:13, 25-26; Titus 2:11-14).
The Church
-Universal and Local
The Church consists of all who place their faith in Jesus Christ, being immediately baptized by the Holy Spirit into one united spiritual Body of which Christ is the head. This universal Church is established and propagated through the agency of local churches, and all the members of this one spiritual Body are directed to associate themselves together in various local assemblies that conform to Scripture (Acts 14:21-27; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13; Phil 1:1; Colossians 1:18; Heb 10:23-25). We teach the autonomy of the local church, free from any external authority or control, with the right of self-government and freedom from the interference of any hierarchy of individuals or organizations (Titus 1:5). We teach that it is scriptural for true churches to cooperate with each other for the presentation and propagation of the faith. Each local church, however, through its elders and their interpretation and application of Scripture, should be the sole judge of the measure and method of its cooperation. The elders should determine all other matters of membership, policy, discipline, benevolence, and government as well (Acts 15:19-31; 20:28; 1 Corinthians 5:4-7, 13; 1 Peter 5:1-4).
-Uniqueness of the Church
The Church is a unique spiritual organism originated by Christ through His apostles under the guidance of the Holy Spirit as God's means of managing His affairs with mankind in this present age, and in this is distinct from Israel, a mystery not revealed until this age (Rom 11:25-32; 1 Cor 10:32; Eph 2:11-3:6; 5:32).
-Church Leadership
We teach that the one supreme authority for the church is Christ and that church leadership, gifts, order, discipline, and worship are all appointed through His sovereignty as found in the Scriptures. The biblically designated officers serving under Christ and over the assembly are elders (also called bishops, pastors, and pastorteachers; Acts 20:28; Ephesians 4:11) and deacons, both of whom must meet biblical qualifications (1 Corinthians 11:3; Ephesians 1:22; Colossians 1:18, 1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-5).
-Purpose of the Church
The primary purpose of the church is to glorify God by gathering corporately for worship of God, by building itself up in the faith, by making disciples through the proclamation of the gospel and the Word, by fellowship with one another, and by keeping the ordinances (Eph 3:21, 4:13-16; Matt 28:19; 2 Tim 3:16-4:2; Acts 2:47; 1 John 1:3; Acts 2:38-42; 1 Cor 11:23-26). We teach the importance of discipleship (Matthew 28:19-20; 2 Timothy 2:2), mutual accountability of all believers to each other (Matthew 18:5-14), as well as the need for discipline of sinning members of the congregation in accord with the standards of Scripture (Matthew 18:15-22; Acts 5:1-11; 1 Corinthians 5:1-13; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15; 1 Timothy 1:19-20; Titus 1:10-16).
Christian Conduct
We believe that a Christian should live for the glory of God and the well-being of his fellow men; that his conduct should be blameless before the world; that he should be a faithful steward of his possessions; that he should seek to realize for himself and others the full stature of maturity in Christ. (I Corinthians 10:31; Romans 12:1-3; Hebrews 12:1-2; John 14:15,23-24; I John 2:3-6; II Corinthians 9:6-9; I Corinthians 4:2; Col. 1:9-10)
The Ordinances
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ has committed two ordinances to the local church, baptism and the Lord's Supper. We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion of the believer in water into the name of the triune God. We believe that the Lord's Supper was instituted by Christ for commemoration of His death. We believe that these two ordinances should be observed and administered until the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Matthew 28:18-20; Romans 6:3-5; I Corinthians 11:23-26)
Satan
We teach that Satan is the open and declared enemy of God and man; that he is the prince of this world, who has been defeated through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ; and that he shall be eternally punished in the lake of fire. (Isaiah 14:13-14; Matthew 4:1-11; Revelation 12:9-10, Romans 16:20, Isaiah 14:12-17; Ezekiel 28:11-19; Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:10)
The Last Things
We believe that the Bible is the Word of God, fully inspired and without error in the original manuscripts, written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and that it has supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct. (II Timothy 3:16; II Peter 1:20,21; Mark 13:31; John 8:31,32; John 20:31; Acts 20:32)
The Trinity
We believe that there is one living and true God, eternally existing in three persons; the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit; that these are equal in every divine perfection, and that they execute distinct but harmonious offices in the work of creation, providence and redemption. (Genesis 1:1,26; John 1:1,3; Matthew 28:19; John 4:24; Romans 1:19,20; Ephesians 4:5,6)
God the Father
We believe in God the Father, an infinite, personal spirit, perfect in holiness, wisdom, power, authority and love. We believe that He infallibly foreknows all that shall come to pass, that He concerns Himself mercifully in the affairs of men, that He hears and answers prayer, and that He saves from sin and death all who come to Him through Jesus Christ. (Luke 10:21,22; Matthew 23:9; John 3:16; 6:27; Romans 1:7; I Timothy 1:1,2; 2:5,6; I Peter 1:3; Revelation 1:6)
Jesus Christ
We believe in Jesus Christ, God's only begotten Son, conceived by the Holy Spirit. We believe in His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles and teachings. We believe in His substitutionary, atoning death, bodily resurrection, ascension into heaven, constant intercession for His people, and personal visible return to earth. (Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38; John 1:1; 20:28; Romans 9:5; II Corinthians 5:21; I Peter 2:21-23; John 20:30, 31; Matthew 20:28; Ephesians 1:4; Acts 1:11; Romans 5:6-8; 6:9,10; Hebrews 7:25; Hebrews 9:28; I Timothy 3:16)
The Holy Spirit
We believe in the Holy Spirit who came forth from the Father and Son to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and to regenerate, sanctify, and empower all who believe in Jesus Christ. We believe that the Holy Spirit indwells every believer in Christ, and that He is an abiding helper, teacher and guide. The Holy Spirit distributes spiritual gifts to each believer according to His will. God, in His sovereignty, still works in miraculous ways through His Spirit. However, we understand that the sign gifts have served their purpose and should not be expected in the church today. (John 14:16,17,26; 15:26,27; John 16:7-14; Romans 8:9; I Corinthians 3:16; 6:19; Galatians 5:22-26; 1 Corinthians 13:8)
Regeneration
We believe that man was created by God in His own image; that he sinned and thereby incurred physical, spiritual and eternal death, which is separation from God; that as a consequence, all human beings are born with a sinful nature and are sinners by choice and therefore under condemnation. We believe that those who repent and forsake sin and trust Jesus Christ as Savior are regenerated by the Holy Spirit and become new creatures, delivered from condemnation and receive eternal life. (Genesis. 1:26; 5:2; Genesis 3; Genesis 2:17; 3:19; Eccl. 2:11; John 3:14; 5:24; John 5:30; 8:12; 10:26; Romans 9:22; II Thessalonians 1:9; Rev. 19:3,20; 20:10;14,15; 21:18; Psalm 51:7; Jeremiah 17:9; James 1:14; Romans 3:19; 5:19; Proverbs 28:13; I John 1:9; John 3:16; John 1:13; II Corinthians 5:17; Romans 8:1) We teach that all the redeemed, once saved, are kept by God’s power and are thus secure inChrist forever (John 5:24; 6:37-40; 10:27-30; Romans 5:9-10; 8:1, 31-39; 1 Corinthians 1:4-8; Ephesians 4:30; Hebrews 7:25; 13:5; 1 Peter 1:5; Jude 24). We teach that it is the privilege of believers to rejoice in the assurance of their salvation through the testimony of God’s Word, which, however, clearly forbids the use of Christian liberty as an occasion for sinful and irresponsible living (Romans 6:15-22; 13:13-14; Galatians 5:13, 25-26; Titus 2:11-14).
The Church
-Universal and Local
The Church consists of all who place their faith in Jesus Christ, being immediately baptized by the Holy Spirit into one united spiritual Body of which Christ is the head. This universal Church is established and propagated through the agency of local churches, and all the members of this one spiritual Body are directed to associate themselves together in various local assemblies that conform to Scripture (Acts 14:21-27; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13; Phil 1:1; Colossians 1:18; Heb 10:23-25). We teach the autonomy of the local church, free from any external authority or control, with the right of self-government and freedom from the interference of any hierarchy of individuals or organizations (Titus 1:5). We teach that it is scriptural for true churches to cooperate with each other for the presentation and propagation of the faith. Each local church, however, through its elders and their interpretation and application of Scripture, should be the sole judge of the measure and method of its cooperation. The elders should determine all other matters of membership, policy, discipline, benevolence, and government as well (Acts 15:19-31; 20:28; 1 Corinthians 5:4-7, 13; 1 Peter 5:1-4).
-Uniqueness of the Church
The Church is a unique spiritual organism originated by Christ through His apostles under the guidance of the Holy Spirit as God's means of managing His affairs with mankind in this present age, and in this is distinct from Israel, a mystery not revealed until this age (Rom 11:25-32; 1 Cor 10:32; Eph 2:11-3:6; 5:32).
-Church Leadership
We teach that the one supreme authority for the church is Christ and that church leadership, gifts, order, discipline, and worship are all appointed through His sovereignty as found in the Scriptures. The biblically designated officers serving under Christ and over the assembly are elders (also called bishops, pastors, and pastorteachers; Acts 20:28; Ephesians 4:11) and deacons, both of whom must meet biblical qualifications (1 Corinthians 11:3; Ephesians 1:22; Colossians 1:18, 1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-5).
-Purpose of the Church
The primary purpose of the church is to glorify God by gathering corporately for worship of God, by building itself up in the faith, by making disciples through the proclamation of the gospel and the Word, by fellowship with one another, and by keeping the ordinances (Eph 3:21, 4:13-16; Matt 28:19; 2 Tim 3:16-4:2; Acts 2:47; 1 John 1:3; Acts 2:38-42; 1 Cor 11:23-26). We teach the importance of discipleship (Matthew 28:19-20; 2 Timothy 2:2), mutual accountability of all believers to each other (Matthew 18:5-14), as well as the need for discipline of sinning members of the congregation in accord with the standards of Scripture (Matthew 18:15-22; Acts 5:1-11; 1 Corinthians 5:1-13; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15; 1 Timothy 1:19-20; Titus 1:10-16).
Christian Conduct
We believe that a Christian should live for the glory of God and the well-being of his fellow men; that his conduct should be blameless before the world; that he should be a faithful steward of his possessions; that he should seek to realize for himself and others the full stature of maturity in Christ. (I Corinthians 10:31; Romans 12:1-3; Hebrews 12:1-2; John 14:15,23-24; I John 2:3-6; II Corinthians 9:6-9; I Corinthians 4:2; Col. 1:9-10)
The Ordinances
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ has committed two ordinances to the local church, baptism and the Lord's Supper. We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion of the believer in water into the name of the triune God. We believe that the Lord's Supper was instituted by Christ for commemoration of His death. We believe that these two ordinances should be observed and administered until the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Matthew 28:18-20; Romans 6:3-5; I Corinthians 11:23-26)
Satan
We teach that Satan is the open and declared enemy of God and man; that he is the prince of this world, who has been defeated through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ; and that he shall be eternally punished in the lake of fire. (Isaiah 14:13-14; Matthew 4:1-11; Revelation 12:9-10, Romans 16:20, Isaiah 14:12-17; Ezekiel 28:11-19; Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:10)
The Last Things
(Taken from the Baptist Faith and Message) God, in His own time and in His own way, will bring the world to its appropriate end. According to His promise, Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly in glory to the earth; the dead will be raised; and Christ will judge all men in righteousness. The unrighteous will be consigned to Hell, the place of everlasting punishment. The righteous in their resurrected and glorified bodies will receive their reward and will dwell forever in Heaven with the Lord. (Isaiah 2:4; 11:9; Matthew 16:27; 18:8-9; 19:28; 24:27,30,36,44; 25:31-46; 26:64; Mark 8:38; 9:43-48; Luke 12:40,48; 16:19-26; 17:22-37; 21:27-28; John 14:1-3; Acts 1:11; 17:31; Romans 14:10; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 15:24-28,35-58; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Philippians 3:20-21; Colossians 1:5; 3:4; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18; 5:1ff.; 2 Thessalonians 1:7ff.; 2; 1 Timothy 6:14; 2 Timothy 4:1,8; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 9:27-28; James 5:8; 2 Peter 3:7ff.; 1 John 2:28; 3:2; Jude 14; Revelation 1:18; 3:11; 20:1-22:13.)
