Core Distinctives

CORE DISTINCTIVES
Things that may differentiate us from other Christian churches.

Expository Preaching – We understand the preaching of God’s Word to be the primary means God directs His church. As we hear from God we will become more like Him. As we become more like Him we will bring Him greater glory.

Complementarian - We understand the Bible to teach that each local church is to be led by godly men serving in the office of Elders/Pastors.  Women are gifted to serve in many areas and functions of the church (Romans 16:1-2; Titus 2:3-5) , but pastoral leadership is limited to men. (1Timothy 2:12)

Covenantal Church Membership – We understand church membership to be implied and visible within New Testament Scripture. God has chosen the local church to be the means by which men and women come to salvation, are discipled to a maturity of faith, and through which they in turn will evangelize and disciple others.

Believer’s Baptism by Immersion – We believe that baptism by immersion is an ordinance that has been commanded by Christ (Matthew 28:19-20), and practiced since the earliest churches (Acts 8:36), for the purpose of publicly professing our faith in Him. Even though baptism plays no part in the reception of our salvation, it nevertheless is a willing act of obedience to Christ on the part of the believer. Thus, we lovingly and respectfully disagree with Infant Baptism (Paedobaptism) (mode) and Baptism by Sprinkling (method).

Discipleship, not just decisions We are not content to have people simply make a profession of faith in Christ, to have your name on our church roll as a Member; that is just the beginning. We are focusing our attention on helping each person move forward in his or her relationship with Jesus and become more like Him every day (Romans 8:28-30). We are not looking for mere behavioral change, but true heart transformation where the things of God become increasingly more precious to you (1 Peter 1:6-9).

Other helpful documents include:

• The Baptist Faith & Message, 2000 – available online at www.sbc.net
• The New Hampshire Baptist Confession of 1833
• The Chicago Statement of Biblical Inerrancy