When asked, “What kind of church are you?” I respond, “Reformed Baptist.”

“What is a Reformed Baptist Church?” You may ask. Let me explain.

First of all, a Reformed Baptist Church is a local church that acknowledges the supreme authority of Holy Scripture. In all matters of faith, that is in the things we believe, and of practice, that is in the things that we do, our sole authority is the Word of God. We are not governed by tradition, nor by the opinions of men, nor by sentiment, nor by pragmatism but by the Word of God alone. We desire that our church and our life be patterned after and conformed to the Word of God. We are always seeking for God to deepen our understanding of His Word, and we are always ready to reform any of our practices if it becomes apparent that we are out of line with the Scriptures.

Secondly, a Reformed Baptist Church believes in the pre-eminence of the preaching of the Word of God. We believe that the preaching of the Bible must have the central place in our services. We believe that nothing else can or should take the place of the preaching of the Word. In addition, we believe that God’s Word should be the basic curriculum for all of the teaching ministries of the church. We are a church that teaches and studies the Bible as the very Word of God to us.

Thirdly, as a Reformed Baptist Church we unashamedly declare our belief in those doctrines which are commonly referred to as the doctrines of grace. By this expression we mean the biblical doctrines that where recovered during the time of the reformation. These doctrines; Total depravity, Unconditional election, Definite atonement, Effectual calling and the Perseverance of the saints, uphold the sovereignty of God in the salvation of men.

Fourthly, Reformed Baptists hold to what has been referred to as “believers baptism”. We practice baptism by immersion of those who have received Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. We believe that the Bible teaches that baptism follows conversion and confession of faith, it does not precede it.

We can also be characterized as holding to the five “solas” of the Protestant Reformation:

Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone) That the Scripture alone is our ultimate authority and guide for faith and practice. That the Word of God is sufficient for all things pertaining to life and godliness.

Sola Gratia (Grace alone) That all people have sinned and stand condemned before God and have completely lost any ability to perform any spiritual good needed for salvation. Therefore, the salvation of sinners is accomplished by the grace of God alone. Salvation is entirely of and by God and is not caused by any work or merit of our own.

Sola Fide (Faith alone) That people are justified by faith alone and not by works in addition to faith. Faith, which consists of assent, approval and personal commitment, is entirely a gift of God. The object of faith is Jesus Christ and His substitutionary sacrifice by which a believer is declared to be righteous. Although we are not saved by works, we are saved to good works through love.

Solo Christus (Christ alone) That there is no other means of salvation and being reconciled to God, except through Jesus Christ and His work of salvation completed upon the cross. We believe in His deity and full humanity. We believe in His virgin birth, His sinless life, His vicarious and atoning death, His bodily resurrection, His ascension to the right hand of the Father, His continuing sovereign rule over all of the affairs of man, and His personal visible future return in power and glory.

Soli Deo Gloria (To God alone be the glory) We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Because He is our Creator, Sustainer and Redeemer, we are to glorify Him and enjoy Him forever. This is the ultimate purpose for every person who has ever lived. Every thing that we do as individuals and as a church is to be done for His glory alone.

We are a church that loves Jesus Christ, loves the Word of God, loves sound doctrine and loves the children of God. It is our express desire to be a church that reflects what we see in Scripture regarding living out our lives in community in such a way that God is glorified! We are the family of God, the bride of Christ, the kingdom of God upon the earth! To God be the glory!

Pastor Steve