Church Shopper List

I may not be the oldest kid on the block, but I have been in ministry long enough to have experienced first-hand the disgust of Christians who come to church only to leave shortly thereafter because it doesn't line up with one of their pet issues. So I offer this check list as a little tonic to prevent such future disappointments. Most of these questions are not specifically addressed in our Doctrinal Statement, By-Laws, and Elder's Manual of Church Doctrines and Policies. For a full treatment of what we teach, be sure to read these also.

As to our Doctrine . . .

We do teach what has theologically been termed "Calvinism" and cherish the doctrines of grace.

We do teach confessional baptism and are a baptistic church.

We do allow for differences of opinion among the body on secondary issues.

We do believe that there are some legitimate uses for psychotropic medications.

We do uphold and draw from creeds and confessions that accurately reflect God's Word and have been embraced by the universal church.

We do reject all perversions and attacks against the Gospel of grace including the New Perspective and the Federal Vision.

We do not adhere to a particular creed or confession such as the Westminster Confession of Faith or the 1689 London Baptist Confession.

We do not necessarily view works of art depicting Christ as a violation of the second commandment.

We do not teach that Scripture outlines two classes of Christians, carnal and spiritual.

We do not teach end-times conspiracy theories or a pre-tribulational rapture.

We do not teach a particular hermenutical system such as Covenant Theology, Dispensationalism, or New Covenant Theology.
**N.B. On this issue, there are varied positions represented within our congregation. My perspective is very much like John Piper's: Click Here

As to our Bible . . .

We do uphold a critical text (i.e. NA27 or UBS).

We do not uphold King James Onlyism or give priority to the Textus Receptus.

As to our Leadership . . .

We do teach that the biblical terms, "pastor," "overseer," and "elder" are synonymous.

We do teach that the local church is to be led by a co-equal plurality of qualified pastor-elders.

We do teach that pastor-elders must be male.

As to our Worship and Practice . . .

We do devote a full hour to the preaching of God's Word and cherish expository, doctrinal preaching.

We do sing hymns and psalms.

We do worship with contemporary music and use musical instruments such as drums and guitars.

We do segregate some of our Sunday School classes by age.

We do have voluntary children's church.

We do celebrate Christmas and "Resurrection Day" (i.e. Easter).

We do teach that men have headship over women (complementarianism).

We do teach that the wife is to submit to her husband and that the husband is to love his wife as Christ loves the church.

We do celebrate an open communion restricted to baptized believers.

We do ask that those who partake of the Lord's Table be baptized believers.

We do not promote or practice the so-called charismatic or sign gifts.

We do not employ an "altar call" method of evangelism.

We do not use or promote head-coverings for women.

We do practice Christian liberty in the consumption of alcoholic beverages or tobacco products.

As to our Fellowship . . .

We do not require that someone be a "card-carrying Calvinist" or theologian to be a member of the body.

We do allow for those who are not baptistic, such as Presbyterians, to be co-laborers with us.

We do not participate in ecumenical dialogue and partnership with groups such as Roman Catholicism or Eastern Orthodoxy.

We are dogmatic in the essentials of the faith and charitable in the non-essentials. We won't tolerate either a spirit of compromise when it comes to the Gospel or legalism when it comes to living the Christian life and functioning as a church.

If your issue isn't addressed here or in our other materials, let me know! Email me at 196381@Gmail.com.