What We Believe
Distinctives
To better understand who we are, three descriptive words might be helpful.
INDEPENDENT - Patterning ourselves after all the New Testament churches, we are not part of a denomination of churches but are independent of any outside control or management. We are a self-governing congregation and thus responsible and accountable to ourselves through congregational voting. In following the Scriptural model, we are led by a pastor, as a shepherd with his sheep.
FUNDAMENTAL - By this is meant that the Bible is our sole authority for belief and practice. It is fundamental and foundational to all that we do. 1 Timothy 3:15 says, “But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.” A church rests secure when it is on a solid foundation of truth. As Jesus said, “Thy word is truth” (John 17:17). Thus, to us, all truth is fundamental. Each and every doctrine is fundamental.
Since the church belongs to Christ (Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 5:23-25), it is not man’s position or prerogative to minimize or lessen the importance of any doctrine. As a fundamental church, we have taken the position of defending and contending for all the truth (Jude 3).
BAPTIST - As you study church history, you discover that since the New Testament times there have always been churches who held to baptistic beliefs. Though identified by different names at times, baptistic churches all hold certain heritage convictions. These are best identified through the acrostic:
B.A.P.T.I.S.T.S.
B - Bible is the sole authority for faith and practice (Acts 17:11; 2 Peter 1:1-4; Isaiah 8:19-20).
A - Autonomous: meaning self-governing (Acts 6:1-6; 1 Cor.5:1-7; 1 Peter 5:2).
P - Priesthood of believer - each Christian has equal and full access to God through Jesus Christ (1 Tim.2:5; Hebrews 4:14-16; 1 Pet.2:9).
T - Two church ordinances: believer’s baptism by immersion and the Lord’s Supper (Matt.26:26-29; 28:19; Acts 8:12; 1 Cor.11:23-33).
I - Individual soul liberty - the Christian is given liberty to be Spiritually, Scripturally, and prayerfully persuaded on personal matters where the Bible allows for that (Romans 14; 1 Cor.6:12; 8:1-13; 10:23-33).
S - Separation of church and state (Matt.22:21; Acts 5:27-29).
T - Two church offices: pastor and deacon (Phil.1:1; 1 Tim.3:1-13; Titus 1:6-9).
S - Salvation and baptism required for church membership (Acts 2:41).
Thus, to help distinguish our church in the community from other kinds of churches, these identifying characteristics are utilized. In Canada, there are approximately 300 Independent, Fundamental, Baptist churches. In comparison, the state of Michigan alone has approximately 2,000 Independent, Fundamental, Baptist churches. By the very nature of the independent position, among them, you will find some differences in style, philosophy, and practice. If we had to describe our church in just one word, it would be “Biblicist.” It is our passionate purpose to be true and faithful to the Bible as we seek to glorify God through man and ministry.