CORE VALUES - FIRST BAPTIST
CHURCH
PREAMBLE: The following presents the core values of First
Baptist Church, St. Clair. We desire that they define and drive
our ministry. An overriding value which is reflected in each of
these values is that "people matter to God!" Believing
that people matter to God...
1. We value BIBLICAL AUTHORITY.
The Bible is the authority and guide in all that we do. It is
God's inerrant and inspired Word and as the authority guides us
in our spiritual growth. (2 Tim. 3:16; John 1:1; Heb. 4:12; James
1:22-25; Psa.119:9-11,105)
2. We value GODLY LEADERSHIP.
We believe the church should be led by believers who utilize appropriate
spiritual gifts. We also believe leaders should exemplify a dedication
to God, a love and compassion for others, a concern for those
without faith in Christ, and hold a desire to see God's church
grow. (Acts 6:1-7; 13:1-3; Col. 2:19; 1 Cor.12:7-13; Gal.5:22-23)
3. We value PRAYER.
We believe Prayer is an avenue of communion with God of which
He hears and answers. Therefore, we will utilize prayer in the
conception, planning and execution of all activities of the church.
(Philippians 4:6-7; Ephesians 6:18; James 5:15-16)
4. We value EVANGELISM.
We will meet the unchurched where they are and will share with
them the excitement of knowing a living God. We will use every
available Christ-centered means to meet the spiritual needs of
our community, state and world. (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; John
3:16)
5. We value WORSHIP.
Worship is the connective relationship in which believers acknowledge
God, interact with Him, and communicate with Him in a spiritually,
transforming way. (Psa. 99:3-5; 150-6; 86:8-13; Isa. 66:23)
6. We value DISCIPLESHIP.
God expects complete devotion to Christ and His cause through
continual growth and commitment that produces fruit of the Spirit.
The fruit consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth.
(Lk. 14:26-27; Ephesians 4:11-14, 5:9; Gal. 5:22-23)
7. We value MINISTRY.
Ministry is believers using their God-given gifts to meet the
needs of those around them (Ephesians 4:12; Romans 12:4-8). Ministry
is: equipping believers (Matt. 28:19-20), serving others (Matt.
25:45), loving others (1 Cor. 13:1-3), following Jesus' example
(Mk. 10:45).
We minister to those around us as we go through daily life. Jesus
is our example of how to minister.
8. We value FELLOWSHIP/COMMUNITY
We believe that our church is to facilitate the joining of God's
people in loving relationships within a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Through worship, small group experiences and fellowship activities
we aspire to facilitate lasting friendships and assimilate newcomers
into the life of the church. We also believe we cannot achieve
the practical nature of our other core values without meaningful
fellowship and community. (Acts 2:42-47 ; 1 John 1:6-7)
