Elkins Lake Baptist
Church is ...
- Christian in identity but Baptist in tradition and
expression.
The criteria for membership in ELBC is that a person has
accepted the forgiveness of God in the death of Jesus Christ, committed to
follow Jesus Christ as leader, and
obeyed the first step of Christian discipleship in New Testament baptism by
immersion. Important elements of our Baptist identity are: 1) belief
in a church made up of intentional an converted followers of Jesus; 2)
belief in the authority of scripture as the final guide for faith and
practice; 3) congregational church government; 4) the independence of the
local church (and any other religious expression) from any other governing
body, including (and especially) civil governments; 5) acceptance of the
Christ-given responsibility for worldwide evangelism.
- open to truth in all of its forms but committed
to the final authority of inspired scripture.
An important part of human growth is discovery and
discussion. At ELBC, we are open to searching and discussion in all
areas of life. We recognize that there is not only one way to talk
about the important issues of life (such as only in biblical terms or
"church" terms), but that different disciplines of learning offer legitimate
tools and terms for discovery in God's creation. However, we also
affirm that God has revealed ultimate truth about human existence through
the events and experiences recorded in the 66 books of the scripture, and
these words are our guide and authority in final decisions about truth in
faith and practice.
-respectful
of the freedom of individual Christians but united in behavior by the
boundaries of the law of love and Christ-like character.
As various members of
our church come from various approaches to living the Christian life, and
the law of love (Romans 13:8-10; 1Corinthians 16:13-14; Galatians 6:2) calls
for us to be respectful of each other's sensitivities and convictions, the
people of ELBC have no legalistic description of the life and behavior of a
Christian beyond that of the scriptures and, specifically, the character of
Christ portrayed in the scriptures.
- trusting
of strong staff and committee leadership in the administration and
decision-making of the church but aware of the accountability of leadership
decisions to the entire congregation.
Leadership is
essential for the function of any group. A modified congregational
form of government like that of ELBC understands that leadership positions
such as staff are approved by the entire congregation in regular or called
business sessions. Once appointed, these leaders are to make decisions
and organize the church in a balanced expression of ministry. A
variety of committees are also appointed (by a Nominating Committee and with
a church-wide vote of approval) to make decisions within certain areas of
responsibility. The parameters of their authority are marked by the
committee's job description and the annual budget plan developed by the
Finance committee with staff, committee, and congregational input. Ad
hoc committees can also be appointed as needed with church approval.
The Deacon body is not a decision-making body but rather a ministering and
advising body. As the deacons are spiritual leaders of the fellowship,
major recommendations from committees can be passed before the deacon body
for counsel and advice.
The organization of
ELBC is therefore a representative form of congregational government.
The committees are to be trusted and allowed to lead in ministry decisions.
The staff is also retained to lead and bring spiritual and professional
expertise to their responsibilities. Any concern over staff or
committee functions should be taken up with the pastor (who is entrusted
with managing the church's operation) and the appropriate committee
(Personnel Committee for staff concerns, Nominating Committee for committee
concerns). Deacons may also be consulted about areas of concern.
Any concerns, however, should be handled according to the guidelines of
Matthew 18:15-20.
- sensitive
to the needs and experiences of all its individuals, and yet concerned to
maintain the discipline of reverence and integrity in corporate worship.
In an age of "consumer
church" where people look for churches that address personal interests and
preferences, ELBC is committed to calling Christians to certain disciplines
that may or may not be consistent with tradition, custom, or the tastes of
any one group. The focus of worship is understood to be the Lord God,
not the church member. The main task of worship is to help the
worshipers offer themselves to God and open themselves to encounter with
God. The theology of ELBC recognizes the presence in the body of
Christ of different experiences, spiritual gifts, and personality types.
Each of these is valid and no one is to be determinative of the methods of
the church. Rather, the church will seek a balanced expression and
experience of the Christian life in worship, teaching, and ministries.
Obviously, different ministries and expressions may receive less or greater
emphasis depending on the needs of the particular moment or situation.
- thankful
for the gift of Christian family and fellowship, yet concerned to maintain a
compassionate passion for mission and ministry to those who do not know the
good news of Jesus Christ.
Christian community is
an important discipline of the Christian life. No Christian can be
obedient to Christ and not live in the joy and responsibility of regular
relationships with other Christians. Yet Christian fellowship is never
to be the only (or primary) focus of any individual Christian or church.
There is also a responsibility to be aware of the needs of those who are not
part of the Christian community and to structure the church community to be
receptive to those people. Ministry is understood to involve both
evangelism and the meeting of physical and emotional needs.
- aware of
its unique history and identity, yet open to the living God to determine the
future and lead into the challenges and changes of new ministries.
The history of ELBC
informs decisions of the present and future but does not control them.
The living God, who is understood afresh and anew in various stages of life
and need, has the right to lead the church into new expressions and
ministries that may differ from the history of the church. The
discernment of God's leading in any major change, however, is a matter of
congregational prayer and decision.