The Purpose Statement of Faith Baptist Church
The purpose of Faith Baptist Church is to glorify God by obediently making and equipping disciples of Christ, in Laurel and throughout the world, by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Discipleship Strategy* In keeping with our purpose we employ a three stage strategy to help believers develop into mature, reproducing disciples. Using an analogy from Scripture we develop Deep Water Disciples who begin in the wading pool, progress to the lap pool, and continue to mature in the ocean. Jesus told His first disciples, “Put out into deep water and let down your nets for a catch” (Luke 5:4 NASB). This analogy is clearly seen in Ezekiel 47:1-5 where the prophet is shown a river flowing from the temple that is first ankle-deep, then knee-deep, then waist-deep, and finally a river deep enough to swim in.
Stage 1: The Wading Pool. Inspire Worship: a deepening love for God—Revelation The wading pool represents the entry level of discipleship: ankle-deep to knee-deep water. The worship service is designed to inspire knowledge and trust in Christ as well as strengthen those who know Christ. Therefore, we seek to have dynamic, gospel centered, Christ honoring congregational worship. God reveals Himself by grace as the church is assembled to exalt Christ through the preaching of God’s Word and the praise of God’s people for the glory of God’s name. Deuteronomy 31:12; Nehemiah 8:2; Psalm 95:6; Luke 4:16; John 12:32; Galatians 1:12; Hebrews 10:24-25
Stage 2: THE LAP POOL. Initiate Relationships: a deepening love for God’s Church—Preparation The lap pool represents the next level of discipleship: waist-deep water. Relationships are built with those inside and outside the church as it is organized into small groups where disciples are equipped through Bible study, encouraged through fellowship, and expanding through evangelistic outreach. Ephesians 4:11-12; 2 Timothy 2:2; Acts 2:41-42, 46; 5:42; Hebrews 5:12-14
Stage 3: THE OCEAN. Intensify Service: a deepening love for God’s Kingdom—Application The ocean represents an even deeper level of discipleship: deep enough to swim in. This is the church involved in missions locally and globally. The church looks out on an ocean of opportunity and responsibility. Jesus commands His church to put out into the deep water where the fish are. Our goal is for every member of Faith Baptist Church to be personally and strategically involved in local and world missions, mobilizing laborers, prayer, and finances to the end of glorifying God among all people. Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:47; John 20:21; Acts 1:3, 8; 13:2-3; 14:26-28; 2 Peter 1:12-13; Proverbs 24:11; Psalm 67:1-2; Psalm 96:3 “Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20–21, NASB95)
____________________________ *Discipleship Strategy: Copyright 2011 by Paul G. Mathenia, all rights reserved |
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