Statement of Doctrine

We accept the Scriptures as an all-sufficient and infallible rule of faith and practice, and insist upon the absolute inerrancy and sole authority of the Word of God.

We recognize at this point no room for division, either of practice or belief, or even sentiment. More and more we must come to feel as the deepest and mightiest power of our conviction that a "thus saith the Lord" is the end of all controversy.

J. M. Frost from Baptist Why and Why Not Published in 1900 by the Sunday School Board

Purpose

We, in order to follow the example of our Lord Jesus Christ, do hereby ordain the following to be the purpose of His Church:

To spread the good news of the saving grace given us through God's plan of salvation. (Matthew 28:19-20)

To provide discipleship to new believers in the faith.

To provide opportunities for worshiping the Almighty God.

To cultivate a growing fellowship with God, our church and the people of the community.

To unselfishly seek out the needs of all people and to give aid and service to those needs in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ. (Matthew 25:35-40)

Membership

This is a sovereign and democratic Baptist church under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.  The membership retains unto itself the exclusive right of self-government in all phases of the spiritual and temporal life of this church.

Candidacy

Any person may offer himself as a candidate for membership in this church in any of the following ways:

1) By profession of faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, and for baptism according to the policies of this church.

2) By promise of a letter of recommendation from another Baptist church.

3) By a statement of prior conversion experience and baptism by immersion following that conversion experience.

The steps to membership:

Membership Orientation

After the invitation and decision time of our worship service, prospective members will be introduced and then escorted to Membership Orientation.  At Membership Orientation, they will recieve information concerning the steps to membership and be counseled regarding their salvation experience and assurance thereof.  They will have their photo made and they will fill out appropriate paperwork to be added to our church database.

Membership Workshop

One Sunday night a month, Central will offer a Membership Workshop.  At this workshop, prospective members will be given an overview of the beliefs and ministries of our church.  They will be encouraged to get involved in ministries at Central using their gifts and passions.  Each prospective member will sign a membership covenant.  They will also be strongly encouraged to attend a six-week discipleship class specifically designed for our new members (TEAM Training).

Meal

After the workshop and evening worship service, there will be a meal for our new members who have completed the workshop and signed the church covenant.  At this meal, the new members will meet the church staff and their families and hear staff share about their ministry opportunities.