Choice Baptist Church

The purpose of the Church

Purpose

"The purpose of this church shall be for the salvation of the lost throughout the world by the teaching and preaching of the Word of God; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ; to administer the ordinances; and to provide a place of worship, fellowship and service for all believers."

Salvation of the Lost

The church's main responsibility is to fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). This happens in two primary ways. First of all, we are called to take the gospel into the whole world (Mark 16:15). This can be done by becoming a missionary, starting a church, going from house to house sharing the good news or passing out gospel literature. It should also include telling our friends (Mark 5:19), our family (Luke 8:39, John 1:35-42, II Timothy 1:5 & 3:15, Deuteronomy 6:6-7 & Joshua 24:15), and all who we consider dear to us (Luke 14:23). The second way is by giving our tithes and offerings. Giving does not lessen our personal responsibility of going, but we realize we cannot go everywhere. II Corinthians 8 & 9 teach about Grace Giving to Missions (II Corinthians 9:7, 8:9 & 9:15). This offering is to be given over and above the tithe.

Perfecting the Saints

In Exodus 18, Moses learned that his main responsibility as the leader was not to do all the work, but to delegate. The New Testament teaches us a similar truth. The job of the Pastor is to teach and to train others (Ephesians 4:11-12). As the people are empowered to fulfill their roles, the body is strengthened and everyone benefits (Ephesians 4:16).

Work of the Ministry/Service

As the Pastor fulfills His main role, the entire body will be learning to discern their individual strengths (I Corinthians 12:4-7). This will help everyone to achieve greater success and to find more fulfillment in their lives.

Build up the Body

The Charismatic movement seeks to use their supposed gifts to edify themselves, but the Bible clearly states that God enables us so we can strengthen each other (I Peter 4:10). Most people come to church, at first, to have their own needs met, and that is good. But those who grow in the Christian maturity realize that there must be a transfer from coming to receive, to coming to give. We should always receive as we come and are blessed by the preaching and fellowship, but there should be a transfer to continue your Spiritual Growth.

Administer the Ordinances

God gives His local churches authority to baptize and distribute the Lord's Supper (Acts 2:41-42). We practice closed communion (This means that communion is restricted to the members of Choice Baptist Church).

Place of Worship

Our primary goal is to glorify God (I Corinthians 10:31). When we come to church, we should focus on Christ (Colossians 1:18) and not ourselves (III John 9).

Fellowship

The Bible is filled with passages about "one anothers." We are not called to separate from relationships as monks in a monastery, but to learn how to relate to each other (Acts 2:42). God calls us to unite as we surrender to the authority of Christ (Ephesians 4:3).