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Olivet’s Purpose Statement: “To honor God by making disciples who live in obedience to Christ Jesus through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.”
Fives Marks of Maturity for Disciples:
These five marks are consistent with the disciple’s cross that we teach in our discipleship course. We believe that as each person becomes consistent in these marks that they will display a Christ-like maturity. The marks are:
#2 Mark of Maturity: Applying the Word
A mature disciple will exhibit a wide knowledge and habitual application of the Word of God. He or she will regularly read the scriptures, study the scriptures with others in a small group, and consistently practice what they are learning.
#2 Mark of Maturity: Relying on Prayer
A mature disciple will exhibit consistent communication with and from God. He or she will make time daily to pray and listen to the voice of God.
#3 Mark of Maturity: Serving the Church
A mature disciple will follow the essential command of Christ to love other believers. The disciple will maintain significant loving relationships in the body of Christ. He or she will be familiar with their gifts and abilities and willingly use them to serve others. The mature disciple will serve in at least one ministry in the church and will seek to encourage others to grow in their relationship with Christ.
#4 Mark of Maturity: Loving the World
A mature disciple will also seek to serve the world in the name of Christ. He or she will consistently seek to share their faith with others both individually and through church ministry. A mature disciple will reproduce their own walk with Christ in others. The disciple will also serve the world in a way that demonstrates Christ’s love for every person.
#5 Mark of Maturity: Living Under Lordship
A mature disciple will demonstrate a humble attitude before the Lord. He or she will allow Jesus to be Lord over their finances, family, and work. The disciple will reflect frequently on what it means to be Christ-like as they make decisions for day-to-day life and ministry.
We have designed a process for helping people move from wherever they are to maturity. We seek to encourage people to grow as they follow this process.
Belief Statement: (Though the church doesn’t have an official statement of beliefs, these reflect some beliefs that are commonly held.)
We believe…
- That God created the earth and all the people in it, and God is still in charge of His creation.
- That every person is special, and every person is loved by God.
- That Jesus Christ is the Son of God sent to the earth to provide the way for people to come to God.
- That Jesus died on the cross to achieve our forgiveness and rose again to provide eternal life for all who will believe in Him.
- That anyone who puts his or her trust in Jesus Christ has new life that will last forever.
- The Bible is God’s inspired Word and the “owner’s manual” for human life.
- That the Holy Spirit is available to fill the believer with power to live like Christ and to give us “gifts” for effective service.
- That Jesus will return to earth.
- That we are to function as His ambassadors sharing the good news of Jesus and serving real needs until He returns.
Understanding Our Heritage
Each Protestant denomination arose out of an attempt by some to recover Biblical ideas. In the 1600's a group of English people began to separate themselves from the established churches of England. They formed the Baptist movement. Their distinctive beliefs include:
Baptism of Believers by Immersion: Early in church history a belief arose that a baby who died without being baptized had no hope of eternal life. The practical choice was made to sprinkle infants. Several protestant groups reformed other ideas and practices, but were resistant to changing their baptism practice to conform with the Biblical meaning. "Baptism" is a Greek word which is translated as "immersion." The New Testament practice was immersion of those who had personally made commitments to Jesus as Lord.
Rejection of all Creeds: Several church groups insist that their members ascribe to a creed of belief in order to be a part of their denomination. Baptists have traditionally rejected man-made creeds. Instead, they maintain that the Bible is the sole basis for our faith and practice.
Autonomy of the Local Church: In Baptist practice each church is independent. The decisions for that church are made by the members. Decisions are made democratically--one vote for each member. It is believed that God can reveal his will through the people of his church. Though independent, Baptists of a denomination work together for mission enterprises which can better be accomplished through cooperation between churches. Denominational organizations exist for the sole purpose of carrying out this common mission. Denominational officials do not have authority over the local churches.
Separation of Church and State: When Baptists first arose most countries and most American colonies had official churches. Consequently, they often suffered persecution and jail time for their differing views. Through experience they arrived at the belief that the church and society is best served if both church and government were independent of the other. It is not the idea that the church cannot speak to government moral issues. Rather the idea promotes the separation of authority so neither controls the other.
Soul Liberty: Baptists believe that each individual can have a personal relationship with God. Without the aid of priest or a saint, we can pray and hear directly from God. Also, each person can read and interpret Scripture with the help of the Holy Spirit.
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