what’s in the name Baptist?

This church is a Baptist church by conviction and principle, not by affiliation. This means that we believe the basic Bible teachings for which Baptists have historically stood. As Baptists, we believe the following: the Bible is our sole authority for all matters of faith and practice. The church should be autonomous or self-governing. The believer does not need a priest, other than Jesus Christ, to come boldly to God. Every Christian has equal access to God personally. God’s Word gives us two ordinances for the church - baptism and the Lord’s supper. Each person is individually responsible for his decision to accept Christ. The separation of church and state is biblical. The believer is eternally secure and cannot lose salvation. There are two biblical offices in the church - pastors and deacons.

what does it mean to be an independent baptist church?

As an independent Baptist church, we are not affiliated with any particular Baptist denomination or ruling body. Because of this we can support our own missionaries, select our own leaders, and support institutions that believe as we believe. In short, our church answers to the headship of Jesus Christ rather than a denominational body. There are currently more than 10,000 independent Baptist churches in America and thousands more throughout the world.

what is required for membership?

To be a member of Lighthouse Baptist Church you must first be saved and baptized in a Baptist church of like-faith. If you were not baptized in a church of like-faith, you will be asked to be re-baptized. After this you will need to be presented before the church. Later there will be a time to get to know your pastor and to understand more about the purposes of the church.

how is the leadership of the church structured?

Ultimately, Christ is the head of this church. On a daily basis, the church is primarily led by the pastor and pastoral leadership team. The team works together in prayer and decision making to follow the leading of God for our church ministry. Also, our deacons serve as a church-elected group that meets with the pastor monthly to review and discuss matters of church importance. This provides a high level of accountability as well as a great spirit of team cooperation as we follow God’s leading for this church.

what does it mean to be non-charismatic?

This simply means that we are not a part of the modern-day charismatic movement. We do not practice speaking in tongues, faith healing, sensationalism, or believe in extra-biblical revelation. While there are many people who prefer to worship in this way, we choose to worship in ways that we feel to be consistent with God’s Word and with His plan for this church.

what is the philosophy about financial giving?

We have never practiced pressure techniques or fund-raising schemes. Rather, we choose to occasionally preach and teach what God’s Word says about Christian stewardship and giving. How you respond to that teaching is a heart issue between you and the Lord. The only time you will be contacted about your giving is either when you request it, or when you receive our annual giving statement summary.

who is welcome at your church?

Here at Lighthouse Baptist Church we welcome everyone wants to come. We believe that salvation is for all who will believe and that God is no "respecter of persons". We accept people from all walks of life and turn no one away. We do, however, believe that church membership is for those who have made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ  and have been biblically baptized. No matter who you are or where you are from, we believe that Lighthouse Baptist church is the place for you.