Our church has always had an open-door policy. Feel free to ask any question about any ministry. We welcome your questions. Below are answers to some of the questions we are frequently asked.
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. For a more detailed account of these principles with supporting Scriptures please refer to our Doctrinal Statement.
What does it mean to be an independent 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 Landmark Baptist Church you must first be saved and baptized in a Baptist church of like-faith. Shortly after becoming a member, you will be invited to attend our new member’s reception one Sunday morning with the pastoral staff, deacons, and their families. This will be a time to get to know your staff and to understand more about the ministries of the church.
How are the finances of the church handled?
Annually, our church votes on the budget that is prepared by the pastor and deacons. On an annual basis, an outside CPA provides an audit of our accounting and books. On a regular basis, our deacons meet with our pastor to review financial matters. At this meeting, monthly financial reports are reviewed. On a weekly basis, our staff bookkeepers work with the pastoral staff and operational manager to keep ministry accountable.
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 staff. They work 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 regularly to review and discuss matters of church importance. This provides a high level of accountability as well as a great spirit of cooperation as we follow God’s leading for this church.
What is the church’s approach to 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 times you will be contacted about your giving is either when you request it, or when you receive your annual giving statement summary.
What does the church do to help the needy?
Many lives are touched weekly through the many outreach ministries of our church. In addition to this, our deacons oversee a benevolence fund that is used to help needy people with basic needs from within the church. Each need is carefully evaluated and met to the best of our ability.