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Gideon's Lighthouse By-Laws

 

 Gideon's Lighthouse By-Laws

CHURCH STAFF

 

ANNUAL CHURCH BULLETIN

2019-2024

WHAT WE BELIVEVE

 

II Corinthians 5:7

“We Walk By Faith Not By Sight”

GIDEON'S LGHTHOUSE BAPTIST CHURCH

9805 NE 10TH ST

MIDWEST CITY, OKLAHOMA 73130

(405) 613-2154

(Mailing Address)

9805 NE 10TH ST.

Midwest City Ok 73103

SENIOR PASTOR

REV. GREG L. ROGERS, SR., B. S., DMin., BHCMII

56grogers03@gmail.com

Gideonbaptistokc.org

“God God This” Judges 7:1-7

Pastor’s Staff

Associate Pastor (Miracle Temple) Louis Rogers
Associate Pastor: Daran Steele

Associate Pastor: Marcus Smith

Associate Pastor: T.J. Patterson

Loretta Lathrop, Administrative Assist.

Robert Griffey, Chairman of Deacons

Mary Johnson, Chairperson of Trustees

Goldie Miller, Co-Chairperson of Trustees

Robert Griffey, Trustee

David McCaig, Trustee

Naomi Dobbs, Trustee

Sharron Rogers, Church Clerk

Christa Griffey, Minister of Music

James Olney, Sound-Room

 

FOREWORD

 

Welcome to Gideon's Lighthouse Baptist Church! One of the greatest events in the history of the church was experienced when you accepted Christ and placed your membership with our church family.

 

As a member of Gideon's Lighthouse, with all rights and privileges as any other member, you are encouraged to become actively involved in its programs.

 

This informational booklet has been prepared especially to assist you in becoming involved. Organizations, auxiliaries, committees, and special program will be listed with short descriptions, purposes, and activities. As you read this booklet, we invite you to prayerfully consider its contents. Please select areas of interest where you can use your talents and expertise in service for the Master.

 

Remember, as a member of the Gideon's Lighthouse family, you are wanted, loved, needed, and appreciated. May God richly bless you as we work together in His name and for His cause as it pertains to us today?

 

MESSAGE FROM THE PASTOR

 

This annual church bulletin will serve as a guide for the members of Gideon's Lighthouse Baptist Church. It will help identify our annual events, as well as our Metro Baptist Associational, and SBC Annual Meeting.

 

It is my prayers that this church bulletin will help our new members to see where God has brought us from and to see where God is leading the Gideon's Lighthouse Baptist Church family. Our theme, for this church year is “Facing the future with confidence.” Hebrews 11:6-7.

 

It is also my prayer that every member will find a place to serve here in the lord’s church, and will reach out to the world with a message of hope that “Jesus Saves.” As your pastor, let me express my sincere thanks to God for your untiring labor of love in the past year. My family is appreciative to God for all of your acts of kindness.

 

I am deeply grateful to all of you who took time out of your busy schedule to make this church bulletin possible. Your cooperation is to be commended and applauded. You have helped to make this a historical document for a church that is historical in nature and contemporary in its approach to church documentation.  

 

I must express my gratitude to Sharron Rogers, Martha Gulley and Mary Johnson. Who worked on this bulletin day and night? We expected the best from you and our expectations were not in vain.

 

Your Humble Service,

 

Gregory L. Rogers, Sr., Pastor

Gideon's Lighthouse Baptist Church

 

COMMUNITY / GIDEON'S LIGHTHOUSE BAPTIST CHURCH

HISTORY 1967—2024  As we turn back the pages of history again to relive the day of September 16, 1967 when the Community Mission was organized at 2801 North Phillips Street by Rev. Sam Smith and a hand full of believers. Pastor Smith organized the Mission into the work of Soul winning, and out-reach mission on 2nd Street. The Mission here was known for reaching out to children all over the city, and active for young people in the community. The membership had grown to 100 members.

 

Sam Smith was called to pastor the Wildwood Baptist Church in 1972. Jackson Cheadle accepted the call to lead the Church in 1972 and under his leadership the membership increased to 150, an updated kitchen and Choir was organized. The Mission Center was renamed and organized as the Community Missionary Baptist Church in 1989. Jackson Cheadle served from 1972 to September 1999. The membership was down to only 06 members due to the poor health of Jackson Cheadle. Gregory L. Rogers was called as Co. Pastor August 9, 1999. Rev Jackson Cheadle was made Pastor Emeritus September 1999.

 

10, 1999 Rev. Greg L. Rogers was called to lead the church as the senior pastor. We had 6 members. He was able, with God’s help, to bring the Church back together. With a made up mind and a strong determination, Pastor Rogers vowed to God that he would bring the run down building back as a Church, adding more young people and young adults to the membership. This would give the Church more strength, security, and a future. In the first month the, the wood boards were taken off the education, and Church Windows. The gas, water, and phone was turned on in the church, the church’s bank account was in the Red for -$500.00. Pastor Rogers paid out of his pocket $1,700 to get the church operating in the black.

Pastor Rogers’s anointed leadership, at the location 2801 North Phillips Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105 a myriad of accomplishments had been made. This was done not only for the church building but to serve as a mean of bring new members to the church. In October 2003 a loan was made through the Capital Baptist Association (Hollums Burdridge) for new improvement in the Church Building for $15,000.00. Just to name a few accomplishments: various new auxiliaries have been organized. New members were joining the membership now. We now have over a 110 members on roll. We have baptized over 72 new members in the last 9 years. Sunday School, and Bible study restarted. The education building was equipped with central heat and air, the baptistery was repaired, new doors on fellowship hall, parking signs, new pastors’ office remodeled, new lighting in sanctuary, sound system, restroom in follower-ship hall, new carpet has been laid in the sanctuary. Our Prayer service enrollment on Wednesdays and Sunday school had grown from (3%) to 40% each Wednesday night.

On Sunday August 16, 2001, Rev. David Turner was voted as Co- Pastor by the recommendation of Pastor Rogers. In July of 2003 Co-Pastor Turner was called to pastor Victory Baptist Church. Community continues to stand strong and is blessed with a continual growth in Christian education, Sunday school, youth, music, WMU, Men, and Nurses ministry. On February 22, 2004, Rev. Louis Rogers was licensed and he now serves as our minister of Souls Winning. On March of 2004 Rev George Cooksey united and became the Minister of Christian Education. March 28, 2004 Frankie Robinson was licensed to preach the gospel. In October 2007, Patrice Whitfield was called to serve as Minister of Music. In January 2008, the Community Baptist Church ordained Rev. Louis Rogers. Rev. Louis Rogers was call to Pastor,  Miracle Temple Baptist Church September 2015.  

  1. March 30, 2008, after 41 years of worshiping at this location, the Community Missionary Baptist Church (SBC) received a letter that the Southern Baptist (Capital Baptist Association) had sold the building( where Community worshipped), to the New Bethel Baptist Church (SBC). Community had thirsty (30) days to find a new location for worship. With much, pray by the membership Pastor Rogers was lead to a very close friend, Dan Stronger who welcome and open the doors of the Homeless Alliance 1729 North West 3rd Street Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73106 with no cost to the church. Community moved on the first Sunday May 04, 2008 as a temporary location of worship. With much prayer, and standing on God’s word, Pastor Rogers was called to Antioch Institutional Baptist Church May 05, 2010. The Community Missionary Baptist Church Family with the vote of the membership voted to merge with the Antioch Baptist church and to later rename the church Gideon Baptist Church. However this merger did not prove to be what both congregations and the Pastor desired. The Pastor and the Community Baptist Church members along with the Antioch member spent the next (6) six years in litigation. September 05, 2018 God lead Pastor Rogers to resign. March 05, 2019 after much prayer, phone calls from former members, and encouragement from other SBC Pastors. Pastor Rogers was led to organize the Gideon Baptist Church March 2019. At the present time Gideon Baptist Church 26 members are a supporter to SBC, Southern Baptist Convention OAAF Oklahoma African American Fellowship and Capital Baptist Association. 
  2.  
  3. 12. On September 29, 2024 Pastor Rogers was called to the Lighthouse Baptist Church and voted as Senior Pastor along with Pastor Rogers was a group of faithful members who had been with him for more than 25years.  After voting the Pastor and the members in the church the church unanimously voted to change the church name from the Lighthouse to Gideon's Lighthouse Baptist Church.  Pastor Gregory L. Rogers preached his first sermon as the Gideon Lighthouse Baptist Church Pastor on October 6th, 2024 at 11:00am.

 

CHURCH COVENANT

Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, And on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy ghost,

We do now, in the presence of God, angels, and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body in Christ. We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church, in knowledge, holiness, and comfort;

To promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines; To contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the gospel through all nations.

We also engage to maintain family and secret devotions; to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; To walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment;

To avoid all tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger; To abstain from the sale and use of intoxicating drinks as a beverage, and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Savior.

We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; To remember each other in prayer; to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and c courtesy in speech;

To be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, and mindful of the rules of our Savior. To secure it without delay, we moreover engage that when we remove from this place we will, as soon as possible, unite with some other church, where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God Word.

 

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENT:

That I, the undersigned, Church Clerk of the Gideon's Lighthouse Baptist Church DOA Lighthouse Baptist Church, Incorporated, organized and existing under the laws of the State of Oklahoma, do hereby certify that the foregoing By-Laws consisting of articles, were duly adapted as the By-Laws of the said Church on the 06 day of October , 2024.

In witness whereof, I have here unto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of the said Church this 06th day of October 2024.

Church Clerk: Sharron L. Rogers, / Robert Griffey, Assit

ARTICLE I

All meetings of the members, except as here in other wise provided, shall be held at the Gideon's Lighthouse Baptist Church, located at 9805 NE 10th St. Midwest City, Oklahoma 73130.

Section I

The Officers of the Church shall meet on Thursday before the Second Sunday four (4) times a year at 7:00 P.M. (December, March, June, and September) The officers shall be designated as: Pastor, Co. Pastor, Deacons, Trustees, Treasurer, Finance Secretary, Church Clerk, Office Secretary, Presidents of auxiliaries, and ministry, Chairpersons of Committees, and Boards and their Secretaries, and Members in good stander

Section II

The Church Annual Business meeting shall be held once a year on the last Thursday before the first Sunday in November, at 7:00 P.M. should the Thursday of the business meeting fall on a holiday, the regular annual business meeting shall be held the above said hour on the next following Thursday.

a. Notice of the Annual Business Meeting shall be read two consecutive Sundays by the Church Clerk with the approval of the Pastor, or announce from the pulpit by the Pastor.

b. The Pastor shall preside over all business meetings of the Church. In the absence of the Pastor, no one shall preside over such meetings without the Pastor’s consent. Of course, this does not hold if a charge is brought against the Pastor. In case of a charge brought against the Pastor, the Chairman of the Board of Deacon presides.

c. The Church Clerk of the Church shall serve as secretary at all business meetings; in the absence of the clerk the assistant clerk shall act as secretary of the meeting. Upon the absence of both clerks, the presiding officer may appoint any member, of regular standing, to serve as secretary of the meeting.

The regular business meeting of the Church held annually, the members entitled to vote shall elect by I’s or standing vote. All officers of the Church (Pastor and Co. Pastor excluded) shall be electing by each auxiliaries and ministries with the approver of the Pastor. All Officers of the Church must make regular contributions (tithe) along with contribution of their time and talent, and be In Good Standing with the Church to be elect. The Pastor and Co. Pastor of the Church shall be elected indefinitely.

By-Laws Continued

d. All officers of the Church shall be elected at the Annual Business Meeting; such as: Presidents of W.M.U., President of Brotherhood, Superintendent of Sunday School, Baptist Training Union Director, Presidents of Usher Board, Presidents of Choirs, Chairman of Board of Deacons and Trustees, Finance Secretary, Church Clerk and assistant, Chairperson of Deaconess, Chairperson of Courtesy Committee, Social Committee Chairperson and Minister of Music, and Minister of Youth and all other Ministry. New Officers will be installed on the first Sunday in November.

e. In the event these officers are not elected in the Annual meeting, the Pastor shall have the authority to appoint any member, in good and regular standing, to these positions.

f. Members present at the regular business meeting, shall constitute a quorum, when the meeting has been officially announced and the purpose of the meeting given. (Article I Section II)

  1. Any Officers of the Church elected or pointed at any meeting, can be remove by the Pastor without a vote of the Church.

h. A Special Meeting of the Membership may be called at any time for any purpose whatsoever, by the Pastor only.

ARTICLE II

  1. of the Corporate Board)

Section I

The Corporate power, exercised by the Pastor or Trustee Board, shall first be given to the Pastor, and the Board of Deacons, by the members of the Church, and the Pastor, and Board of Deacons shall see to it that the Trustees carry out the business and financial affairs of the Corporation, according to the wishes of the members of the Church or Corporation.

The duties of the Co. Pastor shall be such as are designated by the Pastor of the Church. The Co. Pastor is directly responsible to the Pastor.

Section II

Upon the advice of the members of the Corporation, the Pastor, Co. Pastor and Board of Deacons, the authorized number of Trustees, and members shall constitute a quorum with a total of (5) five or more for the transaction of business and every act, or decision of the majority of the member present at a meeting at which a quorum is present, made or done when duly assembled, shall be valid as the act of the Church.

 

By-Laws Continued

a. The Board of Trustees, upon the advice of the Pastor, and members, shall have full power and authority to borrow money at the will of the members of and/or on behalf of the Corporation, and other-wise to incur indebtedness on behalf of the Corporation, and otherwise to incur indebtedness on behalf of the Corporation or Church, and to authorize the execution of promissory notes or other evidences or indebtedness of the Church, and to agree to pay interest thereon, to sell, convey, alienate, transfer, assign, exchange, lease, and otherwise dispose of, mortgage pledge, hypothecate and otherwise encumber the property, real and otherwise acquire property, real and personal, on behalf of the Corporation, and generally to do and perform or cause to be done and performed, any and every act which the Church may lawfully do and perform. The Board shall appoint all hired help, such as, Organist, Pianist, Office Secretary, etc., and shall set salaries of the same, and shall fire and/or dismiss, when necessary with the approver of the Pastor.

ARTICLE III

(Executive Officers)

Section I

The executive officers of the Corporation or Church, shall be: The Pastor as Chairman, Co. Pastor, Board of Deacons, Board of Deaconess, Trustees, Church Clerk, Financial Secretary , Treasurer of the Corporation, heads of all auxiliary bodies, heads of all Ministries, such as: W.M.U., Sunday School, Brotherhood, Usher Board, Baptist Training Union, Music Department, Educational Department, all other auxiliaries, and members or programs which may be organized by the Community Missionary Baptist Church. These Officers shall meet on Thursday before the Second Sunday four times a year, (December, March, June, and September) for the purposes of formulating and evaluating the work of the Church, and or their programs. Officers shall also meet on the last Sunday of each month at 8:00a.m. For Pray and Unity of the Church. (Excluded Fifth Sunday)

ARTICLE IV

(The Removal of Pastor)

Section I

(80%) Percent of the members of the Corporation/Church in good standing of the Church, as shown by the official roll of said Church have the sole power to engage removal of the Pastor (Co. Pastor excluded) thereof. The Church must show cause for removal.

By-Laws Continued

a. The question of removal of said Pastor may be brought before the Board of Deacons, in the regular Deacon’s Meeting, with the Pastor present and approval. The Deacon Board then must show why the Pastor should be removed to all deacons that are present, and then a vote among every deacon of the board be taken to see whether the cause is justified for removal of the Pastor.

the majority of the deacons vote for the removal, then a special meeting for removal of the Pastor should be announced to the Corporation/ or Church, two weeks before the date of the meeting, and this announcement should be placed on the bulletin board immediately after the announcement is made.

b. Should 80% OF THE ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP ROLL of the Corporation/ or Church cast their vote in favor of the removal of the said Pastor, the Chairman of the Board of Deacons and the Church Clerk shall serve upon said Pastor a written notice signed by the Chairman of the Board of Deacons and the church Clerk, said notice setting forth that: 80% of the members of Gideon Community Baptist Church, at the Special Meeting, called for the removal of the Pastor as the case may be, said meeting being properly noticed and regularly held at said church and date, voted to remove said Pastor from the pastorate of said church, said removal to be effective immediately within (3) weeks and with pay. At the remover of the Pastor, resignation or retirement or the Pastor. The Co. Pastor would become the Pastor effective immediately without a vote of the membership.

c. Providing, if the members of said Corporation? Or Church vote to retain the Pastor, then those members who disturbed the peace of the Church with such meeting will be place on inactive roll. This means that they have no voice in the policy making of the Church. They are members but inactive. They are not able to vote, hold office in the Church, until they come to the Church and make an apology to the Pastor and Church. They must ask to be reinstated to its active membership and attend New a 90 days new Members Class. If this is not done in the spirit of meekness, their membership of the Corporation/ or Church will automatically be withdrawn.

 

ARTICLE V

(The Church Clerk)

The Church Clerk shall keep the minutes of all proceedings of the members of the Church in books provided for that purpose. He/ she shall attend to giving and serving of notices of all meetings of the members. She/he shall be the custodian of the corporate seal of the corporation, Church and when so ordered by the Church or Pastor shall affix the seal to deeds, bonds, contracts and other obligations and instruments. She/he shall keep and have charge of the journal of the meetings of Church, which shall be kept open for inspection at all times and be in duplicate, the book of By-Laws and such other books and papers as the Church may direct. He/she shall in general perform all the duties incident to the Office of Church Clerk subject to the control of the Church or Corporation.

The Finance Secretary and Trustee shall keep, or cause to be kept, full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements in book to be kept for that purpose. He or She shall receive and deposit or cause to be received and deposited, all monies and other valuables of the Corporation, in such depositories as may be designated by the Church. He/she shall render to the Pastor, Co. Pastor and to the Church/Corporation, whenever they may require accounts of all his transactions as treasurer and of the financial condition of Corporations. He/she shall, in general, perform all the duties incident to the office of treasurer of the Corporation/Church.

Section I

(Signing of Checks and Staff Salary)

The Treasurer, two other Trustees and the Pastor of the Church, shall be authorized by the Church to sign all checks in behalf of the Church/Corporation. Those who sign checks in behalf of the Church/Corporation, names shall be placed on the checking account, saving account and the depository box, wherever these accounts and boxes may be. Any two (2) signatures on checks will make the check valid (signatures of those mentioned above).

a. The Trustees, Pastor, and Co. Pastor of the Church, together shall be authorized by the Church to make any expense up to $5,500.00 in behalf of the church without a vote of the Membership.

  1. The Pastor of the Church shall be authorized by the Church to make any expense up to $2,500.00 on behalf of the church without a vote of the Membership.
  1. The Pastor (Rev Gregory Rogers) is paid a salary of $400.00 a Sunday, Phone allowance of $89.00 a budget that pays his expenses to all Metro Baptist Associational, SBC national and Annual Meetings, a Christmas Bonus, Pastor Anniversary Bonus and a two week Vacation paid yearly. The entire above are paid based on the churches finance.

d. All Staff Salary and Employees salaries are set by the trustees with the Church and Pastor final approval.

ARTICLE VI

(Complaints)

All complaints against any member or members or against any person claiming to be a member of said “Gideon's Lighthouse Baptist Church,” a religious society, charging any infraction of these By-laws, Church Rules and Regulations, or the rules of conduct set forth in the Bible must be in writing, dated and signed by the members complaining.

Section I

The duties of the Deacons shall be such as are designated by the Pastor of the Church. Such duties shall hereinafter be that of receiving all grievances as set forth in article 6, with the approval of the Pastor. The Deacons are to set a time for trial; call a special meeting of the members of said Church at said time and place for said trial as aforesaid. The Pastor is to act as presiding officer at said trial. The board is to see that the accused in any complaint has the opportunity to appear, testify and defend himself in person and by counsel, if he so desires.

The duties of the Co. Pastor shall be such as are designated by the Pastor of the Church. The Co. Pastor is directly responsible to the Pastor.

ARTICLE VII

(Vacancies)

If the office of any department or committee becomes vacant by reason of death, resignation, removal or otherwise, the Pastor shall have the authority to fill the vacancies by appointment, for the unexpired term and until his/her successor is elected.

Section I

  1. who have not made a good effort in their contribution, financially, with their time and attendance, and talent, within ninety (90) days shall be considered Not In Good Standing with the Church. This means that they become inactive; which means, they have no voice in the policy making of the Church. They are members but inactive. They are placed on the inactive roll of the Church shall not be able to vote, hold office in the Church, until they come to the Church and ask to be reinstated to its active membership and attend New Members Class. (There are no letters sent to a member to remind them of this policy).

Section II

The New Testament Teaching and the Church Covenant is hereby adopted as the rule and guide for the Faith, conduct and discipline of all members of said Church.

Section III

These By-laws may be amended with 75% of the Active Members as recorded in the membership roll book.
 

ARTICLE VIII

The Mission of the Church

Mathew 28:18-20 “Go ye Therefore”

  1. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Vs. 20 teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

 

Purpose

The Purpose of Our Church shall be to:

  1. Glorify God through worship, witness, Christian Education and Ministry
  2. Teach and preach the word of God to all.
  3. Proclaim and apply the gospel of Jesus Christ.
  4. Edify each member of the church through Bible instructions, prayer, stewardship, and Christian fellowship. Cooperate with and encourage any work benefits and advances the kingdom of God.

TRUSTEE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

COMES NOW, the undersigned trustees and state that on March 19, 2019 at 3132 Astoria Blvd, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73122, the matter of the adoption and/or passage of the provisions of this Constitution and Bylaw presented for vote before the congregation of Gideon Baptist Church. Said provisions were adopted and/or passed by a unanimous vote of the church’s congregation. In accordance thereof the undersigned’s acknowledge that the provisions of this Constitution and Bylaws became effective March 19, 2019.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the following members of the Board of Trustees have signed this acknowledgement.

__________________ ___________                                                    _______________________________________

Mary Johnson, Chairperson Trustee                                                                                                Goldie Miller, Trustee

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Naomi Dobbs, Trustee                                       David McCaig                                          Martha Gulley, Trustee Emeritus

________________________________ ________________________________________________________________

Rev. Gregory L. Rogers, Sr., Pastor                                                                 Loretta Lathrop, Sharron Rogers, Church Clerk

 

Bylaws Committee

Loretta Lathrop

Sharron Rogers

Goldie Miller

Mary Johnson

Greg Rogers, Pastor

 

Gideon is a Church that is built on the Word of God:

What we believe!

 

God and Authority of Scripture

We recognize that there is one and only one living and true God, who exists in three persons — Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit — but without division of nature, essence, or being. He is an intelligent, spiritual, and personal Being, the Creator, Redeemer, Preserver, and Ruler of the universe. (Deuteronomy 6:4; John 1:1; John 1:14)

We value Bible-centered preaching and teaching as the foundation for all that we do. (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21)

Every Member Ministry

We will develop lay leaders who will function effectively in their respective roles of service and, in turn, train and mentor other believers for ministry. (Ephesians 4:11-12)

Personal Evangelism/Missions

We will endeavor to share the message of salvation with all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, or economic status in our local community and throughout the world. (Matthew 28:19-20; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20)

Stewardship

We encourage every member to adopt a lifestyle of stewardship that recognizes God’s ownership of everything and to practice the biblical principle of tithing (giving at least one-tenth of one’s income, time and talent) to support the work of the church. September 16, 1967 when the Community Mission was organized at 2801 North Phillips Street by Rev. Sam Smith and a hand full of believers saw the vision. 4:2; 1 Peter 4:10) Corine, Jackson Cheadle, Ms. Cheadle, Mr. and Mr. Brown, and Martha Gulley.

Community Missionary Baptist church later rename Gideon Baptist became an anchor in the Christian Community, a church known for a firm foundation built on the Word. Our pastor continues to educate our church family as God leads him in the direction for our new church home. Truly, Gideon Baptist Church continues to be blessed, with leaders and a man of God as Pastor Gregory L. Rogers, Sr.

 

1. Worship

We currently offer two choirs and orchestra led services, a contemporary worship service, and an online experience through our Gideon Baptist Church.

2. Equip

Members and visitors will find active, thriving Sunday school classes for every age and life stage.

 

3. Serve

It is our goal to equip, empower, and deploy every member of our body to serve in the role and gifting to which the Lord has called them.

4. Influence

We have stepped into the fray to be a voice for truth in a world hungry for answers.

Worship

We will seek to praise and worship Him passionately—as individuals, as families, and as a local church. (John 4:23-24)

Prayer

We will intentionally seek to set aside specific times for private, family and corporate prayer. (Matthew 6:7; 1 Thessalonians 5:17)

Family

We encourage lifelong commitments to marriage between one man and one woman; we support the ongoing spiritual nurture of the family; and, we are committed to honoring the priority of family time through our ministries and activities. (Matthew 19:5-6; Ephesians 5:22-6:4)

Fellowship/Community

We will actively pursue personal, family, and staff relationships characterized by integrity, mutual accountability, mutual serving, mutual encouragement, and mutual honoring. (Romans 12:10; 1 John 4:7-11)

Life Transformation

We will provide opportunities for every believer to develop a Christian worldview and thus engage the culture wherein he lives, works, and interacts. (Ephesians 4:13; Colossians 1:28)

The following Articles of Faith were adopted by Gideon Baptist Church of from the June 2000 Baptist Faith and Message of the Southern Baptist Convention on September 20, 2000, and are included here for reference.
 

I. The Scriptures
The Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is the record of God's revelation of Himself to man. It is a perfect treasure of divine instruction. It has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter. Therefore, all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. It reveals the principles by which God judges us, and therefore is, and will remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and religious opinions should be tried. All scripture is a testimony to Christ, who is Himself the focus of divine revelation.

It is inerrant and infallible in its original manuscript which is to be taken as verbally inspired. (Supplemented August 2003)

Exodus 24:4; Deuteronomy 4:1-2; 17:19; Joshua. 8:34; Psalms 19:7-10; 119:11, 89, 105, 140; Isaiah 34:16; 40:8; Jeremiah. 15:16; 36:1-32; Matthew 5:17-18; 22:29; Luke 21:33; 24:44-46; John 5:39; 16:13-15; 17:17; Acts 2:16ff,; 17:11; Romans 15:4; 16:25- 26; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Hebrews 1:1-2; 4:12; 1 Peter 1:25; 2 Peter 1:19-21.

II. God
There is one and only one living and true God. He is an intelligent, spiritual, and personal Being, the Creator, Redeemer, Preserver, and Ruler of the universe. God is infinite in holiness and all other perfections. God is all-powerful and all-knowing; and His perfect knowledge extends to all things, past, present, and future, including the future decisions of His free creatures. To Him we owe the highest love, reverence, and obedience. The eternal triune God reveals Himself to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence or being.

A. God the Father
God as Father reigns with providential care over His universe, His creatures, and the flow of the stream of human history according to the purposes of His grace. He is all-powerful, all-knowing, all-loving, and all-wise. God is Father in truth to those who become children of God through faith in Jesus Christ. He is fatherly in His attitude toward all men.

Genesis 1:1; 2:7; Exodus 3:14; 6:2-3; 15:11ff.; 20:1ff.; Isaiah 43:3; 15; 64:8; Jeremiah 10:10; 17:13; Matthew 6:9ff.; 7:11; 23:9; 28:19; Mark 1:9-11; John 4:24; 5:26; 14:6-13; 17:1- 8; Acts 1:7; Romans 8:14-15; Ephesians 4:6; Col. 1:15; 1 Timothy 1:17; Hebrews 11:6; 12:9; 1 Peter 1:17; 1 John 5:7.

B. God the Son
Christ is the eternal Son of God. In His incarnation as Jesus Christ, He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. Jesus perfectly revealed and did the will of God, taking upon Himself human nature with its demands and necessities and identifying Himself completely with mankind yet without sin. He honored the divine law by His personal obedience, and in His substitutionary death on the cross, He made provision for the redemption of men from sin. He was raised from the dead with a glorified body and appeared to His disciples as the Person who was with them before His crucifixion. He ascended into heaven and is now exalted at the right hand of God where He is the One Mediator, fully God, fully man, in whose Person is effected the reconciliation between God and man. He will return in power and glory to judge the world and to consummate His redemptive mission. He now dwells in all believers as the living and ever presents Lord.

Genesis 18:1ff.; Psalms 2:7ff; 110:1ff.; Isaiah 7:14; 53; Matthew 1:18-23; 3:17; 8:29; 11:27; 14:33; 16:16, 27; 17:5, 27; 28:1-6, 19; Romans 1:3-4; 3:23-26; 5:6- 21; 8:1-3, 34; 10:4; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 2:2; 8:6; 15:1-8, 24-28; 2 Corinthians 5:19-21; 8:9; Galatians 4:4-5; Ephesians 1:20; 3:11; 4:7-10; Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 1:13-22; 2:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18; 1 Timothy 2:5-6; 3:16; Titus 2:13-14; Hebrews 1:1-3; 4:14-15; 7:14-28; 9:12-15, 24-28; 12:2; 13:8; 1 Peter 2:21-25; 3:22; 1

C. God the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God, fully divine. He inspired holy men of old to write the Scriptures. Through illumination, He enables men to understand truth. He exalts Christ. He convicts of sin, of righteousness and of judgment. He calls men to the Savior, and effects regeneration. At the moment of regeneration, He baptizes every believer into the Body of Christ. He cultivates Christian character, comforts believers and bestows the spiritual gifts by which they serve God through His church. He seals the believer unto the day of final redemption. His presence in the Christian is the guarantee that God will bring the believer into the fullness of the stature of Christ. He enlightens and empowers the believer and the church in worship, evangelism, and service.

Genesis 1:2; Judges 14:6; Job 26:13; Psalms 51:11; 139:7ff.; Isaiah 61:1-3; Joel 2:28- 32; Matthew 1:18; 3:16; 4:1; 12:28-32; 28:19; Mark 1:10, 12;


III. Man
Man is the special creation of God, made in His own image. He created them male and female as the crowning work of His creation. The gift of gender is thus part of the goodness of God’s creation. In the beginning man was innocent of sin and was endowed by his Creator with freedom of choice. By his free choice, man sinned against God and brought sin into the human race. Through the temptation of Satan, man transgressed the command of God, and fell from his original innocence, whereby his posterity inherited a nature and an environment inclined toward sin. Therefore, as soon as they are capable of moral action, they become transgressors and are under condemnation. Only the grace of God can bring man into His holy fellowship and enable man to fulfill the creative purpose of God. The sacredness of human personality is evident in that God created man in His own image, and in that Christ died for man; therefore, every person of every race possesses full dignity and is worthy of respect and Christian love.

Genesis 1:26-30; 2:5, 7, 18-22; 3; 9:6; Psalms 1; 8:3-6; 32:1-5; 51:5; Isaiah 6:5; Jeremiah 17:5; Matthew 16:26; Acts 17:26-31; Romans 1:19-32; 3:10-18, 23; 5:6, 12, 19; 6:6; 7:14-25; 8:14-18, 29; 1 Corinthians 1:21-31; 15:19, 21-22; Ephesians 2:1-22; Colossians 1:21-22; 3:9-11.

IV. Salvation
Salvation involves the redemption of the whole man and is offered freely to all who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior who, by His own blood, obtained eternal redemption for the believer. In its broadest sense, salvation includes regeneration, justification, sanctification, and glorification. There is no salvation apart from personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord.

A. Regeneration, or the new birth, is a work of God's grace whereby, believers become new creatures in Christ Jesus. It is a change of heart wrought by the Holy Spirit through conviction of sin to which the sinner responds in repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Repentance and faith are inseparable experiences of grace. Repentance is a genuine turning from sin toward God. Faith is the acceptance of Jesus Christ and commitment of the entire personality to Him as Lord and Savior.

B. Justification is God's gracious and full acquittal upon principles of His righteousness of all sinners who repent and believe in Christ. Justification brings the believer into a relationship of peace and favor with God.

C. Sanctification is the experience, beginning in regeneration, by which the believer is set apart to God's purposes, and is enabled to progress toward moral and spiritual maturity through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in him. Growth in grace should continue throughout the regenerate person's life.

D. Glorification is the culmination of salvation and is the final blessed and abiding state of the redeemed.

Genesis 3:15; Exodus 3:14-17; 6:2-8; Matthew 1:21; 4:17; 16:21-26; 27:22-28:6; Luke 1:68-69; 2:28-32; John 1:11-14, 29; 3:3-21, 36; 5:24; 10:9, 28-29; 15:1-16; 17:17; Acts 2:21; 4:12; 15:11; 16:30-31; 17:30-31; 20:32; 2 Corinthians 5:17-20; Galatians 2:20; 3:13; 5:22-25; 6:15;
V. God’s Purpose of Grace
Election is the gracious purpose of God, according to which He regenerates, justifies, sanctifies, and glorifies sinners. It is consistent with the free agency of man and comprehends all the means in connection with the end. It is a glorious display of God's sovereign goodness, and is infinitely wise, holy, and unchangeable. It excludes boasting and promotes humility.

All true believers endure to the end. Those whom God has accepted in Christ, and sanctified by His Spirit, will never fall away from the state of grace, but shall persevere to the end. Believers may fall into sin through neglect and temptation, whereby they grieve the Spirit, impair their graces and comforts, and bring reproach on the cause of Christ and temporal judgments on themselves; yet they shall be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.

Genesis 12:1-3; Exodus 19:5-8; 1 Samuel 8:4-7, 19-22; Isaiah 5:1-7; Jeremiah 31:31ff.; Matthew 16:18-19; 21:28-45; 24:22, 31; 25:34; Luke 1:68-79; 2:29-32; 19:41-44; 24:44-48; John 1:12-14; 3:16; 5:24; 6:44-45, 65; 10:27-29; 15:16; 17:6, 12, 17-181 Corinthians 1:1-2; 15:24- 28; Ephesians 1:4-23; 2:1-10; 3:1-11; Colossians 1:12-14; 2


VI. The Church
A New Testament church of the Lord Jesus Christ is an autonomous local congregation of baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel; observing the two ordinances of Christ; governed by His laws; exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His word; and seeking to extend the gospel to the ends of the earth. Each congregation operates under the Lordship of Jesus Christ through democratic processes. In such a congregation each member is responsible and accountable to Christ as Lord. Its Scriptural officers are pastors and deacons. While both men and women are gifted for service in the church, the office of pastor is limited to men as qualified by Scripture.

The New Testament speaks also of the church as the Body of Christ, which includes all the redeemed of all the ages, believers from every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation.

Matthew 16:15-19; 18:15-20; Acts 2:41-42, 47; 5:11-14; 6:3-6; 13:1-3; 14:23, 27; 15:1- 30; 16:5; 20:28; Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 3:16; 5:4-5; 7:17; 9:13-14; 12; Ephesians 1:22-23; 2:19-22; 3:8-11, 21; 5:22-32; Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:18; I Timothy 2:9-14;1 Timothy 3:1-15; 4:14; Hebrews 11:39-40; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Revelation 2- 3; 21:2-3.

VII. Baptism and the Lord’s Supper
Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is an act of obedience symbolizing the believer's faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Savior; the believer's death to sin; the burial of the old life; and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus. It is a testimony to his faith in the final resurrection of the dead. Being a church ordinance, it is prerequisite to the privileges of church membership and to the Lord's Supper.

 

The Lord's Supper is a symbolic act of obedience whereby members of the church, through partaking of the bread and the fruit of the vine, memorialize the death of the Redeemer and anticipate His second coming.

Matthew 3:13-17; 26:26-30; 28:19-20; Mark 1:9-11; 14:22-26; Luke 3:21-22; 22:19-20; John 3:23; Acts 2:41-42; 8:35-39; 16:30-33; Acts 20:7; Romans 6:3-5; 1 Corinthians 10:16, 21; 11:23-29; Colossians 2:12.

VIII. The Lord’s Day
The first day of the week is the Lord's Day. It is a Christian institution for regular observance. It commemorates the resurrection of Christ from the dead and should include exercises of worship and spiritual devotion, both public and private. Activities on the Lord’s Day should be commensurate with the Christian’s conscience under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

Exodus 20:8-11; Matthew 12:1-12; 28:1ff.; Mark 2:27-28; 16:1-7; Luke 24:1-3, 33-36; John 4:21-24; 20:1, 19-28; Acts 20:7; Romans 14:5-10; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; Col. 2:16; 3:16; Revelation 1:10.

IX. The Kingdom
The Kingdom of God includes both His general sovereignty over the universe and His particular kingship over men who willfully acknowledge Him as King. Particularly the Kingdom is the realm of salvation into which men enter by trustful, childlike commitment to Jesus Christ. Christians ought to pray and to labor that the Kingdom may come and God's will be done on earth. The full consummation of the Kingdom awaits the return of Jesus Christ and the end of this age.

Genesis 1:1; Isaiah 9:6-7; Jeremiah 23:5-6; Matthew 3:2; 4:8-10, 23; 12:25-28; 13:1- 52; 25:31-46; 26:29; Mark 1:14-15; 9:1; Luke 4:43; 8:1; 9:2; 12:31-32; 17:20-21; 23:42; John 3:3; 18:36; Acts 1:6-7; 17:22-31; Romans 5:17; 8:19; 1 Corinthians 15:24- 28; Colossians 1:13; Hebrews 11:10, 16; 12:28; 1 Peter 2:4-10; 4:13; Revelation 1:6, 9; 5:10; 11:15; 21-22.

X. Last Things
God, in His own time and in His own way, will bring the world to its appropriate end. According to His promise, Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly in glory to the earth; the dead will be raised; and, Christ will judge all men in righteousness. The unrighteous will be consigned to Hell, the place of everlasting punishment. The righteous in their resurrected and glorified bodies will receive their reward and will dwell forever in Heaven with the Lord.

 

The dead in Christ will rise first, then we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. After the judgments of God upon this sinful world in the Great Tribulation, Jesus our Lord will come with His saints to establish His millennial kingdom. (Supplemented August 2003)

Isaiah 2:4; 11:9; Matthew 16:27; 18:8-9; 19:28; 24:27, 30, 36, 44; 25:31'-46; 26:64; Mark 8:38; 9:43-48; Luke 12:40, 48; 16:19-26; 17:22-37; 21:27-28; John 14:1-3; Acts 1:11; 17:31; Romans 14:10; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 15:24-28, 35-58; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Philippians 3:20-21; Colossians 1:5; 3:4; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18; 5:1ff., 2 Thessalonians 1:7ff.; 2; 1 Timothy 6:14; 2 Timothy 4:1, 8; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 9:27-28; James 5:8; 2 Peter 3:7ff.; 1 John 2:28; 3:2; Jude 14; Revelation 1:18; 3:11; 20:1-22:13.

 

XI. Evangelism and Missions
It is the duty and privilege of every follower of Christ and of every church of the Lord Jesus Christ to endeavor to make disciples of all nations. The new birth of man's spirit by God's Holy Spirit means the birth of love for others. Missionary effort on the part of all rests thus upon a spiritual necessity of the regenerate life, and is expressly and repeatedly commanded in the teachings of Christ. The Lord Jesus Christ has commanded the preaching of the gospel to all nations. It is the duty of every child of God to seek constantly to win the lost to Christ by verbal witness undergirded by a Christian lifestyle, and by other methods in harmony with the gospel of Christ.

Genesis 12:1-3; Exodus 19:5-6; Isaiah 6:1-8; Matthews 9:37-38; 10:5-15; 13:18-30, 37- 43; 16:19; 22:9-10; 24:14; 28:18-20; Luke 10:1-18; 24:46-53; John 14:11-12; 15:7-8, 16; 17:15; 20:21; Acts 1:8; 2; 8:26-40; 10:42-48; 13:2-3; Romans 10:13-15; Ephesians 3:1-11; 1 Thessalonians 1:8; 2 Timothy 4:5; Hebrews 2:1-3; 11:39-12:2; 1 Peter 2:4-10; Revelation 22:17.

XII. Education
Christianity is the faith of enlightenment and intelligence. In Jesus Christ abide all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. All sound learning is, therefore, a part of our Christian heritage. The new birth opens all human faculties and creates a thirst for knowledge. Moreover, the cause of education in the Kingdom of Christ is co-ordinate with the causes of missions and general benevolence, and should receive along with these the liberal support of the churches. An adequate system of Christian education is necessary to a complete spiritual program for Christ's people.

In Christian education there should be a proper balance between academic freedom and academic responsibility. Freedom in any orderly relationship of human life is always limited and never absolute. The freedom of a teacher in a Christian school, college, or seminary is limited by the pre-eminence of Jesus Christ, by the authoritative nature of the Scriptures, and by the distinct purpose for which the school exists.

Deuteronomy 4:1, 5, 9, 14; 6:1-10; 31:12-13; Nehemiah 8:1-8; Job 28:28; Psalms 19:7ff.; 119:11; Proverbs 3:13ff.; 4:1-10; 8:1-7, 11; 15:14; Ecclesiastes 7:19; Matthew 5:2; 7:24ff.; 28:19-20; Luke 2:40; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; Ephesians 4:11-16; Philippians 4:8; Colossians 2:3, 8-9; 1 Timothy 1:3-7; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:14-17; Hebrews 5:12-6:3; James 1:5; 3:17.

XIII. Stewardship
God is the source of all blessings, temporal and spiritual; all that we have and are we owe to Him. Christians have a spiritual debtor ship to the whole world, a holy trusteeship in the gospel, and a binding stewardship in their possessions. They are therefore under obligation to serve Him with their time, talents, and material possessions; and should recognize all these as entrusted to them to use for the glory of God and for helping others.

According to the Scriptures, Christians should contribute of their means cheerfully, regularly, systematically, proportionately, and liberally for the advancement of the Redeemer's cause on earth.

The tithe is to be considered the starting place of Christian stewardship. (Supplemented August 2003)

Genesis 14:20; Leviticus 27:30-32; Deuteronomy 8:18; Malachi 3:8-12; Matthew 6:1-4, 19-21; 19:21; 23:23; 25:14-29; Luke 12:16-21, 42; 16:1-13; Acts 2:44-47; 5:1-11; 17:24-25; 20:35; Romans 6:6-22; 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 4:1-2; 6:19-20; 12; 16:1-4; 2 Corinthians 8-9; 12:15; Philippians 4:10-19; 1 Peter 1:18-19.

 

XIV. Cooperation
Christ's people should, as occasion requires, organize such associations and conventions as may best secure cooperation for the great objects of the Kingdom of God. Such organizations have no authority over one another or over the churches. They are voluntary and advisory bodies designed to elicit, combine, and direct the energies of our people in the most effective manner. Members of New Testament churches should cooperate with one another in carrying forward the missionary, educational, and benevolent ministries for the extension of Christ's Kingdom. Christian unity in the New Testament sense is spiritual harmony and voluntary cooperation for common ends by various groups of Christ's people. Cooperation is desirable between the various Christian denominations, when the end to be attained is itself justified, and when such cooperation involves no violation of conscience or compromise of loyalty to Christ and His Word as revealed in the New Testament.

Exodus 17:12; 18:17ff.; Judges 7:21; Ezra 1:3-4; 2:68-69; 5:14-15; Nehemiah 4; 8:1-5; Matthew 10:5-15; 20:1-16; 22:1-10; 28:19-20; Mark 2:3; Luke 10:1ff.; Acts 1:13-14; 2:1ff.; 4:31-37; 13:2-3; 15:1-35; 1 Corinthians 1:10-17; 3:5-15; 12; 2 Corinthians 8-9; Galatians 1:6-10; Ephesians 4:1-16; Philippians 1:15-18.

XV. The Christian and the Social Order
All Christians are under obligation to seek to make the will of Christ supreme in our own lives and in human society. Means and methods used for the improvement of society and the establishment of righteousness among men can be truly and permanently helpful only when they are rooted in the regeneration of the individual by the saving grace of God in Jesus Christ. In the spirit of Christ, Christians should oppose racism, every form of greed, selfishness, and vice, and all forms of sexual immorality, including adultery, homosexuality, and pornography. We should work to provide for the orphaned, the needy, the abused, the aged, the helpless, and the sick. We should speak on behalf of the unborn and contend for the sanctity of all human life from conception to natural death. Every Christian should seek to bring industry, government, and society as a whole under the sway of the principles of righteousness, truth, and brotherly love. In order to promote these ends Christians should be ready to work with all men of good will in any good cause, always being careful to act in the spirit of love without compromising their loyalty to Christ and His truth.

Therefore, the greatest contribution the Church can make to social betterment is to bring individuals to a heart-changing encounter with Jesus Christ. (Supplemented August 2003)

Exodus 20:3-17; Leviticus 6:2-5; Deuteronomy 10:12; 27:17; Psalms 101:5; Micah 6:8; Zechariah 8:16; Matthew 5:13-16, 43-48; 22:36-40; 25:35; Mark 1:29-34; 2:3ff.; 10:21; Luke 4:18-21; 10:27-37; 20:25; John 15:12; 17:15; Romans 12-14; 1 Corinthians 5:9- 10; 6:1-7; 7:20-24; 10:23-11:1; Galatians 3:26-28; Ephesians 6:5-9; Colossians 3:12- 17; 1 Thessalonians 3:12; Philemon; James 1:27; 2:8.

XVI. Peace and War
It is the duty of Christians to seek peace with all men on principles of righteousness. In accordance with the spirit and teachings of Christ, they should do all in their power to put an end to war.

The true remedy for the war spirit is the gospel of our Lord. The supreme need of the world is the acceptance of His teachings in all the affairs of men and nations, and the practical application of His law of love. Christian people throughout the world should pray for the reign of the Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 2:4; Matthew 5:9, 38-48; 6:33; 26:52; Luke 22:36, 38; Romans 12:18-19; 13:1-7; 14:19; Hebrews 12:14; James 4:1-2.

 

XVII. Religious Liberty
God alone is Lord of the conscience, and He has left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men which are contrary to His Word or not contained in it. Church and state should be separate. The state owes to every church protection and full freedom in the pursuit of its spiritual ends. In providing for such freedom no ecclesiastical group or denomination should be favored by the state more than others. Civil government being ordained of God, it is the duty of Christians to render loyal obedience thereto in all things not contrary to the revealed will of God. The church should not resort to the civil power to carry on its work. The gospel of Christ contemplates spiritual means alone for the pursuit of its ends. The state has no right to impose penalties for religious opinions of any kind. The state has no right to impose taxes for the support of any form of religion. A free church in a free state is the Christian ideal, and this implies the right of free and unhindered access to God on the part of all men, and the right to form and propagate opinions in the sphere of religion without interference by the civil power.

Genesis 1:27; 2:7; Matthew 6:6-7, 24; 16:26; 22:21; John 8:36; Acts 4:19-20; Romans 6:1-2; 13:1-7; Galatians 5:1, 13; Philippians 3:20; 1 Timothy 2:1-2; James 4:12; 1 Peter 2:12-17; 3:11-17; 4:12-19.

XVIII. The Family
God has ordained the family as the foundational institution of human society. It is composed of persons related to one another by marriage, blood or adoption.
Marriage is the uniting of one man and one woman in covenant commitment for a lifetime. It is God’s unique gift to reveal the union between Christ and His church and to provide for the man and the woman in marriage the framework for intimate companionship, the channel of sexual expression according to biblical standards, and the means for procreation of the human race.

The husband and wife are of equal worth before God since both are created in God’s image. The marriage relationship models the way God relates to His people. A husband is to love his wife as Christ loved the church. He has the God-given responsibility to provide for, to protect, and to lead his family. A wife is to submit herself graciously to the servant leadership of her husband even as the church willingly submits to the headship of Christ. She, being in the image of God as is her husband and thus equal to him, has the God-given responsibility to respect her husband and to serve as his helper in managing the household and nurturing the next generation.

Children, from the moment of conception, are a blessing and heritage from the Lord. Parents are to demonstrate to their children God’s pattern for marriage. Parents are to teach their children spiritual and moral values and to lead them, through consistent lifestyle example and loving discipline, to make choices based on biblical truth. Children are to honor and obey their parents.

Joshua 24:15; 1 Samuel 1:26 28; Psalms 51:5; 78:1-8; 127; 128; 139:13-16; Proverbs 1:8; 5:15-20; 6:20-22; 12:4; 13:24; 14:1; 17:6; 18:22; 22:6, 15; 23:13-14; 24:3; 29:15,17; 31:10-31; Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; 9:9; Malachi 2:14-16; Matthew 5:31-32; 18:2-5; 19:3-9; Mark 10:6- 12;

 

WHO IS JESUS

Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, God incarnate, and the promised Messiah. He fulfilled all of the biblical prophecies of the Old Testament that anticipated His arrival, including:

  • His heritage (Isaiah 9:6–7, Psalm 2:7)
  • His conception and birth (Isaiah 7:14)
  • His arrival (Micah 5:2)
  • His purpose (Jeremiah 33:14–15)

 

 

FOR

CHURCH

EDUCATION AND GROWING

“THE BUILDING OF A NEW ME IN GODS HOUSE”

“BY REV. GREGORY L. ROGERS SR”

Individuals who are enlisted to perform job of any magnitude are at agonizing disadvantages when assigned those jobs without being given definite guidelines pertaining to what those jobs require. Frustration and confusion, and frequently disappointment, await persons who are placed in positions of leadership without access to the proper guidelines to carry out the responsibilities those positions entail. Not only do the leaders themselves suffer unpleasant setbacks but the whole church body as well undergoes some degree of trauma.

Individuals who have been prevailed upon to accept leadership tasks in church ministries need at their command specific details and descriptions relative to those tasks. Consequently, churches ought to be singularly thoughtful and sympathetically considerate toward those whom they enlist to serve them in leadership roles. Steps should be taken to prepare task guidelines for each position of leadership in a local church.

It is my goal over the next six weeks that our leaders will know more of the roles of each other here at Gideon.

LEADERSHIP QUALIFICATIONS

Leadership is to an organization or program what the winding stem is to a timepiece. The quality of life and progress of any group or movement are contingent on the leadership. All plans fail or succeed depending on the leadership. All the goals set will be to no avail if the leadership is not leading effectively and responsibly. Without doubt, the people who are leader are the key to effective ministry.

NURSES’ CORPS

Principal Function: The primary responsibility of the Nurses’ Corps is to provide restorative aid to persons undergoing certain temporary physical complications during church services.

Duties of Chairperson

Arrange and preside at meeting of nursing corps.

  1. Confer with pastor and nominating committee when enlisting persons to serve on the corps.
  2. Prepare and submit a proposed budget yearly to the budget doing annual business meeting of the church.
  3. Schedule at least one nurse for duty at both Sunday services, Mid-week service, and all special occasions.
  4. Lead a consecrated, committed, spirit-filled life and exhort other nurses to do likewise.
  5. Be attentive to the pastor’s health needs, especially while he is preaching and immediately following.

Duties of Corps

  1. See that adequate emergency medical supplies and equipment are provided and available for use in an emergency.
  2. Be prepared to give first aid treatment when the need arises.
  3. Schedule and perform a health fair annually.
  1. Includes various screening measures in blood pressure, glaucoma, blood sugar screening, etc.
  2. Schedule health related topic on screening every two months.
  1. Schedule at least one CPR course yearly.
  2. Keep church informed of available health services.

 

Ushers

Ushers should adhere to the dress code for ushers and for leaders.

All members are to do their best on Sundays to wear dress shoes in sanctuary. Open heel and toes are permitted when feet are well groomed. However, guest and non-members may dress more casual. Doing the weekdays members or non-members may dress comfortable in a spiritual manner (see dress code) in the education building only.

All young women and girls will be addressed by senior women members of WMU and all young men and boys will be addressed by senior men of the brother-hood concerning dress code. This dress code applies also to youth age (13) thirteen and older.

All new members before becoming an active member of Community Missionary Baptist Church must attend the New Members Class and receive a certificate of completion.

 

MINISTER OF MUSIC

COORDINTOR

Principal Function: The Minister of music is responsible for the development of a comprehensive music program in the church.

DUTIES

  1. Direct the planning, organizing, conducting, and evaluating of a comprehensive music program including choirs, vocal and /or instrumental ensembles.
  2. Supervise the work of assigned paid staff workers in the music area.
  3. Cooperate with the pastor to enlist and train leaders for the church music ministry including choir workers, song leaders, and accompanists for the church education organizations.
  4. Lead in the planning of choir program, direct and coordinate the work of lay choir directors, direct adult, youth, and other choirs as needed.
  5. Assist the pastor in planning all services of worship upon request.
  6. Give direction to a music ministry plan of visitation.
  7. Arrange and provide music for weddings, funerals, special projects, ministries, and other church-related activities upon request.
  8. Lead in the planning, organizing, and promotion of music workshops, clinics, and programs for the various choirs.
  9. Keep informed on music methods, materials, promotion, and administration.
  10. Prepare an annual music budget for approval; and administer the approved budget.
  11. Cooperate with district and state leaders in promoting activities of mutual interest.

 

DEACONESS MINISTRY

PRINCIPAL FUNCTION: The chief responsibility of deaconesses is to serve the people within the church fellowship. They cooperate with the pastor and deacons in promoting the spiritual welfare of the church.

Duties of Deaconess Chairperson

  1. Know the purpose and duties of deaconess in your church.
  2. Request and administer budgeting of the group.
  3. Serve as a member of the church business meeting.
  4. Arrange meetings of the board and plan the agenda for each.
  5. Assign responsibility to board members for follow through actions.
  6. Report the actions of the group, as appropriate, to the Church annual business meeting.

Duties of Deaconesses

  1. Fulfill tasks regarding candidates for baptism and preparation of the elements of the Lord’s Supper where these are tasks assigned in the church.
  2. Act jointly with other groups in preparing food for bereaved families.
  3. Visit the sick and shut-in and care for the needy, especially the elderly.
  4. Work in partnership with their deacon husbands in executing the Deacon-Led Family Ministry.
  5. Collaborate with the pastor in ministry to female members in unfortunate circumstances and situations.

 

THE MINISTRY OF USHERING

DUTIES OF THE PRESIDENT

  1. Know the purpose and duties of the ushering ministry.
  2. Request and administer budgeting for the ushering ministry.
  3. Serve as a member of the Church business meeting.
  4. Schedule and moderate periodic meeting with all usher units. (Adult Unit1, Youth).
  5. Report action(s) of the ushering ministry, as appropriate, to the Church Business Meetings.
  6. Collaborate, as necessary with pastor and other church staff members, church officers, church program directors, and other committees.
  7. Make sure that the ushers are well trained. This is a major task of the lead usher.
  8. See that there are enough trained ushers to perform all the duties assigned to the ushering ministry for all scheduled services.
  9. Assign responsibilities to unit leaders.
  10. Insist that ushers dress in a manner becoming of church ushers and perform their task of ushering in a spiritually dignified and orderly manner.

DUTIES OF THE USHERS

  1. Great the members and guest of the congregation before and after services.
  2. Distribute church bulletins.
  3. Assist in receiving offerings.
  4. Help maintain order during services.
  5. Work in collaboration with the nurse’s ministry.
  6. Show those entering the services to a seat.
  7. Be attentive to the pastor’s health needs, especially while he is preaching and immediately following.

 

BUS MINISTRY

PRINCIPAL FUNCTION: To provide transport for members and prospective members to and from church services, who unfortunately do not have any means of transportation of their own, is a service rendered for God and a blessing to those to whom it is giving.

 

Duties of the bus Ministry Director:

  1. Work in collaboration with the Pastor in the enlistment of drivers and other workers for the bus ministry.
  2. Lead in planning the regular bus routes.
  3. Check periodically to ascertain if drivers are fulfilling their prescribed duties.
  4. See that buses are used strictly for the purpose designated by the Church.
  5. Report action as necessary, to the trustees and to the Church in business meetings.
  6. Schedule and preside over meetings with bus ministry workers.
  7. Check all insured drivers and update driving licensing.

Duties of Operators:

  1. Operate bus to pick up members Sunday mornings and evenings, Wednesday nights, during revivals, study courses, and outside engagements.
  2. See that no smoking occurs on the bus at any time.
  3. Maintain vehicle in a safe operating conditions, check air pressure in tires, check oil and water levels, have breaks inspected periodically, and have it checked yearly for road safety.
  4. Keep vehicle adequately serviced; clean windows inside and outside.
  5. Inform Bus Ministry Director when he/she will be unavailable to perform his/her regular duties.

 

YOUTH MINISTRY COORDINATOR

Principal Function: The coordinator of youth ministry is responsible for presiding over the planning, coordinating, directing and evaluating the youth and children ministry of the church.

Duties of the Youth Ministry Coordinator:

  1. Plan, coordinate, direct and evaluate the youth ministries of the church through the youth program organizations of the church.
  2. Work with youth department leaders to plan a program for leading youth to knowledge of the plan of salvation.
  3. Collaborate with youth department leaders to design a program for developing youth in Christian leaders.
  4. Assist organizational leaders in the enlistment, training and guidance of youth department leaders to achieve the purposes of the church youth ministries.
  5. Influence the planning and conducting of special age group activities and programs appropriate for the spiritual growth of the youth of the church including Youth annual Day, drama, (Easter and Christmas presentations), retreats, falls creek camps, fellowships, Congresses of Christian Education, youth in association MBN okc, banquets, and mission activities programs.
  6. Coordinate the work of the youth department with the music ministry and activities programs.
  7. Promote an ongoing program of visitation for the youth department in cooperation with the overall church program of outreach.
  8. Work in organizational structure of children and youth church for spiritual growth.
  9. Work with a committee of all age group to listen to the need of youth.
  10. Study and make recommendations for the essential needs of the youth procedures and operation.
  11. Study and arrange the annual budget for needs of the youth ministry.
  12. Always maintain one-on-one contact with all youth in all areas of youth work, in the MBNOKC and SBC, State and National Convention.

 

Sunday school / Bible Study Director

Principal function of a S.S. – To introduce men, women, boys, and girls to Christ as Savior and Lord, to involve them in meaningful church relationship, and to help them be become more mature people for God through the study of the Bible and service to others.

DUTIES OF THE DIRECTOR:

  1. as leader of the Church School and provide it with aggressive leadership. Make Preparation for Christmas programs, and Easter Programs.
  1. Cooperate with and be accountable to the Committee of Christian Education.
  2. Plan and promote activities, which will lead to an enlarged school with an ultimate aim of leading more souls to the Lord.
  3. See that the Church School activities are balanced, promoted and fit into the overall church program.
  4. See that the Church School has the best teaching materials, facilities, and equipment possible in keeping with church finances and overall needs.
  5. Select individuals to work on activities and give aid to the department directors in the selection of teachers and workers. The Christian Education Director must approve individuals.
  6. Visit classes frequently in order that he/she can be informed first hand on class needs and problems.
  7. Prepare the Sunday school yearly budget.
  8. Prepare Easter and Christmas program, selecting individuals to work on activities along with teachers and workers of the church.
  9. Supervise the Church School while in session and preside at general staff meetings. Have a well-planned workers meeting.
  10. Discuss periodically with each teacher, worker and departmental director the results, needs and problems of their work so that he/she can properly plan and promote Sunday school.
  11. Attend congresses and conferences, state, and associational meetings always being on the lookout for new ideas.
  12. Lead teachers and workers in outreach with the Evangelism Ministry to enlarged school with ultimate aim of leading souls to the Lord.

 

WOMEN’S MISSIONARY UNION

WOMEN of ESSENCE

PRINCIPAL FUNCTION: Mobilizing the women of the church for positive involvement in the comprehensive ministries of the church.

  1. Arrange and preside at the executive meetings of the organization.
  2. Enlist women for membership in the organization.
  3. Encourage the women of the church to realize the obligations and privilegs of church membership.
  4. Prepare an annual WMU budget for the upcoming church year and submit for approval; administer the approved budget.
  5. Cooperate with district, state, and national leaders in promoting activities of mutual interest.
  6. Ensure that materials are for WMU.
  7. See that the work of the WMU is carried out in a dignified, efficient, and spiritual manner.

 

DUTIES OF WMU (WOMEN of ESSENCE)

  1. Organize and work with the girls of the church.
  2. Be very involved in the witnessing ministry of the church.
  3. Be committed to the prayer ministry of the church.
  4. Fulfill Christian stewardship obligations and encourage other women of the church to do likewise.
  5. Plan a program on the fifth Sunday of each Calendar.
  6. Enlist all women to wear white on Fifth Sunday.

THE BROTHER-HOOD

MEN of GOD

Principal Function: Mobilizing of the men of the church for positive involvement in the comprehensive ministries of the church.

 

Duties of the President:

  1. Establish and maintain a healthy, respectful, support time relationship with the pastor; collaborate with him in every way.
  2. Arrange and preside at executive meetings of the organization.
  3. Enlist men for membership in the brotherhood.
  4. Make sure that the organization is well organized and it program well rounded so that the men of the church will recognize it as a means through which they can serve more effectively.
  5. Encourage the men of the church to realize the obligations and privileges of church membership.
  6. Prepare an annual report of the brother-hood and budget.
  7. Cooperate with the church district, state and national leaders in promoting activities of mutual interest.
  8. See that the work of the Brother-hood is carried out in a dignified, efficient, and spiritual manner.

 

Duties of Brother-hood

Men of God

  1. Be very involved in the witnessing ministry of the church.
  2. Be effectively involved in the prayer ministry of the church.
  3. Discharge Christian stewardship obligations and encourage other men of the church to do likewise.
  4. Work with the boys and RA of the church.

 

NEW MEMBER’S COMMITTEE

New Member’s Committee Principal Function: Because new converts are so much like infants, they, too, need special attention from the outset of their new life. Thus, a primary objective of the New Members Committee is to provide nurture conducive to spiritual growth and direction that will lead to proper membership involvement.

Unties of Chairperson

  1. Arrange and preside at committee meetings.
  2. Confer with pastor and nominating committee, or business meeting in enlisting persons to serve on the committee.
  3. Introduce new members to the leader or chairperson of the auxiliary or committee with which he/she has indicated a desire to work.
  4. Prepare an annual report of the work of the committee for the current year and be prepared to report same in the annual business meeting of the church.
  5. See that the duties of the committee are carried out in a dignified, efficient, and professional but spiritual manner.
  6. Upon completion of New Member Orientation training and baptism by the candidate for Baptist, present each with a baptismal certificate and a membership certificate. Each member will be enlisted in one or more of the ministries of the church immediately.
  7. Display photo of each new member in the church vestibule.
  8. Plan a social affair each quarter in honor of the new members who came into the church during that period.

Duties of Committee

  1. At the time of the public invitation, receive those persons responding to the invitation, or by the Pastor.
  1. Committee members will position themselves around the pulpit area at time of commitment appeal so as to be near the persons responding to the appeal.
  2. Each responder to the invitation will be received by a member, of the New Members Committee.
  1. Assist each responder in filling out the New Member Placement form.
  2. Enroll each individual responding as a candidate for baptism or for membership status in New Member Orientation training.
  3. Keep record of progress of each individual during New Member Orientation training, and to assist with (ACP) Annual Church Profile.

 

TRUSTEES

Principal function: Trustees are elected by the church, and approved by the Pastor, to care for the property of the church. They hold in trust for the membership the material possessions accruing to the church. It is to be understood that a Baptist church, being autonomous, holds title to all property, which it purchases or which is donated to it. The church membership, therefore, reserves the right to vote on the disposition of all assets belonging to it, but to comply with the church by-laws and state laws. It is necessary and mandatory to empower representatives to hold property, to administer it, and to handle all legal and financial details relating to the property.

Chairperson of Trustees: or Trustees

  1. Arrange meetings and preside over the same. Plan a thorough agenda for each meeting.
  2. Assign areas of work as deemed appropriate. Who count the church money, who deposit, who open and lock the church property. And any other responsibility as assigned by the church or Pastor.
  3. Provide for safe keeping of titles to all property, stocks, bonds, and certificate of deposits, cash, and other church assets.
  4. Receive and disburse assets for the church.
  5. Trustees are responsible for evaluating all personnel, once a year including the Pastor salaries. All increase salaries are to be approved by the church body doing the Church Annual Budget in November the 3rd Thursday with the final approval by the Senior Pastor.
  6. Supervise the disbursement of funds according to the will of the church with the Pastor Approve.
  7. Give an accurate account to the church annually or oftener if requested, of property in keeping.
  8. When required, submit a detailed report of receipts and expenditures, and prices of real estate to the church.
  9. Trustees will endeavor to maintain or improve the property, which has been entrusted to their care.
  10. Trustees will keep a careful watch of the record of church properties in which church money is invested and will advise the church when it seems wise to sell the holding and reinvest.
  11. Trustees and or finance secretary will make all bank deposit, and keep accurate knowledge of all bank accounts and trust funds
  12. Trustees will arrange for all minor repairs to the building or buildings and will advise the Pastor and church when a major repair or improvement seems essential to preserve the value of the real estate.

 

DEACON MINISTRY

Principal Function: To assist the Pastor and the church in every necessary way.

Duties of Chairman Deacons:

  1. Collaborate with the pastor in all things, recognizing and respecting him as overseer of the flock of God (local congregation) and leading other deacons to do likewise.
  2. Plan deacon meetings and presides during same.
  3. Lead the deacons to fulfill their mission as deacons.
  4. Lead the deacons in planning, conducting, and evaluating their work.
  5. Ensure that deacons are adequately trained and supplied with resources for carrying out their work.
  6. Lead the deacons in developing ministry plans.
  7. Assume duties connected with the Family ministry Plan
  8. Give guidance to Pastoral Ministries program in the church in the absence of a pastor.
  9. Report to the church on the work of the deacons.

Duties of Deacons:

  1. Assist the pastor in administering the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
  2. Manage the church’s charity fund and other benevolence resources.
  3. Operate the Deacon Family Ministry Plan.
  4. Assist the pastor in administering church discipline.
  5. Assist the pastor in pastoral obligation, such as visiting the sick and delinquent members.
  6. Take over and operate any task necessary to relieve the pastor for his major tasks (Acts 6:1-4).

Ensure that the pastor is properly compensated.