QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

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 table. 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 email us.

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.

HOW CAN I BE INVOLVED IN MINISTRY?

There are two types of ministry involvement at Marion Avenue Baptist. Many people help with volunteer projects in areas such as maintenance and office-related projects. Many more are needed as actors in the Southeast Iowa Live Animal Christmas Play. Feel free to contact the church office if you would like to volunteer your time in any way. If you are interested in teaching, helping, singing, or other visible positions of leadership; an appointment must be set with the ministry leader. Often a waiting period and a spiritual gift assessment are required.

WHAT IS REQUIRED FOR MEMBERSHIP?

To be a member of Marion Avenue Baptist you must first be saved and then baptized by immersion. You will then need to contact one of the pastoral staff to request joining the church. At that time, you will be voted into the church family.

WHAT IS THE CHURCH'S APPROACH TO FINANCIAL GIVING?

We have never practiced pressure techniques or extensive 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.

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. The pastor and his staff 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 team cooperation as we follow God’s leading for this church.

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SEE GOD TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE!

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