We Believe…
LOVE is the greatest commandment upon which all others are based.
THE BIBLE is infallible and verbally inspired by God.
GOD is the personal, triune God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, equal in divine perfection.
SATAN is a fallen angel, the archenemy of God and man, the unholy god of this world and his destiny is the lake of fire.
Jesus was virgin born and sinless and deity. His sufferings and death were substitutionary for all mankind but only applied to those who believe. He died, was buried and arose bodily on the third day and 40 days later ascended to the Father.
The HOLY SPIRIT is the administrator for Jesus Christ in His churches. The sign gifts ended when the Bible was completed. The Spirit convicts sinners, regenerates, seals, secures, indwells and fills every believer.
MAN was created in God’s image, fell by transgression, the result being that all are sinners.
The SECOND COMING will be premillennial, personal and bodily. This includes the resurrection of the righteous, the millennial reign and the resurrection of the unrighteous into eternal punishment in the lake of fire.
SALVATION is wholly by grace through faith. Requirements are repentance toward God and faith toward Christ.
The CHURCH began in Christ’s earthly ministry and is a local, visible assembly of baptized believers. Each church is independent and self governing and Christ promised perpetuity to His churches.
The OFFICES are pastors and deacons to be filled by qualified men.
The Ordinances are baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
ASSOCIATIONS are servants of and under the control of the churches
Back to TopAt Mercer Baptist Church we value…
- People
- They are gifts from God and not resources. We will strive for AUTHENTIC RELATIONSHIPS and FELLOWSHIP through small groups that will unite our hearts in love as we grow deeper in our relationship with Christ. (John 17 · Colossians 2:2 · Matthew 18:16–18 · John 13:33–35 · Colossians 3:1–4) REAL love is the foundation for REAL community. The presence of Christ among His people should be evident because of our love for each other.
- Truth
- God’s word, The Bible, will be the basis for our doctrinal beliefs, worldview and ministry plan. We will preach truth, protect truth and proclaim truth. 1 Timothy 3:15,16
- Prayer
- Since prayer is the battle (Ephesians 6), we will support every ministry and every minister with prayer. Prayer will be a part of our fellowship with each other and also our private and public worship.
- God’s Glory
- The church is a group of people in which man is humbled, Christ is exalted and God is glorified. What we are and do is for His Glory—not ours…through His Power—not ours…because MBC is His church…not ours. (Colossians 1:18 · Ephesians 3:21) Because we value God’s glory:
- We will strive for HOLINESS in our character. 1 Peter 1:15, 16 · Romans 8:28, 29
- We will strive for EXCELLENCE in our ministry.
- We will strive for WORSHIP as a way of life. 1 Peter 2 · Romans 12:1, 2 · John 4:24
- A Family
- Where people can find belonging, love, accountability and encouragement. Where every age is honored and fellowship strengthens our commitment to Christ and deepens our love for each other. 1 Thessalonians 1:1, 2 · Galatians 6:12 · Hebrews 10:24 · Romans 12:10
- The Great Commission
- We believe the church exists to be a witness for Christ locally, regionally, statewide, nationwide and globally and to make disciples of all those who believe. (Matthew 28:18–20 · Acts 1:8, 9 · Acts 8:4 · Acts 9:23) Because we value the Great Commission:
- We will make more disciples. Matthew 28:18–20
- We will make mature disciples. Colossians 1:28 · Matthew 28:18–20 · 1 Timothy 2:2
- We will plant churches. Acts 13 · Acts 9:23 · Philippians 4:15
- Leadership Development
- MBC will be a place where we PRAY for leaders to emerge, PREPARE leaders for ministry and PROPEL leaders to ministry. 1 Timothy 2:2 · Acts 13 · John 17—Jesus’ model for training · Ephesians 4:11
- Change
- The history of the church in the book of Acts and every succeeding century has been one of change. We want a Biblical ministry that is flexible so that it can be changed to fit new needs or restructured to make us more effective and prepare us for future growth. Since we value change, we reserve the right to try and fail until we get it right! Acts 6:1–7
We dream of a church that COULD BE…SHOULD BE…MUST BE…
- A Body
- Of people united by faith under the leadership of Christ, who serve Him, each other and their community with their time, gifts and talents. God is calling us to become a submissive and serving body. 1 Corinthians 12:12–31 · Colossians 1:18 · 1 Corinthians 10:16 · Romans 12:4 · Ephesians 4:11, 12
- A Temple
- Filled with holy & passionate worshipers who see worship as a way of life as well as a weekly gathering. 1 Peter 2:4–10 · Romans 12:1, 2
- Light & Salt
- Full of people who can INFLUENCE and ILLUMINATE this world with their character and their good works. Matthew 5:13–16 · Colossians 3:5, 6
- An Army
- Of dedicated prayer warriors who know that Satan is our enemy, our weapon is the word of God and prayer is our first and best strategy. Ephesians 6:10–20 · 2 Corinthians 10:1–6
- A Family
- Where people can find belonging, love, accountability and encouragement. Where every age is honored, valued and authentic, Biblical fellowship strengthens our commitment to Christ and deepens our love for each other. 1 Thessalonians 1:1, 2 · Galatians 6:1, 2 · Hebrews 10:24 · Romans 12:10
- A Teacher
- Who produces mature disciples who are equipped for ministry. Who always asks “What does the Bible say?” Matthew 28:18–20 · 1 Timothy 3:15, 16 · 2 Timothy 3:15–17 · Ephesians 4:11, 12
- A FLock
- Led by able and Spiritually qualified leaders who exercise their gifts & calling as pastors, elders, bishops & teachers. The church is not ruled by CEO Pastors but led by servant Pastors who are willing to die for their flock if need be. Acts 20:28 · 1 Peter 5:1–3 · 1 Timothy 3
- A Missionary
- Where every member is a missionary and our field is the world beginning with our own homes and extending unto the ends of the globe. Matthew 28:18–20 · Acts 1:8, 9 · Acts 8:1, 4
- Two questions drive our vision
- Is God’s kingdom better off because we are here?
- Is Mercer County better off because we are here?
Our Mission…
- Our mission stated simply:
Our mission at MBC is to Share Jesus so that more people will Know Him Personally and Follow Him Completely.
- Sharing Jesus
- Intentionally, Relationally & Radically with others.
- Knowing Him Personally
- People must choose Jesus and His gift of eternal life by faith.
- Following Him completely
- People are transformed by a personal relationship with Jesus.
This is a life long journey for every believer as we grow to maturity in Jesus.
- Our mission explained Biblically: (Matthew 28:18-20)
Our mission is the Great Commission—“Make Disciples of All Nations”
- Going
- Go! Intentionally and Relationally into our community & world.
- Baptizing
- Baptize! Those who believe should evidence their faith by baptism. Baptism does not save but it is our first step of obedience to God that pictures our salvation and identifies us with Jesus and His People.
- Teaching
- Everything Jesus has taught us we must teach new believers until they become committed followers of Jesus.