What We Believe; Questions and Answers

What is a Christian or a Baptist?
How is the church managed and how do I join?
Who runs the church and what does the pastor do?
Does it cost anything to join the church?

If you've ever asked yourself any of these questions, or if you would like to know what we, at First Baptist Church, Bracebridge believe please read on, we hope that you will find this page helpful.

WHAT WE BELIEVE…

We believe in One God, who exists eternally in three Persons: the Father/Creator, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
We believe that God loves each and every human being, but is perfect and holy and cannot have a full loving relationship with those who have willfully disobeyed God’s law (we often use the word “sin” to refer to disobedience to God.)
We believe that Jesus, God the Son, came to earth as a human being for two reasons; first, to show us how we can live in a way that pleases God, and second, to provide a way for us to come into a full, loving relationship with God. This second purpose was fulfilled by Jesus taking the punishment for everyone’s sin, and dying on a cross.
We believe that God raised Jesus from death as proof that this sacrifice had been accepted and that anyone who believes that Jesus has paid the penalty for their sin, is now in relationship with God as if their sin had never existed.
We believe that God the Holy Spirit lives within each person who has become part of God’s family, helping each one to live a life that pleases God.

WHAT WE DO…

We come together to worship God each Sunday morning between 10.30 and noon. We sing, pray, read Scripture and listen to a lecture on a passage of Scripture together. In this way we show our love and gratitude to God. At the same time we “listen” to discover how God would have us live and serve each other.
Each Sunday morning we enjoy social fellowship together after the worship time. This is a time to share, as friends with common interests, the things that have touched our lives during the week.
We meet to sing, pray and study Scripture together each Wednesday evening between 7.00 and 8.30. Most of this time is spent in an in-depth, interactive study of passages from the Holy Bible.
We meet to provide active and practical support for work done outside our immediate community (Missions) on the last Tuesday of every month at 2.00 in the afternoon.
We meet to provide active and practical support for our immediate community the second Tuesday evening of each month at 7.30 p.m.
We meet together for social meals, fun and fellowship together occasionally – some examples: a special anniversary or birthday, a bridal or baby shower, Valentine’s Day or Christmas party, or pot-luck supper and talent evening.

SOME QUESTIONS & ANSWERS…

WHAT IS A CHRISTIAN?
A Christian is a person who has responded to God’s love by agreeing to turn away from a life lived ignoring God’s law (repentance.)
A Christian is a person who has accepted that Jesus took the punishment for sin when He died on the cross.
A Christian is a person who accepts the Holy Bible as God’s Word, the guide for everyday life and faith.
A Christian is a person who lives a life of confident joy, knowing they are a part of God’s family.

WHAT IS A BAPTIST?
Baptist churches only baptize people who have asked to be baptized, this is usually referred to as “believer’s baptism”.
Baptism is a sign that a person has voluntarily and personally chosen to become part of God’s family.
Infants are welcomed into the church in a Service of Dedication in which the parent(s) and other church members promise to help the child to grow to become a follower of Jesus.

HOW CAN I JOIN THE CHURCH?
All are welcome to attend any and all worship and fellowship meetings at the church; however, only those who have been baptized at their own request are eligible to be voting members.

WHO ‘RUNS’ THE CHURCH?
Baptist churches are ‘congregational’. Deacons, trustees and others are elected by the membership to democratically manage the church’s practical affairs.

WHAT DOES THE PASTOR DO?
The pastor is a man or woman, usually with special training or education, who is selected by church members to be their spiritual guide and teacher and to be an example of Christian conduct and practice.

DO YOU HAVE TO PAY TO GO TO CHURCH OR BE A MEMBER?
Financial support of the church is voluntary. It is an act of thanksgiving to God.
Offerings make it possible for the Christian to participate in service to their fellowship and community that would be impossible individually.