About First Baptist Church
Our Baptist Freedoms
As a church affiliated with the American Baptist Churches, we do not unite around a single creed or doctrinal statement. Instead, we are shaped by a historic Baptist conviction: faith flourishes best when it is free. At the heart of our life together are four freedoms that guide how we interpret Scripture, follow Christ, and live as the Church.
Bible Freedom
What it means:
Bible Freedom affirms that the Bible is central to our faith and life—and that believers are invited to read, study, and interpret Scripture thoughtfully and prayerfully.
What this looks like at First Baptist:
We take Scripture seriously and engage it openly. You’ll hear the Bible read, taught, and preached, and you’ll also find space for questions, conversation, and growth. We trust the Holy Spirit to guide us as we seek to understand God’s Word together, knowing that faithful Christians may sometimes see things differently.
Soul Freedom
What it means:
Soul Freedom recognizes that each person stands directly before God. No one else can—or should—coerce another’s conscience or faith.
What this looks like at First Baptist:
We believe faith must be freely chosen, not forced. You are welcome here whether you are confident in your beliefs, exploring faith for the first time, or carrying doubts and questions. We respect each person’s spiritual journey and trust God to work in every heart in His time.
Church Freedom
What it means:
Church Freedom affirms that each local congregation is responsible for discerning God’s will for its own life and mission under the lordship of Jesus Christ.
What this looks like at First Baptist:
We prayerfully make decisions together about worship, leadership, mission, and ministry. While we value the wisdom of our Baptist family, we believe God calls each church to serve its community faithfully and creatively. This freedom allows us to respond to real needs with humility and love.
Religious Freedom
What it means:
Religious Freedom upholds the right of every person to practice their faith—or no faith at all—without coercion or interference from the state.
What this looks like at First Baptist:
We respect people of all beliefs and backgrounds. We seek to live out our Christian faith with conviction and compassion, not control. We believe authentic faith thrives in an environment of freedom, mutual respect, and peace.
Why These Freedoms Matter
Together, these freedoms shape a church that is rooted, open, loving, and gracious. They allow us to hold deep convictions while extending genuine hospitality—trusting that truth and grace grow best where faith is free.
