I. Our Mission Statement:
First Baptist, Brownsville's Mission (Or Purpose) Statement tells why we exist:
To glorify God through making disciples. To transform irreligious people into fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.
"We announce the message about Christ, and we use all our wisdom to warn and teach everyone, so that all of Christ's followers will grow and become mature." (Col 1:28)
"They spent their time learning from the apostles, and they were like family to each other. They also broke bread and prayed together. Everyone was amazed by the many miracles and wonders that the apostles worked. All the Lord's followers often met together, and they shared everything they had. They would sell their property and possessions and give the money to whoever needed it. Day after day they met together in different homes and shared their food happily and freely, while praising God. Everyone liked them, and each day the Lord added to their group others who were being saved." (Acts 2:42-47)
II. Our Vision Statement:
OUR VISION Statement--Our Vision Statement is a two-page document that attempts to describe what our church might look like as we pursue God's purpose for us. It also serves as a map into our future, outlining the adjustments we will need to make as we move forward.
First Baptist in the Twenty-first Century
The Brownsville Area is a rapidly growing community located at the southern tip of Texas. It borders Mexico and stands as both a draw for those neighbors to the south as well as those seeking to establish international relations from the north. It is one of a few cities that serves as both a port city as well as a border city. This is God's mission field for First Baptist, Brownsville, a church affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention.
Rapid social changes are taking place around our church. Many people moving into the area come from a culture where the church has lost its significance as an institution. With resolute determination, the people of First Baptist are transforming their lives and ministries to reach this community with the Good News of Jesus Christ. They know that this vision of ministry is so great that they cannot do it on their own. The tasks involved are "God-sized," and the prayer life of the church reflects that truth. They respond to God with a love characterized by a passionate desire to please Him and obey Him no matter the cost. As an expression of love for God, they give sacrificially of their income to support the shared vision of their work in this community. They understand that Christ has planted them in this mission field to harvest it for Him and they are focusing their lives outward to mission, ministry, and service. Their high level of spiritual awareness causes them to look constantly for God's activity in His world and to join Him in it. In response, God is leading them and working through them, supplying the resources and the power.
In large numbers the members of the church accept personal responsibility for taking the gospel to the established relationships in their own lives. They share with neighbors, co-workers, fellow students, friends, and relatives. For many members the Sunday School, with its emphasis on education, fellowship, and evangelism, serves as a forum for reaching out to the community. In the future, the traditional Sunday School format will expand to Home Bible Studies, in which many will invite friends who need Christ to neighborhood home studies, to attend church with them, and encourage one another in the life of discipleship.
Expressing God's care for people is a core value resulting in the regular spawning of new ministries based on human need and on the resources provided by God. Members who sense God calling them to a particular ministry find others who have the same calling. These members receive training and launch new ministry teams. As a result, ministries develop spontaneously to groups such as: alcoholics and others affected by addictive behavior, the grieving, latch-key children, those recovering from the pain of divorce, adult children dealing with aging parents, and many others. Winter Texans and senior adults see their retirement as a new opportunity for involvement in missions and ministry.
Generous financial support of the Great Commission is evidence of this congregation's obedience to the Great Commandment.
The senior pastor spends time with every prospective new member sharing the plan of salvation and presenting the church's vision, values, and goals. New members come into the church understanding First Baptist's ministries, vision, and expectations. Most of them immediately become involved either in ministries or in training according to their gifts. Members encourage one another to pursue maturity in Christ, ministry in the church, and a mission in the world.
The congregation calls additional staff members as needed to supply the church with full-time leadership. Each new staff member comes with a vision, not simply to minister to the church, but to serve as a missionary to the community. The congregation itself is a source from which new staff members are drawn. Some who have served faithfully and effectively as volunteer leaders are now in internships, part-time or full-time vocational ministry. A committed body of deacons undergirds and shares the ministry and leadership responsibilities of the church staff.
The members of First Baptist are enthusiastically and knowledgeably involved in the business life of the church. Business meetings are held quarterly and are exciting and encouraging times of sharing and openness. The members are well-informed on issues involving the direction of the church and have a high level of confidence in those leading and setting direction. Out of a sense of stewardship the church operates without indebtedness.
There is an informed approach to the expansion issues facing the church. The result is the implementation of a master plan for worship and educational facilities to accommodate more than a thousand worshipers in the Sunday morning services. At the same time, the church looks constantly for God's leadership in establishing new congregations in the area.
The people of First Baptist are willing to make any change in format, structure, or methodology necessary to be used of God in reaching their world. They experiment with services on various days and at a variety of times. In worship, they employ varying forms and formats to reach those in need of contact with God. But no matter what the form, each worshiper approaches the experience knowing that it will be a personal encounter with the Living God. Each leaves the experience encouraged and rededicated to obedient service to Him.
The theme is evident everywhere: This congregation does not exist to hammer out its own agenda, or to call attention to itself, but for the call of Christ in a community filled with spiritually needy people. God has offered His church an opportunity to participate in His plan. They have accepted the offer, and what is happening can only be explained by God's power.
III. Our Faith Statement:
Our Faith Statement expresses our common beliefs based upon our understanding of God's Word.
We do not use a creed to which every member must subscribe to be a member. Rather, we use “confessions of faith,” which describe, not prescribe what we believe. No one is asked to sign or subscribe to our confession of faith in order to be a member, but we do use the confession in qualifying people for positions of teaching and leadership. Our confession of faith is the 1963 version of the Baptist Faith and Message. This document nor any other carries authority for us. The sole authority for our faith and practice is the Bible itself. The confession of faith is merely an attempt to declare our commonly held beliefs and practices.
A summary of the distinctive beliefs of Baptists is arranged in the following acrostic:
¨ Bible as sole authority
¨ Autonomy of each local congregation
¨ Priesthood of all believers
¨ Two ordinances--Immersion (Baptism) and Lord’s Supper
¨ Individual Soul Liberty and Responsibility of the Believer
¨ Salvation and Security of Believer by faith alone
¨ Two offices--Elder (Pastor) and Deacon
IV. Our Values Statement:
OUR VALUE STATEMENT-Our Value Statement describes ten core values around which our decisions are made and our ministries are designed.
1. IRRELIGIOUS PEOPLE matter to God, so they matter to us.
2. TRANSFORMATION of the Christian life takes place in the caring environment of BIBLE STUDY CLASSES, ACCOUNTABILITY GROUPS, HOME BIBLE STUDIES and other SMALL GROUPS.
3. INSPIRED SCRIPTURE is the authority for our faith and practice.
4. VOLUNTARY COOPERATION with other Christian organizations is our means of doing GLOBAL MISSIONS.
5. Every church member is a MINISTER, a MISSIONARY, and a PRIEST.
6. RELATIONAL EVANGELISM is the primary means of reaching people with the gospel.
7. Stewardship of TIME, TALENTS, and TREASURES is a vital part of a growing Christian life.
8. INNOVATION is encouraged to meet the needs of a rapidly changing world.
9. Touching the lives of people through DYNAMIC CORPORATE WORSHIP is an important means of bringing people to experience their full potential in Christ.
10. YIELDING ourselves in OBEDIENCE to Jesus Christ regardless of personal cost is our expression of love for Him.
“Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.” (1 Peter 3:15)
I. Our Mission Statement:
First Baptist, Brownsville's Mission (Or Purpose) Statement tells why we exist:
To glorify God through making disciples. To transform irreligious people into fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.
"We announce the message about Christ, and we use all our wisdom to warn and teach everyone, so that all of Christ's followers will grow and become mature." (Col 1:28)
"They spent their time learning from the apostles, and they were like family to each other. They also broke bread and prayed together. Everyone was amazed by the many miracles and wonders that the apostles worked. All the Lord's followers often met together, and they shared everything they had. They would sell their property and possessions and give the money to whoever needed it. Day after day they met together in different homes and shared their food happily and freely, while praising God. Everyone liked them, and each day the Lord added to their group others who were being saved." (Acts 2:42-47)
II. Our Vision Statement:
OUR VISION Statement--Our Vision Statement is a two-page document that attempts to describe what our church might look like as we pursue God's purpose for us. It also serves as a map into our future, outlining the adjustments we will need to make as we move forward.
First Baptist in the Twenty-first Century
The Brownsville Area is a rapidly growing community located at the southern tip of Texas. It borders Mexico and stands as both a draw for those neighbors to the south as well as those seeking to establish international relations from the north. It is one of a few cities that serves as both a port city as well as a border city. This is God's mission field for First Baptist, Brownsville, a church affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention.
Rapid social changes are taking place around our church. Many people moving into the area come from a culture where the church has lost its significance as an institution. With resolute determination, the people of First Baptist are transforming their lives and ministries to reach this community with the Good News of Jesus Christ. They know that this vision of ministry is so great that they cannot do it on their own. The tasks involved are "God-sized," and the prayer life of the church reflects that truth. They respond to God with a love characterized by a passionate desire to please Him and obey Him no matter the cost. As an expression of love for God, they give sacrificially of their income to support the shared vision of their work in this community. They understand that Christ has planted them in this mission field to harvest it for Him and they are focusing their lives outward to mission, ministry, and service. Their high level of spiritual awareness causes them to look constantly for God's activity in His world and to join Him in it. In response, God is leading them and working through them, supplying the resources and the power.
In large numbers the members of the church accept personal responsibility for taking the gospel to the established relationships in their own lives. They share with neighbors, co-workers, fellow students, friends, and relatives. For many members the Sunday School, with its emphasis on education, fellowship, and evangelism, serves as a forum for reaching out to the community. In the future, the traditional Sunday School format will expand to Home Bible Studies, in which many will invite friends who need Christ to neighborhood home studies, to attend church with them, and encourage one another in the life of discipleship.
Expressing God's care for people is a core value resulting in the regular spawning of new ministries based on human need and on the resources provided by God. Members who sense God calling them to a particular ministry find others who have the same calling. These members receive training and launch new ministry teams. As a result, ministries develop spontaneously to groups such as: alcoholics and others affected by addictive behavior, the grieving, latch-key children, those recovering from the pain of divorce, adult children dealing with aging parents, and many others. Winter Texans and senior adults see their retirement as a new opportunity for involvement in missions and ministry.
Generous financial support of the Great Commission is evidence of this congregation's obedience to the Great Commandment.
The senior pastor spends time with every prospective new member sharing the plan of salvation and presenting the church's vision, values, and goals. New members come into the church understanding First Baptist's ministries, vision, and expectations. Most of them immediately become involved either in ministries or in training according to their gifts. Members encourage one another to pursue maturity in Christ, ministry in the church, and a mission in the world.
The congregation calls additional staff members as needed to supply the church with full-time leadership. Each new staff member comes with a vision, not simply to minister to the church, but to serve as a missionary to the community. The congregation itself is a source from which new staff members are drawn. Some who have served faithfully and effectively as volunteer leaders are now in internships, part-time or full-time vocational ministry. A committed body of deacons undergirds and shares the ministry and leadership responsibilities of the church staff.
The members of First Baptist are enthusiastically and knowledgeably involved in the business life of the church. Business meetings are held quarterly and are exciting and encouraging times of sharing and openness. The members are well-informed on issues involving the direction of the church and have a high level of confidence in those leading and setting direction. Out of a sense of stewardship the church operates without indebtedness.
There is an informed approach to the expansion issues facing the church. The result is the implementation of a master plan for worship and educational facilities to accommodate more than a thousand worshipers in the Sunday morning services. At the same time, the church looks constantly for God's leadership in establishing new congregations in the area.
The people of First Baptist are willing to make any change in format, structure, or methodology necessary to be used of God in reaching their world. They experiment with services on various days and at a variety of times. In worship, they employ varying forms and formats to reach those in need of contact with God. But no matter what the form, each worshiper approaches the experience knowing that it will be a personal encounter with the Living God. Each leaves the experience encouraged and rededicated to obedient service to Him.
The theme is evident everywhere: This congregation does not exist to hammer out its own agenda, or to call attention to itself, but for the call of Christ in a community filled with spiritually needy people. God has offered His church an opportunity to participate in His plan. They have accepted the offer, and what is happening can only be explained by God's power.
III. Our Faith Statement:
Our Faith Statement expresses our common beliefs based upon our understanding of God's Word.
We do not use a creed to which every member must subscribe to be a member. Rather, we use “confessions of faith,” which describe, not prescribe what we believe. No one is asked to sign or subscribe to our confession of faith in order to be a member, but we do use the confession in qualifying people for positions of teaching and leadership. Our confession of faith is the 1963 version of the Baptist Faith and Message. This document nor any other carries authority for us. The sole authority for our faith and practice is the Bible itself. The confession of faith is merely an attempt to declare our commonly held beliefs and practices.
A summary of the distinctive beliefs of Baptists is arranged in the following acrostic:
¨ Bible as sole authority
¨ Autonomy of each local congregation
¨ Priesthood of all believers
¨ Two ordinances--Immersion (Baptism) and Lord’s Supper
¨ Individual Soul Liberty and Responsibility of the Believer
¨ Salvation and Security of Believer by faith alone
¨ Two offices--Elder (Pastor) and Deacon
IV. Our Values Statement:
OUR VALUE STATEMENT-Our Value Statement describes ten core values around which our decisions are made and our ministries are designed.
1. IRRELIGIOUS PEOPLE matter to God, so they matter to us.
2. TRANSFORMATION of the Christian life takes place in the caring environment of BIBLE STUDY CLASSES, ACCOUNTABILITY GROUPS, HOME BIBLE STUDIES and other SMALL GROUPS.
3. INSPIRED SCRIPTURE is the authority for our faith and practice.
4. VOLUNTARY COOPERATION with other Christian organizations is our means of doing GLOBAL MISSIONS.
5. Every church member is a MINISTER, a MISSIONARY, and a PRIEST.
6. RELATIONAL EVANGELISM is the primary means of reaching people with the gospel.
7. Stewardship of TIME, TALENTS, and TREASURES is a vital part of a growing Christian life.
8. INNOVATION is encouraged to meet the needs of a rapidly changing world.
9. Touching the lives of people through DYNAMIC CORPORATE WORSHIP is an important means of bringing people to experience their full potential in Christ.
10. YIELDING ourselves in OBEDIENCE to Jesus Christ regardless of personal cost is our expression of love for Him.
“Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.” (1 Peter 3:15)