Statement of Faith
Our Statement of Faith summarizes essential Christian beliefs, shows unity in Christ, and guards the church from false teaching. All members of Milwood Baptist Church fully affirm our Statement of Faith.
Church Structure
Jesus is Lord
Jesus is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. If we were to draw out a flow chart of our church's leadership structure, there would be but one exclusive, singular leader: Jesus. Whatever authority our church has comes from Jesus, who bore our sins on the cross and raised to new life. Whatever authority our church has is given from Jesus, who is building the church (Matt 16), who is the head of the church (Eph 4:15), is seated far above all rule and authority (Eph 1:22), in whom all things have been created (John 1:1-4, Col 1:15-16), and who is both the end and the beginning (Rev 22:12). It is our joy to make and mature disciples of Jesus, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit by the authority he granted to his disciples gathered in local churches (Matt 18:15-21, 28:18-20). Elder-Led
Who leads the church? The church is led by a plurality of overseers which are called Elders. "Elder" is another word for "pastor" in the Bible. Pastors lead the church by overseeing the health and vision of the church by preaching, teaching, and caring for souls. They meet regularly to pray for and discuss the needs and direction of the church.
Congregational-Rule
The New Testament gives local churches the responsibility to uphold the soundness of church's doctrine, to administrate membership and discipline, and to appoint leaders who will faithfully proclaim the Bible. Paul says that the church "builds itself up in love." This is one way to describe the church taking part in the spiritual growth of each member of the church (Eph 4:16). It is not solely the pastor's job to address all matters of discipleship in the church. The whole church is to care for each member and the pastors are to equip the church to do the work of the ministry (Eph 4:12). Members of the church, in God's strength and grace, make the church go. From childcare, to worship, to setting up for Sunday services, our church members serve our guests and each other. The large part of weekly ministry in the church is done by our members out of their thankfulness for the gospel and their love for others. Every two months, members gather for a meal and a Church Family Meeting on a Sunday evening. We renew our membership covenant aloud, hear about gospel conversations, hand out free books, and oversee the matters of the church together.
Becoming A Member
1. Membership Class
Participate in a Membership Class where you will hear the Milwood Statement of Faith, membership covenant, and all that membership entails.
2. Elder Interview
Following the membership class is an interview with an Elder to get to know you more and hear the account of how you came to saving faith, as well as your affirmation of our Membership Covenant and Statement of Faith.
3. Elder Affirmation
Next the Elders will review your interview together at a regular Elder’s meeting.
4. Congregational Affirmation
At a regular Church Family Meeting (Members Meeting), the Elder who conducted the interview will recommend the candidate to the church for membership. Upon church affirmation, the candidate will be admitted to the church as a member.
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