What is a Baptist?

This church is a Baptist church by conviction and principle, not by affiliation. This means that we believe the basic Bible teachings for which Baptists have historically stood. As Baptists, we believe the following: the Bible is our sole authority for all matters of faith and practice. The church should be autonomous or self-governing. The believer does not need a priest, other than Jesus Christ, to come boldly to God. Every Christian has equal access to God personally. God’s Word gives us two ordinances for the church-baptism and the Lord’s Table. Each person is individually responsible for his decision to accept Christ. The separation of church and state is biblical. The believer is eternally secure and cannot lose salvation. There are two biblical offices in the church—pastors and deacons.

What does it mean to be an independent Baptist?

As an independent Baptist church, we are not affiliated with any particular Baptist denomination or ruling body. Because of this we can support our own missionaries, select our own leaders, and support institutions that believe as we believe. In short, our church answers to the headship of Jesus Christ rather than a denominational body. There are currently more than 10,000 independent Baptist churches in America and thousands more throughout the world.

What is here for my family?

From the time you enter on your first visit, we desire to be there to help build your family. At every service, there is safe and clean nursery care provided for your children three years old and younger. We desire to surround the children ages 3-10 with Godly music and lessons in our Heroes In Training program. The teens are invited to become part of the Discovery Zone Youth Group which meets each month for an activity and a time of teaching. The adults are invited to become a part of a LifeStage Bible Class where they will get to know other families in the church. Everyone is invited to attend the worship services where the whole family can enjoy the inspiring music and Biblical messages.

Am I expected to participate in the offering?

We want our service to be a gift to you. We hope you will find in this place a warm family spirit, truth from God’s Word, and a place where you can grow in God’s grace. Please don’t feel any obligation to participate in the offering as a guest.

How should I dress?

There is not a dress code at Open Door Baptist Church for members or guests. Our ministry leaders and many of our church family dress in more traditional “Sunday” dress; however, our main goal is that you would feel welcome and comfortable on your visit here at Open Door!

We may have missed something. Please feel free to contact us and ask, or there will be people available to help answer your questions as soon as you arrive.