WHO WE ARE

VISION STATEMENT
We are committed to transforming people with the gospel of Jesus Christ so that Christ’s life may be seen in their lives.



MISSION STATEMENT
We exist to catch and cultivate the lost so that they may have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ which will cause them to celebrate Him, commune with believers and work with us to fulfill the Great Commission?

1. Catch the lost…..Evangelism
Evangelism is the good news spoken by believers and lived out in their lives; it is spiritual interaction between saved persons and lost person.

2. Cultivate the lost ….Discipleship

Discipleship is a process that begins after conversion and continues throughout a believer’s life. Discipleship is not an option for a church or believer. Believers are to disciple each other as mandated in the Great Commission; this involves taking up one’s cross daily to follow Christ.

3. Celebrate Him…Worship

Worship occurs when we ascribe to God the worth to which He is worthy! You can worship alone or with a congregation. Worship can occur when a person is involved in a ministry or service that brings an awareness of God’s presence. Corporate worship as a church family provide opportunity to encourage one another in the faith and spiritual life (Heb. 10:25)

4. Commune with Believers…Fellowship

Christian fellowship grows out of fellowship with God. Fellowship is a joining together in common purpose as Christians.

5. Commissioned to serve…Ministry

We believe that God gives ministry responsibility to every Christian. We are stewards of ministry, and we cannot minister effectively without the power and giftedness of the Holy Spirit. (I Cor 12:7)

“Taking the Next Steps…A Guide for New Church Members” Ralph W. Hodge

CHURCH HISTORY

On March 31, 1914, St. Paul Baptist Church was organized by a Mission Band of ladies from Mount Zion under the leadership of Rev. William H. Hayes at 113 W. Lincoln Ave. The Church was incorporated on October 19, 1917. The first elected officers were John Laster, Grant Freeman, Thomas Jackson, Henry Clemons, Andrew Jackson as Trustees, and Emma Fears as Church Secretary. The Church then purchased property on 226 W. Howett Street, for the sum of $1,000.00 and it was paid for in one year.

Rev. Hayes served from 1914 to 1919. Rev. James E. Jones then served as interim pastor for two years. Rev. Elbert L. Todd then pastored for two years starting in 1923. We purchased our first parsonage during his pastorate on 401 Merriman Street, and later four others were purchased on Howett Street, Fisher Street, Smith, and S. Merriman Court, respectively.

In 1925 Rev. Calvin Autry served as interim pastor for one year. Thereafter Rev. James S. Davis was called and served for eight years. Rev. Calvin Autry was called to serve as interim again in 1933 and later was called to pastor for the next eight years. Around 1942 Rev. Samuel A. Miller was called to the pastor the Church. Rev. Miller served for five years and was later followed by Rev. Ernest L. Plant who only served for nine months due to his untimely death. Rev. Franklin L. Jefferson was then called and he served for eight years. Rev. Jefferson was followed by Rev. Noble B. Russey and he served for two years. br />
In October 1956, our beloved Rev. Amos L. Abbott was called to serve as pastor for 40 years until his death August 12, 1996. Under the leadership of Pastor Abbott, the church was able to burn its mortgage at its current location on 603 W. Nebraska Avenue on Sunday August 11, 1996. Thereafter, Rev. A. J. Guyton served as interim minister for 7 months.

We now are proud and blessed to have since June 27, 1997, Rev. Deveraux R. Hubbard.

OUR CORE BELIEFS

St. Paul’s Core Beliefs are the principles, symbols and faith stories to which we spontaneously and habitually return to for strength in times of confusion or stress. These are profound beliefs that are so precious to us that no external pressure will force us to compromise them.

• God is in control - Romans 8:28

• God forgives sins because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ – Colossians 1:14

• God loves all people and desires for all people to be in relationship with Him – 2 Corinthians 5:18-120; 2 Peter 3:9

• Jesus is Lord – Romans 14:9

• Jesus is our example of a life that pleases the Father. – Ephesians 4:20-24; I Peter 2:21-22

• The Holy Spirit empowers us to live in obedience to God – Galatians 5:21-25

• The Bible is God’s Word and is THE final authority for all life – 2 Timothy 3:16

• God hears and answers prayer - I John 5:14-15

• We are children of God – Romans 8:16-17

CHURCH COVENEANT

This Church adopts the Holy Bible as our rule in our faith, practice and methods operation. No bylaw or procedure shall ever outweigh the Scriptures. This Church adopts the Baptist Church Covenant as follows:

Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior; and on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and the Holy Spirit, we do now in the presence of God, angels and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body in Christ.

We, engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church in knowledge and holiness; to give it a place in our affections, prayers and services above every organization of human origin; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrine; to contribute cheerfully and regularly, as God has prospered us, toward its expenses, for the support of a faithful and evangelical ministry among us, the relief of the poor and the spread of the Gospel throughout the world. In case of difference of opinion in the church, we will strive to avoid a contentious spirit, and if we cannot unanimously agree, we will cheerfully recognize the right of the majority to govern.

We also engage to maintain family and sacred devotion, to study diligently the Word of God; to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintance; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be kind and just to those in our employment, and faithful in the service we promise others; endeavoring in the purity of heart and good will towards all men to exemplify and commend our holy faith.

We further engage to watch over, to pray for, to exhort and stir up each other unto every good word and work; to guard each other's reputation, not needlessly exposing the infirmities of others; to participate in each other's joys and with tender sympathy bear one another's burdens and sorrows; to cultivate Christian courtesy; to be slow to give or take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, being mindful of the rules of the Savior in the eighteenth chapter of Matthew, to secure it without delay; and through life, amid evil report, and good report, to seek to live to the glory of God, who hath called us out of darkness into his marvelous light.

When we remove from this place, we engage as soon as possible to unite with some other church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's Word.



OUR CORE VALUES

St. Paul’s core values are the positive preferences and choices we make, both deliberately and spontaneously in daily life. These are the values we strive to model in our lifestyles and behavior.

Prayer:	Daily conversations with God I Thessalonians 5:17
Sharing the Gospel:	Sharing how His story changed our story John 3:16; 4:29; Acts 1:8
Obedience:	Following Jesus daily John 14:15; John 15:5
Serving:	Selflessly meeting needs John 13:15; Galatians 5:13
Hospitality:	Making people feel at home Romans 12:13; I Peter 4:9