When you stand firmly upon the truth, there is simply nothing to hide. With this in mind, it is important to our church to answer any question you may have both openly and honestly. In fact, we welcome your questions. Below are answers to some of the questions we are frequently asked.
What's in the name 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 unaffiliated church?
As an unaffiliated Biblical 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 unaffiliated Baptist churches in America and thousands more throughout the world.
How can I be involved in ministry?
In order to be involved in ministry at Greater Waco Baptist Church there are three requirements. First, you must have a profession of faith in Jesus Christ. Secondly, you must be baptized by submersion following your profession of faith. Finally, you must be a member of Greater Waco Baptist Church. Once those three requirements are met anyone can be involved in ministry work. People can help with volunteer projects in areas such as maintenance and office-related projects. Feel free to contact the church office if you would like to volunteer your time in this way. If you are interested in teaching, helping, singing, or other visible positions of leadership; an appointment must be set with the pastoral staff.
What is required for church membership?
To be a member of Greater Waco Baptist Church you must first be saved and then baptized in a Baptist church of like-faith.
How are the finances of the church handled?
Annually, our church votes on the budget that is prepared by the leadership team and deacons. On an annual basis, an outside CPA provides an audit of our accounting and books. On a monthly basis, the deacons are given a financial report. On a weekly basis, our financial secretary works with the pastoral administrative team and office manager to keep ministry flowing and accountable.
What does the church do to help widows?
One of the primary responsibilities of each deacon is to assist in caring for the widows of the church. On a monthly basis, the needs of each widow are personally addressed and cared for.
How is the leadership of the church structured?
Ultimately, Christ is the head of this church. On a daily basis, the church is primarily led by the pastor and pastoral staff. This team works together in prayer and decision making to follow the leading of God for our church ministry. Also, our deacons serve as a church elected group that meets with the pastor monthly to review and discuss matters of church importance. This provides a high level of accountability as well as a great spirit of team cooperation as we follow God's leading for this church.
What is the church's approach to financial giving?
We have never practiced pressure techniques or fund-raising schemes. Rather, we choose to occasionally preach and teach what God's Word says about Christian stewardship and giving. How you respond to that teaching is a heart issue between you and the Lord. The only times you will be contacted about your giving is either when you request it, or when you receive your annual giving statement summary.