FAQ List (Frequently Asked Questions)
Preliminary Questions
How does the church serve the community and encourage the congregation to do the same?
The church maintains a food pantry for the community. Thanksgiving and Christmas food 'baskets' are also distributed to many in need. All these outreach efforts are funded by the donations, gifts, and offerings of our members. We also have Fall Treats and Treasures which is an outreach to the community.
Preliminary Questions
How are finances handled and kept accountable?
Finances are handled by the Annual Budget, which is prepared by a meeting of the committee chairs and is approved by the church in Business Meeting. Finances are administered by the Finance Committee, which is elected by the church. How much goes to debt? The church is debt free. How much to local and global outreach/missions? Nine percent of the budget goes to the local association, the state organization, and the national organization (via the state organization). National and global missions are supported by annual offerings by the congregation. See Welcome > Ministries > Missions Ministries.
Preliminary Questions
Does the pastor give a public invitation to respond to the gospel at the end of his sermon?
Yes.
Preliminary Questions
Are most people long-time attendees or relatively new?
The congregation is predominantly long-time attendees with a mixture of relatively new attendees.
Preliminary Questions
Does the church seem to be committed to laboring to love one another?
Yes.
Preliminary Questions
How does one join the church?
New Members are accepted by Profession of Faith in Jesus Christ and Baptism, by Transfer of Membership from a 'sister' Baptist Church, or by Statement of Faith.
Preliminary Questions
How is the music ministry of the church used?
During each service we worship through music and songs from our hymnal, which include both traditional hymns and favorite choruses. In addition, we celebrate our Lord through song during the "Fifth Sunday Music and Fellowship Service," when many songs are selected by the congregation, after which a church-wide fellowship is enjoyed. See Main > Why should I attend Bethel Baptist Church?
Preliminary Questions
Does the church take up an offering as a part of the weekly worship?
Yes, there is an offering plate located by the door for contributing to the church.
Preliminary Questions
How can I serve here?
There are many opportunities for service in teaching, support to the teacher, and committee membership on one or more of the various committees. Some of the committees include: Building/Grounds/Security, Church Ushers, Baptismal, Benevolence, Fellowship, Flower, History, Missions and Outreach, Personnel, Policy, Technology Oversight, and Finance/Budget.
Preliminary Questions
What is the main preaching philosophy of the pastor?
Verse by Verse Expository Preaching. See Main > Why should I attend Bethel Baptist Church?
Preliminary Questions
What priority does Scripture have in the worship service? Does the church practice a weekly Scripture reading? How is that organized and who reads the passages? What place is it in the service?
The Scripture is central to all teaching and preaching. Scripture is read at every service and is the basis for all teaching. The Pastor reads the scripture before the sermon and each teacher reads Scripture as a part of each lesson.
Preliminary Questions
How does the pastor address unbelievers in his weekly sermons? Does he seem to be too focused on the unbelievers or does he strike a good balance between feeding the sheep and proclaiming the gospel to the unbelievers?
The sermons are balanced between feeding the sheep and proclaiming the gospel.