Our church has always had an open-door policy. Feel free to ask any question about any part of our ministry. We welcome your questions. Below are answers to some of the questions we are frequently asked.
- What's in the name Baptist...
Our 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.
- 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 their salvation.
There are two biblical offices in the church: pastors and deacons.
What does it mean to be an independent church?
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 the Bible as we believe. In short, our church answers to the headship of Jesus Christ rather than a denominational body or group organization.
- How can I be involved in ministry...
There are two types of ministry involvement at Bay Area Bible Baptist. Many people help, in a given month, 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 pastor.
- What is required for membership...
To be a member of Bay Area Bible Baptist you must first be saved and then baptized in a local New Testament church of like-faith. A new members class is offered annually to help you understand the direction of our church and the heart of Pastor Matt Gass. During an agreed upon, planned service, you and your family will be invited to a formal introduction to the church family by the pastor.
- How are the finances of the church handled...
Annually, our church votes on a budget that is prepared by the leadership team and officers. On a monthly basis, our officers meet with our pastor to review financial matters. At this meeting, various reports are reviewed to keep ministry flowing and accountable.
- 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 leadership team. This team works together in prayer and decision making to follow the leading of God for our church ministry. Our officers 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. We believe how you respond to that teaching is a heart issue between you and the Lord.
- What does the church do to help the needy...
Lives are touched weekly through the many outreach ministries of our church. In addition to this, our leadership oversee a benevolence fund that is used to help needy people with basic needs from within and without the church. Each need is carefully evaluated and met to the best of our ability.
