Here, briefly, are our historical stances on various issues. They do not rise to the level of our Doctrinal Statement. The Board of Elders has the final word on interpretation or mediation.

We ask our officers, teachers, Bible study leaders, and Small Group leaders to be aware of them. If such individuals hold different views on an issue, we ask them, when representing FBC, to make clear what is FBC's historical stance.

In alphabetical order:

Baptism

Baptism signifies personal salvation. In baptism the professing Christian follows Jesus in faith, burial, resurrection, and new life. Those who have not been baptized since trusting Christ as Savior and Lord are urged to be baptized. This is an act of discipleship, not a requirement for fellowship or Family at FBC. Our preferred practice is immersion.

Bible Translation

The original autographs are inspired, and if the translation is an accurate reflection of the original languages, it is acceptable. The KJV, NASB, and NIV are English versions that have been preferred at FBC.

Charismatic Practices

We believe that sign gifts ceased after the time of the apostles.

Creation

We believe in a literal six-day creation.

Divorce and "Remarriage"

We affirm and encourage sound, Biblical marriages. We recognize limited divorce with some allowance for marrying again. Please review our position paper.

Escatology (Last Things)

We hold to the pre-tribulation rapture of the church, the premillenial return of Jesus Christ, and the establishment of a literal 1000-year reign of Christ.

Infant Dedication

The dedication of a child at FBC is a public commitment to raise him or her under the Lordship of Christ and to use the utmost wisdom and discretion in encouraging the child to live for Jesus. It is an act in which parents give their child back to God, recognizing that the child is the Lord's gift to them. The church family, in witnessing this ceremony, pledges its accountability to the child.

Lifestyle

Consideration for the "weaker brother" is necessary. The abstinence from certain practices is desirable for those in positions of leadership.

Music Style

Our worship services are orderly but not liturgical. Our style of music is a blend of traditional and contemporary, using a variety of instrumentation, with a focus on the character and glory of God. Our Junior-Senior High Sunday School opens with singing accompanied by guitars, keyboard, and percussion. Our youth praise band, and our children's choir, occasionally participate in our worship services.

Role of Women in the Church

We affirm the significant ministry of women in the church! While we believe that women are spiritually equal to men, we also believe that the Scriptures model and teach church leadership by men, including teaching men of high school age or older.

Social Advocacy

While we practice guarded involvement by the church as a whole, we encourage individual Christians to engage our society to promote righteousness and justice.

Soteriology (Doctrine of Salvation)

We have a "Calvinistic" view of salvation, with variance on the design of atonement (for whom did Christ die?).

System of Theology

We have a dispensational, versus Covenant, view of God's dealing with humanity.