LAKE CITY BAPTIST CHURCH-ABOUT US PG

PRINCIPLES OF FAITH
These are values that represent what we believe in about ourselves and our church. they represent how we will interact with each other to accomplish our mission statement.

We believe the Bible to be our final authority for faith and practice.
We believe service to Christ merits excellence in everything we do.
We believe both corporate and individual encounters with God are vital.
We believe all people have worth and value to God and therefore to us.
We believe in the development of our God-given gifts and talents for service to Jesus Christ.
We believe the family is God's primary unit for ministry, and therefore, the family should be nurtured.
We believe in manifesting the love and grace of Christ in practical ways in the area and
throughout the world.
We believe that it is God's will that every believer grow to maturity in Christ.
We believe in the submission to and active support of godly leadership.
We believe in practicing wise stewardship of God's resources.
We believe that God has called us to be a people of prayer.
We believe in encouraging a prayer-guided faith that is willing to take bold risks.
We believe that leaders are accountable first to God and then to the people they serve.
We believe God honors a spirit of humility, integrity, and Christ like character in all areas of service.

MISSION STATEMENT
We exist to evangelize the lost, build up the saved, minister to the needs of others, and be conscience in the community.

SMALL CHURCH ADVANTAGES:
- The formation and sustenance of personal relationships. Lots of "T.L.G." (Touching, Loving, Giving).
- Workers understanding their role in relation with the whole.
- Opportunity for personal growth.
- Accountability for holy living for pastor and people.
- Involvement with a sense of responsibly. The small church provides both opportunity and encouragement for a higher percentage of people to be involved in ministry.
- Modeling of Christian character - teaching by example.
- The Pastor remains as a person. There is less chance of the unhealthy separation and idolizing the man. This also may mean the Pastor and family will receive more personal, emotional support. The small church may be able to more easily avoid the "Super Pastor" syndrome.
- Church as family can best be experienced in the small church.
- Renewal, restoration, and innovation can more easily take place.
- Flexibility of structure, being able to respond to change, to innovate, as well as respond to crisis needs and opportunities.
- The development and use of spiritual gifts (all of them) is more likely in the small church.
- There are unique opportunities available to the small church which may be less possible or manageable for the larger congregation.