Our ultimate desire is that God would be glorified in all things (1 Cor. 10:31). God has made this his own aim (Isa. 43:7; Eph. 1:6, 12, 14). In Ephesians 3:10 we are told that through the church the multi-faceted wisdom of God is made known. The church on earth reveals (or displays) the wisdom of the God of heaven. God has cultivated and carried redemptive history down its path so that the whole created order might see and know his wisdom (1 Cor. 1:21, 26–31). So, as a church we have the privilege of making known (of displaying) the abundant, multi-faceted, majestic, diverse, and deep wisdom of God in saving sinners from every tongue, tribe, and nation (Matt. 5:16; Rev. 21:23–24). We exist to display the goodness, grace, and glory of God.
"We proclaim him, warning and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ."
First Baptist Church exists to declare God's truth, disciple God's people, delight in God's Son, and display God's glory.
DECLARE GOD'S TRUTH
Jesus charged his disciples to be witnesses of his death, resurrection, and repentance for forgiveness of sins in his name (Matt. 28:18–20; Luke 24:46–48). As Christians we have an obligation to proclaim the praises of the one who called us out of darkness into his marvelous light (1 Pet. 2:9; Rom. 1:14–16). We don’t exist to proclaim ourselves but Christ (2 Cor. 4:5). Practically, we declare the glories of what God has done in Jesus in our preaching, praising, and praying – what are commonly called God’s ordinary means of grace. Ultimately, we declare God’s truth because we delight in God and long to display his glory.
DISCIPLE GOD'S PEOPLE
If declaring the wonders of Christ is the first aspect of our mission as a church, then discipling others in the ways of Christ is the second aspect of our mission together. Jesus commissioned his disciples to make disciples of all nations by baptizing them and teaching them everything he commanded (Matt. 28:19; Acts 1:8). A disciple is a follower of Jesus who helps other people follow Jesus. This will occur in a number of different ways, but at FBC we prioritize discipling through one-to-one relationships, hospitality and fellowship, small groups, and Sunday School. Helping people find and follow Jesus is the mission we have “until the end of the age.”
DELIGHT IN GOD'S SON
Our God is infinitely lovely. In his mercy and grace our Triune God purposed to rescue rebels from eternal ruin through the Redeemer, Jesus Christ. The Father sent the Son into the world to accomplish salvation, and the Father and Son together send the Holy Spirit to apply the benefits of the Son’s saving work: his life, death, and resurrection. Our chief aim as a church, therefore, must be to keep the first and greatest commandment of God: to love the Lord with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Matt. 22:37–39). As a church, we exist to delight in God and enjoy him forever (Ps. 16:11; 37:4).
DISPLAY GOD'S GLORY