The most honest description of "Our Beliefs" is that First Baptist Church is made up of individuals who hold a very diverse, wide-range of beliefs. Not only are we "okay" with that diversity - we value it - and rather than a detriment, believe diversity to be an opportunity to demonstrate our unity in God's Spirit, despite the differences.
Even with our diverse beliefs, however, there are some beliefs we as a community of faith have embraced collectively...
God
We believe God has loved the world so deeply that no one is beyond the limits of experiencing God's love.
Jesus
We believe Jesus is the exact imprint of God - the clearest example of how we are meant to live. We believe Jesus showed us what life is all about, died to restore our broken relationship with God, and invites us to share life eternal through his resurrection and power.
Holy Spirit
We believe the Spirit of God still speaks to us today, helping us live out the abundant life God has for us.
Bible
We believe the Bible still matters, because it is the inspired story of God's love for the world, and how God has gone to great lengths to mend our broken relationship. Through God's Spirit, the Bible teaches us how to love more fully and authentically.
Church
We believe the Church - despite all its flaws - is the vehicle Jesus has chosen to make His love known to the world. We believe the church is not a building, it is a group of people... people who are called by God to embrace this task with great passion and enduring hope.
Equality
We believe women and men are equally created in God's image, are equally called to the Gospel ministry, and are thus equal partners in ordained and lay leadership in the church.