FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What do you believe?

Check out a summary of our beliefs here.

Should I bring a Bible?

As a Bible-believing church, we want you to study the Bible with us. We encourage you to bring your Bible and follow along. However, if you don't have one, or forget your Bible, we have Bibles for use during the service.

What's in the name Baptist?

This 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. As Baptists, 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 salvation. There are two biblical offices in the church-pastor (also called bishop or elder) and deacons.

What does it mean to be an independent church?

We are an independent Baptist church in the model of the independent churches we find in the New Testament. As an independent Baptist church, we are not affiliated with any denomination or ruling body. Because of this we can support our own missionaries, select our own leaders, and support institutions that believe as we believe. In short, our church answers to the headship of Jesus Christ rather than a denominational body. There are currently more than 10,000 diverse independent Baptist churches in America and thousands more throughout the world.

How can I be involved in ministry?

Please contact Pastor Gehlken to volunteer to help with the many needs of the church. Please understand those wishing to serve in visible ministries must be church members and meet other requirements.

What is required for membership?

To be a member of Central Baptist you must first be saved and then baptized in a local church consistent with the Scriptures. You will then be invited to attend a new members' class with Pastor Gehlken. This will be a time to get to know your pastor and to understand more about the purpose and function of our church. Your membership is officially finalized upon completion of this class and congregational vote.

How should I dress?

We do not have a dress code for members or guests. Our ministry leaders and many of our church family dress in more traditional "Sunday" dress - the men in a dress shirt and dress slacks, typically with a tie, and the women in modest dress; however, our main goal is that you would feel welcome and comfortable during your visit here at Central Baptist!

What's here for my kids?

Starting with loving, safe, and clean nurseries, youth ministry is very important at Central Baptist Church. As a new church we have limited resources, but not a limited vision to equip our young people with the skills they need to succeed in the Christian life. We believe ministering to youth is the cornerstone of building healthy and happy Christian homes of tomorrow. We offer age-targeted youth classes and activities, and partner with other churches of like-faith to provide camps and other faith-building adventures.