FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH PARSONS, KS
WHO ARE WE?
We are a local body of baptized followers of Christ, who believe everyone has the right-- and duty-- to study the scriptures for themselves and let the Holy Spirit lead them in understanding. We believe everyone is equal before God, each a sinner saved by grace received through faith, no one greater than another, but each fully competent in Christ's righteousness to go to God in prayer and to be heard without need of any priest other than Jesus. Each gifted for service in various ways, we are peers & co-laborers together. We have no hierarchy, and bow before Christ alone.
WHAT DO WE TEACH?
We use both the Old & New Testaments of the Bible in regular worship and daily devotion. The Gospel accounts of Jesus are the foundation for our Christian faith, and the whole of the scriptures are inspiration for our daily lives. We put those teachings into practice at home and at work.
WHAT ARE OUR CORE VALUES?
We love the Beatitudes. We love all of Jesus' teachings. But when the end comes, Jesus said we will be sorted like sheep from goats. He said the criteria would be: did we feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, provide for the homeless, visit and care for the sick and imprisoned. He said "inasmuch as you did it to the least of these, you did it to Me." (reference Matthew 25:31-46). Our mission is not just to love one another, but to love everyone. We are most like our Lord when we are giving ourselves for others. "Greater love has no man than this, that he lays down his life for his friends. You are my friends..." (John 15:13)
Jesus' love is expressed in His sacrifice--and in ours.
WHO MAKES DECISIONS, WHO TEACHES, WHO LEADS?
We are a democratic body, with every member of the congregation having one vote. At our annual meeting, we elect specific members to oversee the ongoing operations of the church, who meet as a "council" on a monthly basis. We choose our own pastor, trusting God to lead us throughout the selection process, and extend a "call." We trust God to lead the pastor in responding to the call, and trust the pastor to follow God's leading in service of the church. We believe God gives gifts of teaching, administration, etc., to people among our congregation, according to our needs and opportunities. We trust the Holy Spirit to lead them, and we trust them to prepare and serve, accordingly.