Who Are We

 WHO ARE WE?

We are, simply stated, a New Testament church.  We range in ages from 1 to 85+ and everything in between. We are made up of people who have been born of God, who continuously repent of our sins and embrace the Person and work of Jesus Christ by faith alone.  We desire to serve and worship Him with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strength.

WHAT ARE WE ABOUT?    

We follow the directives in the New Testament for the life and ministry of the local church.  Here are just a few of them:

1. Jesus said in Matthew chapter 5 that we are to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world.
2. Jesus said in Matthew chapter 28 that we are to be about the business of making disciples.  This includes evangelism, and the faithful teaching and preaching of the Word of God.
3. The apostle Paul in 1 Timothy 3:15 said that the church is to be the pillar and support of the truth.

We strive to fulfill these directives, and more.

WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT US?

One thing that makes us unique is what could be called “New Testament simplicity.”  

Churches today typically have several (sometime many) meetings a week.  They have complex organizational structures with multiple boards and committees.  And, they build their ministries around a plethora of programs.

We believe strongly that everything we do - should be centered on God’s Word for His people.

For example – we are not willing to stoop to flashy marketing gimmicks - or novel methods to entertain the lost. There are no slick dog and pony shows here. 

We don’t just do a program just to do it – there has to be a pressing reason for it – and one that is Biblically based.

The NT reveals that the Church is the Bride of Christ and she is for believers to be edified, discipled, trained in God’s Word, built up for righteousness, so that the testimony of the Lord be revealed to the community. 

We want to do that so that Christ will be glorified in the expression of the local body. 

And we believe the Bible reveals that the Church is not to be the place where sinners are made to feel comfortable by stories and drama, or worldly themes.

It’s also not the place where true believers are forced to sit through shallow silly talk and diluted messages of feel-good felt-need moralistic preaching - instead of being fed the richness and depth of the Word’s of the Living God.

At SGBC we focus, not on programs, but on those essentials listed in Acts 2:42.  We do not burden families with the obligation of multiple meetings each week.  We have only one gathering on the Lord’s Day morning, which starts at 9:30 AM with Sunday School, then corporate prayer about 10:30, followed by a time of fellowship with some snacks, coffee, etc., then our worship service begins at 11:00 am, which usually is over by about 12:30 pm.

On the first Lord’s Day gathering every month, immediately following service, we observe the ordinance of the Lord’s Supper (for church members in good standing), then we have a fellowship meal, which is always a great time of sharing and getting to know one another better, and an opportunity to pursue discipleship opportunities further.

On the third Lord’s Day gathering of each month, we enjoy a potluck fellowship lunch immediately after service as well. 

Aside for those Lord’s Day services, we have an informal Wednesday evening gathering at 6:45 PM which consists of prayer and devotional from the Word of God, and is usually over by about 8 PM.

For our organizational structure we believe the Biblical pattern of church polity is an elder led, and congregational affirming structure. In addition, we believe that the elders are supported in the ministry by the Biblical office of Deacons, who serve as examples to the flock of godly living.  We do not have any boards or committees.

In a day and age when the counterfeit church is flourishing, we are steadfastly clinging to those basic, fundamental things that constitute the true church of Jesus Christ as outlined in the New Testament Scriptures.

Perhaps you are one who is tired of the status quo; tired of all the programs, entertainment, gimmicks, and feel-good mini sermons in the modern church that resemble more of a motivational speech than teaching the Word of the Living God.

Are you tired of having a real desire to be immersed in a fellowship who holds up the Word of God and wants to really know it, but you can’t, because you are not being taught the text, just stories? 

Do you hunger for the Word of God and a deeper understanding of the scriptures with real Christian fellowship? 

If so, then come visit us and see how we are not just different, but striving to be Biblical in all areas of live and service to the Lord. 

We think you’ll like it, and probably stick around and be part of our fellowship.

In Christ for Him and His Service!