We are Connected for Community
We were never intended to do life all alone, but rather in the love and company of God and each other.
First and foremost, we at JCBC affirm and celebrate our unity with the worldwide Body of Christ, in all its ecumenical diversity and form. While we are proud of our historic Baptist roots, we never place denominational loyalties above our primary call and mission to be the visible presence of the risen Christ in the world.
As a Baptist congregation, affiliated with Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, we affirm and celebrate historic Baptist principles, freedoms and traditions. Among these are…
Soul freedom is the principle belief that each human being is created with dignity, and as such, embodies the capacity to enter into relationship with the creator on his or her own free will. Historically, Baptists have referred to this freedom as The Priesthood of All Believers.
Church freedom is the principle belief that each local church has the freedom and responsibility to interpret scripture, select its own leaders, and make its own decisions in matters related to church governance. Inherent in this freedom is a strong support of the Separation of Church & State, for which Baptists have historically been champions.
Bible freedom is the principle belief that individuals and congregations have the freedom and the responsibility to interpret sacred scripture for themselves.
Religious freedom is the principle belief that every individual has the right to freedom of religion, freedom for religion, and even freedom from religion.
*For more on these freedoms, see The Baptist Identity: Four Fragile Freedoms, by Walter Shurden
Throughout our rich history, Johns Creek Baptist Church has consistently upheld the classical values and beliefs of Baptists. We also recognize certain distinctives that we hold as central to our faith and practices. If you would like more information to speak to someone on staff, feel free to contact us!
Johns Creek Baptist Church seeks to be a free and faithful voice of the Gospel, witnessing with integrity to Jesus Christ and the mission of the Church. The church believes in and dedicates itself to preserving and practicing historic Baptist principles, Freedoms, and traditions. We value excellence in worship, theological depth and diversity, authentic Christian community, deliberate church growth, congregational courage, responsible Christian stewardship, and a missional consciousness where every member is mobilized to serve.
Believing God is the one and only object of true worship; and further believing that God is deserving of the very best we can offer, we value excellence in all expressions of worship. We especially value worship that is spiritually inspiring and intellectually stimulating–placing our highest value on excellence in preaching and music. (Isaiah 6; John 4; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 3:17, 23; Ephesians 5:19-20)
Believing in historic Baptist principles, freedoms, and traditions, we recognize the soul-competency of every individual and affirm the priesthood of all believers. As such, we value theological depth and diversity in all areas of our shared life, believing that spiritual and intellectual openness better enables us as a congregation to marvel at the ineffable mysteries of God. (Philippians 2:12; 1 Corinthians 1,3; Acts 10-11; 2 Corinthians 4:7-9; Hebrews 5; Psalm 133:1)
Believing we are all imperfect people with unfinished stories; and further believing that our Lord welcomed all such people with a radical hospitality, and loved all persons without limitation; we value authentic Christian community where any and all of God’s Beloved may belong. (Matthew 11:28; Acts 2:42-47, 8:26-40; Romans 12:4-5; Matthew 18:20; Galatians 3:28-29;
Believing deeply that the message of Jesus Christ is the hope of the world; and further believing that the Church Universal is the visible presence of the Risen Christ in our age, we value the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the deliberate growth of His church so that this sure and certain hope may endure from generation to generation–unto the end of the age. (Matthew 24:14, 28:16-20; Mark 16:15; Acts 2:47, 5:14, 6:7, 11:21, 16:5; Ephesians 3:20-21)
Believing God is always calling the Church to new and next steps of faith; and further believing (by remembering our own history) that God’s calling always comes with some risk, we value the congregational courage required to always remain faithful to God’s call—wherever it may lead. (Joshua 1:6, 9-11; Ephesians 6:10; Psalm 56:3-4; Isaiah 41:10; Proverbs 3:5-6; Mark 5:36; Psalm 31:24)
Believing God’s grace to be a generous gift of unmerited favor; and further believing that maturing in faith demands using what God has given to us, for God’s own glory, we value responsible Christian stewardship of all God’s gifts. (Psalm 24:1; James 1:17; Matthew 25:21; Proverbs 3:9; Matthew 25:29; 1 Peter 4:10; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7)
Believing every member is an integral part of the Body of Christ; and further believing every follower of Christ plays a vital role in the witness and mission of the worldwide church, we value a missional consciousness within our church, where every member is truly empowered and fully equipped to mobilize his or her faith in practical ways for the cause of Christ. Further, we boldly affirm the reality that God calls both women and men into all areas of vocational ministry—with no limitations based on age, sex, race, or station in life. (Micah 6:8; Acts 2:17; Ephesians 4; 1 Corinthians 12; 2 Corinthians 4)