Mission Statement

We will glorify God by developing mature believers who will serve Him in their attitudes and actions.
Ephesians 4:11-13

“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;  For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry,  for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of fullness of Christ.”

As we serve Him together, this purpose statement can be accomplished by practicing the following guidelines:

We will Worship Him, 

We will Witness for Him,

We will Fellowship and include Him,

We will Learn and Grow in Him.

THE GOALS OF HYDE PARK BAPTIST CHURCH

We Will Worship Him 

We will glorify God. The most important reason for starting, establishing, growing, and maintaining a church is to glorify God. This is the “highest good.” It must never be forgotten. All methodologies, efforts, and motives used to cultivate this church (and therefore win lost souls, as well as, to mature and encourage the saints) must not bring attention to any human being or man-made institution, but instead, bring honor, edification, and exaltation to God and Him alone. In fact, we must recognize that these ministries cannot be achieved by our own strengths. We must remember that it is the work of the Holy Spirit in and through our lives (individually and as a church body) that we are able to fulfill this ministry.

“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” 
(1 Cor. 10:31)

We Will Witness for Him

We will glorify God by winning souls. God has chosen (and commanded) all believers to proclaim His Good News of salvation and eternal life through Jesus Christ. God has shown that He can take any believer (weak and incapable as they may be) and use them for His glorification if they are willing and obedient. This discipleship ministry must not only reach the local community but also the foreign mission field.

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and of the Holy Ghost,  teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:  and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
(Matthew 28:19-20)

We Will Fellowship and Include Him ;  We Will Learn and Grow in Him

We will glorify God by helping believers become more like Christ. It is God’s desire that all believers become more and more like Christ throughout their life (a progressive sanctification). Growing and maintaining a church is definitely a Christian character-builder. It is not an easy task. It takes dedicated people with various talents and gifts to make it work. Just as different parts of the human body perform designated functions, the church body must do the same. Through the process of using the capabilities that God has given each believer and therefore working together, the church can bring encouragement and Christ-centered growth to others, as well as, to themselves.

“Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of fullness of Christ.”
(Ephesians 4:13)

THE GOVERNING PRINCIPLES OF HYDE PARK BAPTIST CHURCH

In the process of incorporating various programs, methodologies, and tools to reach our goal of glorifying God by winning souls through the building-up of the saints, the following principles need to be applied:

The Bible stands as our only authoritative rule for life and belief. The Scriptures of the Old and New Testament are the verbal, plenary, inerrant, authoritative and inspired Word of the living and true God. These Scriptures provide the sole basis and authority for faith and practice in the Christian’s life, providing the believer with “everything pertaining to life and Godliness” (2 Peter 1:3,4)

“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable  for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;  that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”
(2 Timothy 3:16,17)

Believers must have a passion to serve. This simply reinforces the “highest good” of glorifying God. As sinners saved by grace, the attitude of the church body (the pastors, deacons, teachers, ministry leaders, and congregation) should be one of serving God and putting His purpose and plan first. We are to be joyful and contented bond-servants working together (united in thought and effort) to please Him.

“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
 giving thanks to God and the father by Him.”
(Colossians 3;17)

Believers must be above reproach. Christians need to be concerned about their testimony before the world and the testimony of others who profess to be Christians. This church shall be a place where Biblical rules and regulations are pursued and adhered to without murmuring; where God’s people live right and work together in harmony, doing all things decently and in order... looking for the imminent pre-millenial return of the Lord Jesus Christ.

“In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity.   Sound speech, that cannot be condemned,
that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.”
(Titus 2:7-8)

The church has a unique role. God has designated and ordained various agencies of authority (Family, Church, Government). Each institution has its own responsibilities and essence. One is not to try to perform the role of the other. For example, a church ministry must never usurp the job of the family or home. Instead, it must be an encouragement and assist in whatever way possible to develop harmoniously, holy living.

“But if I tarry long, that thou mightest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.”
(1 Timothy 3:15)

The church must use it resources wisely. Regardless if it is time, people, facilities, or money, this church must be a good steward of what God has given it. We will some day have to give an account to God in how it was all used. This church shall be a place where God’s people can give of their money and effort without fear of the devil profiting from it.

"Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us: Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, But also in the sight of men.”
(2 Corinthians 8:20-21)

IN CONCLUSION

Whatever the tool (e.g. music, street witnessing, Bible studies), each program or idea must first be evaluated through the goals of this church (does it glorify God). After that, it must then be examined and verified to assure that it falls within the boundaries of our governing principles.

By carefully considering each possible ministry for credibility and effectiveness, it is the prayer of this church that God finds us faithful. This shall be a place where born again, Bible-believing people will be fed on the Word in a congenial atmosphere and sinners will be welcomed, but miserable until they make things right with Him. To God be the glory forever. Amen.