We are  BAPTIST

Bible As Our Sole Authority

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.   2 Timothy 3:16-17
Since God’s Word is the only completely reliable and truthful authority, we accept the Bible as our manual for living.  Our first question when faced with a decision is “What does the Bible say?”  We practice daily Bible reading, Bible study, and Bible memorization.  The Bible is the basis for all we believe.

Autonomy of Each Local Church

And He (Christ) is the head of the body, the church, . . .  Colossians 1:18
Christ is the recognized head of our church, not any person, group, or religious organization.  While recognizing the value of associating and cooperating with other groups of Christians, we believe every local church should be self-governing and independent from any denominational control. 

Priesthood of Every Believer

To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father  Revelation 1:5-6
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9
The Bible teaches that every Christian is called to “full time” Christian service, regardless of his or her vocation.  We practice the truth that every believer is a minister by encouraging every member to find a place of service and ministry.  Every believer has direct access to God through prayer Bible reading.

Tithing

And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD’S.
It is holy to the LORD.  Leviticus 27:30
At Stuart Heights Baptist Church we practice tithing for the support of Christ’s body, the church, as God commands.  We recognize that giving 10% of our income is the Biblical standard of giving. 

Immersion

Buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.Colossians 2:12
We practice baptism by immersion under water — the way Jesus was baptized, and the way the Bible commands.

Spirit-led Living

(Jesus said), I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears muchfruit; for without Me you can do nothing.  John 15:5
We believe the only way possible to live the Christian life is by God’s power within us.  So we seek to practice a daily dependence on God’s Spirit to enable us to do what is right. 

Telling Others About Christ

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;     1 Peter 3:15
It is the responsibility of every Christian to share the Good News with those with whom God brings us into contact.  We practice personal sharing about Christ and inviting friends to church.