About South Baldwin
Church of Christ
Welcome to South Baldwin Church of Christ! As a local congregation, we strive to do all things by the authority of the Scriptures. The Scriptures identify the work of the church in three primary areas: edification, benevolence, and evangelism. Within these areas, God has given specific instructions that are expressed through nine distinct actions. We believe these actions define the role and responsibilities that we, as a collective body, are authorized to carry out. The list below provides further explanation and scriptural support for each of these nine actions:
Assemble
Our local church assembles every first day of the week (Acts 20:7) to engage in the acts of worship together. This practice has its roots in the assemblies of the Israelites, who gathered before God to worship Him. Scripture reveals that we are to value assembling, for it is both how we serve God and how we encourage and strengthen our brethren in Christ (Hebrews 10:24–25).
The Lord's Supper
Jesus instituted a meal for His disciples (Matthew 26:26–29; Mark 14:22–25; Luke 22:17–22), both present and future, as a memorial of His sacrifice on the cross. The apostle Paul provides further instruction regarding how the church is to observe this command in its proper manner and setting (1 Corinthians 11:17–34; Acts 20:7).
Prayer
Prayer has been the means by which mankind has communicated with God since the beginning. While our individual prayers and our collective prayers may take different forms, the principle remains the same: we bring our worries, cares, requests, thanksgiving, and praise before His throne (Acts 12:5).
Singing
The use of music in worship can be traced back to Israel’s deliverance from Egyptian captivity (Exodus 15). In the New Testament, God instructs the church to teach, admonish, encourage, and glorify Him through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 5:19; James 5:13). In these passages, we are commanded to sing to one another and to make melody in our hearts. Accordingly, we follow this instruction in our worship by singing together without the use of mechanical instruments or choirs.
Teaching and Preaching
Our Lord instructs us to “make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19–20) by teaching the commands of Jesus Christ. In Matthew 11, Jesus Himself is described as teaching and preaching in the surrounding cities. Following this pattern, the local church is devoted to teaching and preaching the gospel of Christ (Acts 5:42). This is carried out through our times of Bible study, sermons from the Scriptures, and the daily conduct of our lives. We proclaim nothing more than Jesus Christ and Him crucified, as revealed in the Word of God (1 Corinthians 2:2).
Collection
The collection is taken on the first day of the week (1 Corinthians 16:1) and serves as the financial means by which our members carry out the work of the local congregation. This includes the support of gospel preaching, assistance to our saints and others in need, and the meeting of necessary expenses related to the facility. The Lord has blessed us beyond measure, and we honor Him by giving in the spirit of generosity and joy (2 Corinthians 8–9).
Church Discipline
At times, disciples turn away from the Lord and return to their former lives of sin (2 Peter 2:20–22). Scripture instructs the church to “remove the leaven” in order to restore the individual to Him (1 Corinthians 5). Though difficult, our congregation carries out this practice in full accordance with the biblical teaching on withdrawal and church discipline when necessary.
Support Preaching
The work of an evangelist is both challenging and honorable. As with any labor, the needs of the worker must be provided for (1 Thessalonians 2:1–8; Acts 13:1–3). Our local church first ensures the support of its own evangelist, and then extends assistance to others when resources and opportunities allow.
Aid Needy Saints
At the time of the church’s establishment at Pentecost, the disciples sold their possessions to provide for brethren in need (Acts 2:44–45). Following this example, and in accordance with the instructions in 1 Corinthians 16:1–2 and Acts 4:32–36, our local congregation seeks to offer financial assistance to fellow members when resources are available.