I. History

The first gathering of First Baptist Church of Georgetown, Texas, was held October 30, 1866. The church’s first permanent meeting place was on the corner of Sixth and Church Streets. In the late 1920’s, the church relocated to Tenth and Main Street. The church remained on Main Street until a satellite location was built at the current location in 1987. The move to West University Avenue was completed in 1989. The original building at this site was the Recreation Center, which was used for 14 years as the Worship Center, and Education Building 1. In 1996, Education Building 2 and the office building were added. The Worship Center opened Easter Sunday, April 15, 2001. Our newest building, the 3-story Education Building 3 and additional office spaces were opened on Saturday, August 19, 2006.

II. Identity

FBCgT is a body of believers that is first and foremost Christian. We have a “Baptist flavor” and are by choice affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), the Baptist General Convention of Texas (BGCT), and the Williamson Baptist Association (WBA).

We are a church that tries to reach all people with the gospel, not just target one age-group. We have more of a “general practitioner” approach to ministry rather than a “specialized approach.” We offer choices in worship style and ministry involvement. FBCgT is also a church with a regional mentality in scope – reaching far beyond the Georgetown city limits.

III. Values and Purpose

The values and purpose of FBCgT can be found in our purpose statement and in scripture.

FBCgT’s purpose statement: Doing whatever is needed to reach, teach, and encourage people to become passionate followers of Jesus Christ.

This statement is based on what we find the early church doing at the very beginning of the church in Acts 2:42-47.

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Growing out of this scripture and our purpose statement are four key values of FBCgT. They are the values of:
1. Risking
2. Growing
3. Relating
4. Worshipping

1. Risking

We are a people who are committed to “doing whatever is needed.”

We risk by:

Investing ourselves
Verse 42 – “they devoted themselves”
They gave themselves in steady persistence

Investing our vision
Verse 43 – “everyone was filled with awe”
Their minds were expanded through the respect they had for the wonders of God.

Investing our resources
Verse 45 – “they gave to anyone as he had need”
The church distributed their resources to people in need.

2. Growing

We are a people who are committed to “reach and teach.”

We must grow:

Qualitatively
We become better (more mature Christians) through the teaching of God’s Word. We must always be growing in our understanding and application of “the apostles’ teaching” (verse 42). God’s Word must not only be studied, but also applied in order for true teaching to have taken place.

Quantitatively
We must grow bigger through reaching people.
Acts 2:47 – “and the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”

Quantitative growth is a partnership with God as Paul stated in I Corinthians 3:6, “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God caused it to grow.” The quantitative growth of FBCgT is seen in our attendance in Bible Study (Life Groups) and worship.

3. Relating

We are a people who are committed to “encourage people.”

We must relate:

To one another
Verse 46 – “ate together with glad and sincere hearts”
The relationships within the early church were marked by enthusiastic unity.

To others outside the body of Christ
Verse 47 – “enjoying the favor of all the people”
The early church also experienced acceptance and respect from the people who knew them in the community.

This relational unity is best fostered by being involved in a small group through Life Groups. In our Life Groups, there are classes for every age. In our adult Life Groups, there is an organizational structure to help people connect relationally.

Life Groups
Coordinator/Director ->Teacher ->Other Leaders ->Care Group Captains ->Share Group

4. Worshipping

We are a people committed to helping people “become passionate followers of Jesus Christ.” Passion in the life of the believer is best seen through his/her worship.

We are called to worship:

Together
Verses 46, 47 – “they continued to meet together…praising God”
Worship should be regular and corporate.
Worship should be a priority and incorporate praise.
Worship should be from the heart.

Individually
Verse 42 – “they devoted themselves…to prayer”

Prayer is a conversation with God. It involves an exchange of reference and affirms our reliance on God. Prayer is an exposure to joy and our pathway to passion.

IV. Our Statements

Our purpose statement which was looked at earlier is also based on two “great” passages from the Scripture. We refer to these passages as “The Great Commandment” and “The Great Commission.”

The Great Commandment
“Jesus said, ‘Love the Lord your God with all our heart…soul…and mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and Prophets hang on these two commandments.’” Matthew 22:36-40

The Great Commission
“Jesus said, ‘Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.’” Matthew 28:19-20

Why we exist as a church
There are five basic reasons why the church exists today.

Worship: Expressing love to God
“Worship the Lord your God, and serve only Him.” Matthew 4:10
“…The Father seeks worshippers…and His worshippers must worship Him in spirit and in truth.” John 4:23-24

Ministry: The Word plus people
“By this shall all men know that you are my disciples – that you have love for one another.” John 13:35 (I John 3:16-17, Matthew 25:34-40; Hebrews 13:16; Romans 12:13)
“Now God gives us many kinds of special abilities…and there are different kinds of service to God (ministry)…all of you together form the body of Christ and each of you is a separate and necessary part of it.” I Corinthians 12:4-5, 27 (TLB)

At First Baptist…
Every member is a minister.
Every task is important.
Every member is a “10” in some area.

Evangelism: Sharing the Good News
“His intent was that through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known.” Ephesians 3:10
“Anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. But who can ask them to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they believe in him unless someone tells him?” Romans 10:13-14

Why Our Church Must Never Stop Growing

Because God loves people.
“The Lord… is patient, not wanting anyone to perish, but wants everyone to come to repentance.” II Peter 3:9 (II Corinthians 5:14; Luke 15:3-10; Matthew 9:12-13)

Because God commands us to reach out.
“Go out unto the country…and urge anyone you find to come in so that My House will be full.” Luke 14:23 (TLB)
“…you will be my witnesses…” Acts 1:8

Because growth is God’s will.
“Under Christ’s control, the whole Body is nourished…and grows as God wants it to grow.” Colossians 2:19 (GN)
“…(Jesus) I will build my church…” Matthew 16:18

Unbiblical excuses for not growing:
“God isn’t interested in numbers.”
“Our church wants quality, not quantity.”
“Large churches are impersonal.”

We believe our church must grow larger and smaller at the same time.
“And the Good News of the Kingdom will be preached to the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end
will come.” Matthew 24:14

Fellowship: Sharing personal life together

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched – this we proclaim concerning the Word of Life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. Our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete.” I John 1:1-4

As believers in Jesus Christ, we have a joint partnership with one another.

Discipleship: Helping other believers grow spiritually

“Let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity…” Hebrews 6:1
“Grow in grace and the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” II Peter 3:18
“(God has given)…some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works for ministry, so that the Body of Christ may be built up until we all…become mature…like Christ.” Ephesians 4:11-13

What We Believe

In essential beliefs – we have unity.
“There is one Body and one Spirit…there is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of us all…” Ephesians 4:4-6

In non-essential beliefs – we have liberty.
“Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters…Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls…So then each of us will give an account of himself to God…So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God.” Romans 14:1,4,12,22

In all our beliefs - we show love.
“…If I can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.” I Corinthians 13:2

a. About God

God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three personalities; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are coequal and are one with God. Genesis 1:1, 26-27; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; II Corinthians 13:14; I Peter 1:2.

b. About Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is coequal with the Father. Jesus became a man and lived a sinless life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to heaven’s glory and will return again someday to earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:22-23; John 1:1-5; 14:10-30; Acts 1:9-11; Romans 1:3-4; I Corinthians 15:3-4; I Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 4:14-15

c. About the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is coequal with God the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make people aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer a spiritual gift when they are saved. As Christians we seek to live under His daily control. John 14:16-17; 16:7-13; Acts 1:8; I Corinthians 2:12; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 1:13, 5:18.

d. About the Bible

The Bible is God’s Word to us. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without mixture of error. Psalm 119:105, 160; Proverbs 30:5; II Timothy 1:13, 3:16; Hebrews 4:12; II Peter 1:20-21.

e. About Human Beings

People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin.” This attitude separates people from God and causes many problems in life. Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a, 59:1-2; Romans 3:23

f. About Salvation

Salvation is God’s free gift to us but we must accept the gift. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into life by faith. John 14:6; Romans 5:1, 6:23; Galatians 3:26, Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5

g. About Eternal Security

Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the true believer is secure in that salvation for eternity. If you have been genuinely saved, you cannot “lose” it. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian. It is the grace and keeping power of God that gives us this security. John 10:29; II Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25; 10:10,14; I Peter 1:3-5

h. About Eternity

People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence. John 3:16, 14:17; Romans 6:23, 8:17-18; I Corinthians 2:7-9; Revelation 20:15

Our Statement of Practice

Our beliefs are not worth much unless they are put into practice. At FBCgT, we want every believer to be applying God’s Word to their lives. The following practices are very important to our church family.

a. Bible as our sole authority
“The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and make us realize what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us to do what is right.” II Timothy 3:16

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 of all that we believe.

b. Autonomy of each local church
“Christ is the head of his Body, the church. He is the source of the Body’s life…” Colossians 1:18 (GN)

Christ is the recognized head of the church, not any person, group or religious organization. While recognizing the value of associating and cooperating with other groups of Christians, e believe every local church should be self-governing and independent from any denominational control. In relating to any missions that we sponsor, we encourage each congregation to determine it’s own strategy, structure and style.

c. Priesthood of every believer
“Christ loves us, and by his death he has freed us from our sins and made us a kingdom of priests to serve God.” Revelation 1:6 (GN)

“You are…the King’s priests…God’s own people, chosen to proclaim the wonderful acts of God.” I Peter 2:9 (GN)

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 and Bible reading.

d. Tithing
“A tithe of everything you produce belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord.” Leviticus 27:30

At First Baptist, 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 for giving.

e. Immersion
“For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ…” Colossians 2:12 (GN)

We practice baptism by immersion under the water – the way Jesus was baptized and the way the Bible commands.

f. Spirit-led living
(Jesus said) “I am the Vine, you are the branches. If you abide in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; but apart from 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. (Philippians 2:13; Ephesians 5:18)

g. Telling others about Christ
“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” I Peter 3:15

It is the responsibility of every Christian to share the Good News with those God brings him into contact with. We practice personal sharing about Christ and inviting friends to church.