To move people toward Christlikeness
If a ministry is going to have direction, structure, aligned activities, and controls, it must have a Mission Statement that will allow it to pursue its purpose efficiently and effectively. A Mission Statement succinctly captures God's desire for our church. It clearly articulates why Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church exists. The Mission Statement defines what it means for MLBC to be fruitful, to produce the outcomes that will please God.
"Moving People Toward Christlikeness"
The Great Commandment: Matt. 22:37-40 - Jesus replied: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 'This is the first and greatest commandment.' And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
The Great Commission: Matt. 28:19-20 - "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you.
Beliefs are not worth much unless they are translated into actions. Based on what the Bible teaches, we feel strongly about the following practices:
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.” 2 Timothy 3:16 (NKJV)
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 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 . . .”
Col. 1:18 (NKJV)
Christ is the recognized head of our church, not any person 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 –
“. . . Jesus Christ . . . To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests . . .”
Rev. 1:6 (NKJV)
The Bible teaches that every Christian is called to 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 the Bible.
Tithing –
“A tithe (tenth) of everything you produce belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord.” Lev. 27:30 (GN)
At Mt. Lebanon 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 –
“For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ . . .” Col. 2:12 (GN)
Baptism is an outward sign of the inward commitment that one has already made to follow Jesus Christ. 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 much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 (NKJV)
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 –
“... always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, ...” I Peter 3:15
It is the responsibility of every Christian to share the Good News with those God puts in our path.
