Statement of Faith – First Baptist of Steinhatchee

Of the Scriptures

Of the Holy Ghost

Of the True God

Of the Devil or Satan

Of the Creation

Of the Fall of Man

Of the Virgin Birth

Of the Atonement for Sin

Grace in the New Creation

Of the Freeness of Salvation

Of Justification

Of Repentance and Faith

Of Missions

Of the Offices of Bishop and Deacon

All believers are to be witnesses and servants of Christ. However, the offices of bishop and deacon carry the authority of the local church by virtue of ordination. We, therefore, believe the offices of a bishop and deacon are reserved for men who have met high Scriptural qualifications. We hold that the statement “husband of one wife” excludes women from these offices as well as any man who has been divorced or whose wife has been divorced.

The word “diakonos”, “servant” or “deacon” is used in many variations because it is a general word meaning, “ to run errands; an attendant, i.e. (genitive case) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties); specially, a Christian teacher and pastor (technically, a deacon or deaconess):” The term is “specially” applied to but not limited to any Christian, including children. ( See Mark 9:35; Matt 23:11-12; John 12:25-26; Rom 14:4; Rom 16:1-2) The use of the word in each of these verses does not denote an office, but the action of the person. The difference between the verses above and the verses below is in the elected office of the church.

I Timothy 3:1, “This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.”

I Timothy 3:13, “For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves, a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.” The early church ordained deacons and bishops and thus established offices granting authority to these men under the church. The offices of bishop and deacon as created by the election of the church must fall under the jurisdiction of Scriptural qualification demands. A woman can indeed be a “diakonos”, but not hold the “position in authority”. In fact, every Christian can be a “diakonos” but not all are qualified to serve in the “office”.

A comparison may be made with the office of a bishop (preacher or pastor). Mark 16:15 states, “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” The great commission commands every Christian to “preach the Gospel”. The word “preach” is “kerusso (kay-roos’-so);” and means “to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel):” Every Christian must practice the proclamation of the Good News, but the office of a preacher is reserved to those who are called and meet the criteria found in 1 Tim 3:1-7. Preaching or proclaiming is the practice, but the term “bishop” reveals the office. Always remember the office of a servant (deacon) and the office of a bishop (preacher) are exclusive. (See I Timothy 3:1-12; Titus 1:5-9)

Of Civil Government

Of the Righteous and the Wicked

Of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper

Of the Grace of Giving

Of the Sign Gifts

Human Sexuality/Family

Divorce and Remarriage

Sanctity of Life

Love

Lawsuits Between Believers

Authority of the Statement of Faith