Authority Of Scripture

We believe that all Scripture is divinely inspired and serves as the final authority in all matters of belief and behavior (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21). Therefore, we value Bible-centered preaching and teaching as the foundation for all that we do.

Worship

We believe that we are created by God to worship Him, and that glorifying God is the ultimate reason for our existence (John 4:23-34). Therefore, we will seek to praise and worship Him passionately – as individuals, as families, and as a local church.

Prayer

We believe that prayer is the privilege and responsibility of every Christian, and that God unleashes His power and leading in the lives of those who spend time in prayer (Matthew 6:7; 1 Thessalonians 5:17) Therefore, we will intentionally seek to set aside specific times for private, family, and corporate prayer.

Family

We believe that the family is God's foundational institution for human society (Matthew 19:5-6; Ephesians 5:22-6:4). Therefore, we encourage lifelong commitments to marriage between one man and one woman; we support the ongoing spiritual nurture of the family; and, we are committed to honoring the priority of family time through our ministries and activities.

Fellowship & Community

We believe that God instructs Christians to cultivate loving relationships as a community of believers (Romans 12:10; 1 John 4:7-11). Therefore, we will actively pursue personal, family, and staff relationships characterized by integrity, mutual accountability, mutual serving, mutual encouragement, and mutual honoring.

Salvation

We believe that salvation comes only through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We understand that we are in need of a Savior because of our sin nature. God has provided that way through Jesus Christ. Christ shed his blood for us on the cross, therefore, paying the penalty for our sins. We believe after Jesus died, God raised him from the dead, ensuring us eternal life. We believe that Jesus is the only way to God; it is through his name that all must be saved. (John 3:16; John 14:6)

Life Transformation

We believe that salvation comes only through a personal relationship with Christ, and His followers are responsible for becoming more like Christ in their beliefs and conduct (Ephesians 4:13; Colossians 1:28). Therefore, we will provide opportunities for every believer to develop a Christian worldview and thus engage the culture wherein he lives, works, and interacts.

Every Member Ministry

We believe that God cares about the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of every person. Further, we believe that every member of this church is called to minister (Ephesians 4:11-12). Therefore, we will develop lay leaders who will function effectively in their respective roles of service and, in turn, train and mentor other believers for ministry.

Personal Evangelism & Missions

We believe that every person is important to God, that God desires a personal relationship with every individual, and that He has entrusted us with the message of salvation (Matthew 28:19-20; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20). Therefore, we will endeavor to share the message of salvation with all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, or economic status, both in the Madison community and throughout the world.

Stewardship

We believe that biblical stewardship involves the proper management of all that God has given us - time, money, abilities, etc. - to expand His kingdom (1 Corinthians 4:2; 1 Peter 4:10). Therefore, we encourage every member to adopt a lifestyle of stewardship that recognizes God's ownership of everything and to practice the biblical principle of tithing (giving at least one-tenth of one's income) to support the work of the church.

Our Worship Style

Church music in the twenty-first century is very complex. At First Baptist Madison, our Sunday morning worship services employ a celebrative variety of musical styles, ranging from praise and worship to music of the classical masters, and from southern gospel to traditional hymns. One of the goals of the music ministry at First Baptist Madison is to minister to all ages in attendance. Our congregational singing always blends traditional hymns, such as the Doxology, All Hail The Power of Jesus' Name, and To God Be The Glory with contemporary songs, such as Forever by Kari Jobe, Cornerstone by Hillsong Church, and How He Loves by John Mark McMillian. Traditional hymns are often offered in a modern, energetic arrangement, but with the same, time-honored melodies and text that many will recognize. The choir, praise band, and praise teams lead in the Sunday Morning Worship services.