Introduction
I wonder what do you think when you read the name of our church, which is First Baptist Church of Richmond Hill? There was a time when the name of a church reflected what the church was about. But today, as someone has correctly said, "The name over the door does not always reflect what is inside of the people."Here at FBCRH, we want you to know who we are. We are a corporate family of Christian Disciples, who exist as our mission statement reflects - To love God and to Love People through Lifestyle Development and Demonstration.
Here is what a disciple looks like. The scripture reference is Romans 12:1-2, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." A disciple is both a learner and follower of Christ. A disciple has both an inside, as well as an outside look. On the inside, the disciple has given his/her life to Christ. God is in charge of his/her mind (Philippians 2:1-5). God is also in charge of his heart (I Corinthians 10:31). A disciple always lives his/her life based on principles instead of preferences. Matthew 23:36-39 is the place where we find out how to carry out what God places in our mind and heart.
The outside look of a disciple is directly in proportion to his or her inside look. The outside of a believer will evidence itself with a desire for at least two things. First, a desire to be united with a body of believers as reflected in Ephesians 4:4-7. The disciple will serve in his/her place because of the diversity God has given him/her according to Ephesians 4:11-16.
We desire for everyone to become a disciple of Christ because this is the great commission of the church according to Matthew 28:18-20. This desire is reflected in all the programs we offer through the ministry of FBCRH.
Thank you for honoring us by attempting to discover who we are. Our doctrinal statement and our SBC partnership is clearly stated in all of our materials either printed or on the web. I pray that you would come to a true understanding of who Jesus is (John 14:6) and that you would come to be a vibrant part of His church as a Disciple of Christ.
Serving as God has called,
John 3:30