About LABC

About Us...

We are a doctrinally conservative congregation that holds to a reformed understanding of the Scripture in a Baptistic tradition. The term "reformed" comes from the period of church history called "The Reformation", when important Biblical truths were recovered and reemphasized, truths that we embrace to this day.

Among the truths recovered during the reformation are the "Sola's". These are "sola scriptura" ("scripture alone" as the authority for life and practice in the church), "sola gratia" (God's sovereign "grace alone" as the reason for our salvation without any actual or potential human merit), "sola fide" (justification by "faith alone" and no human works), "solus Christus" (salvation through the Person and work of Jesus "Christ alone"), and "soli Deo gloria" (all things ultimately for "the glory of God alone").

Ministry Philosophy

Purpose

The purpose of God for the church: Glorify Himself by gathering a people for His name.
Acts 15:14
Simeon has related how God first concerned Himself about taking from among the Gentiles a people for His name.
The purpose of the church: Glorify God by valuing Him above all else.
1 Corinthians 10:31
Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Mission

The mission of the church: Fulfilling the great commission in accordance with the great commandments.
Matthew 28:19-20 Great Commission
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Matthew 22:37-38 Great Commandment
Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.

On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.

The practical implications of this mission statement can be summarized in the acronym EAT:

Evangelize
Assimilate
Teach.

They should not be pursued independently rather these rudiments should be pursued in every endeavor. At times one of these elements may seem to be the primary focus however it is essential to find ways to incorporate each aspect of discipleship so that our purpose will not be fragmented. Everything that is accomplished should be done to the glory of God. God is glorified when He is the object of our affection.
Ephesians 4:15
but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head--Christ--

The Responsibilities of Church congregants

Pastors

The responsibilities of the PASTOR(S) / ELDER(S): Glorify God by equipping the church to fulfill the purpose of Christ by teaching, overseeing, and leading the church by providing a Christ-like example.
Ephesians 4:11,12
And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;

1 Peter 5:2
shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness;

1 Timothy 5:17
The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.

Deacons

The responsibilities of DEACONS: Glorify God by assisting the pastor(s) / elder(s) in the ministry of mercy and service.
1 Timothy 3:10
These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach.

1 Peter 4:10
As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

Members

1 Thessalonians 5:12,13
But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another.

Hebrews 13:17
Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.

Romans 14:19
So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.

Ephesians 4:12
for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;

About Us...

The Five "Solas"