Fairlawn 101

Fairlawn 101 New/Prospective Member’s Orientation and Study Class

New/Prospective Member’s Orientation and

Study Class

Greetings,

We are so honored that you have decided to learn more about our church. We seek to glorify God through Missions, Evangelism, Discipleship and Service. Our goal is to do more than simply create attenders or members, we seek to make disciples that will go on to make even more disciples. This journey of discipleship begins here and is completed when we are all actively sharing our faith with others and discipling other new believers. We invite you to take this journey with us by completing this class and becoming active members of the Fairlawn Family. We hope to witness your growth in the Lord during your time with us and we hope you witness our growth as well. We are all learning together what it means to serve the Lord and to glorify His name in our Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth.

Along the way, you will learn our core beliefs, our core ministries and how you can become involved in one of our LifeGroups to begin and continue your path to discipleship. If you have any questions during the journey, please feel free to ask. We encourage, and expect, you to seek answers that will help you to know for sure that Fairlawn is your new spiritual home.

Remember, God Created You,

Jesus Saved You,

The Holy Spirit Guides You,

And, We All Love You

Welcome, Welcome, Welcome

Thank you and May God Bless you!!

Pastor Jason Spade

Mission Statement

Fairlawn Baptist Church is a Family of Believers, Grounded in faith & Committed to Serve.

To determine the viability of any ministry we engage in, we will realistically ask the question, “Does this help us to accomplish the mission statement of the church?” If the answer is no, then we will not do them.

Vision Statement

“Be A Gospel Witness”

Vision summary

Objective

The objective is to become a Church that is intentional in our effort to “Be A Gospel Witness” to our surrounding community, the Mid-Ohio Valley and beyond. We will accomplish this by centering ourselves around the Word of God and directing our steps through missions, evangelism, discipleship and service with the intention of showing and telling others about Christ.

Goals

To reorganize, reenergize, reconnect and recommit our Church, our finances and our hearts to the mission of God and to reach our community with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Solution

1. We will begin to share our faith in an intentional and effective manner.

2. We will find ways to be of service to the community around us.

3. We will find new ways to engage the lost no matter where we find them.

4. We will rediscover the obedience to the Gospel that produces action.

Core Values

1. Instruction From God’s Word-

God’s Word is infallible and inerrant and is profitable for instruction and reproof (, ).

2. Mobilizing For Ministry-

() We are commanded to go and make disciples_

3. Praying With Faith-

Faith prays with assurance when God has made the outcome clear, and with submission when God has kept the outcome hidden (, , )

4. Adoring God In Worship-

:28_

5. Caring For Each Other-

We are to love one another (), to outdo one another in showing respect () and to stir one another up to love and good works ()._

6. Telling Others The Gospel Message-

& tell us to be witnesses for God and Christ. We are to tell the message and leave the results to God.

Core Beliefs

Lesson 1

The Holy Trinity

Facts For Christians

The God that we serve exist in three persons (, , , ).

(1)God The Father, (2) God The Son, and (3) God the Holy Spirit.

These three as one make up the Holy Trinity.

These basic facts will help you to clarify what we believe about these three persons of the Trinity

God The Father

God is the creator of all things. (-3) In six days God created the Heaven and the earth. He created all living creatures and provided all that every creature would need to survive. All Christians must believe that God is real. () God is not the result of a vivid imagination. He is real and without faith in Him we are nothing. It is God who sustains us in all things at all times. God is a personal being. () God is not an inanimate object. He is not an it, but rather a personal being. When we search for Him with our whole heart we will find Him. We acknowledge His person with such titles as Father, Shepherd, Friend and Counselor to name a few. God is a spiritual being. (, ) God is not a human being. He is a spirit. And if we are to have true communication with Him it must be spiritual. Humans too are spiritual beings. The flesh is only used to house our spirits for existence here on earth. Acceptance of this fact allows believers to both hear from and speak to God. Jehovah is the only God. (, , ) The God that we serve, Jehovah, is the Only True and Living God. There is no other God. Some serve and worship the earth, moon or sun. Others worship objects made by man. Christians serve the God that created the earth, moon, sun. We worship the God that created the man that made the object. God hates sin. (, , ) God hates sin because of it’s end result on us, destruction and death. But because of His love for us God provided a way of deliverance from sin for us, Jesus. God loves humans. () While God does indeed hate sin he loves humans that commit sin. He loves us so that He sent His only Son, Jesus, to suffer and die for our sins thereby granting us eternal life. God is omniscient. (, , , ) Nothing is hidden from God. He has infinite knowledge, awareness and wisdom. He knows the inner most thoughts of humans. God is able to search our hearts and minds and knows the number of hairs on our heads. God is omnipresent. (, , , ) God is everywhere at all times. There are no hiding places from God. There is no place where anyone can escape the presence of God. God is omnipotent. (, , , ) There is none as powerful as God. He is the Almighty.

Review of God The Father:

1. What does God hate? (, , , ) __Sin.

2. God is everywhere at all times. (, , )

This is called? omnipresent.

3. God exist in three persons. Who are they?__Father, Son & Holy Spirit.

4. What did God create? ( 3)__Everything__.

5. God has all power. What is this called? (, , ,

)____omnipotent__________________.

6. How did God display His love for the world?

()___By sending His son, Jesus Christ to die for us____.

7. What is God? (, )_____ God is a spiritual being _.

8. All Christians must believe that God is ______real____().

God The Son

Jesus was there in the beginning. (, , , ) Jesus has always existed. Jesus was present with God before the beginning. He worked with God to create everything that was created. Jesus was foretold of in Old Testament scripture. (, ) God in His wisdom knew that His people needed a savior. Sin held His people captives and He had to provide a way of escape from sin and a bridge to Himself. The foretelling of the coming messiah provided hope and encouragement for His people. Jesus was sent by God. () God, because of His love for human beings, sent His Son to serve as the ultimate sacrifice to cleanse our sins. God sent His Very Best to suffer and die in our place so all that believe in Jesus and accept Him as Lord and Savior would receive eternal life. Jesus was born of a woman. () Mary gave birth to Jesus in a barn and used an animal feeding trough for His bed. Jesus was an example for all Christians. (, , , , ) Jesus was obedient to His parents, baptized, resisted temptation from Satan, had compassion for others, made provisions for them, loved His enemies and cared for His family. These are just a few areas where we find Jesus setting the example. A search of the scripture will reveal Jesus setting the example or teaching the proper manner to live as Christians. Jesus died. (, , ). He did not faint. He died. He did not lapse into a coma. He died. There is no refuting this fact. Everyone, on the day of His death, both enemies and loved ones all agreed that Jesus died. Jesus was buried. (, , , ) After Jesus died His body was taken by Joseph of Arimathea and place in a tomb that Joseph had purchased for himself. A stone was placed across the opening of the tomb and Pilate sent soldiers to guard the tomb. Jesus was resurrected. (, , , ) Death nor the grave had the power to hold Jesus captive. He overcame them both for our sake. Jesus ascended to Heaven. () Jesus returned to His Father and now after having saved us intercedes on our behalf to God.

Review of Jesus:

1. Jesus actually Died. True or False

2. Jesus left Heaven to come to earth. True or False

3. Jesus died for the sins of the world. True or False

4. The Old Testament does not mention Jesus. True or False

5. Jesus is the Son of God. True or False

6. Jesus was baptized. True or False

7. Did Jesus resist temptation and sin. Yes or No

8. Jesus was resurrected and now sits at the right hand of God interceding for us. True or False

Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit was there in the beginning. (, , ) The Holy Spirit was present with God The Father and Jesus The Son before the beginning. The Holy Spirit is personal, not impersonal. (, , ) The Holy Spirit is the direct agent between heaven and earth in this gospel age. The Holy Spirit regenerates. (, ) The Holy Spirit converts or reforms us, as believers, completely. The Holy Spirit teaches. (, ) When we study the word of God we must ask for the aide of the Holy Spirit to teach us the information that God desires we have knowledge of (this is called illumination). The Holy Spirit guides. (, , ) In order to live a successful Christian life all Christians must rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit. He leads believers in all truths. He will never lead us in the wrong direction or in any way that is contrary to God. The Holy Spirit Convicts believers of sin. () The Holy Spirit is here to show all the truth about sin. That it is a destructive force, contrary to God and His Will and that it, if not forgiven, leads to death. The Holy Spirit gives inspiration. (, peter 1:21) The Holy Spirit gives insight and inspiration to all believers. The Holy Spirit provides comfort. (, ) The Holy Spirit comforts believers in restless times. There are times in the life of a believer when the circumstances of life seem unbearable. God in His infinite wisdom has sent the Holy Spirit to comfort believers at such times. The Holy Spirit is a gift from God. (, ) God has sent the Holy Spirit to believers as a gift. He expects His children to make use of all that He provides. The Holy Spirit is a helper to believers. () God knows that believers cannot survive in this hostile world without someone helping them. His Holy Spirit helps believers navigate the, sometimes harsh, environment of this world.

Review of The Holy Spirit:

1. The Holy Spirit provides __help___ () for believers?

2. The Holy Spirit is a ______gift_________________() from God?

3. The Holy Spirit _________convicts_______ () believers of sin.

4. The Holy Spirit is a ________guide______________() to believers.

5. When believers need help they can call on ()_____the Holy Spirit for help_.

6. The Holy Spirit ___regenerates_______() all believers.

7. God the Father, Son and _Holy Spirit_____(, ) were there in the beginning.

8. The Holy Spirit teaches believers. True or False

Salvation

Salvation is an individual’s surrender to the lordship of Jesus Christ resulting in the transformation of a person’s individual nature and relationship with God resulting from repentance and faith in the atoning death of Jesus Christ on the cross.

All humanity stands in need of salvation which is only possible through faith in Jesus Christ. Believers are saved by grace through faith alone for the purpose of carrying out God’s will ().

Because of Adam’s “Fall,“ (, ) all humans required a plan of salvation. God’s word assures all that accept Christ as Lord and Savior that salvation belongs to them () and that they are saved (John6:37).

Scriptures regarding salvation:

, , , &

Humans are unable to save themselves. God provided a means of salvation for the world and all credit belongs to God ().

Jesus provides the following through Salvation:

Access to God. (, )

Christ has become our high priest. Christ is salvation for believers all believers have access to God through Christ Jesus. There is no need to go through or ability to go through another human being to have access to God.

Adoption into God’s family. (, , )

Through salvation God has adopted and accepted believers as His children. Because of salvation believers are able to see God as their Father.

Forgiveness of sin. (, , )

All human beings commit sin. A blood offering to God must be rendered by the sinner to receive forgiveness. Jesus Christ is The Blood Offering to God for all believers. Salvation blots out the sinful deeds of believers and saves us from sin which, if not forgiven leads to eternal damnation. All sin can be forgiven thanks to the shed blood of Jesus Christ.

Peace with God. (, , )

Salvation removes the hostility that exists between humans and God and replaces hostility with peace. Without salvation there will always be turmoil between humans and God.

A New Life. (, , )

Without salvation humans remain in the adamic state, the nature of Adam. That state or nature causes humans to satisfy their flesh while neglecting their souls. Salvation begins with a spiritual rebirth that causes believers to live spiritually as opposed to carnally.

Deliverance from the power of sin. (, , , )

Without salvation humans are slaves to sin. Once salvation is received, the believer is no longer a prisoner to sin.

All Believers Must Be Born Again

Jesus tells us that the only way an individual will see the Kingdom of God is to be born again (). This rebirth is spiritual and must take place in order to be reborn.

Following is a list of scriptures regarding rebirth and why it is needed.

“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” ( (ESV))

Romans 3:23 ESV

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Romans 6:23 ESV

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” ()

If a person is not born again, sin will lead to his or her death. Death is separation from God forever. However, once you are born again, death has been conquered “9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. ()

Romans 10:9 ESV

because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Rebirth involves publicly confessing Jesus Christ as Lord.

Rebirth involves publicly confessing Jesus Christ as Lord.

But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,. ()

Titus 3:4–5 ESV

But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,

Humans works cannot save them, Only God has that power.

Humans works cannot save them, Only God has that power.

Romans 10:13 ESV

For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” () God promised that he would save all that called upon Him.

For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” () God promised that he would save all that called upon Him.

If you have not allowed Jesus Christ to be your personal Savior pray earnestly and honestly the following prayer:

Dear God. I know that I have sinned by breaking your laws and I ask forgiveness. I believe that Jesus died for my sins. I want to be born again and receive new life in Him. I surrender my life to the Lordship of Jesus and receive Him as my Lord and will seek to obey Him in all that I do. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Review of Salvation:

1. Humans have the ability to save themselves. True or False

2. Because of salvation believers are forgiven of sins. True or False

3. Because of salvation believers have peace with God True or False

4. God saves all who call upon Him. True or False

5. Can someone go to heaven without experiencing Biblical salvation? Yes or No

6. The wages of sin is () _____Death_________________________.

7. Salvation delivers believers from the _dominion of sin_ ().

Lesson 2

The Church

God calls believers into fellowship with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Believers are told to assemble together to encourage each other (). Jesus in His instruction to His disciples gives us the purpose of the church in what is known as the Great Commission.

There He states:

19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” ( ESV)

The responsibility of the church is to spread and share the good news of the gospel throughout the world. To that end members of the church have the privilege of serving God and their fellow man.

Some of the basic responsibilities of church members (Christians) are as follows:

Love the church. ()

Just as Christ loved believers, the church, believers are to love one another (the church). There must be love among and between members of the church. Christ set the example in this area by giving Himself for the church. We as the church ought to give of our time, talent and resources to the church.

Worship the Lord. (, , )

God desires the worship and praise of His people. The church is meeting the place where believers assemble to offer worship and praise to God as one. Worship and praise of God is both public and private (, ). The church is the physical location where believers can offer uninterrupted worship and praise to God.

Serve the Lord. (, , , )

God calls all believers into service. God has placed within each believer a gift that is to be used to bring Him glory. In service to the church we are to use those God-given gifts.

Keep God’s commandments. (, , )

By adhering to Gods commandments believers show their love for God. While no one is sinless all believers should always be striving to remain obedient to the Word of God.

Support the ministry. (, , , )

Believers provide the financial assistance needed to sustain the operations of the church. We must give financially as God has prospered us. By properly giving to the church we give to ourselves. How? When believers give to God He blesses them in return.

Review of The Church:

1. Believers are not required to serve God. True or False

2. Jesus loved the church. True or False

3. God does not desire the worship of believers. True or False

4. Believers should support the ministry. True or False

5. Believers don’t have to share the gospel. True or False

6. Believers don’t have to keep God’s commandments. True or False

7. Believers serve God and man. True or False

Ordinances of the Church:

Ordinance - An authoritative decree or law.

Jesus commands the Christian Church to observe two ordinances, Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. There are some basic fact all Christians must know regarding each of these ordinances:

Baptism

The Ordinance of Baptism is a symbol of the believer’s identification with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection (, ). Baptism means to be entirely immersed or submerged in water (, ).

Christians must know that Baptism:

Was commanded by Christ. ()

Jesus tell believers that they must baptize in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Does not save. ()

Belief in Christ saves, not baptism. Baptism is the outward expression of an inward change that has occurred in the life of the believer and is a step of obedience and wiliness to follow Christ.

Water is used to perform baptism. ( )

Water is a cleansing agent and is used symbolically as the washing away of sin.

The Lord’s Supper

The Lord’s Supper took place before the death of Christ. Jesus and His disciples went into a closed room where He washed their feet and shared with them bread and wine, which symbolized the body and blood of Christ. As Believers partake of the Lord’s Supper, we must remember Christ, receive strength from Him and rededicate ourselves to Him and His cause. ()

The Lord’s Supper is an established ordinance. ( , , , )

Jesus established the Lord’s Supper and expects all believers to continue to participate in it.

The Lord’s Supper was given to the Church. (, )

The Church, believers, are expected to remain obedient to Christ in all things.

The Lord’s Supper is a memorial to the death of our Lord and Savior. ()

The Lord’s Supper Is Called:

· Communion ()

· The Breaking of Bread (, , )

· The Cup of Blessing ()

· The Lord’s Supper ()

· The Lord’s Table ()

Symbols used in the Lord’s Supper and their significance:

The Bread () represents His broken body (). It represents the Lamb that was slain.

The Wine is a symbol of the Blood of Christ that was shed for our sins, which we as believers do in remembrance of the Lord.

The believer should do as follows as they prepare to partake of the

Lord’s Supper:

Come:

1. In remembrance of Christ’s death on the cross for “me” ().

2. To the table with a desire to participate ().

3. In faith ( , , ).

4. In remembrance of what Christ did for you (). His Church remembers Him.

5. With Thanksgiving ().

6. Examining their hearts () making sure we are in the right standing with God and our brothers and sisters (, ).

7. With a repentant and thankful heart ()

8. In a spirit of fellowship and love ()

9. In Holy fear (, ).

10. In self-examination ().

11. With a threefold look at Christ.

· A backward look to Calvary - Jesus’ death - His suffering for us.

· An Upward look to Heaven - Jesus’ resurrection - His ascension - sitting at the right hand of the Father.

· A Forward look to Jesus’ coming when we will meet Him.

Review of Church Ordinances:

1. How many ordinances are there in the church? ________two_______.

2. What are those ordinances? ___baptism and the Lord’s Supper/Communion.

3. Bread and wine represent the ______Body_______ and__Blood_____ of Jesus Christ.

4. What are three names used to describe the Lord’s Supper?

· Communion ()

· The Breaking of Bread (, , )

· The Cup of Blessing ()

· The Lord’s Supper ()

· The Lord’s Table ()

5. Believers come to partake of the Lord’s Supper in () obedience.

6. Does baptism save sinners? (Mark16:16) ___No____.

7. Did Jesus command believers to baptize? ()____Yes____.

God’s Word, Prayer and Tithe

Holy Bible

Believers must know these basic facts about the Bible:

“Bible” derives from the Greek term “books” and refers to the Old and New Testaments. God’s Holy Scriptures, the Holy Bible, was written by men divinely inspired by God and it record’s God’s revelation of Himself to humans. It has God, the Holy Spirit for its author, salvation for its end, and truth without mixture of error for its matter. The Bible above all talks about God and His relationship to the world. The Bible is a standard of authority for Christians.

The Bible is divide into two parts. The Old Testament which was primarily written in Hebrew, with some portions of Ezra-Nehemiah and Daniel in Aramaic, consist of thirty-nine books. The New Testament which was written in Greek, consists of twenty-seven books. Combined, there are sixty-six books in the entire Bible.

The Bible:

· Is life to believers ( )

· Enlightens believers ()

· Is knowledge and power to believers ()

· Offers comfort to believers ()

· Tells believers that God loved them first ()

· List the Commandments of God ()

· List the greatest Commandment ( , )

· Inform believers of the fact that God is the Shepherd to His people ()

· Tells believers of the power of faith ()

· Tells Believers of the power of God over all things ()

· Tells believers of the power of prayer and praise ()

· Tells believers that all are sinners ( )

· Tells believers that they are free from sin ()

· Tells believers that they must act on what they hear in or from the Word of God ()

· Tells believers that their faith is displayed in their actions ()

· Tells believers that Jesus will return ()

**This Listed is only a few of the subjects that are revealed in the Bible and they only scratch the surface of what God wants to reveal to His children through the study of His word.**

Review of The Holy Bible:

1. The Bible is divided into two parts, they are the _Old Testament_ and _New Testament_.

2. How many books make up the Old Testament? __________39___________________.

3. How many books are there total in the Bible? _____66___________.

4. Who is the author of the Bible? _______God_______________.

5. The Bible tells believers that their ____Faith_____ is displayed in their Actions? ()

6. The Bible does not tell believers that Jesus will return. () True or False

7. The Bible tells believers that there is power in their praise. () True or False

8. The Bible tells believers that they loved God first. () True or False

9. The Bible tells believers that they can never be free from sin. () True or False

10. God is the Shepherd of His people. True or False

Prayer

Prayer is the means of communication between God and believers. It is the believer’s greatest weapon. It is used to both talk too and hear from God. When properly used it allows the believer to speak intimately with God and strengthens the relationship between believers and God.

Prayer is:

Commanded by God ()

Believers must be obedient to God in all things that He has commanded them to do. Believers must always pray and never lose hope.

The means by which believers do great things ()

Prayer turns the request of believers into reality. Through prayer the believer can make a difference in his of her life and the lives of others that he or she prays for.

Taught by Christ ()

Believers must pray in a manner that is consistent with what Christ teaches and it must be done daily.

Must be done in the name of Jesus ()

Believers must make all request to the Father in the name of Jesus.

Needed in critical moments (, , )

Jesus went in prayer to God the night before His death. At the most crucial moment of His life the example Christ displays to believers is to take your troubles to God in prayer.

Review of Prayer:

1. Jesus did not teach on prayer. True or False

2. Prayer is needed in critical moments. True or False

3. Prayer was commanded by God. True or False

4. Believers don’t have to pray in the name of Jesus. True or False

5. Prayer is not the way to communicate with God. True or False

6. Prayer is a time to speak and not listen. True or False

7. Prayer strengthens the relationship between God and man. True or False

Tithe and Offering

God has a financial plan for His Church. He works by plans and has a plan for everything. He had a plan when He created the earth and Humans. He had a plan for the relationship between humans and Himself. He has a plan for the family. He has a plan of salvation and the work of the Church. He has a plan for the financing of the work He has ordered the Church to perform.

Offering – A gift given of time, talent or finances meant to Glorify God and further His mission through the local church.

Tithe - Tenth part, especially as offered to God.

Abraham presented a tithe to the Priest-king of Jerusalem, Melchizedek ().

Jacob pledged to offer to God, a tenth of all that God would bless Jacob with ().

Old Testament

Purpose of Tithing?

The tithe was used for support of the Levites and the priests ().

The agricultural produce tithe was used for a family feast at the sanctuary celebrating God’s provision ().

The third year’s tithe was to be used for the care of the Levites, orphans widows, and foreigners ().

Results of Tithing

Those that are obedient in tithing are blessed by God in return ().

New Testament

Jesus Taught Tithing

In we have a prophecy that the Lord will come and teach people how to live righteously and in a manner that is consistent with God’s will. The fact is then stated that Israel has robbed God in not bringing the tithe to God. In Jesus Christ, Malachi’s prophecy is fulfilled. Jesus taught in that acceptable living includes the tithe and also the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy and faith. The tithe alone is not enough. Believers must live right also.

Other Teachings In The New Testament

teaches that believers are to give “as God has prospered,” us.

This scripture teaches of giving above and beyond the tithe.

We believe in God’s plan in everything, and we believe that every member of the church should be a tither. This plan of finance would meet all of the financial needs of the church. This in turn would mean God’s people would be able to do mighty works for Him in carrying out the instructions of Christ in .

Review of Tithe and Offering:

1. Offering is given to further who’s mission through the church? ____God____

2. What percentage of a person’s income is the tithe? __10____

3. What is the purpose of the tithe?

· -32__________Support the priest___________

· -27______to celebrate God’s provisions__

· -29______Caring for others_____

4. What are the results of being obedient regarding tithing? (Malachi -3:10-12)

_we receive a blessing in return however, seeking blessing should not be our driver_

Lesson 3

Ministries of Fairlawn Baptist Church

LifeGroups/Discipleship

We have LifeGroups and Discipleship opportunities for all ages and levels of spiritual growth.

Men’s/Women’s Ministry

Men and Women are equally valuable to God and Fairlawn Baptist Church. We provided Bible Studies for each as well as additional activities for both outside of the church. Chris Weekley is the leader of our Men’s Ministry. Sandy Lawrentz is the leader of the Women’s Ministry.

Greeters/Ushers

You only get one chance to make a first impression. Our greeters and ushers are extremely important. It is also a great place to begin serving in the church. Michelle Mills is the leader of our Greeters and Jim Markley is the leader of our Ushers.

Youth

Fairlawn is tremendously concerned about reaching our next generation. They will one day lead our church and it is important that we raise them up to do so. We love our students. Mark Welch is the Youth Director.

Children

The stats say that if you have more people over 65 than you do under 8, you are a dying church. Our children are our future. We understand the value they have to God and the value they must have to us. We will survive or die as a church on the strength of our children’s ministry. Ben Carmichael is the Children’s Director.

Fairlawn Christian Academy

Our weekday preschool offers us an excellent opportunity to build a basis of faith into kids. It is also a great outreach to parents that do not know Christ or at least have no church family to support them. There are always opportunities to help us reach the children and parents of our FCA. Angie Thompson is the FCA Director.

Special Events

Throughout the year, we plan and participate in several special events. Some of these include selling programs at the South home football games, working a water spot in the half marathon, trunk or treat and parades. These are excellent opportunities to engage our community with the intention of showing and telling them about God’s love and forgiveness. Please plan to be involved in the events when they come up.

Principles For Christian Service

Fairlawn Baptist Church is obedient to the Word of God. In doing so we strive to carry out our mission statement in our living. To that end we have adopted and adhere to five principles.

They are as follows:

1. Service - Discipleship consist of more than simply learning, it is about being of service to others.

2. Students - Discipleship. By being a Bible student we learn more about God and His will thus improving our own conditions as we are transformed into His likeness.

3. Teachers - As we learn and grow closer to God He wants us to share Him with others. We do so by teaching, through our living, what we have learned as students. While we will always be students, we must move to the dual role of student/teacher.

4. Leaders – We as a church, have a responsibility to raise up the next leaders of our church, our community, our families and our faith. We should encourage the living out of our faith in such a way as to be Example Setters. We develop leaders by having a recognized standard in the leaders we put in place. Although we realize that none are perfect each of us should be striving to live a life that pleases God. We recognize that others, some that we are not aware of, look to us for guidance and we must lead by example. (For more information on Leadership development, see our Leadership Pathway).

5. Evangelists - Soul Winners. This takes us back to the Great Commission and our mission statement. We must reach out to others. We must exist to “Be A Gospel Witness”.

Methodology for Ministry and Administration- M.E.D.S.

Missions

Missions is not just going overseas or to a foreign country. It is living out our everyday lives on mission for God. God wants to us each of us right where we are.

Evangelism

Successful evangelism is the act of speaking to others about our faith. It is not conversion so much as intention.

Discipleship

Discipleship is the process of growing in our knowledge and service of Christ. This process is not complete until the one being discipled is making new disciples.

Service

Serving others is an integral part of being a Christian. Whether we are serving our members or our community, it is important to remain humble in our approach and intentional in our reach.

Lesson 4

Meeting Some Leaders

Today you will meet some key leaders that will be of great importance to you as you assimilate into Fairlawn Baptist Church. Afterwards, there will be a question and answer session.

The remainder of our time together is meant for you. You can ask anything you would like to know more about or to clear up any confusion from previously discussed things.

To become a member, you will be provided a form to be filled out. Then, during the next service time, come forward during our time of invitation and we will recognize and welcome you before our congregation. At our next regularly scheduled business meeting, you will be voted on and will become an active, voting member of Fairlawn Baptist Church.

Ask God, through prayer, to lead you to the place within His body were He wants you to serve. In the book of the Apostle Paul tells us that there are many members that make up the body of Christ. Each member has a specific role or duty to perform. All members are vital to the body and no one member is more important than another. Through the active participation in one or more ministries you will find that God can do a mighty work in, with and through you. You will grow in Christ through participation in the worship experience, Small Groups, Bible Study and others forms of Christian development offered here at Fairlawn. Your personal prayer life and Christian study time will also determine your Christian growth. We are a church family where all are accepted for who we are, forgiven of what we’ve done and loved because of Christ. As we move forward in God’s Will we are persuaded that He has already made the way and fought the battles. We claim the victory but know that the work must be performed by us. We as a church are committed to rolling up our sleeves and doing a mighty work for the Lord. God has given us a vision and while we may not be able to see it with our natural sight, we as His people will not be deterred because we walk by faith and not by sight. For that reason, and because God is with us, our future is bright.

Again, Welcome To Fairlawn Baptist Church

Pastor Jason Spade