ABOUT
“And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.” -Hebrews 10:24-25
Greetings!
We are glad you desire to know more about our church. We are a small congregation in rural north Effingham county affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention. However, God has been growing both our county, and our church. Effingham county has nearly tripled in population over the past 20 years, and our church has grown too. In the midst of a global pandemic, we were faithful to meet, worship, disciple, and baptize new converts. However, none of this was for our own glory. We exist solely for the glory of God. Our existence is substantiated through our knowing Christ, and making Him known. We invite you to check us out on social media by following the links below.
Beliefs:
We believe that the Holy Bible is the infallible, inerrant, and inspired Word of God. As such, it is the final authority and standard for our beliefs and practices which all creeds, confessions, and traditions are subject. We believe the 2000 Baptist Faith & Message (viewable here) is an accurate and succinct reflection of the teachings of Scripture, and therefore serves as our doctrinal statement. However, we also affirm the historic 1644 and 1689 London Baptist Confessions as originally written. These may be viewed here and here.
Covenant:
Members at Turkey Branch Baptist Church are in covenant with one another. Membership at a local church is unlike that of a country club or fraternal organization. We are a family, not a club. Church membership is a partaking and sharing in the Body of Christ. Therefore, membership comes with privileges and responsibilities. We strive to be accountable to each another, and practice the “one another’s” of Scripture by living in community. Incoming members, after affirming our doctrinal statements, are thus expected to pledge and uphold our church’s covenant, formally entering our family. This covenant is renewed quarterly at church conferences as we are reminded of our responsibilities to one another. This covenant may be viewed here.
Constitution & By-Laws:
For the more certain preservation and security of the principles of our faith, and to the end that this body may be governed in an orderly manner consistent with the privileges of the Southern Baptist Convention, we operate under an established set of by-laws. Under the authority of Christ, we are elder led, deacon served, and congregationally governed. These by-laws order our church accordingly. They may be viewed in their entirety here.