Forest Hills' Mission
As followers of Christ, our mission is to be a nurturing community,
connecting people to Jesus Christ and equipping each other to impact our world for Him.
Vision
The community of faith called Forest Hills Baptist Church seeks to be transformed by God through worship, prayer, and Bible study. In the image of Christ, we will meet the spiritual and physical needs of all whom we encounter. Acknowledging the work of God in the life of every believer:
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We will worship and glorify God.
One of the more significant purposes of a community of faith is gathering to worship, and through its worship bring glory to the Heavenly Father. Worship, however, is not limited to a corporate expression. All believers should practice private worship. We will be committed to providing worship opportunities that enhances both the private and corporate natures of worship.
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We will embrace diversity.
We recognize that God's love is for all people and thus we welcome anyone and everyone to worship and to participate in the life and work of this Christian community. Ministry is neither determined nor limited by prejudice of any kind. People seeking to understand the ethics and principles of Jesus Christ are welcome among us regardless of their backgrounds.
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We will welcome, nurture, and love all in need of a spiritual home.
We recognize the need in every person's life for the sense of belonging and being cared for. We will be proactive in welcoming all who join us, whether for an hour or for a lifetime. People who find themselves away from their home or homeland due to employment or educational careers will find a family in Forest Hills Baptist Church.
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We will help people to know and use their spiritual gifts and talents.
God has gifted every follower of Christ with spiritual gifts. The effectiveness of our community of faith in fulfilling its mission is dependent upon all of its participants understanding and using their spiritual gifts and talents to build up the church and glorify Christ.
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We will partner with other groups in order to meet human needs.
We enjoy a long history of partnerships with various missions-oriented organizations and denominational groups. We will intentionally promote and expand our resources and participation in partnerships that directly meet human needs at home or abroad.
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We will intentionally build relationships to introduce persons to Jesus Christ.
The high calling of every Christian is to be a witness in both word and deed. We have a passion for those who do not know Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. We believe the most effective means to share the Gospel message of Christ with others is through building of genuine, caring relationships.
Core Values
Jesus Christ is the basis of our Core Values.
We practice UNITY of spirit and purpose - because we are called to be one in Christ. Unity fosters inclusiveness. It embraces a vibrant and vital diversity of spirit and purpose - because we are called to be one in Christ. (Romans 6:5-10; Philippians 2:1-2; John 17:20-23; Psalm 133:1).
We are INTENTIONAL in presenting Jesus Christ to all whom we meet - because we are all "ministers" to the world (Matthew 5:14-16; Mark 16:15; John 20:21).
We serve with BOLDNESS - because we worship a God of infinite power and unlimited possibilities. God compels us to step outside of the church and into the lives of others (Ephesians 3:20-21; John 14:12-14; 2 Timothy 1:7).
We extend to others COMPASSION - because we have received God's unconditional grace. Our unconditional love for others fosters mercy, justice, and reconciliation, diminishing judgmentalism (Colossians 3:12; Ephesians 4:32; 1 Peter 3:8; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4; John 13:34-35).
We practice FORGIVENESS - because we are forgiven. It cleanses guilt and heals both the forgiven and the forgiver. It is the reflection, and commandment, of Christ (Matthew 6:12-15; Matthew 18:21-22; Colossians 3:13).
We are ACCOUNTABLE TO GOD and choose to be ACCOUNTABLE TO EACH OTHER . We are invested in the spiritual life and daily walk of each individual in our community of faith (Hebrews 3:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15; Ephesians 4:15-16).
We TRUST one another in the exercise of our faith. Believing God is at work in every believer, we will address any breech of trust in Christian love (Philippians 1:6; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Corinthians 2:4-5).
We provide BELONGING AND A SENSE OF COMMUNITY to all that seek them. Believers are adopted by God as His children and heirs through the work of Christ, and we welcome all to that family, nurturing an attitude of selflessness (Romans 10:12-15; Hebrews 2:11; Ephesians 1:4-6; 1 John 1:7).
FHBC's Foundational Beliefs
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We believe in God the Father who is Creator of heaven and earth, Maker of all that is, seen and unseen.
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We believe in God the Son, Jesus Christ, who is the Savior and Lord of all who believe and trust in Him.
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We believe in God the Holy Spirit who is the Comforter, Encourager, and Counselor.
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We believe that salvation is an unmerited and unearned gift of grace from God that comes through faith in Jesus Christ, and that each person has the free will to respond to God's gracious gift of salvation.
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We believe that through Jesus Christ all believers have direct access to God.
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We believe that the Bible is inspired by God, and that under the Lordship of Christ it is authoritative for the life of the Christian and the Church.
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We believe that Christ is the head of the Church, and that under Christ churches should be autonomous communities of faith and fellowship.
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We believe that each person should be granted religious freedom, and that sharing our faith should be done graciously in love, without coercion.
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We believe that the New Testament teaches that believers should remember the gift and sacrifice of Christ through the symbol of the Last Supper and celebrate the Death, Burial and Resurrection of Christ through believers' baptism. We practice baptism by immersion.
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We believe that Christians should live in loving obedience to God and should be active in sharing the Good News about Jesus Christ through words and deeds.