Faith Baptist Church began in 2000 with the vision of several families who desired an independent, Baptist church in the Portage area. A home Bible study was formed that soon moved to the current location in Cochrane Court. Pastor Jonathan Robertson was called to be pastor in 2005 and continues in that position until currently. We continue to lease space in Cochrane Court until such time as property comes available that we can purchase for our own.
Since it's inception Faith Baptist Church as been affiliated with the Wisconsin Fellowship of Baptist Churches. During the time that Pastor Robertson was seeking to join the National Guard to be a chaplain the church went through the process to become affiliated with the New Testament Association of Independent Baptist Churches. This association provides the ecclesiastical endorsement needed for the Chaplain Corps.
Philosophy of Ministry
Faith Baptist Church is a conservative, independent, fundamental Baptist church. Bringing God glory through our ministry philosophy and conduct is our highest goal and purpose.
Conservative means that Faith is not going to be on the cutting edge of every new method and scheme devised for church growth. We desire to be a God-sensitive church committed to Bible preaching and teaching so that individual believers will be grounded in doctrine. Using modern designations our music would be considered traditional. Although music is an important component of our corporate worship of God, music compliment and support the service rather than being a stand alone ministry. Our emphasis is on the corporate function of music rather than the entertainment model that is prevalent in our contemporary church climate.
Independent means that Faith is an autonomous, self-governing local assembly of believers. Decisions in our church are not governed by any outside authority other than God's Word. One a state level we are a member of the Wisconsin Fellowship of Baptist Churches, which is a fellowship of churches gathered around similar beliefs and practices. On a national level we are affiliated with the New Testament Association of Independent Baptist Churches.
Fundamental means that our church supports and defends the foundational doctrines of Scripture. While we understand that latitude for disagreement exists on certain passage of Scripture, we believer that many doctrines (i.e., the authority of Scripture, the deity of Christ, the virgin birth, the substitutionary death of Christ, the Trinity, etc.) are so clearly supported by Scripture to they cannot be compromised. These would be doctrinal positions that we hold which requires ecclesiastical separation from those who reject or hold these doctrines in doubt.
Baptist
Faith Baptist Church is unashamedly Baptist. Although titles change meanings through the years, the historic position of Baptist is one that is worthwhile defending and continuing. An acrostic may help to clarify the Baptist positions that Faith continues to promote:
B Bible is the only rule of faith and practice
A Autonomy of the local church
P Priesthood of the believer
T Two officers in the church (Pastor and Deacon)
I Immersed and regenerate church membership (the order is not chronological but necessary for the acrostic)
S Separation of church and state (this refers to power over not influence upon)
T Two ordinances (Lord's Table and Baptism)
S Separation theologically and ecclesiastically
Bible Versions
Since the choice of Bible versions continues to be a divisive issue among our brethren, we will present our position.
Faith Baptist is neither King James Only nor is it Only King James. Their is no real difference between these positions, and the contentions caused by the battle over the versions has not been for the edification of the church but has been schismatic. That being said, the pulpit translation at Faith is currently the King James Version. This would be the 1769 edition, since no church in America uses the 1611 AV. The choice of the King James is a practical one since most of our people grew upon on this translation and are very familiar with it as a working translation of the Bible. However, modern translations are encouraged for Bible study and personal growth in grasping the meaning of Scripture.
Church Covenant
Having been led by the Spirit of God to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior; and on the confession of our faith having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we do now in the presence of God, angels, and this assembly most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body in Christ.
We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church in knowledge, holiness, and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines to contribute cheerfully and regularly to its local and missionary programs.
We engage to maintain family and private devotions; to seek the salvation of our loved ones and acquaintances; to walk with vigilance in the world, to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment ; to avoid all tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger; to abstain from the sail and use of intoxicating drinks as a beverage; to avoid all appearance of evil; to avoid all worldly practices which might bring reproach to the cause of Christ, and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the cause of the Lord Jesus Christ.
We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember each other in prayer; to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling, to be courteous in speech; to be slow to take offense but always ready for reconciliation and mindful of our Savior, to secure it without delay.
We moreover engage that when we remove from this place we will, as soon as possible, unite with some other church of like precious faith where we can continue to carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's Word.
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