The Country Church

Why We Are Here

The Country Church has a four-fold mission statement. When we understand our purpose it allows all that we do to line up with our reason for being here. 

1. One, To Exalt Our Savior - The Lord Jesus is to have first place in all that we do. All the praise, the honor, and the glory for what has, is, and will be done is to go to Him. As Believers, we want to be caught up in all that He is. (Philippians 3:7-10).
2. Two, To Evangelize Those Outside of Christ - While many have a religion, it is God's desire that we have a personal relationship with His only Son, the Lord Jesus. People need to know how they might have this saving relationship. This is the Good News of the Gospel which we preach. (Romans 10:9-13).
3. Three, To Edify The Believers in Christ - It is our desire to build up the Body.  To encourage in the Word, work, and will of our Lord. We pray that The Country Church will be the family that prays together, stays together, and lifts up each other.  (John 13:34-35).
4.  Four, To Equip The Believers To Do The Work Of The Lord - Jesus said, "Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men". We understand Christ's Commission to mean, if we are not fishing we are not following. The Lord does not want us to be only hearers of the Word, but doers also. So it is that we seek to disciple. (Matthew 28:19-20).

What We Believe

It is so important that what we believe be based totally on the Word of God which is without error (II Timothy 3:16-17).  We believe that Christ's Church is made up of those who know Him personally. The Bible uses terms such as, Saved, Born-Again, Regenerated, etc., to describe this relationship (John 3:3).  We believe that those who have received Christ should follow Christ in baptism as a born-again Believer. This is not for salvation, but an act of obedience to our Lord's command and to publicly identify with His death, burial, and resurrection. The definition of Baptism is to dip, immerse, or cover completely as pictured in Romans 6. While we believe in "infant dedication", there is no record of "infant baptism" in Scripture. We believe in the observance of the Lord's Supper for His Disciples. As often as we observe it we do it in remembrance of Him (1Corinthians 11).  We believe in both a private and public prayer and devotional life. Prayer is simply us speaking to Him, and poring over His Word is simply allowing Him to speak to us (II Timothy 2:15).  We believe in seeking to live a separate life-style.  While Believers are to live in the world, we are not be of the world.  Christ should make a difference in how we live (Romans 12:1-2).  We believe in a literal Heaven and a literal Hell. Heaven is the home for eternity to those who are in Christ.  Hell is the eternal punishment for those who have rejected Christ.  Immediately following physical death, or the return of the Lord, you will have either Heaven or Hell as you eternal home (Luke 16:19-31).  We believe that the Lord's work is to be funded the Lord's way.  God's people bringing Him the first fruits, the tenth, the tithe, of what He has blessed us with.  We are to give cheerfully and consistently. We bring it to the Lord rather than send someone to collect it.  A love offering is that which is given over and above God's tenth (Genesis 28:22, Malachi 3:8-10, Luke 16:10-13, II Corinthians 9:6-8).  We believe in the Genesis account of creation, the fall of mankind in the Garden through sin, and that the way back to God the Father is through Jesus the Son having been led by the Holy Spirit.  We believe Christ is literally coming again.  In the air for His Church, (I Thess. 4) and to the earth with His Church (Revelation 19).  We believe in Christ's virgin birth, sinless life, substitutionary death (He died in my place) bodily resurrection, and soon coming return.  To these we commit ourselves, as Believers in The Country Church.

Our Method of Ministry (Leadership)

While The Country Church may be unique in the method in which it ministers, we seek to follow a biblical pattern and not violate biblical principles. While the Lord charges the Pastor with the oversight of His work (Hebrews 13:7-18), it is not to be done without prayer nor a violation of biblical principles. The church has seven Trustees who serve as an accountability group to the Pastor.The Country Church recognizes the biblical role of Deacons. Since its inception our Deacons have chosen to be recognized by service rendered rather than a position held. While The Country Church has been blessed with a high percentage of these faithful servants they have chosen to minister to the Body of Believers rather than constitute a board.Since its inception, The Country Church came to a unanimous decision not to have Business Meetings or Committee meetings. This does not mean everyone does not have a part. However, it is realized that one cannot receive counsel from those who are contentious. 

Finances

The first offering received in The Country Church was $250. By the grace of God and the generosity and commitment of God's people it has been multiplied many times over! Since the beginning The Country Church has sought to glorify the Lord Jesus by integrity and stewardship. Every penny coming in and going out must be given account of. While personal contributions are held in confidence, a monthly accounting of income and out-go is printed and placed in the Foyer each month.It was the Church's desire to establish a very simple budget controlled by percentages. The following were established and remain in effect.

1. The First Ten Percent is Given to Mission - A large portion of which is given to Southern Baptist Mission work which is possibly the largest growing mission involvement in our world today. The remainder goes to various evangelistic ministries, including local evangelists, rescue missions, benevolent ministries, Criswell College and S.B.C. Seminaries, etc.
2. Twenty-five Percent is Set Aside for Building Needs - This includes utilities, insurance, any debt-service, remodeling, and physical plant improvements.
3. Ten Percent is Set Aside Under Miscellaneous - This covers literature needs, supplies, refreshments, furniture, etc.
4. Fifty-five Percent is Set Aside for Staff Salaries & Benefits - Since the inception of The Country Church, the Pastor was/is held accountable for the management of Church Staff. While Staff has and will increase in number and needs, this percentage will not increase.
5. Love offerings and designated offerings are received and applied over the regular general offering.  

Our Goal

Our goal is simply to seek to reach our world for Christ. We are to be passionate rather than passive, militant rather than mundane, fervent rather than flippant, and faithful rather than fancy.   As you have read this please pray for us that the Lord would choose the simple to confound the wise. (I Corinthians 1:27-31).  

How You Can Be Part of The Country Church

One, be sure you are saved. (Whether The Country Church is part of God's plan for you or not!).  If you are not, why not pray something like this:

"Dear Jesus I realize that I'm a sinner.  I ask you to come into my heart and save me. Dear Jesus I thank you for saving me"

Two, go public with your profession. During the invitation time, share your decision with the Pastor.  Follow the Lord's command and identify with Christ's death, burial and resurrection by Scriptural baptism as a Believer.  Or, if the above has happened to you, come by Statement or a Letter from a church of like faith or order.