Introduction
Distinctives
Carlton Oaks Baptist Church Distinctives
Our distinctives are specific beliefs and practices that set Carlton Oaks Baptist Church apart within the broader body of Christ. Rooted in the conviction that the Bible is our ultimate authority, these principles guide how we interpret Scripture, lead our congregation, administer sacraments, and approach worship. They ensure faithfulness to God's Word, foster spiritual growth, and help us fulfill the Great Commission. Many are reflected in the Baptist Faith and Message, 2000.
Key Distinctives:
Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church: Christ is the supreme authority and head of the church (Ephesians 1:22-23 NASB 1995 "And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all."). The church is not built on personalities, traditions, or opinions but on Christ alone. Therefore, all decisions, teaching, and direction must align with His will, not human preferences.
Biblical Church Leadership: Leadership is modeled on the New Testament framework with a plurality of elders to shepherd and oversee (Titus 1:5-9), and deacons/deaconesses serving practical needs (1 Timothy 3:8-13).
Congregationalism emphasizes the involvement of the entire body in decision-making, under the guidance of biblically qualified leaders.
Bible is Central: We uphold the inerrancy (2 Timothy 3:16) and sufficiency of Scripture for all matters of faith and practice. The Bible guides all teaching, counseling, and decision-making within the church.
Studies/Classes: Offer robust, biblically based classes and studies to foster spiritual growth and discipleship.
Expository Preaching: We prioritize preaching that conveys the message of the biblical text as the message of the sermon, emphasizing verse-by-verse exposition that reveals God’s truth in context (2 Timothy 4:2).
Congregational Singing: Worship in singing is an essential expression of the gathered church, with an emphasis on congregational participation, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in our hearts (Colossians 3:16).
Centrality of the Local Church: The local church is autonomous, independent from denominational oversight, and responsible for its own governance and ministry direction.
Focus of Ministry: We are committed to being a loving and supportive community that fulfills the “one-anothers” of Scripture, such as loving, forgiving, and serving one another (John 13:34; Galatians 6:2).
Loving and Supportive Community: We emphasize a Christ-centered, loving, and supportive community marked by the “one-anothers” of Scripture, which include loving one another (John 13:34), bearing one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2), forgiving one another (Ephesians 4:32), and encouraging one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11). This distinctiveness focuses on intentional fellowship and mutual care within the body.
Committed Membership: We value active membership, where members are devoted to building up the body of Christ and serving one another, equipping the saints for the work of ministry (Ephesians 4:12).
Great Commission Driven: The church’s mission is to make disciples who make disciples, fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). This involves:
Missions: Partnering with and sending missionaries to spread the gospel.
Church Planting: Actively establishing new local churches to reach communities and grow the kingdom of God.
These distinctives set the framework for our mission to glorify God through a biblically faithful and Christ-centered community, where we: Worship God, Grow in Christ, and Serve the World.