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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. They are reflected in the Baptist Faith and Message, 2000.

 

1. Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church 

 

Jesus Christ is the supreme authority and head of the church. 

 

“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.” (Ephesians 1:22-23) 

 

The church is built on Christ alone—not on personalities, traditions, or opinions. 
All decisions, teaching, and direction must align with His will, not human preferences. 

 

2. Biblical Church Leadership 

 

Our leadership structure follows the New Testament model: 

 

  • Elders: A plurality of biblically qualified elders shepherds and oversees the church (Titus 1:5-9). 
     
  • Deacons/Deaconesses: They serve the church’s practical needs (1 Tim. 3:8-13). 
     
  • Congregationalism: The entire church body participates in decision-making under the guidance of godly leadership (Acts 6:3-5) 
     
    • Matt. 18:17 – The church body has authority in matters of church discipline. 
       
    • 2 Corinthians 2:6 – Church decisions are made by the majority. 
       
    • Galatians 1:8-9 – The church is responsible for guarding doctrine. 

 

3. The Bible is Central 

 

The Bible is our final authority in all matters of faith and practice. 

 

  • We uphold the inerrancy (2 Timothy 3:16) and sufficiency of Scripture. 
     
  • All teaching, counseling, and decision-making are guided by God's Word. 

 

We provide robust, biblically based classes and studies to foster spiritual growth and discipleship. 

 

4. Expository Preaching 

 

We prioritize expository preaching, ensuring that the message of the biblical text is the message of the sermon.
 

  • Emphasizing verse-by-verse exposition. 
     
  • Revealing God's truth in its proper context (2 Timothy 4:2). 

 

5. Congregational Singing 

 

Worship through singing is an essential expression of the gathered church. 

 

  • We emphasize active participation in singing. 
     
  • We sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in our hearts (Colossians 3:16). 

 

6. Centrality of the Local Church 

 

  • Autonomy: The local church is self-governing and independent from denominational oversight. 
     
  • Ministry Focus: We strive to be a loving and supportive community that lives out the "one-anothers" of Scripture—loving, forgiving, and serving one another (John 13:34; Galatians 6:2). 

 

7. Loving and Supportive Community 

 

We cultivate a Christ-centered, caring community characterized by biblical fellowship: 

 

 

8. Committed Membership 

 

We value active church membership, where believers are devoted to building up the body of Christ: 

 

  • Members are equipped for ministry (Ephesians 4:12). 
     
  • Each member serves and strengthens the church. 

 

9. Great Commission Driven 

 

Our mission is to fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). 

 

  • Making Disciples: We are committed to disciple-making, training believers to disciple others. 
     
  • Missions: We partner with and send missionaries to spread the gospel. 
     
  • Church Planting: We actively work to establish new local churches for the growth of God’s kingdom. 

 

These distinctives define 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.