Frequently Asked Questions

What's in the name Baptist?

This church is a Baptist church by conviction and principle, not by affiliation. This means that we believe the basic Bible teachings for which Baptists have historically stood. As Baptists, we believe the following: the Bible is our sole authority for all matters of faith and practice. The church should be autonomous or self-governing. The believer does not need a priest, other than Jesus Christ, to come boldly to God. Every Christian has equal access to God personally. God's Word gives us two ordinances for the church - baptism and the Lord's supper. Each person is individually responsible for his decision to accept Christ. The separation of church and state is biblical. The believer is eternally secure and cannot lose salvation. There are two biblical offices in the church - pastors and deacons.

What does it mean to be an independent church?

As an independent Baptist church, we are not affiliated with any particular Baptist denomination or ruling body. Because of this, we can support our own missionaries, select our own leaders, and support institutions that believe as we believe. In short, our church answers to the Headship of Jesus Christ rather than a denominational body. There are currently more than 10,000 independent Baptist churches in America and thousands more throughout the world.

How can I be involved in a ministry?

There are two types of ministry involvement at Eastland Baptist. Hundreds of people help in a given month with volunteer projects such as maintenance and office related projects. Feel free to contact the church office if you would like to volunteer your time in this way. If you are interested in teaching, helping, singing, or other visible positions of leadership; an appointment must be set with the ministry leader. Often a waiting period and a spiritual gift assessment are required.

What is required for membership?

To be a member of Eastland Baptist you must first be saved and baptized in a Baptist church of like-faith. Shortly after becoming a member, you will be invited to attend our new member's orientation that is held quarterly on Saturday morning with Pastor Dorrell. This will be a time to get to know your pastor and to understand more about the purposes of our church.

What does this church do to help the widows?

One of the primary responsibilities of each deacon is to assist in caring for the widows of the church. On a monthly basis, the needs of each widow are personally addressed and cared for.

How is the leadership of the church structured?

Ultimately, Christ is the Head of this church. On a daily basis, the church is primarily led by the pastor and pastoral leadership team. The team works together in prayer and decision-making to follow the leading of God for our church ministry. Also, our deacons serve as a church-elected group that meets with the pastor monthly to review and discuss matters of church importance. This provides a high level of accountability, as well as a great spirit of team cooperation, as we follow God's leading for this church.

What does it mean to be non-charismatic?

This simply means that we are not a part of the modern-day charismatic movement. We do not practice speaking in tongues, faith healing, sensationalism, or believe in extra-biblical revelation. While there are many people who prefer to worship in this way, we choose to worship in ways that we feel to be consistent with God's Word and with His plan for this church.

What is the philosophy about financial giving?

We have never practiced pressure techniques or fundraising schemes. Rather, we choose to occasionally preach and teach what God's Word says about Christian stewardship and giving. How you respond to that teaching is a heart issue between you and the Lord. The only time you will be contacted about your giving is either when you request it, or when you receive our annual giving statement summary.

What does this church do to help the needy?

Hundreds of lives are touched weekly through the many outreach ministries of our church. In addition, our deacons oversee people with basic needs from within and without the church. Each need is carefully evaluated and met to the best of our ability.