What Does It Mean to Be a Church Member?

Will Duttry • Assistant Pastor
July 30, 2026

7 Minute Read

The word "membership" gets used for all kinds of things; gym memberships, subscription memberships. None of those come close to describing what it means to be a member of a local church. Church membership is not a card in your wallet or a name on a roll. It is a covenant commitment, made before God and before a body of believers, to walk together in the work of the gospel.

At Faith Baptist Church, we believe church membership is an expression of a Christian's commitment to Christ and to the local church family. It reflects the pattern of the early church, where believers were devoted to one another in a way that went far beyond simply attending the same meeting. Membership is not a formality. It is a meaningful way of living out our faith together.

Here is what that commitment looks like.

We Commit to Attend Church

Hebrews 10:25
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Acts 2:46
And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

Faithful attendance is not about filling a seat. It is about showing up for one another, being present to encourage, to be encouraged, and to stand together as the day of the Lord draws near.

We Commit to Care for One Another

1 Peter 4:8
And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

Romans 12:15
Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

Caring for one another is central to what it means to belong to a church family. This kind of care is best built in smaller settings, which is why joining a Bible Study class is such an important step for every member.

We Commit to Serve

1 Corinthians 12:7
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

Every member has been given spiritual gifts for the profit of the whole body. Membership is an invitation to use those gifts. During the membership interview, our pastoral staff and deacons are glad to talk through where you might serve and grow.

We Commit to a Godly Life

1 Corinthians 6:9-11
Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

We are called to live holy lives, not to earn favor with God, but because we have already been washed, sanctified, and justified. A holy life pleases God, helps our brothers and sisters, and brings honor to Christ.

We Commit to Give

Malachi 3:10
Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

II Corinthians 9:7
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

The tithe gives us a starting point rooted in the Old Testament pattern. The New Testament calls us further still; to give cheerfully, generously, and sacrificially, not out of a sense of obligation, but out of love for the Lord.

We Commit to Keep the Peace

Ephesians 4:2-3
With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Members are called to live out the gospel in their relationships with one another, choosing humility and patience over division, and unity over strife.

We Commit to Pray

Ephesians 6:18-20
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

We hope every member is praying daily for Faith Baptist, and especially for other members and our pastoral staff. One of the best ways to grow in this is to join us for our weekly prayer meeting each Wednesday evening at 7:00 p.m.

Not a Formality, but a Family

Church membership at Faith Baptist is not about adding your name to a list. It is about joining a family, a body of believers who have committed together to attend, to care, to serve, to live godly lives, to give, to honor leadership, to keep peace, and to pray for one another. This is the pattern we see in the early church in the book of Acts, and it is the pattern we want to live out today.

Who Can Become a Member?

Membership at Faith Baptist is open to anyone who can testify to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Specifically, we ask every prospective member to affirm three things:

A clear testimony of salvation - a credible profession of faith in Jesus Christ alone, by grace through faith, as the only way of salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Believer’s baptism by immersion - having been scripturally baptized by immersion following salvation, in obedience to Christ’s example (Matthew 3:16; Acts 8:36-39). If you have not yet been baptized this way, our pastoral staff would love to talk with you about that next step.

Agreement with our Statement of Faith - a willingness to affirm what we believe the Bible teaches, as outlined in our church constitution, and to walk in unity with this local body under that agreed understanding of Scripture.

Membership is not reserved for the mature believer or the lifelong church attender. It is for anyone the Lord has saved who is ready to commit to walking this road together with this church family.

The Process of Membership

A) Meet with a Staff Member

The first step is simple: reach out to one of our Pastoral Staff. We will schedule a time to sit down together, hear your testimony of salvation, walk through what membership means, and answer any questions you have along the way.

Learn more about what we Believe
B) Meet with a Deacon

Next, you’ll meet with one of our deacons. This conversation continues the process, giving you a chance to talk through your baptism, your walk with the Lord, and where you might serve and grow as part of this church family — and giving our deacons the opportunity to know you and pray for you as you take this step.

Learn about our Deacons
C) Publicly Join

Once these conversations are complete, you’ll be presented to the church family and publicly received into membership — usually during a Sunday service. This is a joyful moment where the whole church gets to welcome you and commit, alongside you, to walk together in the work of the gospel.

Interested in becoming a member?

We would love to talk with you about taking this next step. Reach out to one of our Pastoral Staff, and we will schedule a time to hear your testimony and walk through what membership means together.

Want to Join? Let's Talk!
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From this Collection: Beyond the Pulpit
August 5, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
The Answer for a Discouraged Soul
Last Sunday evening, we began walking through Psalm 42 and considered the subject “Thirst for God.” The Psalmist described his longing for God with these familiar words: “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.” We were reminded that the greatest evidence of spiritual health is not that we believe in God, but that we continually desire God. The Psalmist did not just want relief from his circumstances. More than anything else, he wanted renewed fellowship with the Living God! Tonight, we will return to Psalm 42 and continue into Psalm 43 as we consider the subject “The Answer for a Discouraged Soul.” Although the Psalmist genuinely thirsted for God, he was also deeply discouraged. He was separated from the house of God, overwhelmed by sorrow, mocked by his enemies and struggling with what appeared to be the silence of God. Again and again, he asked himself: “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me?” But he did not allow discouragement to have the final word. He answered his troubled soul with this declaration: “Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him.” That repeated statement forms the heart of tonight’s message. Biblical hope is not pretending that everything is fine. It is not ignoring pain, denying sorrow or refusing to admit that we are struggling. Biblical hope is the confident expectation that, even when our soul is cast down and God seems far away, He is still faithful and we must praise Him. The Psalmist teaches us that we do not have to just listen to our discouraged hearts. We can speak truth to them. We can remember God in the middle of the storm. We can bring our hardest questions to Him. We can ask Him to send out His Light and Truth. And we can trust that the God who sees our discouragement is still able to lift our soul. You may be walking through a difficult season tonight. Your soul may feel heavy. Your prayers may seem unanswered. You may know what the Bible says while still struggling with what you feel. Psalm 42 and Psalm 43 give us a message for moments like these: You may be cast down, but you have not been cast away. You may feel overwhelmed, but you are not outside the reach of God’s lovingkindness. You may be walking through the night, but morning is coming. You may not understand the road, but His light and truth will lead you. Come prepared tonight with your Bible open to Psalm 42 and Psalm 43. My prayer is that God will strengthen discouraged hearts and teach each of us to say with confidence: “Hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.” Can't make it tonight? Watch Live HERE!The Answer for a Discouraged Soul

Chad Braley

Senior Pastor

August 2, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Grandparents Day at Faith Baptist
Some gifts skip a generation. Others are meant to be passed down. On Sunday, September 13, 2026, our whole church family will pause together to give thanks for one of God's most precious gifts, the heritage of faith carried from one generation to the next. The Psalmist wrote, "One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts" (Psalm 145:4). That is the heartbeat of Grandparents Day at Faith Baptist. Faith is not meant to end with us. It is meant to be spoken, modeled, and handed down. Scripture reminds us how important it is: Proverbs 17:6 Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers. 2 Timothy 1:5 I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. Timothy's faith did not begin with him. It was planted by a grandmother, watered by a mother, and it grew into a life the Lord used greatly. That same kind of legacy is being written in homes across our church family right now, whether through a grandparent who walked faithfully before you, or grandchildren who remind you why it all matters. Join Us This service will be centered around honoring that legacy, with the entire ministry family gathering together to celebrate. When: Sunday, September 13, 2026 What: A ministry-wide service honoring the gift of generational faith Send an Personal Invitation Beginning August 9, 2026, greeting cards will be available in the lobby for you to personalize and send to a grandparent or grandchild. Take some home, write a word of encouragement, and remind them of the faith that connects your generations. Whether your name is on the card as the one who prayed first, or the one still learning to pray, your legacy matters to the Lord, and it matters to us. Download this digital invitation Share with your grandparents or grandchildren!

Will Duttry

Assistant Pastor

Currently Reading
July 30, 2026 • 7 Minute Read
What Does It Mean to Be a Church Member?
The word "membership" gets used for all kinds of things; gym memberships, subscription memberships. None of those come close to describing what it means to be a member of a local church. Church membership is not a card in your wallet or a name on a roll. It is a covenant commitment, made before God and before a body of believers, to walk together in the work of the gospel. At Faith Baptist Church, we believe church membership is an expression of a Christian's commitment to Christ and to the local church family. It reflects the pattern of the early church, where believers were devoted to one another in a way that went far beyond simply attending the same meeting. Membership is not a formality. It is a meaningful way of living out our faith together. Here is what that commitment looks like. We Commit to Attend Church Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Acts 2:46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Faithful attendance is not about filling a seat. It is about showing up for one another, being present to encourage, to be encouraged, and to stand together as the day of the Lord draws near. We Commit to Care for One Another 1 Peter 4:8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. Romans 12:15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Caring for one another is central to what it means to belong to a church family. This kind of care is best built in smaller settings, which is why joining a Bible Study class is such an important step for every member. We Commit to Serve 1 Corinthians 12:7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. Every member has been given spiritual gifts for the profit of the whole body. Membership is an invitation to use those gifts. During the membership interview, our pastoral staff and deacons are glad to talk through where you might serve and grow. We Commit to a Godly Life 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. We are called to live holy lives, not to earn favor with God, but because we have already been washed, sanctified, and justified. A holy life pleases God, helps our brothers and sisters, and brings honor to Christ. We Commit to Give Malachi 3:10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. II Corinthians 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. The tithe gives us a starting point rooted in the Old Testament pattern. The New Testament calls us further still; to give cheerfully, generously, and sacrificially, not out of a sense of obligation, but out of love for the Lord. We Commit to Keep the Peace Ephesians 4:2-3 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Members are called to live out the gospel in their relationships with one another, choosing humility and patience over division, and unity over strife. We Commit to Pray Ephesians 6:18-20 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. We hope every member is praying daily for Faith Baptist, and especially for other members and our pastoral staff. One of the best ways to grow in this is to join us for our weekly prayer meeting each Wednesday evening at 7:00 p.m. Not a Formality, but a Family Church membership at Faith Baptist is not about adding your name to a list. It is about joining a family, a body of believers who have committed together to attend, to care, to serve, to live godly lives, to give, to honor leadership, to keep peace, and to pray for one another. This is the pattern we see in the early church in the book of Acts, and it is the pattern we want to live out today. Who Can Become a Member? Membership at Faith Baptist is open to anyone who can testify to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Specifically, we ask every prospective member to affirm three things: A clear testimony of salvation - a credible profession of faith in Jesus Christ alone, by grace through faith, as the only way of salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9). Believer’s baptism by immersion - having been scripturally baptized by immersion following salvation, in obedience to Christ’s example (Matthew 3:16; Acts 8:36-39). If you have not yet been baptized this way, our pastoral staff would love to talk with you about that next step. Agreement with our Statement of Faith - a willingness to affirm what we believe the Bible teaches, as outlined in our church constitution, and to walk in unity with this local body under that agreed understanding of Scripture. Membership is not reserved for the mature believer or the lifelong church attender. It is for anyone the Lord has saved who is ready to commit to walking this road together with this church family. The Process of Membership A) Meet with a Staff Member The first step is simple: reach out to one of our Pastoral Staff. We will schedule a time to sit down together, hear your testimony of salvation, walk through what membership means, and answer any questions you have along the way.Learn more about what we Believe B) Meet with a Deacon Next, you’ll meet with one of our deacons. This conversation continues the process, giving you a chance to talk through your baptism, your walk with the Lord, and where you might serve and grow as part of this church family — and giving our deacons the opportunity to know you and pray for you as you take this step.Learn about our Deacons C) Publicly Join Once these conversations are complete, you’ll be presented to the church family and publicly received into membership — usually during a Sunday service. This is a joyful moment where the whole church gets to welcome you and commit, alongside you, to walk together in the work of the gospel. Interested in becoming a member? We would love to talk with you about taking this next step. Reach out to one of our Pastoral Staff, and we will schedule a time to hear your testimony and walk through what membership means together.Want to Join? Let's Talk!

Will Duttry

Assistant Pastor

July 27, 2026 • 4 Minute Read
Finding God’s Presence Through Grief
Isaiah 43:2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. There are several words that stick out to me in this passage, the first one is not a word of comfort in the way we might first expect. The word is when. The Lord does not say, “If thou passest through the waters.” He does not offer a conditional promise, reserved only for those who might happen to face hardship. He speaks with certainty. The waters will come. The rivers will rise. The fire will burn. Believers are not exempt from grief and loss; they are a part of life in a world marked by sin. The context of Isaiah 43, God spoke this word to Israel in the hardship of exile, it reveals His character, that He does not abandon His people during trials but walks through it with them, is the same character He shows to every believer today. The Certainty of Grief Scripture never hides this reality from us. Job was a man described by God as perfect and upright, yet was not exempt from devastating loss. Job 14:1 Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble. The Lord Jesus Christ Himself, though sinless, was not shielded from grief. He wept at the tomb of Lazarus, entering fully into the sorrow of those He loved. John 11:35 Jesus wept. If the Son of God was not exempt from grief, His people should not expect to either. The promise of Isaiah 43:2 is not that trouble will pass us by, but that when it comes, and it will, we do not face it alone. The Promise of Presence The second word worth noting in Isaiah 43:2 is through. God does not promise a detour around the waters or a shortcut past the fire. He promises to walk with us through them. This is not a passive presence but an active sustaining. The waters do not overflow. The flame does not kindle. Something is preserved in the midst of the trial, and that something is the soul of the believer, held fast by the hand of God. The psalmist understood this same truth when he wrote of walking through the darkest valley: Psalm 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Notice again the word through. Not around. Not stuck within. Through. The valley has an end, and the Shepherd walks every step beside His sheep. A Present Help The Lord does not offer His presence only in joyful seasons. He identifies Himself as a refuge specifically during times of trouble. Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. For the believer walking through grief today, whether from the loss of a loved one, the weight of a difficult situation, or sorrow that has no easy explanation, this promise stands firm. The waters have not overtaken you. The fire has not consumed you. The Lord who spoke this word to Israel is the same Lord who still upholds us now. A Place to Walk Through It Together Grief was never meant to be carried in isolation. Starting Tuesday, September 1, 2026, we will be launching a GriefShare ministry, a place where those walking through loss can find fellowship with others who understand, along with the steady hope found only in God’s Word.Learn more about GriefShare

Will Duttry

Assistant Pastor

July 21, 2026 • 6 Minute Read
No Other Gospel: A Study of Galatians
As I have studied and preached through Galatians, the Lord has done a work in my own heart. One of the truths that has encouraged and challenged me most is Paul’s statement: Galatians 6:14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. Paul was saying that because of the cross, his relationship with the world had completely changed. The world and its system had lost their appeal to Paul, and Paul was no longer considered anything of value by the world. Paul found something greater, the cross of Jesus Christ. This was not a new truth for Paul. Earlier in Galatians, he wrote: Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me. Paul understood that the cross was not just the place where Jesus died for him; it had become the defining reality of his entire life. His old identity, ambitions, righteousness, and confidence had been crucified with Christ. He was no longer living to establish his own worth. Christ was now living through him. That truth has caused me to examine my own heart. What still holds too much appeal for me? Whose approval am I seeking? In what accomplishments am I tempted to glory? Do I find my identity in what I have done, what I possess, what others think of me, or in what Jesus Christ accomplished upon the cross? The Gospel does not just bring us to the cross for salvation and then allow us to move on to something else. We begin at the cross, we live under the shadow of the cross, and we will glory in the cross for all eternity. There is no other Gospel, and there can be no other object of our glory than Jesus Christ and His finished work. Individual Sermon Summaries The series includes the following fifteen messages: 1) When the Gospel is at Stake — Galatians 1:1–10 We open this series by uncovering the urgency behind Paul's letter to the Galatians. Paul confronts a dangerous distortion of the true gospel that had taken root in the churches of Galatia, and this message sets the stakes for the entire study: when the gospel is altered, everything is lost. 2) Called into Grace — Galatians 1:1–10 Returning to the same passage in the evening service, this message focuses on Paul's warning to a young church drifting from the gospel that had called them. Though the Galatians had received grace, they were tempted to abandon it, and Paul's astonishment becomes the church's own caution. 3) The Power that Changes Everything — Galatians 1:10–16 This message examines the testimony of the Apostle Paul, whose radical conversion stands as undeniable proof that the gospel of Jesus Christ does not merely improve a life—it transforms it entirely, from the inside out. 4) Only the Gospel — Galatians 1 (focus verse 1:24) Continuing through Paul's early testimony, this message shows that only the gospel of Jesus Christ has the power to truly and radically change a life, as those who once persecuted the faith glorified God in Paul because of him. 5) Living What We Say We Believe — Galatians 2:11–21 Paul's public confrontation of Peter at Antioch exposes the gap that can form between what believers profess and how they actually live. This message challenges the church to close that gap, holding fast to the truth that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone. 6) Who is Living Your Life — Galatians 2:16–21 Building on Paul's confrontation of Peter, this message moves believers beyond simply knowing the gospel to truly living it, anchored in Paul's declaration: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me." 7) The Danger of Spiritual Self Reliance — Galatians 3:1–9 Paul confronts the Galatians' drift toward self-effort, reminding them—and the church today—that the Christian life begins, continues, and grows by grace through faith, never by human striving. 8) Redeemed and Adopted — Galatians 4 Paul reminds believers of the fullness of the gospel: through Jesus Christ, believers are not only redeemed from the bondage of sin and the law, but adopted into the family of God as sons and heirs. 9) Don't Go Back — Galatians 4:8–11 Paul issues a passionate warning to believers tempted to return to spiritual bondage after tasting the freedom found in Christ. Having been set free, the church is called never to look back. 10) Until Christ be Formed in You — Galatians 4 (focus verse 4:19) Paul's travail for the Galatian believers reveals that the gospel does far more than save from judgment—it transforms believers into the likeness of Christ. This message calls the church to ongoing spiritual formation, not mere profession. 11) Free to Serve — Galatians 5:1–15 The freedom Christ purchased was never meant to become an excuse for self-centered living. This message shows that true Christian liberty is found in loving and serving others, not indulging the flesh. 12) The War Within — Galatians 5:16–21 The greatest battle every Christian faces is not one found in the headlines, but the war raging within the heart. Paul reveals the constant conflict between the flesh and the Spirit that marks the believer's daily walk. 13) Evidence of True Freedom — Galatians 5:16–26 What does true freedom in Christ actually look like? This message shows that the Christian life is not about trying harder or merely avoiding sin—it is about Christ living His life through the believer, evidenced by the fruit of the Spirit. 14) Restoring Grace — Galatians 6:1–10 Paul reminds the church that a Spirit-filled congregation is not made up of perfect people, but of believers who lovingly restore one another in a spirit of meekness, bearing one another's burdens. 15) No Other Glory — Galatians 6:11–18 In Paul's closing words, the series reaches its conclusion: there is no other glory than the cross of Jesus Christ. As Paul contrasts empty religion with true faith, the church is reminded one final time that no other gospel—and no other glory—will do. From beginning to end, Galatians reminds the church that the gospel is not to be added to, altered, or abandoned. It stands alone as the power of God unto salvation, and it alone sets the believer free to walk in the Spirit, free to serve, free to restore one another in grace, and free to glory in nothing but the cross. We invite you to watch or listen through the full series at the link below. No Other Gospel — Study of GalatiansWhen the Gospel is at Stake

Chad Braley

Senior Pastor

June 24, 2026 • 5 Minute Read
Marked Pages: More Than an Offering Plate
I have recently been reading material to help me get a better grasp on what biblical giving looks like in modern economic times. When I read the Old Testament, I find God's people bringing offerings that often look very different from what we see today. They brought grain offerings, firstfruits, livestock, produce from their fields, and various other sacrifices. Their giving reflected the way they earned a living and the resources God had entrusted to them. That raises an interesting question: What does biblical stewardship look like in today's world? As I studied this subject, I came across a resource that identified three primary "pockets" from which believers give today. The concept challenged me because most Christians are familiar with one of these pockets but rarely consider the other two. I wanted to pass this thought along because it is something worth contemplating, praying about, and engaging in as faithful stewards of God's blessings. The principle is simple: everything God entrusts to us is meant to be stewarded for His glory. Psalm 24:1 The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. We are not owners. We are stewards. God blesses His children not merely so they can possess resources, but so they can manage those resources in a way that honors Him. The purpose of blessing is that it is stewarded by God's children for His glory. 1) The Earned Income Pocket This is the pocket most of us immediately think about when the subject of giving arises. Earned income is the money we receive through our labor—our paycheck, salary, wages, commissions, or business income. For many believers, faithful stewardship begins here. As God provides through our work, we return a portion to Him through regular, cheerful, and sacrificial giving. When we place an offering in the plate, support missions, or give toward a ministry need, we are often giving from our earned income pocket. This type of giving is important, biblical, and should be practiced consistently. Yet it is only one aspect of stewardship. 2) The Capital Pocket The capital pocket includes assets that have accumulated over time. These may include savings accounts, investments, stocks, retirement funds, real estate, land, business interests, valuable collections, or other resources God has entrusted to us. Many believers carefully consider giving from their income while never considering how God might use their accumulated assets. Throughout Scripture, God's people gave not only from what they earned, but also from what they possessed. There are seasons when God may lead a believer to use a portion of their savings to advance a ministry project, support a missionary, assist a family in need, or invest in a kingdom opportunity. The question becomes: Are our assets serving God's purposes, or are they simply sitting idle? The capital pocket reminds us that stewardship extends beyond our weekly paycheck. 3) The Estate Pocket The estate pocket concerns what happens to our resources after we enter eternity. Every believer will one day leave behind possessions, property, investments, and accumulated wealth. Most people spend considerable time planning how those assets will be distributed among family members. Yet few consider how their final act of stewardship can impact the work of God. One statement I encountered that every believer should consider including in their will is this: "After all my bills are paid, I want 10 percent of my estate (a tithe) to go to ______ Church." What a powerful testimony of stewardship. Estate giving is not about neglecting family responsibilities. Rather, it is recognizing that everything belongs to God and intentionally including His work in our final plans. For some believers, this may involve leaving a percentage of their estate to their local church. For others, it may include missionaries, Christian schools, camps, or ministries that have played a significant role in their spiritual lives. Estate planning allows us to continue investing in God's work even after we have gone home to be with the Lord. A Stewardship Mindset When most people hear a message about giving, they immediately think about what is in their wallet or checking account. Yet biblical stewardship is much broader than that. God has entrusted us with income. God has entrusted us with assets. God has entrusted us with an estate. Each of these represents an opportunity to honor Him. The goal is not simply to give more. The goal is to recognize that everything belongs to God and to ask, Lord, how would You have me steward what You have entrusted to me? Whether from our earned income, our accumulated capital, or our eventual estate, every gift becomes an opportunity to invest in something that will outlast this world. After all, we cannot take any of it with us—but we can use it now and direct it wisely so that it continues to bring glory to God long after we are gone. These are simply a few thoughts from my recent reading. I am thankful to be part of a church that is sensitive to the Lord and gives in a way that honors Him. God Bless, Pastor Braley Highlighted Reading: Not Your Parent’s Offering Plate by Cliff Christopher & Mike Slaughter As with any book outside of Scripture, Pastor Braley does not endorse every view or conclusion the author presents. The Bible alone is our final and infallible authority — Scripture alone holds that distinction.

Chad Braley

Senior Pastor

June 22, 2026 • 4 Minute Read
Adult Bible Study Series: Faith that Triumphs
Every Sunday morning at 9:45 a.m., before the morning worship service, adults of all ages and stages of life gather at Faith Baptist Church to open God's Word together. Whether you've been walking with the Lord for decades or you're just beginning to explore what it means to follow Jesus, there's a place here for you. But Adult Bible Study is more than a class on a Sunday morning. It's one of the most consistent investments you can make in your spiritual growth — and it's better when you do it with others. Why Small Groups Matter The Christian life was never meant to be lived in isolation. In Acts 2, the early church devoted themselves not only to the apostles' doctrine, but to fellowship — to doing life and faith together. When you study God's Word alongside others, something happens that can't happen on your own. Questions get asked that sharpen your understanding. Burdens that feel heavy alone become lighter when a group of believers prays over them together. "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend" (Proverbs 27:17). And perhaps most importantly, you become known — by people who notice when you're missing, check in during a hard week, and walk with you through whatever life brings. Bible Study classes are one of the primary places where that happens at Faith. If you've never joined one, this is the time to start. Our Adult Bible Study Classes Young Adults (adults 30 and under) Taught by Bro. Matthew Beighle | Room 103 A community for adults under 30, working through life's big questions from God's Word and building real friendships along the way. Faith Families (adults in their 30s & 40s) Taught by Bro. Brad O'Dell | Room 104 Practical, biblical teaching to strengthen marriages and family life for couples in this season of life. Cornerstone Couples (adults in their 40s & 50s) Taught by Bro. Joe Sanfilippo | Room 107 Focused on applying faith to life's real challenges and deepening your spiritual roots together as a couple. Berean (all adults) Taught by Bro. Will Duttry | Auditorium A welcoming, open-to-all session in the auditorium offering foundational Bible teaching every week. If you're not sure where to start, this is a great place to begin. Ladies Bible Study (adult ladies) Taught by Mrs. Laura Braley | Conference Room An encouraging environment for women of all ages to grow spiritually and enjoy meaningful fellowship. Faith That Triumphs Overcoming Life's Challenges with Courage from God's Word Life is full of challenges — some expected, others completely unforeseen. In every season, we face decisions, uncertainties, and trials that test our resolve. But the God we serve never changes, and His Word gives us strength, direction, and hope for every one of those moments. Faith That Triumphs is a 10-lesson study designed to help you build a steadfast trust in God. You'll explore what it means to trust Him when life doesn't make sense, when provision seems scarce, in seasons of suffering, and in a world that increasingly opposes truth. Each lesson includes thorough Bible teaching, discussion questions, and real-life application to strengthen your walk with the Lord. This is a great time to join a class for the first time — or to invite a friend to come with you. A new study means a natural starting point, and Faith That Triumphs is the kind of study that's relevant to everyone, no matter where you are in life right now. No matter what you're facing — your faith can triumph. Join us beginning Sunday, July 5 at 9:45 a.m.

Will Duttry

Assistant Pastor

June 24, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
How to use Online Giving
Faithful giving is one of the most tangible ways we honor God and invest in the ministry He has entrusted to us here at Faith Baptist. We want to make it as easy as possible for you to be faithful. Faith Baptist Church uses Nucleus Giving as our secure online giving platform. You can give in minutes from your phone, tablet, or computer — and set up automatic recurring gifts so you never miss a week. How to Give Online You don't need an account to give — but creating one makes the process faster every time after and gives you a personal dashboard to track your giving history. Here's how to get started. Step 1 — Visit Our Giving Flow Access online giving through the launcher accessible on each page of our website and click the Online Giving button in the menu. Step 2 — Enter Your Gift Amount Type in the amount you'd like to give. You'll see available giving funds listed — choose the one that applies to your gift (General Fund, Missions, etc.). Step 3 — Choose Your Giving Frequency You can give as a one-time gift or set up a recurring gift on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly schedule. Recurring giving is a great way to stay consistent in your stewardship even when life gets busy. Step 4 — Select Your Payment Method You can give by credit or debit card, or connect your bank account directly (ACH). Giving by bank account is the simplest and most cost-effective option — the processing fee is just 25¢ per transaction. NOTE: When selecting Bank Account, there are two options, using Plaid or entering manually. If you don’t already use Plaid entering manually will make for an easier process. Step 5 — Complete Your Gift Enter your payment details, add an optional memo, confirm your contact info and submit. You'll receive a confirmation email right away. Want to Create an Account? Creating a free Nucleus Giving account lets you: View your complete giving history Access your annual giving statement for tax purposes Save your payment method so future gifts take just seconds Manage or update recurring gifts at any time To create your account: Go to the launcher and click Sign In Enter your email address and create a password Check your inbox for a verification email and click the confirmation link Once verified, click My Account to fill in your profile details Managing Your Online Giving Once your account is set up, you're in full control. From your personal dashboard you can: View past gifts and download giving records Update a recurring gift — change the amount, frequency, or payment method Cancel a recurring gift if needed Access your annual tax statement once it's been released by the church office Need Help? If you run into any trouble setting up your account or completing a gift, reach out to the church office — we're happy to walk you through it.Send us an EmailCall the Church Office 2 Corinthians 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

Will Duttry

Assistant Pastor

June 20, 2026 • 5 Minute Read
Our Father’s Pattern
I've been thinking about Father's Day a lot this week. Partly because it's coming up, but also because I've been paying attention to the people around me. This Day Lands Differently for Everyone For some of us, today is a good day. Our kids are going to make us feel special, or we’re going to call our dad’s and mean every word of it. That's a gift. Don't take it for granted. For others, there's grief tied to father's day. Maybe you lost your dad, and this is the first Father's Day without him. Or the fifth, and people assume it gets easier. Maybe your relationship with your father is complicated in ways that are hard to explain. I'm not going to gloss over any of that. But I do want to point us all toward something that changes the way we see this day, no matter where we're coming from. God Set the Pattern First Here's what I keep coming back to: God the Father isn't a concept we invented to make sense of our earthly fathers. It's the other way around. Every good thing we associate with fatherhood, the love, the protection, the discipline that actually comes from care, it all originates in Him. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son." (John 3:16) That's a Father who loved at a cost. Who gave something irreplaceable. And it doesn’t stop there. Jesus paints a picture of the Father in Luke 15 who sees his son coming back from a long way off and runs to him. Doesn't wait. Doesn't make him grovel. Runs. That's the standard. And let’s be honest, it's a humbling one, whether you're a father or not. What Scripture Asks of Fathers The Bible isn’t vague. There are some clear expectations laid out, and I think they're worth looking at. Teach the Word. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 puts it right on the father's shoulders. Get the Word of God in your heart, then teach it to your kids. Not just at church. In the house. On the road. Morning and night. It's supposed to be a part of the fabric of your home. Nurture our children. Ephesians 6:4 is a verse a lot of dads need to sit with. "Provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." There's a version of fatherhood that's harsh, critical, impossible to please, and Paul says that's not it. The word nurture here is tender. It's a long-haul. It's a slow, consistent work of shaping a child with care. Live with integrity. Proverbs 20:7: "The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him." What your kids watch you do when things get hard, when money is tight, when you think nobody's looking, that's the lesson they will remember longest. Provide and lead. 1 Timothy 5:8 is blunt. A man who doesn't provide for his own household has, in Paul's words, denied the faith. That's more than a paycheck. It's stability, presence, spiritual leading. It's showing up. None of us does all of this perfectly. But the goal isn't perfection, it’s progressIt's faithfulness to the One who is. To all the Fathers If your family is celebrating you, receive it. You don't have to have everything figured out to be a faithful father. And if there are places where you feel like you've fallen short. Let it be a moment where you quietly say, Lord, I want to do better. Help me. That prayer matters more than you know. Honor is a command. But honor doesn't require a perfect relationship. It's a posture of the heart that says: God put this man in my life, and I'm going to recognize that. If your dad is still around, don't assume there's always more time. Tell him what he's meant to you. Even if it comes out clunky. Especially if it comes out clunky. If your missing your dad today, grief doesn't take weekends off, and it doesn't take Father's Day off either. This fathers day might carry a weight that's hard to describe to someone who hasn't felt it. You don't have to pretend otherwise. He sees what's missing. He draws near to it. He doesn't ask you to have it all together today.Bring the ache to Him. He can handle it. A Few Questions Worth Considering Wherever fathers day finds you, I want to leave you with a few questions, not to pile on, but to help bring some clarity: What is one quality of God as Father that you are most grateful for right now? How does it change the way you see your own life or your own relationships? If you're a father: Where do you feel God nudging you to grow? Thinking about the father in your life: What's one thing he did that, looking back, pointed you toward God, even if neither of you realized it at the time? If Father’s Day is hard: What's one truth about our Heavenly Father that you can hold onto, not to rush past the pain, but to carry with it? What's one step you can take this week, as a father, a child, or both, toward the kind of faithfulness Scripture calls us to? Father's Day is bigger than we give it credit for. It's a window into something God designed, the love of a father is meant to reflect the love of the Father. I'm grateful for every dad at Faith Baptist who is doing that work, imperfectly, but one day at a time. And I'm grateful for a Heavenly Father who meets all of us exactly where we are. Happy Father's Day.

Will Duttry

Assistant Pastor

May 29, 2026 • 4 Minute Read
FaithLink: More than Announcements
🔊 Audio reading available at the end of the article. One of the things about the local church is that the ministry doesn’t stop when the service ends. Sunday morning is the gathering, but Christian life happens all week long, in our homes, our workplaces, our neighborhoods, and the church ought to be a resource for that life, not just a destination on a calendar. That’s the heart behind FaithLink. What Is FaithLink? FaithLink is Faith Baptist’s online member hub, a place where you can stay connected to the life and ministry of this church between Sundays. Missionary updates. Biblical articles from our pastors. Resources for parents. Practical tools for Christian living. All in one place, and always available. But we want to share the bigger vision with you, because we want you to know where we’re headed. Where We’re Headed We want FaithLink to become your hub, not just a place to read about what’s happening at Faith Baptist, but a place where you feel the heartbeat of this church all week long. A church family that stays informed, stays connected, and stays in the Word together is a stronger church family. FaithLink is one way we want to help make that happen. Here is what we are praying it becomes: 1) A place where you hear from your pastors — not just doctrinal articles, but practical wisdom for marriage, parenting, finances, workplace integrity, and the Christian life in the real world. 2) A place where God’s faithfulness is on display — the stories of what He is doing through our missionaries, our outreach, and answered prayer, told and celebrated so the whole church family gets to rejoice together. 3) A place for honest questions — where new believers and growing Christians can find clear, biblical answers about salvation, baptism, and what it means to follow Christ. 4) A place that goes deeper — content that reinforces and extends what you’re hearing from the pulpit on Sunday morning. How It’s Organized FaithLink is built around collections — each one focused on a different area of ministry life: Beyond the Pulpit — Articles from the pastoral staff on biblical topics, church life, and practical Christian living. Missions — Updates, prayer letters, and stories from the missionaries Faith Baptist supports around the world. Individual Ministries — Information about what’s going on in specific ministries of our church, to help equip the serve team, and minister to those involved. More collections are coming as FaithLink continues to grow. How Subscriptions Work Here’s what makes FaithLink a little unique — there is not one subscription, but one for each collection. That means you choose exactly what lands in your inbox. Want articles from the pastors? Subscribe to Beyond the Pulpit — you’ll find that subscription right on the main page at faithlink.fbcfh.com. Want missionary news and prayer letters? Subscribe to Missions. Have kids at home or teenagers in the house? Subscribe to Faith Kids or Faith Teens. You can subscribe to one collection or all of them. New posts come straight to your email inbox, so you never have to remember to check a website. And you can unsubscribe from any collection at any time. Start Here Visit faithlink.fbcfh.com, subscribe below to the Beyond the Pulpit collection, and explore the collections from there. Share a post when something connects. Let us know what topics would be helpful. This is meant to serve you, and we want it to be genuinely useful. We are grateful for this church family. It is a privilege to pastor and serve among people who love the Lord and love His Word. FaithLink is simply one more way we want to pour into your life and walk alongside you, not just on Sunday, but every day of the week. — The Pastoral Staff, Faith Baptist Church Some articles on FaithLink include an audio reading to help make practical truth more accessible to every member of our church family. Whether you are driving to work, caring for your family, exercising, or simply prefer listening over reading, these audio versions allow you to stay connected and continue growing in truth throughout your week. Our desire is to provide another opportunity for individuals to engage with Christ-centered content in a way that fits naturally into everyday life.

Will Duttry

Assistant Pastor

June 12, 2026 • 5 Minute Read
GriefShare is coming to Faith Baptist
Grief is one of the heaviest burdens a person can carry. Whether you have lost a spouse, a parent, a child, a sibling, or a dear friend, the pain of that loss can feel overwhelming, and far too often, it feels very lonely. You may be sitting in the seat on Sunday morning with a smile on your face while your heart is quietly breaking. If that is you, we want you to know: you do not have to walk through this alone. We are thrilled to announce that Faith Baptist Church will be launching a GriefShare ministry beginning Tuesday, September 1. This is a ministry we have been praying about, and we believe God's timing is perfect. Matthew 5:4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. What Is GriefShare? GriefShare is a 13-week, Christ-centered support group designed to walk people through their grief journey with compassion and biblical truth. Each week features a video seminar with respected Christian counselors and pastors, followed by small-group discussion and personal workbook exercises to help participants process what they are going through. Every session addresses the real challenges that come with grief, the loneliness, the anger, the questions, the sleepless nights — and points you back to the One who is "a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief" (Isaiah 53:3). At its heart, GriefShare points to Christ as the ultimate source of healing. That lines up perfectly with who we are as a church and what we believe God's Word teaches about comfort, hope, and restoration. Why This Ministry Matters In any church family, individuals are silently struggling with the pain of losing a loved one — some may have lost a spouse, a parent, a child, another relative, or a close friend. The grief does not end after the funeral. It does not stop after a few weeks. Many people suffer in silence for months and even years, not knowing where to turn. GriefShare provides a safe space where individuals can process their grief, share their stories, and find support from others who understand their pain, not just to help them move through grief, but to offer biblical hope and encouragement. That is exactly the kind of ministry the local church is called to provide. Is This for You? If you have experienced the loss of a loved one, recently or even years ago, we warmly invite you to come. You do not need to have it all together. You do not need to know what to say. You simply need to show up, and we will walk through it together, with God's Word as our guide and our church family by your side. GriefShare is also open to friends, neighbors, and coworkers in our community who are hurting. This is a wonderful opportunity to invite someone you know who needs the comfort that only Christ can give. Psalm 147:3 He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. When: Tuesday, September 1 - Tuesday, November 24, 2026 Location: Faith Baptist Church — Fairless Hills, PA Time: Tuesday Nights at 7:00 p.m.Register Here We love you, Faith Baptist family. If grief has found you in this season of life, we want to be right there with you. Feel free to share this with anyone you know who may need a place of healing and hope. Interested in serving in GriefShare? GriefShare groups don't run themselves — they run because someone in the church was willing to say yes. Leading a GriefShare group does not require a counseling degree or a personal expertise in grief. It requires a heart for hurting people, a willingness to show up faithfully week after week, and a love for the local church. GriefShare provides all the training and materials a leader needs. Your role is to facilitate — to create a safe, consistent place where people can be honest and where God's Word has room to work. Paul's words in Second Corinthians describe this kind of ministry beautifully: 2 Corinthians 1:4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. If you have walked through grief yourself, that experience is not a disqualification. God does not waste our sorrows. He redeems them, and often uses them to open doors of ministry that nothing else could open. If you sense the Lord leading you to serve in this way, we want to hear from you. Group leaders will go through a brief GriefShare orientation before the ministry launches in September, and pastoral support will be available throughout the 13-week cycle. Serve Team Schedule: Sunday, July 19, 2026 - Interest Meeting Wednesday, August 5, 2026 - Worker Training To express interest in serving, let us know HERE! This is a meaningful opportunity to serve your church family in one of the most tender areas of life. Don't talk yourself out of it — reach out, and let's have a conversation.

Chad Braley

Senior Pastor

June 16, 2026 • 5 Minute Read
Bringing Your Week into the Seat
Psalm 34:1 I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. Sunday morning comes around, the music begins, and we're invited to worship. But if we're honest, many of us arrive carrying the weight of a full week of discouragement. We slide into our seats and hope something in the service will flip a switch and put us in the right frame of mind. Here's an important truth: worship was never meant to be a switch we flip on Sunday. It's a fire we keep burning all week long. Worship Is a Way of Living, Not Just a Service to Attend The apostle Paul writes in Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. Paul is helping us understand that the surrendered, God-honoring life you live Monday through Saturday is an act of worship. The Sunday gathering is meant to be a celebration of what has already been happening in your heart throughout the week, not the only hour you spend thinking about God. When we understand that, it changes everything about how we approach gathering together. What a Worshipful Week Actually Looks Like A heart that worships daily isn't a perfect heart. It's a directed heart, one that keeps returning its attention to the Lord through the ordinary moments of life. Here are a few practical anchors: 1) Start your mornings with God before you start them with anything else. Before the phone, before the news, before the demands of the day crowd in, give the Lord the first moments. Even five minutes in the Word and a brief prayer sets the compass for the day. Psalm 5:3 says, My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up. 2) Let thankfulness interrupt your day. Gratitude is one of the most powerful tools of a worshipful heart. When something good happens, a safe drive, a kind word, a problem solved, pause and acknowledge the Lord. I Thessalonians 5:18 reminds us to give thanks "in every thing." That's not just a Sunday discipline. That's a throughout-the-day discipline. 3) Bring your burdens to God as they come, not just when they pile up. One reason we arrive at church distracted is that we've carried our worries all week without handing them over. Philippians 4:6 tells us to be "careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." When you pray through your troubles as they arise, you arrive on Sunday lighter, and readier to worship. 4) Let the Word speak into your situations. When you're in a difficult conversation or an uncertain moment, ask: What has God already said about this? Meditating on Scripture throughout the week keeps your heart tethered to truth rather than tossed by circumstances. How Your Week Shapes Your Sunday Think of it this way, the heart you bring to your seat on Sunday is the heart you've been building all week. If you've been feeding on the Word, you'll recognize what's being preached. If you've been praying, you'll mean what you sing. If you've been walking in thankfulness, the hymns won't feel like a warm-up, they'll feel like a continuation. But if Sunday is the only time God gets your attention, it's hard to shift gears quickly. The music may feel unfamiliar. The sermon may feel disconnected. Not because anything is wrong with the service, but because the heart needs time to be moved. A Word of Encouragement If this describes where you are right now, arriving on Sunday running on empty, this isn't meant to heap guilt on you. It's meant to open a door. God meets us where we are. The same Lord who met a weary Elijah under a juniper tree (1 Kings 19:4-5) meets you in your seat, even when you've had a hard week and your heart is scattered. His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:23), and that includes Sunday morning. But don't settle for that being the pattern. You were made for more than a one-hour-a-week connection with your Creator. You were made to walk with Him, through the workday, through the kitchen, through it all. A Simple Challenge This Week Pick one daily anchor and practice it for the next seven days: A short passage of Scripture read each morning A prayer of thanks spoken out loud at lunch A moment of quiet before bed to reflect on where you saw God's hand that day Come Sunday, notice the difference in how you enter the service. You may find that worship doesn't begin when the music starts — it simply continues. Psalm 118:24 This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Faith Baptist Church exists to connect people to Christ, grow them in truth, and lead them to commit fully to the Savior, and that mission doesn't pause between Sundays.

Will Duttry

Assistant Pastor