Providence Baptist Church is a Reformed Baptist congregation dedicated to a God-centered philosophy of ministry. This stated end is reflected in the following core values:
I. The Glorification of God. Providence Baptist Church demonstrates commitment to this most important of all core values through the following distinctives -
A. God-centered Theology - We heartily embrace the biblical doctrines set forth during the Protestant Reformation which may be summed up with the following maxims:
1) Scripture Alone (Sola Scriptura) - The Bible in its original manuscripts is verbally and fully inspired by God; and, therefore, it is the inerrant and infallible Word of God to the human race. It is the supreme and final authority for belief and practice.
2) Christ Alone (Solus Christus) - Jesus Christ, God's only begotten Son, is the one and only Mediator between God and man. He is the Prophet, Priest, King, and Head and Savior of His Church, the Heir of all things, and Judge of the world. He alone is the subject, object, and author of eternal salvation for all God's elect.
3) Grace Alone (Sola Gratia) - Salvation is entirely by the grace, mercy, and kindness of God. Man cannot earn or merit salvation. Jesus Christ is the One who purchased redemption for God's people.
4) Faith Alone (Sola Fide) - We are justified - that is, declared righteous - before God by faith alone in the blood and life of Jesus Christ, who has lived a perfect life for us and died under penalty of our sin. God's people cannot claim any works, including baptism, to be the means of salvation.
5) Glory of God Alone (Soli Deo Gloria) - Man's salvation from beginning to end is from and for God alone. Jesus Christ is the author and finisher of our faith for the pleasure of God. Salvation results in the happiness of man only because God is glorified in man's salvation.
B. Reverent Worship - Worship is "the reasonable service" (Romans 12:1) which we creatures rightly render to our Creator. Worship, therefore, is viewed as a serious and reverent approach to God, who is majestic, glorious and holy. Worship, although free from all superficiality, frivolity, and irreverence, is also joyful as we rejoice in the God of our salvation.
C. God-centered Evangelism - God has ordained that His church should preach the gospel (the good news) of His salvation promiscuously. Evangelism and discipleship are conducted with confidence, knowing that it does not depend on human persuasiveness but on the effective calling of the Holy Spirit. Evangelism is based on the preaching of the Word of God, and both the message and method of evangelism must be founded on Scriptural principles.
D. Family Order and Discipleship - The family is a holy institution ordained and established by the sovereign triune God. The family is an integral part of God's eternal purpose for the redemption of sinners. The truths behind this great redemption are in great measure passed on to succeeding generations through parents, and especially fathers who seek faithfully to disciple the children whom God gives to them. Therefore, the biblical order and unity of the family is crucial to the health and stability of the Church of Jesus Christ. In light of this, we do not age-segregate our families, but rather we direct the family as a unit while learning, serving, and worshipping. Special attention will be given to fathers as they are encouraged and equipped to be the "pastor" or "shepherd" of their families.
II. The Exaltation of Jesus Christ. "But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord" (1 Peter 3:15). In light of the immediate context in which this biblical statement appears - "But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated" (v. 14) - Providence Baptist Church sees in this text the key for divine deliverance from the fear of man and an open door for freedom in ministry.
A. "But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord." In light of this setting, this means, first of all, to let the awe of the lordship of Christ possess your hearts. Dwell constantly on that fact that Christ is Lord. When a believer trembles in the presence of his enemies, it is because he doubts or has lost sight of the faithfulness and power of Christ.
B. "But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord." The motive for obeying this precept should not be our own peace and comfort, but His honor and glory. To guard against the fear of man, the saint is to cultivate the fear of the Lord, that Christ may be magnified. The Lord Jesus is glorified when His persecuted people preserve a calm demeanor and immovable fortitude in the face of all opposition. The members of Providence Baptist Church are committed to such an attitude.
C. "But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord." These words have a wider application. How little professing Christians dwell on the lordship of Christ! "That I may know [obtain a better knowledge of] Him" (Philippians 3:10) should be the daily longing of our hearts and the earnest prayer of our lips. Not only do we need to grow in grace but also in "the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18). The elders, deacons, and membership of Providence Baptist Church are committed to this level of discipleship.
III. Liberation From "Self". The elders, deacons, and membership of Providence Baptist Church wholly endorse the statement of John the Baptist, as recorded in John 3:30 - "He must increase, but I must decrease." On the grounds of Scripture and as evidence of their salvation, believers are expected to live by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ resulting in holy, godly, and loving conduct toward God, fellow believers, and the world around them according to the demands of the New Covenant of Jesus Christ.
IV. The Primacy of Scripture. The commitment of Providence Baptist Church to the inerrancy of Scripture means that the Bible occupies the "pride of place" in worship and discipleship. Moreover, a belief in the full inspiration and authority of the Bible demands a specific mode of preaching the biblical texts: expository preaching. The expository preaching of the Word of God is that method of preaching whereby the Scriptures are explained and proclaimed based upon its own form of writing (a letter, gospel, parable, proverb, narrative, etc.), its own context, flow of thought, and historical setting. Providence Baptist Church is disinterested in the spurious conclusions of the modern world as to the meaning of the biblical text. Rather, Providence Baptist Church desires to know what the Bible meant for its historical audience and what the Bible means for the Body of Christ today. Providence Baptist Church believes that God has ordained that the proclamation of His Word is the normal means of giving the gospel and feeding the sheep rather than other methods (e.g., music, film, and other art forms; debate, discussion, broadcasting or other communication forms). No other methods should detract from or replace the faithful and public exposition of the Scriptures. | 
