WHAT IS A COMMUNITY CHURCH? by steve finnell

What is a community church? In the majority of cases community church is simply a euphemism for Baptist Church.

Note the following doctrinal statements of belief taken from community churches on line.

 Salvation: Forgiveness of sin is available to all who accept His sacrifice and claim Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

 Salvation: Salvation has been provided through Jesus Christ for all men, and those who repent and believe in Him are born again of the Holy Spirit, receive the gift of eternal life, and become the children of God. (Titus 3:4-7)

[NOTE: Titus 3:4-7 Does not say, "those who repent and believe in Him are born again of the Holy Spirit."]  

Water Baptism: God's Word teaches that a person needs to repent of his/her sins and then be baptized. Water baptism is an act of obedience-- not something you do to become saved. We believe that once a person trusts Christ, and what He did for them on the cross, they are saved. By following our Lord's command regarding water baptism, we show His lordship in our lives.(Acts 2:38; Romans 6:1-4)

[NOTE:  Neither Acts 2:38 nor Romans 6:1-4 state the water baptism is simply an act of obedience, nor do they say once a person trusts in Christ they are saved, nor do they say baptism is not something you do to be saved, nor do they state that we show lordship by being baptized, nor do they say water baptism is not essential to salvation, nor do they say water baptism is not essential for the forgiveness in sins.]

Community churches are in most cases Baptists who do not care to admit they are Baptist.

What community churches do not believe is what Jesus said, "He who believes and is baptized will be saved..Mark 16:16 (NKJV)