Lakeview Baptist Church

Church Membership

Q: If I have been married more than once, I have been informed I can’t join the church. Is this a true statement? If so can you explain why?

A: No, this is not a true statement.

We surely do require and expect things of the members of Lakeview, all of which are clearly outlined in our Church Covenant. This Covenant is the basis of our beliefs, each of which is based on a listed Scripture. We require that all prospective members read this and make sure they can fellowship together based on this foundation.

See {Malachi 2:16}

Q: What is a member of Lakeview expected to do? I am on a strict budget, and can’t afford to give much.

A: The Church Covenant describes what is expected of a church member. On the subject of finances, The Bible clearly teaches principles of giving of time, talents, and worldly wealth.

Rest assured that we keep any and all contributions confidential. What you give and how often is between you and God. Our goal is to encourage growth in your relationship with The Lord so much that when He beckons you to give, that you and He will determine the gift.

I have made a deal with people in your position for many years and I will offer to do the same with you. If you will give based on a Biblical basis for two weeks, and at the end of that time you are not satisfied with how God is blessing, I will repay what you have given from my own pocket at no cost to the church.

Many have taken this challenge. In over 20 years of serving as Pastor I have never been asked to reimburse a disappointed steward.

See {Malachi 3:8}

Q: Can I read your church covenant, constitution or bylaws online?

A: Yes! We consider these three documents as Lakeview's foundation. You can read them online.

Our Services

Q: The alter call, when folks go up at the end of the service, are they praying to have their sins forgiven?

A: The alter call is given in order for each person who feels led to respond to the service and what The Lord is doing in their life. Some pray for their sins, others for strength, still others for guidance, and even others come and pray for the needs of those they know and love.

While any prayer in any place is proper and good, the altar is a special place of commitment. Similar to a separate place set aside for just you and God.

I think of the altar as a child climbing into daddy’s lap. Sometimes a child does that for forgiveness, and other times for other reasons. But always to be closer to our Father.

See {Isaiah 1:18}

Q: Do you still have Sunday dinner?

A: On occasion we still do the Sunday dinner. During the school year we do a dinner each Wednesday evening before the service. Rest assured we love to eat at Lakeview! Remember that our nourishment is to give us physical strength to witness for Him!

See {Exodus 12:11}

Q: I felt you were talking to me throughout the entire sermon. Why?

A: What a neat thing it is to hear that you have such personal encounters with The Lord! Do not take that lightly and pay close attention.

Over the years of preaching others have told me this and I just smile knowing how little I contribute to the message, and how much He lavishes on those who will listen. Anyone who preaches The Gospel will tell you that it is a mystery beyond full comprehension.

I am reminded of the motorcycle t-shirt that a loving church member bought for me. It reads, "Those of us who dance are considered insane by those who cannot hear the music." I praise God that you are blessed to hear the music!

See {Matthew 12:31}

Sin and Lifestyles

Q: I don’t lead a perfect life and don’t think anyone else does either, although we try. Why have I always thought members of church are better than me? I have thought for years that they were sin free. I know just by joining a church doesn’t mean one is sinless! But I still have trouble with this thought.

A: Far be it from me to judge the perfection of someone else! I would have to have a better set of eyes before I could even begin to do that. You see mine are full of logs so I can’t see the specks in other’s eyes. {Matthew 7:3}

I will tell you that from my experience you are wrong in believing that "everyone tries to be perfect." If only that were the case!

The people you see in church are the ones who realize that Godly fellowship is the only way to properly live a Godly life.

A sick person doesn’t wait until they are well to go to the hospital. I am afraid the enemy is tricking you into looking at the people instead of the God they come to worship. Notice that the people you observe who seem to have it all together ARE IN CHURCH! Don’t be fooled into thinking that they all arrived the way they appear now.

See {Romans 3:23}
See {Romans 5:6}

Baptism:

Q: I was baptized when a child, went to church on and off for several years, and then didn’t go for a long time. I now attend church frequently. I have always believed in God and honor Him. Do I need to be re-baptized?

A: The Bible clearly teaches the Baptism of believers. That is, Baptism for those who know they have sinned, and have accepted payment for that sin through the sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross.

To be sure, the Bible teaches that Baptism is not necessary for salvation. Also, Baptism is not symbolic of washing away of sins. It simply illustrates a persons desire to die to this world and live for The Father. It is an act of obedience as a result of salvation.

If a person is too young to understand sin or the ramifications of their sin, they cannot possibly understand forgiveness for their sins. Many faiths "baptize" infants and children too young to comprehend salvation. Some even characterize this ceremony as a dedication of the child.

At Lakeview we will certainly dedicate an infant to The Lord. However, Baptism is reserved for those who are aware of the symbolic value of the ordinance.

The first question you must answer is, "Were you a believer when you were Baptized as a child?" If not then you would need to be Baptized by immersion as a believer in order to be obedient to The Lord. If you had accepted salvation through Jesus then you do not need to do this again.

I will say that I have performed Baptism for those who were truly Baptized in the past. While certainly not a common practice, I do believe in the validity of a fresh beginning. In some cases a Christian has made a dramatic turn in his or her Christian walk and this can serve as a type of "milestone" in a person’s life. This is only done after counseling and praying together with the Pastor.

See {Romans 6:3}