Welcome
FAITH
What We Believe
- WE believe there is one God, eternally existent in three Persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
- WE believe the Scriptures of the Old and the New Testament are the infallible authoritative Word of God, and the only rule of faith and practice.
- WE believe in the everlasting love of God for His people. We believe that there was a covenant of redemption between the Father and the Son prior to the creation of the world, in which the believers in Christ are regenerated, sanctified, and so supported by the power of the Holy Spirit and that they shall persevere in grace and not one of them shall be lost.
- WE believe that sinners are justified in the sight of God only by the righteousness Christ imputed to them.
- WE believe that good works are the fruit of our faith and are evidence of our life in Christ.
- WE believe there will be a resurrection of the dead and a judgment of both the living and the dead, the righteous to eternal life in Heaven, and the wicked to eternal damnation.
- WE voluntarily band ourselves together as a body of baptized believers in Jesus Christ, personally committed to sharing the good news of salvation to lost mankind.
- WE believe the ordinances of the Church are believer’s baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
Complete Statement of our Beliefs at http://www.mtsylvanbc.org/what-we-believe/
- People are important to God and therefore are important to us.
- Worship is to be Biblical, reverent, and God-honoring.
- Prayer is spending time talking with God in praise, thanksgiving, confession, petition, and intercession.
- Ministry is using whatever God has given us to serve Him and the needs of others. We believe that each member is equipped by God for some service.
- Discipleship is every member being familiar with the fundamentals of the faith and living by the Word of God.
- Stewardship is the proper management of money, lifestyle, and time.
- Fellowship is spending time with God’s people in the Word of God, in times of need, in recreation, and socially.
FAMILY
Become a Member
Any person may offer themselves as a candidate for membership with our Church in any of the following ways:
- By profession of faith and presentation for baptism according to the policies of the Church.
- By promise of a letter of recommendation from another Church of like faith and practice.
- By restoration upon a statement of prior conversion experience and baptism in a Baptist Church when no letter is obtainable.
- By statement of prior conversion experience and baptism acknowledging the same belief and understanding of baptism and salvation.
At the end of every service, we provide an opportunity for those, who would like to join or make public their decision to follow Christ, to come forward to our pastor, so that we can pray with you and present you to the church body. We promise, we will help you fill welcome and comfortable.
When the service is dismissed, everyone is invited to come and welcome you by giving you a handshake or hug.
FOUNDATION
Mt. Sylvan Baptist Church is a Southern Baptist Church established in 1878 right here in this same location. We believe that God has called us and equipped us to fulfill the mission He has laid out before us –
to engage in evangelism,
to develop disciples,
to minister to all mankind,
to foster fellowship,
to be persistent in prayer,
and to glorify God in all that we do.
“Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.” Ephesians 2:19-22
AFFILIATED WITH:
National: Southern Baptist Convention www.sbc.net
State: Texas Baptists (BGCT-Baptist General Convention of Texas) www.texasbaptists.org
Local: Smith Baptist Association www.smithbaptist.org
FELLOWSHIP
We have opportunities for all ages to focus on Christ thru study, fellowship, and service in order that we can grow and learn and to share His love and grace with others.
Here is an abbreviated list of ministries for you.
- Children’s Church – During our 10:45 am Sunday worship hour for children 3 years thru 3rd grade, located in our Children’s Building
- King’s Kids Children’s Choir – Meet on Wednesdays at 7pm upstairs in the E&A Building for children 3 years thru 3rd grade
- HayStack Youth Choir (High school Area Youth Singing To Anoint Christ King) – Meet Wednesday nights at 7:20pm for 7th thru 12th grade students.
- RA’s (Royal Ambassadors) – Wednesday night at 6pm upstairs in the E&A for boys 1st thru 6th grade
- GA’s (Girls in Action) – Wednesday night 6pm upstairs in the E&A for girls 1st-6th grade
- Music – Opportunities to play instruments or sing in the choir or sing special music. Also, special services & cantatas. Rehearse Wednesday at 6pm.
- Women’s Ministry – Throughout the year there will be opportunities for fellowship and bible study. We try to meet at least once a month for a much needed time out. Sewing Ministry meets once a month, too. Open to all ladies of all ages.
- Men’s Ministry – Throughout the year there will be opportunities for fellowship and bible study. We meet every quarter for a Men’s Prayer Breakfast in the E&A.
- 5th Sunday Family Fun Day & Praise Service – Outdoor Activities, Dinner on the Grounds, and an Evening Praise Service for the whole family.
- So much more to list.
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Our church policy for any member and non-member volunteering in any ministry involving children 17 & under must have Reducing the Risk Training. This program is where ministry workers learn how to screen and select workers, implement solid supervision policies, and respond to allegations, keeping your church safe for children of all ages.
FUTURE
WE ARE IN OUR NEW WORSHIP CENTER, BUT STILL HAVE SO MUCH LEFT TO DO. FUTURE NEW NURSERY COMING SOON.
Due to the growth God has blessed us with at Mt. Sylvan, we’re currently raising funds for a new building which will include a new sanctuary & more. God is doing great things through His people here and we would love to have you come be a part of our future at Mt. Sylvan.
FOCUS
Sunday School is one of the best ways to get connected at MSBC and to foster fellowship with one another. Click Sunday School for a list of the classes we offer.
Starts at 10am every Sunday. Join us for coffee in the fellowship hall before.
FOLLOW US
Website: www.mtsylvanbc.org
Podcasts: http://www.mtsylvanbc.org/sermon-podcasts/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MtSylvanBaptistChurch
Instagram: #_revolutionstudents_
We also have a DVD and CD ministry.
CHURCH TERMS
What is the CTH? This is our old sanctuary, the Cecil Thomas Hall, named in honor of a former pastor. It now houses the church office, kitchen, & the Joy Sunday school class; and is used for many smaller events.
What it the E&A? It is our Education & Activities building. This is the 2 story building behind the church where many of our Sunday school classes & the fellowship hall are located. There is an elevator for your convenience, as well.
Children’s Building I? This is a portable building located between the 2 main buildings which we use for our Children’s Church.
HOW TO BECOME A CHRISTIAN
God wants you to have a personal relationship with Him through Jesus, His Son. There is just one thing that separates you from God. Sin. Sin is our failure to measure up to God’s holiness and His righteous standards. We sin by things we do, choices we make, attitudes we show, and thoughts we entertain. We also sin when we fail to do right things. The Bible says – “there is none righteous, not even one.” No matter how good we try to be, none of us does right things all the time. God says that every person who has ever lived is a sinner, and that any sin separates us from God.
“For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
Many people are confused about the way to God. Some think they will be punished or rewarded according to how good they are. Some think they should make things right in their lives before they try to come to God. Others find it hard to understand how Jesus could love them when other people don’t seem to. But there is great news: God loves you! Our sins demand punishment – the punishment of death and separation from God. But, because of His great love, God sent His only Son Jesus to die for our sins.
“God demonstrates His own love for us…: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
For you to come to God you have to get rid of your sin problem. But, in our own strength, not one of us can do this! You can’t make yourself right with God by being a better person. God is willing to rescue you, not because of anything you can offer Him, but JUST BECAUSE HE LOVES YOU!
“He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy.” Titus 3:5
It’s God’s grace that allows you to come to Him – not your efforts to “clean up your life” or work your way to Heaven. You can’t earn it. It’s a free gift.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
For you to come to God, the penalty for your sin must be paid. God’s gift to you is His son, Jesus, who paid the debt for you when He died on the Cross.
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23
Jesus paid the price for your sin by giving His life on a cross at a place called Calvary. God brought Jesus back from the dead. He provided the way through Jesus. When we realize how deeply our sin grieves the heart of God and how desperately we need a Savior, we are ready to receive God’s offer of salvation. To admit we are sinners, means turning away from our sin and selfishness and turning to follow Jesus. This is repentance. Will you accept the free gift that Jesus gives, right now?
“If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” Romans 10:9-10
God says that if you believe in His Son, Jesus, you can live forever with Him in glory.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16
Let’s review this commitment: I acknowledge I am a sinner in need of a Savior – this is to repent or turn away from sin…I believe in my heart that God raised Jesus from the dead – this is to trust that Jesus paid the full penalty for my sins…I confess Jesus as my Lord and my God – this is to surrender control of my life to Jesus…I receive Jesus as my Savior forever – this is to accept that God has done for me and in me what He promised…If it is your sincere desire to receive Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, then talk to God from your heart: Here’s a Suggested Prayer:
“Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and I do not deserve eternal life. But, I believe You died and rose from the grave to make me a new creation and to prepare me to dwell in your presence forever. Jesus, come into my life, take control of my life, forgive my sins and save me. I am now placing my trust in You alone for my salvation and I accept your free gift of eternal life.”