John Ferry Baptist Church (JFBC) stands firm on a clear mission: to love and worship God while actively reaching and discipling individuals for Jesus Christ. This mission is not just a statement; it’s the driving force behind everything JFBC does. To understand the heart of this church, it’s essential to delve into the core values that shape its actions and community. These values act as guiding principles, ensuring that JFBC remains true to its purpose and effective in its ministry. Exploring these key tenets provides a comprehensive understanding of what John Ferry Baptist Church is all about and what it strives to be for its members and the wider community.
Core Values of John Ferry Baptist Church
At the heart of John Ferry Baptist Church are ten key values that define its identity and guide its ministry. These values are not merely ideals but are actively pursued and integrated into every aspect of church life.
1. Christ-Likeness: Emulating Jesus
John Ferry Baptist Church deeply desires to mirror Jesus Christ in all its endeavors. This aspiration stems from recognizing Jesus’s perfect balance of unwavering commitment to God’s will and profound compassion, love, and forgiveness. Jesus attracted people from all walks of life, including those considered outcasts. JFBC aims to create an environment where everyone, from long-time members to first-time visitors, encounters the spirit and character of Jesus. The hope is that this genuine reflection of Christ will draw people closer to Him, fostering a welcoming and transformative community rooted in love, just as Jesus exemplified in Matthew 22:36–40.
2. Worship Priority: Spirit-Led and Christ-Centered
Worship is considered the foremost ministry priority at John Ferry Baptist Church. JFBC strives for worship experiences that are both Spirit-led and Christ-centered, creating an atmosphere where individuals can genuinely connect with God. The church aims for Sunday morning worship to be a weekly highlight, an inspiring and uplifting experience that resonates throughout the week. Recognizing the importance of personal preparation, JFBC encourages daily personal worship as a foundation for meaningful corporate worship. This emphasis on both personal and communal worship, inspired by Psalms 2:11, Matthew 2:2, Matthew 28:17, and Revelation 4, seeks to deepen the spiritual lives of its members.
3. Reaching People Locally and Globally
John Ferry Baptist Church is committed to expanding its reach, both in its immediate vicinity and across the globe. The local mission field is identified as East Cobb County and North Atlanta, while the global mission field is understood through the biblical lens of Jerusalem (local), Judea (State of Georgia), Samaria (United States with ethnic diversity), and the uttermost parts of the world (global outreach). JFBC actively engages in reaching these mission fields through prayer, financial giving, strategic partnerships with other ministries, and sending individuals on mission trips. These four pillars of outreach are seen as crucial activities in fulfilling the Great Commission as outlined in Matthew 28:18–20 and Acts 1:8.
4. Centrality of God’s Word: Preaching and Teaching
Preaching and teaching the Word of God are central to the discipleship process at John Ferry Baptist Church. JFBC holds a strong belief in the Bible as perfect and complete truth. This conviction translates into prioritizing the teaching of God’s Word across all ministries, from children to senior adults. The church believes in the transformative power of the Holy Spirit to illuminate the relevance of Scripture to everyday life. Therefore, the focus is not just on delivering biblical content but on facilitating a deeper understanding and application of God’s Word in the lives of believers.
5. Unchanging Message, Changing Methods
John Ferry Baptist Church embraces a philosophy of maintaining an unwavering commitment to the core message of Christianity while adapting ministry methodologies to remain effective and relevant. The foundational beliefs of the church are considered timeless and unchanging. However, the methods used to communicate and implement these beliefs are seen as flexible and adaptable under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. JFBC encourages Spirit-led innovation in ministry practices, prioritizing effectiveness and contemporary relevance over rigid adherence to tradition or the status quo.
6. Kingdom Vision for Ministry
John Ferry Baptist Church operates with a “kingdom vision,” emphasizing collaboration and cooperation with other Christ-centered, Bible-believing evangelical ministries. Under God’s leadership, JFBC actively seeks to build up and work alongside other like-minded organizations. This reflects a belief in the broader Christian community and the strength found in unity and partnership. This kingdom-minded approach extends beyond the walls of JFBC, contributing to a larger movement of faith and service.
7. Faithful Stewards of Resources
John Ferry Baptist Church recognizes the responsibility of both the church as an institution and its individual members to be faithful stewards of all resources entrusted by God. This value encompasses financial resources, time, talents, and spiritual gifts. Drawing from biblical principles found in Malachi 3:8–10 and Matthew 6:19–24, JFBC promotes responsible management and generous giving as expressions of worship and obedience. Stewardship is seen as a vital aspect of Christian living and church administration.
8. Prayer as Connection to God
Prayer is understood as the essential link connecting individuals and the church to God, the ultimate source of power. John Ferry Baptist Church emphasizes the importance of prayer in all aspects of church life and personal faith. Drawing inspiration from Luke 19:46 and Romans 8:26–27, JFBC encourages consistent and fervent prayer as a means of seeking God’s guidance, strength, and provision. Prayer is not seen as a mere ritual but as a vital and dynamic communication with God.
9. Excellence in Ministry
John Ferry Baptist Church is committed to pursuing excellence in all ministry endeavors. This value is rooted in the desire to honor God through high-quality service and dedication. Inspired by Philippians 1:10 and 4:8, JFBC strives for excellence not for self-glorification but as an offering to God and a means of effectively serving others. This pursuit of excellence is evident in worship services, teaching programs, outreach initiatives, and all other ministries of the church.
10. Extra Mile Servant Ministry
John Ferry Baptist Church believes in embodying “extra mile” servant ministry, extending beyond expectations to meet the needs of both members and visitors. This commitment to servant leadership is deeply ingrained in the church culture. JFBC aims to treat its members with a level of care and attentiveness that surpasses even the best customer service standards. Similarly, guests are to be treated with exceptional hospitality and warmth. This servant-hearted approach extends to all ages and ministries, emphasizing that every Christian is called to be a minister, as highlighted in Matthew 5:41. The ministerial and program staff are seen as leaders who equip and empower the congregation for ministry.
Conclusion
These ten key values collectively paint a picture of John Ferry Baptist Church as a community deeply committed to its mission of loving God, worshipping Him, and reaching people for Jesus Christ. By prioritizing Christ-likeness, worship, outreach, biblical teaching, adaptability, collaboration, stewardship, prayer, excellence, and servant ministry, John Ferry Baptist Church seeks to be a beacon of faith, hope, and love in East Cobb County, North Atlanta, and around the world. These values are not just words on paper; they are the living principles that guide and empower John Ferry Baptist Church in its daily pursuit of God’s purpose.
