Our Commitment to Welcome, Inclusion, and Belonging

Find Belonging at Second Baptist Church

 At Second Baptist Church, belonging comes first. In faithfulness to Jesus, we are committed to creating Christ-centered community where every person finds belonging—where they are welcomed, valued, and embraced as beloved children of God, who bear God’s image. We seek to provide a safe and loving environment where every person is known, cared for, and empowered to build meaningful relationships as we grow together in Christ.

 We, therefore, intentionally cultivate a culture of inclusion, welcoming all people—of every age, education level, ethnicity, financial means, gender, LGBTQ+ identity, marital status, mental and emotional well-being, national origin, neurodiversity, political perspective, race, range of abilities, and all other aspects of human diversity. In Christ, we are one body, united in love. (John 3:16-17; John 13:34-35; Galatians 3:26-28; Romans 8:31-39; 1 John 4:7-21; Acts 10:34-35; Revelation 7:9-17)

 Why Belonging Matters

 We believe the gospel is good news for all people. Jesus lived, died, and rose again so all might experience God’s abundant life. Our commitment to inclusion is rooted in the biblical truth that every person is created in the image of God and invited to belong fully as a vital member of the body of Christ.

 Jesus teaches us the greatest commandments are to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. The love of Christ compels us to welcome and honor every person as beloved by God, creating a community where all truly belong in Christ. (Genesis 1:26; John 10:10; Ephesians 3:14-21; Matthew 22:34-40; 2 Corinthians 5:17-19)

Belonging in our Baptist Christian Community

 As a Baptist Christian community, we affirm the priesthood of all believers (soul freedom) and the autonomy of the local church (church freedom). Our congregation reflects a diversity of theological perspectives, and church members are encouraged to practice curiosity, gentleness, and generosity as we learn with and from one another. In our life together, we seek to model the way of Jesus—a way of grace, truth, and love—so that all who come through our doors experience not just welcome, but a true home in Christ. (Matthew 7:12; Acts 2:42-47; Romans 12:9-21; Philippians 2:1-5)

Second Baptist Church

Belong | Believe | Become