Who we are
Saint Matthew Baptist Church is a Christian congregation committed to glorifying God by proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ, making faithful disciples, worshiping according to the teachings of the Holy Bible, serving our community with compassion, and demonstrating the genuine love of Christ in all we do. Our mission is grounded in the conviction that Scripture is God’s authoritative Word and that Jesus Christ is the only Savior and Lord.
Our beliefs emphasize biblical truth, authentic Christian love, spiritual growth, community outreach, and service to others. We seek to provide a safe and welcoming environment where individuals and families can worship, grow in their faith, and receive practical and spiritual support. Through worship services, discipleship, educational programs, youth ministry, and community engagement, Saint Matthew Baptist Church strives to be a faithful witness to Christ while promoting the well-being of our neighbors and the broader community.
Our church motto, “Let love be genuine” (Romans 12:9), reflects our commitment to demonstrating sincere Christian love through faithful ministry, integrity, compassion, and service.
SMMBC Church Covenant
Preamble
Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God to repent of our sins and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we do now, in the presence of God and one another, solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant as one body in Christ — the Saint Matthew Baptist Church.
I. Our Devotion to the Word, Fellowship, and Prayer
We covenant together to continue steadfastly in the apostles’ teaching, devoting ourselves to the faithful study and application of God’s Word that we might grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
We commit to walk in Christian fellowship, loving one another with brotherly affection, bearing one another’s burdens, and striving for the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
We will not forsake the breaking of bread, as we remember the sacrifice of Christ through the Lord’s Supper, rejoicing together in His grace and anticipating His return.
We will be devoted to prayer, both privately and corporately, interceding for one another, our church, our community, and the advance of God’s kingdom throughout the world.
“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.” — Acts 2:42
II. Our Commitment to Godly Conduct and Christian Love
Recognizing that we are called to reflect the marks of a true Christian as described in Romans 12, we covenant to let our love be genuine by abhorring what is evil, holding fast to what is good, and serving the Lord with zeal and joy.
We will rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep, bless those who persecute us, and seek peace with all as much as possible.
We will walk humbly, resist pride and self-interest, and strive to display Christlike character in our homes, workplaces, and communities.
We will faithfully support the ministry of the church through our prayers, our service, our giving, and our presence.
“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.” — Romans 12:9
III. Our Accountability, Discipline, and Restoration
We acknowledge that Christ is the Head of the Church, and we are members one of another, accountable under His authority.
We covenant to exercise loving and redemptive church discipline when necessary — not to condemn, but to restore.
If we should fall into sin, we will seek correction with humility and receive it with repentance, remembering that discipline is a mark of God’s love and care.
In turn, we will pursue our erring brothers and sisters with gentleness, praying that none be lost or hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.
“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness.” — Galatians 6:1
IV. Our Witness and Mission in the World
We covenant to live as salt and light in this world, proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ through word and deed.
We will seek to make disciples, love our neighbors, serve the poor, and pursue justice and mercy as those redeemed by grace.
We will endeavor to raise our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord and to honor Christ in every generation that follows.
We will strive to live peaceably with all and to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel before a watching world.
“By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” — John 13:35
V. Our Perseverance and Hope
We covenant, by God’s grace, to persevere in faith, trusting that He who began a good work in us will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Should we move from this congregation, we will unite with another body of believers who hold to the same faith and practice, that we may continue to live under the covenant of grace and obedience to Christ.
We make this covenant not in our own strength, but in the power of the Holy Spirit and in the hope of the glory of God.
“Now may the God of peace… equip you with everything good that you may do His will.” — Hebrews 13:20–2
Our Confession and Motto
“Let love be genuine.” — Romans 12:9
We, the members of Saint Matthew Baptist Church, affirm this covenant as a testimony of our devotion to Christ, our unity in the Spirit, and our love for one another — to the glory of God alone.