The Holy Bible is the inspired word of God and is the basis for any statement of faith. "All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17). We agree with the concise doctrinal statement of "The Baptist Faith and Message" as adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention in 2000. In Jesus Christ, we band ourselves together as a body of baptized believers personally committed to sharing the good news of salvation to the lost, worshiping together in fellowship, and studying the inspired, inerrant Word of God.

Having been led, as we believe by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Saviour and, on the profession of our faith, 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 this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another as one body in Christ.

We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church in knowledge, holiness, and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines; to contribute, cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the gospel through all nations.

We also engage to maintain family and secret devotions; to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment; to avoid all tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger; to abstain from the sale of, and use of, destructive drugs or intoxicating drinks as a beverage; to shun pornography; to be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Saviour.

We further engage to watch over one another to brotherly love; to remember one another in prayer; to aid one another in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and Christian courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation and mindful of the rules of our Saviour to secure it without delay.

We moreover engage that when we remove from this place we will, as soon as possible, unite with some other church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's Word.

My name is Carl, and I was given the privilege of coming to serve the River Bend community. I am a military veteran with a passion for working for the Lord. I left the country's Air Force to serve in the Lord's Army. God is my top priority, and I would love to explore the Bible with you. If I do not have an answer (which I do not have all the answers), we can learn together. My second priority is family. I cherish my family and would love to grow with yours. For each person that accepts Christ as his or her Savior, he or she joins God's family. We become brothers and sisters in Christ. What a privilege to get to know you and love on you. We love, because He first loved us.

I have a wife and three beautiful children. My wife and I are excited to journey together in preaching, teaching, and reaching for God. Our prayer is to meet people where they are, as they are, and allow Jesus to make the increase. Whatever season you are in, here for hunting, here for fishing, here for the weekend, or live here permanently, we invite you to join us in worship and Bible study at the church. Come and fellowship with your neighbors and friends.

Know God
and
come to Him!