What is our purpose/mission statement as church?
Our purpose at GDBC is to be a well ordered household under Christ's headship as a visible expression of the universal church, whose members endeavor to live together in loving Christian community consistent with each individual's profession in obedience to the Scriptures. As such, it is our ambition that through our gatherings and fellowship this body will be built up in faith and prepared to proclaim, defend, and commend the gospel of Christ and bearing fruit in every good work according to the enablement of the Holy Spirit, to the glory of God.
What is our system of governance?
We are an elder led church, our bylaws note:
The church shall be elder led. While the elders will seek good communication and feedback from the congregation on issues of importance, the elder Board is the final authority for all matters of self-government of the church. The church shall remain free from the control or supervision of any other ecclesiastical or denominational body or government control or influence but may cooperate, through association or otherwise, with other churches and ministries of like faith and practice.
What are some notable distinctives a visitor should know?
Reformed Theology - We embrace the Five Solas of the Reformation (Scripture alone, Christ alone, faith alone, grace alone, to the glory of God alone) and the Doctrines of Grace, which are embedded in our Statement of Faith.
New Covenantal - While this term may carry a variety of definitions, it is probably the most accurate description of our theological position in relationship to the Covenants (we cannot be described as being either Covenantal or Dispensational), and our understanding that the person and work of Jesus Christ is the central theme of Scripture.
Baptist - We only teach and practice baptism (immersion in water) for those who have professed faith in Christ, though have embraced members from the paedobaptist persuasion as well.
Family Integrated Worship - We typically gather for worship and fellowship with all ages included.
What does "Gloria Deo" mean? This is a Latin phrase meaning, "Glory to God," which is the ultimate expression of both the basis and purpose of our church.
What might I expect on a Sunday if I wanted to visit your church? Our gatherings are family integrated with all ages in attendance. Most of our congregation come dressed somewhat casually. Our services are simple in form, lasting about 90 minutes, and include prayer, reading of Scripture, expository preaching, and the Lord's Supper. We close our service with a time for the congregation to make announcements and share prayer requests and praises, concluded with prayer. On the first and third Sundays we extend our time of fellowship with a fellowship meal for those who are able to stay.