Our Mission

Our mission is to shine the light of Jesus in such a way that through us the Lord might develop fully functioning followers of Christ.

Statement of Vision

We envision First Baptist Church of Stryker as a unified community of faith in Jesus Christ that has a heart for the lost. We believe our church with this vision will have rippling effects beginning with the four-county region and then to the uttermost parts of the earth. Being a unified community of faith involves mutual encouragement to follow Jesus whole-heartedly and being equipped for the work of the ministry. Having a heart for the lost first requires building a community that welcomes people as they are and sharing the hope that is found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Our Core Values

These are the expression of who we desire to be. They represent the ideals that guide us and the virtues that shape us. Recognizing that we are imperfect human beings, we know that we will not always reflect them as evidently as we would like, but these are the qualities that we aspire to as we seek to follow in the footsteps of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ:

  1. Biblical Faithfulness

    We make Scripture the final authority for our life and practice rather than church tradition or our personal comfort. (2 Tim. 3:16-17)

  2. Spirit Empowerment

    We endeavor to use our God-given gifts and resources for the benefit of others under the direction of godly leadership. (1 Cor. 12:7; Eph. 4:11-12; 2 Cor. 9:6-7)

  3. Life Transformation

    The goal of everything we do is centered on becoming more like Jesus Christ in every walk of life. (Rom. 8:29, 12:1-2)

  4. Grace Orientation

    As those who are the recipients of God’s unmerited favor, we desire to extend the same consideration toward others in the hope that they too might know the love, compassion, and forgiveness of Jesus. (1 Pet. 4:10)

  5. Redemptive Community

    Our relationships with one another are paramount, with the foremost purpose of encouraging all toward an intimate, dynamic walk with Jesus. (Gal. 6:1-5)

  6. Family Affirming

    We acknowledge God’s ordained plan for the family from the first days of creation and strive to cultivate an atmosphere which strengthens biblical marriages and families. (Gen 2:24; Mal. 2:13-15; Eph. 5:22-6:4)

  7. Internal Unity

    Through prayer and obedience to Christ’s commands, we will place unity within our fellowship above our individual preferences and convictions. (Rom. 14:1; Eph. 4:3, 13)

  8. External Awareness

    We take seriously our Lord’s calling and commission for every one of us to engage our community, nation and world with the gospel. (Matt. 28:19-20; Rom. 10:14-15)

  9. Love Above All Else

    If all else should fail, we will strive to love each other the same way Jesus has loved us and treat everyone with dignity and respect. (Luke 6:27-35; John 13:34-35; 1 Cor. 13:1-3)