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Our Pastor

Brian J. Mann has been pastor of Catherine Lake Baptist Church since January 2009. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biblical Studies w/Minor in the History of Ideas from Southeastern Seminary, and a Master of Theological Studies from Southwestern Seminary. He was ordained in 2001. Brian is married to Sherry and they have three children.

Our Beliefs

In covenant with one another, we believe the Word of God is the only authority for faith and practice. We affirm the 1689 Baptist Confession as the most “excellent, though not inspired, expression of the teaching of the Holy Scriptures by which all confessions are to be measured. We hold to the humbling truths of God's sovereign grace in the salvation of lost sinners. Salvation is through Christ alone and by faith alone” (Spurgeon). Principally, Philippians 2:1–11 is our governing verse.

Our Covenant

Building upon the Word of God as the only authority for faith and practice, we testify that God’s Sovereignty and Grace has placed us in this body for the purpose of Christian communion, discipleship, and the spread of His Glorious Kingdom. Therefore, as covenant members we promise to:

LOVE the Lord Jesus Christ supremely, and to love one another, and to Endure suffering together with HOPE, and to ensure TRUTHful teaching takes place in our church, making it a healthy place for God’s children, and to Pursue HOLINESS in our hearts, minds, and actions both inside and outside the church, and to remain Alive in our WITNESS in the world by being empowered by our WATCHFULNESS in prayer to God, and IN ALL these THINGS, and in all of life, and in all we attempt to do in this church for God’s Glory, may we Never let go of a GOD-CENTERED GOSPEL, and TRUST the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.

Why Should I Join?

Joining a local church is making a promise to God and to God’s people to serve Him in the context He has ordained to bless the world. This joining should never be viewed as similar to joining a club or other earthly organization. Rather, joining and remaining in a local church is in essence an authentication of one’s calling as part of the body of Christ (1John 2:19), in the household of God (1Tim. 3:15). We value our being involved with the formal membership of the Church universal throughout the world, as we believe it is His plan, not ours, and therefore it is our glad obligation to submit to His architecture of grace.

Who Can Join?

The qualifications to join this local church are limited to those who respond in obedience to God’s Holy Word, receiving the second person of the Trinity, the Lord Jesus Christ as fully God and fully man and the only Savior (John 3:3, 8; 14:6; 2 John 2:7; Acts 2:47). Persons desiring to join this local church should be regularly attending Worship Services, be baptized as believers, and observably have the good work of God begun in them (Philip. 1:6). All must willingly submit to this local church’s leadership, discipline, policies, and beliefs (Amos 3:3; 1Cor. 1:10; 1Tim. 6:3-4; Heb. 13:17; 1Peter 5:5; 1John 1:3).

How Do I Go About Joining?

Those interested in membership at CLBC should see the pastor. Upon recommendation of the Pastor and the majority affirmation of this local church, the persons approved for membership will be received as members and added to the church roll. New members are received and recognized at Members' Meetings and/or Worship Services. The children of members should be encouraged also to join when it becomes evident that they are expressing genuine faith (Mark 10:14-15).

What Is Your Role?

The role of membership is important and to be taken seriously. None should presume to be on a church roll who do not take their role as a covenant member with solemnity. Covenant Members are expected to maintain personal and family devotion, loving and serving the body of Christ, praying for and joyfully serving them, attending and supporting the church’s gatherings, leadership, discipline, policies, and beliefs. They should maintain their covenant commitment coram deo (before the face of God) and do everything in life for the glory and enjoyment of God in Christ.

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